These digital workshops are offerings of the Episcopal Parish Network to the church.
They are presented at no-cost, but registration is required.
Category: Administration/ Changing Church
Top 5 Trends in the Church: What the Parochial Report Tells Us
Monday, March 10 at 3:00pm ET
Join Dr. Matthew Price from the Church Pension Group and Rev. Dr. Molly James from the General Convention Office for an engaging workshop where we’ll dive into the top 5 trends shaping the Episcopal Church today. This session is your chance to explore data-driven insights and gain practical tools for your parish.
In this workshop, you’ll:
- Discover evolving clergy demographics and creative employment models
- Explore fascinating shifts in attendance, outreach, and finances
- Learn key trends that are impacting the future of the church
- Gain actionable insights to tackle challenges and embrace opportunities
This is the kind of report you’ll actually look forward to discussing. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn numbers into meaningful action for your parish!
Featured Speakers:
- Molly James – Interim Executive Office & Secretary of General Convention, The Episcopal Church; New York, New York
- Matthew Price – Senior Vice President for Research & Data, Church Pension Group; New York, New York
- Peggy Lo – Rector, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church; Board President, Episcopal Parish Network; Austin, Texas (host)
Category: Changing Church
Episcopal History and the Historical Society
Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00pm ET
Since 1910, the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of the Episcopal Church. From academic research to helping congregations tell their unique stories, the Historical Society offers invaluable opportunities for sharing resources, connecting with others, and celebrating our shared heritage. We believe preserving and sharing the history of the church writ large and our individual churches is critical to understanding how we will adapt to and embrace the future.
This workshop will provide:
- An overview of the Historical Society’s mission and work.
- Insights into how you can contribute to preserving and sharing your congregation’s history.
- Details about publishing opportunities, grants, resource-sharing, and networking.
- A chance to meet and converse with Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook, the new Historiographer of the Episcopal Church.
We believe that every congregation has at least one person passionate about preserving their church’s story. Join us to learn how to connect with others, share ideas, and build a national network of support through the Historical Society.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with fellow history enthusiasts and explore how the past shapes the future of the Episcopal Church.
Panelists Include:
- Matthew Payne – Director of Operations, Historical Society of the Episcopal Church; Mineral Point, Wisconsin
- Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook – Historiographer, The Episcopal Church; Claremont, California
- Mike Utzinger – President, Historical Society of the Episcopal Church; Hampden Sydney, Virginia
- Susan Stonesifer – Archivist, Episcopal Diocese of Washington; Washington, District of Columbia
Category: Formation/ Liturgy/ Music
A Beautiful Holy Week: Expert Guidance
Thursday, March 20 at 3:00pm ET
The liturgies of Holy Week hold a profound beauty that has inspired countless people to join the Episcopal Church, despite these services only being introduced in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. These sacred observances are among the most ancient in the Western church, rich in meaning and transformative power.
In this webinar, we will explore each Holy Week liturgy through multiple lenses:
- Homiletical: Crafting sermons that illuminate these sacred days.
- Liturgical: Deepening our understanding of their structure and symbolism.
- Musical: Choosing and performing music that amplifies their impact.
- Practical: Addressing the logistical and pastoral considerations to bring them to life.
Join us for this rich and inspiring conversation as we delve into the heart of Holy Week, preparing to make it a truly beautiful and sacred journey for your community.
Whether you’re a clergy member, music director, or lay leader, this webinar offers valuable insights to elevate your Holy Week planning. Save your spot and join us!
Panelists Include:
- Geoffrey D. Williams – Assistant Professor of Church Music and Director of Chapel, Nashotah House Theological Seminary; Nashotah, Wisconsin
- Melanie Rowell – Rector, The Episcopal Church of Our Saviour; Atlanta, Georgia
- Nathan Jennings – J. Milton Richardson Professor of Liturgics and Anglican Studies and Director of Community Worship, Seminary of the Southwest; Austin, Texas
- Scott Gunn – Executive Director, Forward Movement; Cincinnati, Ohio
- Matthew S.C. Olver – Executive Director and Publisher, The Living Church Foundation; Milwaukee, Wisconsin (moderator)
Category: Changing Church/ Technology
Generative AI in Parish Ministry: ChatGPT and Other Tools
Tuesday, March 25 at 3:00pm ET
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how we work, communicate, and plan in parish ministry. But how can AI be used faithfully and effectively in an Episcopal context?
