Martha Grace “Gay” Reese November 15, 2007 Indianapolis Sharing one’s faith is about relationships with others and authentically living out beliefs. Author, pastor and lawyer Martha Grace “Gay” Reese interviewed more than 1,200 people as she studied successful, evangelistic congregations across the country...

Eddie Gibbs October 11, 2007 Fort Wayne The ''emerging church'' phenomenon is perhaps the most significant congregational trend of our day. It offers and encourages a new way of thinking and a new way of being for congregations. While it largely resonates with an 18- to 34-year-old audience...

Cynthia Woolever and Deborah Bruce October 4, 2007 Evansville Grasping what makes congregations strong is more helpful than identifying organizational weaknesses. Based on the results of the U.S. Congregational Life Survey, Cynthia Woolever (left) and Deborah Bruce present new language about what makes...

Gil Rendle September 26, 2007 New Albany The context in which congregational leaders live and minister often feels like a wilderness. In this workshop, Gil Rendle described key trends in our culture that affect the work of faith communities. He discussed shifts in American cultural values over the past...

Gil Rendle September 24, 2007 Indianapolis In a time when change is the norm, how do you “lead change” in a spiritual and healthy way? Why do congregations resist change, desiring stability even when aware of the many changes already underway in their internal make-up and the environments that surround...

The continuously evolving emergent church phenomenon was the topic of a recent Center for Congregations workshop in Fort Wayne. Workshop leader, educator, and author Eddie Gibbs shares his powerpoint presentation and resource recommendations . Click the links to view or download them.

Check out three new workshop resource guides! Alban Institute Senior Consultant Alice Mann recommended her top picks for resources related to Raising the Roof . Author, consultant, and speaker Gil Rendle chose the top resources for the workshops Leading Change and How Cultural Trends Affect Your Congregation...

Hedda Sharapan May 8 & 9, 2007 Indianapolis Congregations explored Fred Rogers' ministry, discussed the concept of being good neighbors, sang together, shared stories, and worked cooperatively to build a neighborhood from throw-away items at Building a Neighborhood Together . Hedda Sharapan,...

In his presentation on Small Church Spirituality , Tony Pappas employed an effective mix of theory and personal/practical content. He laid a helpful foundation, discussing the sociological dynamics of church size in the context of society (i.e. the continuum between folk and modern cultures as well as...

This May 4, 2007, education event led by Peter Steinke drew 56 clergy and congregational leaders to Northeast Christian Church in Fort Wayne. Steinke walked participants through a day-long conversation about family systems theory and how it applies to congregations. He incorporated stories from his own...