These digital workshops are offerings of the Episcopal Parish Network to the church.
They are presented at no-cost, but registration is required.
Category: Current Events
Stand with Iraqi Christians – A History of Suffering and the Nineveh Restoration Initiative
Wednesday, April 30 at 3:00pm ET
Iraq is home to some of the oldest Christian populations in the world and is the setting for many miraculous and storied events described in the Bible. Christianity was brought to the region in the 1st century by St. Thomas the Apostle, and Iraq’s Christians are among the last in the world to speak Aramaic—the dialect spoken by Jesus. Most of these Christians live in the Nineveh Plains, a disputed territory in the northern part of the country. For centuries, they have endured repeated cycles of indignity and atrocity, including multiple genocides dating back to the 13th century.
Stand With Iraqi Christians (SWIC) was founded in 2015 in response to the crisis in Iraq, particularly following the 2014 displacement of Christians by ISIS. SWIC is committed to walking alongside these beleaguered yet resilient communities, rooted in the belief that loving presence and deep listening are the first steps toward lasting and fruitful relationships.
Since its founding, SWIC has built partnerships and supported projects that address the long-term survival and sustainability of Christian families in northern Iraq. These efforts aim to promote family stability, enabling communities to withstand social, economic, climatic, and other future challenges.
We are seeking friends, partners, and supporters who are willing to walk with us in solidarity—helping Iraq’s Christians build stronger, more vibrant communities. The business owners, families, youth, and future leaders we serve are counting on the engagement and generosity of compassionate neighbors like you. Please join our workshop to learn more about these ancient Christian communities and how your involvement can help ensure they are not lost to history.
Panelists Include:
- Joe Lipuma – Co-Chair, Stand with Iraqi Christians; New York, New York
- Yvonne O’Neal – Board Member, Stand with Iraqi Christians; New York, New York
- Kitty Harvey – Board Member, Stand with Iraqi Christians; Rye, New York
- Pam Faber – Treasurer, Stand with Iraqi Christians; Radnor, Pennsylvania
Categories: Art/ Changing Church
The Philadelphia Eleven – Looking Back to Move Forward
Tuesday, May 6 at 3:00pm ET
In The Philadelphia Eleven, the powerful documentary from Margo Guernsey, we witness how one bold act of civil disobedience opened the doors for women’s leadership in the Church—and sparked a movement toward justice and inclusion.
At a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are under fire, this story reminds us what it takes to become the Church we are called to be—not the Church we’ve always been.
Join director Margo Guernsey in a conversation about the trailblazing women ordained in the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass, Rector at Christ Church in Short Hills, New Jersey, will interview Margo about the film’s reception and the impact it is having in our communities. There will be time for audience questions and comments along the way.
Join us for this important conversation about this powerful film, the fight for equity, and how this history can shape a more inclusive future.
Panelists Include:
- Margo Guernsey – Director, The Philadelphia Eleven; Boston, Massachusetts
- Bowie Snodgrass – Rector, Christ Church; Short Hills, New Jersey (host)
Categories: Fundraising/ Stewardship
Stewardship Through Relationship – An Angle on Donor Cultivation
Thursday, May 8 at 3:00pm ET
As giving to religious institutions declines—even while overall charitable giving grows—churches must adapt. Thriving parishes are shifting from transactional models to relational approaches that connect giving with shared mission and community.
In this webinar, two seasoned Episcopal rectors from very different contexts share how they’ve strengthened financial support in their parishes through relationship-building, Appreciative Inquiry, and intentional donor engagement.
Join us to learn practical strategies, hear real-world lessons, and explore how deepening connection can lead to stronger stewardship in your own parish.
Panelists Include:
- Sandy Webb – Rector, Church of the Holy Communion; Memphis, Tennessee
- Jason Ingalls – Rector, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church; Waco, Texas
- David Rocchio – Director of Stewardship & Gift Planning, Cathedral of St. Philip; Atlanta, Georgia (moderator)
Categories: Finance & Endowments/ Strategic Leadership
Collaborative Leadership: The Key to Building Stronger Endowments
Wednesday, May 14 at 3:00pm ET
Who holds the responsibility for your church’s endowment? Vestry members, finance committees, treasurers, and clergy all have a role to play—but too often, conversations about money remain siloed or avoided altogether.
Join experts from the Episcopal Church Foundation for a practical, forward-looking webinar designed to equip church leaders with a shared understanding of how to nurture and manage a healthy endowment together.
Through this session, you’ll:
- Understand how each leadership role contributes to endowment health
- Learn techniques to improve cross-role communication
- Discover tools to support joint decision-making
- Strengthen your church’s finances
Whether you’re new to church leadership or a seasoned member of the team, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of purpose, actionable next steps, and a vision for how your endowment can support ministry now and in the future.
Panelists Include:
- Carsten Sierck – Executive Director, Endowment Management, Episcopal Church Foundation; New York, New York
- Anne Richardson – Senior Director, Endowment Management, Episcopal Church Foundation; New York, New York
Category: Current Events
Christian Witness in the Age of Trump: Staying Faithful in Politically Charged Times with Michael Curry
Wednesday, May 21 at 3:00pm ET
In an era marked by intense political division, many Christians are wrestling with how to faithfully engage in public life without compromising the Gospel. Should churches avoid politics altogether? Or is there a faithful, Christ-centered way to speak into the issues shaping our nation?
Recently retired Presiding Bishop Michael Curry weighs in with wisdom, clarity, and hope. In a brand-new ChurchNext class, Bishop Curry explores what it means to follow Jesus amid today’s cultural and political turbulence.
This live webinar will feature Bishop Curry’s recorded reflections, followed by a dynamic panel conversation with leading voices in the Church. Together, we’ll explore how Christians can navigate political tensions while staying rooted in love, truth, and the teachings of Jesus.
Key Topics Include:
- Scripture and Christian Political Witness
- Tradition and Christian Political Witness
- When (and when not) to address politics
- How to speak faithfully in the public square
Whether you’re a clergy leader, layperson, or just someone yearning to be a faithful presence in the world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Join us for this timely and essential conversation.
Panelists Include:
- Chris Yaw – Founder, ChurchNext; Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (moderator)
- Doyt Conn – Rector, Epiphany Episcopal Church; Seattle, Washington
- Nikki Mathis – Rector, St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church; Athens, Georgia
- Peggy Lo – Rector, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church; Austin, TX
Category: Strategic Leadership
Empowering Church Leadership Through Volunteer Innovation
Wednesday, June 11 at 3:00pm ET
Are you struggling to fill leadership roles or facing burnout in your parish? Whether you’re working with too few engaged members, sharing leadership across multiple churches, or finding it difficult to hand off meaningful work to volunteer teams, this webinar is for you.
Join us for a practical conversation on how to build sustainable volunteer structures that empower both clergy and the wider parish community.
In this session, you will learn how to:
- Inventory your church’s key needs and opportunities
- Design volunteer roles that support a clear, sustainable leadership structure
- Identify and engage key stakeholders for effective decision-making
- Support clergy in shifting from “doers” to coaches and mentors
- Build long-term models for volunteer engagement and leadership development
Whether your parish is actively navigating leadership challenges or preparing for future transitions, this webinar will provide the tools and insights you need to foster sustainable, mission-driven leadership.
We hope you’ll join us for this important conversation.
Panelists Include:
- Tamika Mason – CEO, Building for Mission; Lorton, Virginia
- Natalie Thomas – Senior Consultant, Building for Mission; Sandwich, Massachusetts