Join us for a practical, interactive webinar exploring both the ethics and real-world applications of AI tools like ChatGPT to support church leaders in areas such as administration, pastoral care, sermon preparation, and more.
In this session, we will:
- Introduce key AI concepts and terminology
- Demonstrate real-life ways AI can support parish ministry
- Explore how to shape AI-generated content to reflect Episcopal values and mission
- Offer practical guidance and hands-on demonstrations
- Create space for open discussion about how AI can enhance—never replace—the human touch in ministry
- Whether you’re skeptical of AI or already experimenting with these tools, this conversation is designed to equip you with insights and practices you can bring back to your congregation.
The webinar will feature live polling, interactive demos, and a Q&A session where you’re invited to bring your questions and ideas.
We hope you’ll join us for this timely and important conversation.
Panelists Include:
- Mercedes Clements – Rector, All Saints Episcopal Church; Member, General Convention Interim Task Force on AI & Intellectual Property; Co-Host, AI Church Toolkit podcast; Russellville, Arkansas
- Peter Levenstrong – Associate Rector, St. Gregory’s of Nyssa Episcopal Church; Co-Host of the AI Church Toolkit podcast; San Francisco, California
Category: Changing Church/ Racial Equity and Reconciliation/ Strategic Leadership
Christ-Centered Community Engagement: Your Church and the World
Wednesday, March 26 at 3:00pm ET
Is your church ready to deepen its connection with your neighborhood and reimagine its role in the community?
Join us for this inspiring digital workshop with our partner Root Thrive Soar, and discover how your congregation can become a visible, vibrant beacon of Christ’s love. Through our cohort-based model, churches across the country are learning to:
- Build meaningful, lasting relationships with neighbors.
- Reimagine church buildings and property for greater community impact.
- Embody a decolonized, accessible approach to mission and ministry.
What you’ll take away from this webinar:
- Real-life success stories from Episcopal lay leaders who are transforming their communities.
- Practical guidance on how your church can join the next Root Thrive Soar cohort.
- Insight into a proven 12-month process that helps congregations clarify their mission, vision, and values for today’s world (just a part of Root Thrive Soar’s 2-3 year program).
- Tools for integrating racial reconciliation and equity into your community engagement.
- Access to a 24/7 Resource Bank filled with helpful tools for lay leaders.
We hope you’ll join us to learn more about this unique, transformative opportunity.
Panelists Include:
- David Patiño – Chaplain Intern, Stanford Healthcare; Stanford, California & Founder of Harlem Presente, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church; Harlem, New York
- Liz White – Member, Bishop’s Committee & Co-Leader, Mission Team, Resurrection Episcopal Church; Gilbert, Arizona
- Mary Alexander – Co-Leader, Mission Team & Sr. Warden (former), All Souls Episcopal Church; Mechanicsville, Virginia
- Chantal McKinney – Founder, Root Thrive Soar; Winston-Salem, North Carolina (facilitator)
Category: Finance & Endowments/ Fundraising/ Stewardship
Cultivating a Culture of Generosity This Easter
Tuesday, April 1 at 3:00pm ET
Easter is a season of renewal, reflection, and celebration—an opportunity to encourage parishioners to embrace spiritual practices that support the mission and ministry of our parishes. As leaders, we often seek to inspire generosity during this sacred time, yet the response may not always align with our members’ best intentions.
Join these EPN partners for a conversation on how the right tools can empower your congregation to give with greater intention, strengthening your parish’s impact. Attendees will leave with a practical plan to introduce a sustainable giving practice in their church, along with a complimentary marketing kit designed to promote generosity among parishioners and visitors throughout Lent and Easter.
Panelist:
- Jenny Lutter – Director of Strategic Partnerships, Vanco; Bloomington, Minnesota
