The Foundational Leadership Training is designed for church officers, committee and team leaders, and people engaged in various ministries of the church. It aims to provide a foundational understanding of leadership and essential leadership skills. The training consists of two workshop sessions, offering participants the opportunity to choose different topics related to their area of ministry, as well as broader leadership skills. All workshops will be conducted via Zoom and are open to both clergy and laity. Please note that not all workshops are available in both sessions. Pre-registration is required.
SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY:
9:00 am Workshop Session 1
10:30 am Break
11:00 am Workshop Session 2
12:30 pm Adjourn
SESSION 1 WORKSHOPS (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
• Clergy Parental Leave and SPRC – Rev. Gabrielle Corbett
With new legislation on clergy parental leave coming to Annual Conference 2026, this workshop provides an overview of the policy changes and guidance for SPRC committees. Participants will learn how to support clergy through parental leave and how pastors can plan effectively for this important life event.
• Exploring the One Board Model – Rev. Gina Yeske
This workshop explores a simplified and connected leadership structure that brings key leaders together to keep mission at the center. Participants will learn how streamlining governance builds trust, improves communication, and frees the church to focus more on ministry and less on meetings.
• We Are Stronger Together: Leveraging Our Connection – Rev. Brian Roberts
Rooted in Wesleyan tradition and the Book of Discipline, this session examines how United Methodist congregations can collaborate for greater impact. Participants will explore creative ways to share resources, launch new ministries, and strengthen mission effectiveness across the connection.
• What is a Trustee? – Tracey Estes
An introductory workshop reviewing the role and responsibilities of the local church Board of Trustees. Ideal for new trustees or those seeking a refresher, this session covers basic expectations, building care, and stewardship of church property.
• They’re Coming Back: Understanding Gen Z, Gen Alpha & the New Landscape of Young People – Eric Drew
Young people are returning to church with new levels of spiritual openness. This workshop explores generational trends, research, and best practices for creating welcoming, spiritually grounded spaces for Gen Z and Gen Alpha within congregations.
• History of Racism in the UMC – Dr. Ashley Boggan
A thought-provoking session examining the intersections of Methodist history, racism, immigration, and mission economics. Participants will explore how church structures both resisted and contributed to systemic oppression, and how the UMC can build equitable ministries today.
• Navigating Church Property Sales – Rev. Sang Won-Doh
This workshop outlines the spiritual, missional, and procedural considerations involved in selling church property. Participants will learn required steps, partnership expectations with district leadership, and how to steward sacred spaces with integrity in alignment with the Book of Discipline.
• The Work of the Staff Parish Relations Committee – Rev. Dr. Eunice Vega-Perez
This session covers the role of SPRC in managing personnel matters, resolving conflict, and partnering with the District Superintendent. Participants will gain clarity on responsibilities and the committee’s involvement in the clergy appointment process.
• Introduction to Tax Issues Affecting Churches and Clergy – Rev. Daniel Gepford
A foundational overview of tax considerations that impact churches and clergy. Topics include building rentals, employee classification, required reporting forms, and the clergy housing exclusion, complete with resources for additional guidance.
• Bridges: Cultivating Curiosity & Community through Intergenerational Ministry – Alyssa Ruch
Participants will explore ways to bring generations together to build deeper connections in the church and community. This interactive session highlights how shared stories, collaborative ministry, and intergenerational engagement cultivate spiritual growth and belonging.
• From Ministry to Message: Communicating the Life of Your Church – Sarah Borgstrom Lee
This workshop will provide practical communication tools to support your church’s storytelling and witness. We’ll explore a few formats for telling the story of your church's ministry programs and discuss how to engage people effectively in a digital age. You’ll leave equipped to share about how your ministry is transforming lives in your faith community and beyond.
SESSION 2 WORKSHOPS (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
• The Work of the Staff Parish Relations Committee – Rev. Dr. Eunice Vega-Perez
This session covers the role of SPRC in managing personnel matters, resolving conflict, and partnering with the District Superintendent. Participants will gain clarity on responsibilities and the committee’s involvement in the clergy appointment process.
• Conflict Resolution – Rev. Sang Won-Doh
Conflict can lead to renewal and transformation when approached constructively. This workshop teaches leaders how to navigate conflict faithfully, cultivate healthy communication, and guide congregations toward growth through practical resolution strategies.
• Critical Incident Response Training Webinar – Tiffany Lupo
Learn how your church can respond to emergencies (for example, violent intruders and bomb threats) effectively. This webinar will help you to enhance staff/leader coordination, communication, and operational proficiency. It is offered by Secure Environment Consultants in partnership with Sovereign Insurance Group. NOTE: if you select this workshop you MUST complete the registration form found at the following link in addition to completing this registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__bhzJvusSLm8T6clgU1JaA
• Bridges: Cultivating Curiosity & Community through Intergenerational Ministry – Alyssa Ruch
Participants will explore ways to bring generations together to build deeper connections in the church and community. This interactive session highlights how shared stories, collaborative ministry, and intergenerational engagement cultivate spiritual growth and belonging.
• Planned Giving: Leaving a Lasting Legacy – Rev. Brian Roberts
With historic levels of wealth transferring between generations, this workshop equips churches to inspire legacy gifts, establish endowment funds, and form Legacy Societies that will strengthen ministry for years to come.
• Prayers for Revival – Rev. Gina Yeske
This session explores how prayer has fueled historic revivals and how churches today can cultivate prayer practices that open communities to spiritual renewal and transformation.
• What is a Trustee? – Tracey Estes
A repeat of the introductory Trustee workshop offered in Session 1, covering the responsibilities and stewardship expectations of church property leaders.
• They’re Coming Back: Understanding Gen Z, Gen Alpha & the New Landscape of Young People – Eric Drew
Offered again in Session 2, this workshop examines emerging trends among younger generations and provides practical strategies for welcoming and empowering them within congregational life.
• Keeping Sunday School Strong in Small Churches – Rev. Rosie Pang
This workshop explores creative ways to nurture children’s faith through storytelling and intergenerational engagement, especially in smaller congregations. Participants will rediscover the power of story time and imaginative learning tools.
• Introduction to Tax Issues Affecting Churches and Clergy – Rev. Daniel Gepford
A second offering of this essential overview on clergy/church tax issues, ideal for participants who were unable to attend in Session 1.
• From Ministry to Message: Communicating the Life of Your Church – Sarah Borgstrom Lee
This workshop will provide practical communication tools to support your church’s storytelling and witness. We’ll explore a few formats for telling the story of your church's ministry programs and discuss how to engage people effectively in a digital age. You’ll leave equipped to share about how your ministry is transforming lives in your faith community and beyond.