Workshops

At the Table: Strategic Communication & Leadership in Ministry

Tuesday, April 21, 1:00 pm

Join Bishop Wright and Canon Easton Davis for a conversation-style workshop exploring how communicators can—and must—be at the core of strategic decision-making. Through relatable stories and practical frameworks, they’ll illustrate how their partnership strengthens leadership, enhances clarity in mission, and empowers communicators to wield influence in critical conversations. Their work together illustrates how communications isn't an afterthought—it’s integral to vision-casting, crisis handling, and shaping organizational culture.

AI Alchemy – How to Turn One Piece of Content into Multiple Pieces of Content

Tuesday, April 21, 1:00 pm

In this session, we’ll explore how churches can maximize their reach and save time by repurposing a single piece of content across multiple platforms. You’ll learn practical strategies and AI-driven tools to transform sermons, blogs, and announcements into engaging social media posts, reels, newsletters, and more—without reinventing the wheel every week.

This workshop is led by Katie Allred, a leader in church communications, marketing strategy, and digital engagement. She’s the founder of ChurchCommunications.com, a community and resource platform serving church leaders via website content, social media, podcasting, and educational content.

From Daydream to Doing: Start Your Church Comms Side Hustle

Tuesday, April 21, 2:30 pm

You’re already the go-to person for Canva graphics, clever copy, or last-minute social media posts—so why not turn those everyday ministry skills into a life-giving side hustle? If you’re full-time in church work or juggling multiple part-time roles, this workshop will help you move from daydreaming to doing. We’ll tackle the real barriers—like imposter syndrome, lack of time, and not knowing where to start —and offer mindset shifts, practical tools, and proven shortcuts. Learn from the wins (and missteps) of Josh Linman, founder of Common Good Creative, and walk away with your own Side Hustle Starter Pack to help launch your freelance communications gig with more freedom and less frustration.

AI & the Great Commission: New Tools for Timeless Truths

Empowering Episcopal Leaders to Proclaim the Gospel in a Digital Age

Tuesday, April 21, 4:15 pm

Step into the future of evangelism! This dynamic workshop is designed for Episcopal leaders who are ready to harness the power of AI to share the Good News more effectively and creatively. Whether you're leading a parish, managing a ministry, or simply passionate about spreading the Gospel, this session will equip you with powerful, yet accessible tools to amplify your message.

Learn how to:

• Use AI to create engaging graphics, newsletters, and social media content

• Clip and edit sermons, enhance live streams, and repurpose video for outreach

• Generate content ideas, write compelling posts, and streamline communication

• Discover both free and paid AI tools to elevate your church’s digital presence

• Reclaim your time so you can focus more on mission, not just media

No tech degree required—just a heart for the Gospel and a willingness to explore what’s possible when ancient truth meets modern tools.

This workshop is led by the Rev. Christian Anderson, Vicar of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, in Stuart, Florida.

Curiosity Killed the Conflict: Using curiosity and humility to foster unity across division

Tuesday, April 21, 4:15 pm

Leadership in a context where the congregation or community speaks, acts, votes, or has priorities different from you often leads to burnout and harm to both leader and community. Whether communicating in newsletters, sermons, announcement time, or on social media, God is calling us to carefully attend to our words, tone, and intent – without watering down our message! During the workshop, we will consider this call, reflect together, and practice new patterns of communication.

This workshop is led by the Rev. Jennifer Shimota, Pastor of Coble's Lutheran Church, in Julian, North Carolina.

Cohesive Design for a Fast-Moving Ministry

Wednesday, April 22, 11:00 am

In today’s fast-paced ministry life, church staff and volunteers juggle a hundred roles—leaving little time to design everything from scratch. This workshop equips church communicators and leaders with the confidence, tools, and templates to quickly produce cohesive, effective designs that reflect their church’s unique identity—both internally and externally. Designed for churches of all sizes and skill levels, this session blends strategy with hands-on practicality so participants can walk away with tools they’ll use right away—no design degree required.

This workshop is led by Amelia Simmons, Founder of Blaze Studio. With over a decade of experience in church branding and ministry communications, Amelia has helped dozens of churches and ministries bring clarity and creativity to their message.

Defending Democracy from Christian Nationalism: Ethical Tools for the Church

Wednesday, April 22, 1:45 pm

In this session, Dr. David P. Gushee will address the growing threat of Christian nationalism—or what he terms “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity”—and equip church communities with theological and ethical frameworks to respond. Drawing from his 2023 book, Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies, he explores American history, global parallels, and offers practical guidance grounded in the Baptist Democratic and Black Christian traditions.

AI 101 – How to Prompt, What Platforms to Use, and Tips and Tricks

Wednesday, April 22, 1:45 pm

This workshop is a beginner-friendly guide to understanding and using AI in ministry communications. We’ll cover the basics of prompting, highlight the most helpful platforms available to churches today, and share tips and tricks that will help you use AI ethically, efficiently, and effectively in your context.

This workshop is led by Katie Allred, a leader in church communications, marketing strategy, and digital engagement. She’s the founder of ChurchCommunications.com, a community and resource platform serving church leaders via website content, social media, podcasting, and educational content.

Shame Slayers Needed

Thursday, April 23, 9:30 am
Flamy Grant is our performer at the Wednesday reception and concert.

No one escapes the influence of shame — especially not a kid growing up in evangelical Appalachia who just wants to walk an imaginary runway across the living room floor in his mother’s oversized black pumps. But even half a lifetime of efforts to disparage, diminish, and dim her sparkle couldn’t keep Flamy Grant in the closet. As the first drag queen to ever release a gospel record and top the Christian music charts, Flamy’s flashy presence continues to confound the self-appointed gatekeepers of a world where queer artists and fans alike have long been ignored and expelled. Proving that there’s no limit to what you can accomplish when you strap on a stiletto and stamp out shame, Flamy Grant shares her story of finding belonging within yourself and creating more space for others even when the world around you says, “you can’t do that here.”

Unlocking the Power of Story: Using Your History to Inspire Connection

Every congregation has stories that define who they are — but too often, those stories are hidden in boxes or fading memories. In this session, Canon Mike Orr of the Episcopal Church in Colorado and Martha Tye of HistoryIT share how their partnership is making 150+ years of diocesan history accessible and impactful through a strategic digital archive. Learn how this initiative is deepening connection, strengthening identity, and fueling storytelling efforts. You’ll leave with practical guidance for starting your own preservation journey and creative ideas for using your legacy to communicate your mission more powerfully.

Video Storytelling – Start to Finish Video Production Training

How do we capture the stories of our people in modern ways in 2026? It starts with video. In this workshop, Easton Davis, Canon for Communications and Digital Evangelism in The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, will lead participants in a hands-on experience in capturing Good News behind the lens. It will include video and audio basics, a live demonstration of someone sharing their story, and post-production. There will also be time for questions and responses. You will leave this workshop knowing how to: use your phone to do pro videos, capture professional audio on a budget, capture someone's story, & manage post-production!

Leveling Up Your Ministry Photography: Gear, Tips & Tech

Ready to enhance your visual storytelling? Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your setup, this hands-on workshop will guide you through today’s essential camera gear, helpful accessories, and the latest tools for capturing stunning images in your ministry context. We’ll break down common photography terms, explore real-world examples, and share budget-friendly upgrade ideas to fit churches of all sizes.

With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Bro. Andrew Morehead, Missioner for Communications and Evangelism for the Episcopal Church in East Tennessee, returns to lead this updated workshop packed with insights, humor, and practical takeaways.