As you consider how I might be able to help your ministry, here is a sampling of some of the work I have done in the past.
Communications Workshops
- I have led short (1-2 hour) workshops to help people understand the basics of social media, the changing shape of the broader culture, and how new technologies can be used for ministry.
- These seminars have been hosted at ELCA training events, the ELCA Youth Ministry Extravaganza, and events in the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, Southwest Texas Synod, North Texas – North Louisiana Mission Area, Florida-Bahamas Synod, Nebraska Synod, North Carolina Synod, Southeastern Michigan Synod, and the Southeastern Synod.
- They have been led both in person, and via video conference
Intensive Communications Seminars- Disciple Project 2013 (an all-ages summer leadership program), a week-long intensive taught alongside John Roberto (Vibrant Faith Ministries), focusing on faith formation in the digital age. Our goal was to help leaders learn tools and methods for curating faith formation resources.
- Disciple Project 2014, a week-long intensive on church communications taught with the Rev. A. Joe Smith covering best practices in everything from print bulletins and newsletters to online presence.
- ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza 2016, I led one of the three Intensive Care Courses. This two-day intensive focused on how online tools can be used for creating community – especially in the context of youth and family ministry.
- Kairos at Luther Seminary 2017, a day-long continuing education event focusing on how social media has changed our culture, and how these tools can help congregations to connect to the wider community.
Communications & Vision Workshops / Consulting
- Day-long seminars with congregations and organizations to help them 1) more clearly articulate their identity as a ministry and 2) more effectively communicate that identity and vision.
- I have led these consultations with the Association of Lutheran Resource Centers (ALRC), the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, the Hudson Conference of the Metropolitan New York Synod, and LEAD (Living Everyday As Disciples).
Cross+Gen Ministry
- In October 2015 and 2016, I was one of two featured presenters at the Birthing Cross+Gen Worship Conference. At this conference, I presented a case study of the intergenerational ministry at Spirit of Joy! Lutheran Church, where I serve as pastor. While the specifics of this case study focused on one context, the lessons gleaned from our ministry are applicable in a variety of settings. The Cross+Gen Conference included workshop presenters from congregations of every size and setting.
Congregational Renewal
- In both 2017 and 2018 I have served as the Redeveloper-in-Residence at the ELCA Leaders Training Event – a gathering of those in the ELCA who are leading either new ministries or ministries undergoing significant renewal. My presentation focused on the lessons gained in and resources used the congregation I serve as we have sought to renew our ministry and rediscover our purpose as a community of faith.
- In 2020, I begin leading keynotes on the thriving ministry of smaller congregations, presenting to ecumenical groups with participants from the ELCA, PCUSA, UMC, and Episcopal Church.
