Upcoming Digital Workshops

Category: Changing Church/ Technology

Using AI to Supercharge Ministry: Introducing AskCathy 3.0
Monday, June 23 at 3:00pm ET

EPN is pleased to offer this unique and forward-looking webinar exploring how Artificial Intelligence is transforming ministry in practical and meaningful ways.

Join the Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija (TryTank) and the Rev. Tay Moss (Ecclesia.ai and CHURCHx) as they introduce AskCathy 3.0, a groundbreaking Episcopal AI agent designed to support lay leaders and clergy with verifiable, theologically sound, and accessible guidance.

In this session, you’ll learn how Cathy can help you:

• Save time with sermon prep and research
• Answer theological questions with accuracy and context
• Plan events and communicate more effectively
• Access pastoral care tools anytime, anywhere

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at version 3.0 and real-world examples of how AI tools like Cathy are already enhancing ministry across contexts. Whether you’re leading worship, forming community, or navigating pastoral care, Cathy is a 24/7, multilingual, Episcopal digital assistant—ready to serve.

We’ll also introduce Ecclesia, a customizable tool that uses your own church website to power a congregation-specific AI assistant.

Come discover how AI can deepen your ministry and extend your reach.

Panelists Include:

• Lorenzo Lebrija – Executive Director, TryTank; Chief Innovation Officer, Virginia Theological Seminary; Alexandria, Virginia
• Tay Moss – Director, CHURCHx; Toronto, Canada

Category: Current Affairs

Sudan: A Nation in Crisis – Examining the Global Inaction
Tuesday, July 15 at 3:00pm ET

Genocide is taking place in Darfur. The U.S. government named Sudan the world’s worst humanitarian crisis today. The crisis takes an unimaginable human toll every day. And, yet the global response has been disturbingly muted.

Join American Friends of the Episcopal Churches in Sudan (AFRECS) for this urgent and eye-opening session. You’ll hear from leading Sudanese-American experts and international policy voices about the catastrophic war gripping Sudan—a war that has claimed over 150,000 lives, displaced more than 12 million people, and driven 2.5 million into exile. Famine is spreading. Weapons continue to flow in. And the world remains silent.

This workshop will outline the root causes behind Sudan’s descent into chaos—from a derailed democratic transition in 2021 to today’s unrelenting conflict between rival military factions. You’ll learn why diplomatic efforts have failed, how international inaction enables further violence, and what Christians and people of goodwill can and must do in response.

As followers of Christ, we are called to be present where suffering is greatest. This conversation offers a vital opportunity to bear witness, deepen your understanding, and discover meaningful ways to stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan.

Panelists Include:

• Manal Taha – Sudanese-American Anthropologist & Conflict Analyst, U.S. Institute of Peace; Washington, D.C.
• Thomas S.P. Perriello – Former U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan; Washington, D.C.
• Mohyeldin (Mohy) Omer – Former Sudan Conflict Advisor; Nairobi, Kenya
• Dane F. Smith – Executive Director, AFRECS; Washington, D.C.

Category: Administration / Strategic Leadership / Vocation

Administrative Staff Panel Discussion: Sharing a Diversity of Duties and Wisdom
Monday, July 21 at 3:00pm ET

Join us for the second session in a three-part series designed specifically for Episcopal administrative staff. This dynamic panel discussion will center on how to master your mission—offering practical strategies, tested insights, and wisdom drawn from years of hands-on experience.

Whether you serve a parish, diocese, seminary, or Episcopal non-profit, you’ll walk away with tools to improve workflow, strengthen communication, and navigate the many hats administrative leaders wear in the Episcopal Church.

Expect a thoughtful, grounded conversation with seasoned professionals who know the challenges—and the joys—of your vocation.

Panelists Include:

• Leslie Wilder – Chief of Staff to the Dean and President’s Office, Seminary of the Southwest; Austin, Texas
• Michael Kostial – Parish Administrator, Grace Church; Madison, New Jersey
• Janessa Tomberlin – Parish Administrator, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Austin TX
• Lachisha Baskin – Director of Administration, The Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska; Omaha, Nebraska
• Meg Ruffing – Executive Assistant, Episcopal Preaching Foundation; Springfield, New Jersey
• Laura Manley – Administrative Specialist, Episcopal Parish Network; Lake Worth Beach, Florida (moderator)

Category: Wellness

Wellbeing as a Bridge for the Loneliness Gap
Wednesday, July 23 at 3:00pm ET

In a time marked by rising loneliness, eroding trust, and deepening social division, the Church is uniquely positioned to respond. This not-to-be-missed webinar from Saint Stephen’s, Birmingham, offers a hopeful and practical path forward—demonstrating how parishes can become centers of connection, belonging, and healing.

Join us for a conversation that will explore real-world strategies for:

• Building mission-aligned partnerships
• Developing collaborative leadership models
• Reimagining church property as a “third space” for community life
• Designing wellness-centered programs that deepen community

Join the Rev. John Burruss and the Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan as they share their compelling journey of transforming a small church into the Threshold Center—a creative space for nurturing wholeness through practices that engage body, mind, and spirit. Their story illustrates how wellness can be woven into the local fabric of parish life.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain inspiration and tools for reimagining how your church might address wellness in your own community.

Panelists Include:

• John Burruss – Rector, Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church; Birmingham, Alabama
• Mary Bea Sullivan – Director, Threshold Center; Birmingham, Alabama

Category: Finance and Endowments/ Stewardship

​​From Hesitation to Legacy: Building a Culture of Planned Giving That Lasts
Thursday, July 31 at 3:00pm ET

Planned giving isn’t just for big churches with large endowments—it’s about inviting people to leave a legacy that reflects their deepest values.

