God's Abundance:
Strategy, Technology, and the future of Church
Appreciative Inquiry: Exploring the Provocative
Friday, October 21, 3:30 pm - 8:30 pm
This workshop is intended to introduce participants to Appreciative Inquiry as a practical change philosophy. Unlike some workshops that focus upon training the trainer, this one endeavours to allow participants to experience one central part of the practice: developing a provocative proposal. The intention is to allow participants an opportunity to experience what is life giving about the philosophy and to acquire/refine/refresh skills that can immediately translate into use, not only in their ministry context, but also in their own journey.
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This workshop is not prescriptive, but rather suggestive. One of the tenets of Appreciative Inquiry is the community has its own wisdom about how to harness what has been best and to creatively bring it forward. From this generative position, Appreciative Inquiry recognizes that part of that wisdom is grounded in lived experience and invites designers and participants to claim their own capacity as change agents in their faith community’s culture.
Social Media & Evangelism
Saturday, October 22, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
We live in a time and place in which it has become clear that how we once nurtured relationships and shared the Good News has dramatically changed.
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When once social events occurred in basement gyms, fellowship halls and sanctuaries, they now often begin in digital venues. How we enter these new social places will help us appreciate how to nurture new, life-giving and Christ-centred relationships.
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This workshop is intended for participants who are excited about the possibility of imagining ways to harness social media as one component in visioning and revitalizing mission in communities of faith. As well, it can serve to (re)connect missional activities such as social justice, pastoral care and life-long learning.
For those who imagine discipleship as an ongoing exploration in which change is a constant, this workshop will challenge, excite and energize.
Green Priestcraft: Becoming a Chaplain of Creation
Saturday, October 22, 2:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Almost every traditional culture around the globe has some form of “person whose job it is to pray”. Whether that is a priestess, a shaman, an imam, a druid, a rabbi, a witch, an elder, a minister … these are the people who take seriously the need to care for the inner life of those in their communities. Green Priestcraft takes this basic concept and extends it to our spiritual relationships with the more-than-human creatures around us. But what might that possibly mean? How do we pray for and with the trees? How do we bless the land and the waters? How do we become “Chaplains of Creation”?
This short workshop will introduce participants to some basic perspectives and practices of spiritual and ritual care for the Earth. Drawing on his extensive work in Christian Animism and Druidry, Rev. Shawn will explore a spiritual cosmology which sees the Creation as "teeming with neighbours ... only some of whom are human." Expect to have your curiosity awakened and your sense of “self” gently stretched, as we peer into a cosmos that is more sentient than we ever imagined!
Technology in Worship
Saturday, October 22, 2:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Communication is one of the biggest elements of any worship service, so advancements in communications technology provide wonderful opportunities in worship. This session will provide answers for some questions, questions that you haven't considered yet, and encouragement and options for all sizes and budgets. Will Tremblay brings his years of production experience into the unique needs of churches who run mostly with volunteer help.
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Blending new and old has always been a balance for faith-based organizations, where will you find your balance?
Renewing Passion for Worship
Saturday, October 22, 2:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Have you felt like the last few years have been a drain on your creativity and your passion for worship? You deserve to be spiritually fed also!
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One beautiful way to revive your excitement is to gather with others and explore together the parts of worship that bring you joy and renewal.
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Join Greg Simpson and Dan Lankhof for an interactive exploration of worship through words, music, prayer, and silence. Come ready to participate or come to be fed and renewed, and walk away with your passion burning anew!