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.

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.

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.