In this practical and inspiring session, Joe Park of Horizons Stewardship sits down with the Rev. Ashley Cheung to share how Church of the Resurrection UMC launched a planned giving effort that resulted in 113 legacy gifts totaling $28 million—across nine campuses ranging from 350 to over 5,000 in weekly attendance.

You’ll hear lessons on how to:

• Start the conversation—without fear
• Build trust and energy across the congregation
• Sustain momentum across varied ministry settings
• Cultivate a culture where generosity becomes part of the story

Whether your church has a robust endowment or none at all, you’ll leave with strategies to take the next step—and the confidence to start now.

Bring your questions – this session will include a moderated Q&A with Ashley.

Panelists Include:

• Joe Park – CEO, Horizons Stewardship; Cabot, AR
• Ashley Cheung – Planned Giving Specialist (former), Church of the Resurrection (UMC); Kansas City, MO

Category: Innovative Ministry

​​New Structures and Stronger Local Ministry
Monday, August 11 at 3:00pm ET

Across the Episcopal Church, leaders are reimagining parish and cathedral structures to meet the evolving needs of their communities. In this important webinar, we’ll highlight two pioneering models that are reshaping how Episcopal institutions can faithfully and effectively steward multiple sites while honoring the distinct character of each community they serve.

You’ll learn how these innovative structures—each rooted in deep collaboration and contextual awareness—are enabling long-term sustainability, expanded ministry reach, and renewed vitality:

• The Church of the Good Shepherd & The Hill (Austin, TX)

Nearly a decade ago, Good Shepherd followed the call of its mission statement, “reaching beyond ourselves,” by opening a second campus. With a goal of expanding opportunities for worship and missional service on the southeast side of Austin, “The Hill” is now a vibrant community of its own, supported by dedicated clergy and staff while retaining its identity as part of Good Shepherd. By sharing administration, governance, and missional goals in a collaborative system, Good Shepherd’s two-campus model aims for unity, not uniformity, allowing each worshipping community to express its unique spirit.

• The Episcopal Collaboration (Erie, PA)

In Erie, the Cathedral of St. Paul and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church have forged a groundbreaking partnership. Under one staff and a shared administrative infrastructure, the two congregations retain their identities and leadership while collaborating closely on mission, ministry, and stewardship of resources.

These models didn’t emerge without risk. In both cases, lay and clergy leaders stepped forward with courage—launching pilot efforts in uncertain terrain. The result? New life, surprising gifts, and renewed hope for the future of Episcopal ministry.

Join us for a compelling and practical discussion on how innovative structure can foster stronger local ministry and deeper resilience for the Church.

Panelists Include:

• Sanford Adams – Acting Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd; Austin, Texas
• Leah Wise – Priest, The Hill, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd; Austin, Texas
• Carly Rowe – Executive Director, The Episcopal Collaboration; Erie, Pennsylvania
• Melinda Hall – Dean, The Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul; Erie, Pennsylvania

Category: Administration/ Strategic Leadership/ Vocation

​​Powering Ministry: A Tech Tour for Episcopal Administrative Staff
Monday, August 18 at 3:00pm ET

Join us for the final session in EPN’s new workshop series for Episcopal administrative staff—a key part of our mission to be the place the Church gathers for learning, connection, and network.

In this forward-looking session, we’ll explore the digital tools that can help Episcopal lay administrators work smarter and more effectively. From collaborative platforms like Office 365 and Google Workspace to CRM systems, project management tools, design programs, mass communication solutions, and even AI—this webinar will offer a guided tour through technologies that can empower your ministry.

Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, enhance communication, or better manage competing demands, this session offers practical takeaways and insights from experienced Church professionals.

Panelists Include:

• Leslie Wilder – Chief of Staff, Seminary of the Southwest; Austin, TX
• Meg Ruffing – Executive Assistant, Episcopal Preaching Foundation; Springfield, New Jersey
• Additional panelists to be announced
• Laura Manley – Administrative Specialist, Episcopal Parish Network; Lake Worth Beach, Florida (moderator)

Category: Buildings

​​Your Facility, Your Future: Navigating Assessments, Compliance, and Accessibility
Monday, August 25 at 3:00pm ET

Your building is more than just a structure—it’s a vital tool for ministry and mission. But are you managing it with the long view in mind?

In this practical and engaging session, you’ll gain essential tools for evaluating and caring for your parish facility. We’ll demystify the differences between a Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) and a Capital Reserve Study (CRS)—and show you how both can guide smart, strategic decisions for the future of your physical space.

We’ll also explore:

• ACT 1975.4(c)(1) – What does this regulation mean for faith-based institutions and how do you stay compliant?
• OSHA Compliance – What are the risks of non-compliance and how can you proactively protect your people and your property?
• ADA Requirements & Best Practices – Is your space truly accessible and welcoming to all? Learn how thoughtful design can help create a more inclusive and vibrant parish community.

Whether you’re new to facilities management or navigating aging infrastructure, this is a must-attend conversation for clergy, wardens, property committees, and parish leaders. Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in the future of your parish facility.

Panelists Include:

• Lee Cool – Director of Revenue, Smart Church Solutions; Lansing, North Carolina
• Nathan Parr – Facility Stewardship Specialist, Smart Church Solutions; Fort Worth, Texas
• Additional panelist to be announced