Master Classes

A MASTER CLASS WITH GRAHAM STANDISH  

When non-church goers defend their behavior by saying they are ‘spiritual and not religious’ they seem to be identifying churches as religious, but not spiritual places – and they’re onto something. Too many churches have evolved into places that no longer ask spiritual questions, intentionally listen to God, and help people figure out who they really are.Graham Standish believes that when traditional churches concentrate on helping people listen to God in their lives, they are doing their members, and the world, much good. 

A Master Class with Robert Lupton

Believe it or not, an incredible amount of church charity work actually hurts poor people. Well-meaning Christians, who are generous, dedicated, and selfless end up doing more harm than good simply because they have not thought through their outreach activities!

A Master Class with Dan Hotchkiss

Is your church’s health hindered by an antiquated governance structure that snubs new ideas, kills new energy, and prohibits real health and growth?

A Master Class with Elizabeth Geitz

Not long ago a denominational executive reported to a national board on his tradition’s latest membership slide. He said the drop was not due to theology or demographics, but it was mainly because most churches do not do a very good job greeting and following up with their visitors.The sobering truth is that most churches are less than adequately prepared to receive newcomers and to follow up with them once they leave.This class is for those interested in the very basics of greeting and following up with visitors to mainline churches. It is perfect for a newly-forming hospitality ministry, for re-energizing a current group, or as a refresher for someone who’s greeted in the past.This class is intended lay leaders and clergy, greeters, ushers, and anyone who extends hospitality in a church. It’s also ideal for a half-day retreat/discussion as an initiation or a brush-up on the subject.

A MASTER CLASS WITH THERESA CHO

One of the ways many growing congregations are building and unleashing the vibrancy in their churches is by establishing an intentional inter-generational worship service. These services recognize the gifts present in people of all ages and backgrounds and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us in new and exciting ways.

A MASTER CLASS WITH ALICE MINDRUM

Few people would argue that a central focus of Jesus’ ministry was (and is) healing. His life clearly illuminates God’s mission to restore wholeness and unity to all people and all creation. This mission is recognized and supported by many Christians today, and Reiki, a spiritual healing method, offers an effective and complementary addition to traditional Christian healing.

A MASTER CLASS WITH STEVE SMITH

One of the more obvious places to find modern application of the Pauline admonition that, ‘all things be done decently and in order,’ (1 Cor. 14:39), is certainly in the role of a parish verger. For the uninitiated, these dedicated souls work to make public worship in the Anglican tradition an act of order, beauty, and focused attention on God.

In this Master Class seasoned liturgist Scott Smith, acolyte leader and verger at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville, TN and Communication and Technology Officer of the Vergers’ Guild of the Episcopal Church offers an introduction and initiation into this ancient ministry.

A Master Class with Drew Dyck

They’re some of the most common questions heard in many churches: why do young people leave church? Are more leaving today than a generation ago? What should churches be doing to stem this tide? Is there anything they can do?

Journalist Drew Dyck was so taken by these questions that he wrote a book on it: Generation Ex-Christian. In this Master Class, Drew talks about his research and shares with us the categories of ‘church leavers’ he uncovered during his study – and gives us his advice on what churches can do to address it.