The Learning Labs is a series of webinars designed to equip clergy and lay leaders with the essential skills and knowledge needed to sustain and grow their ministries. Each session provides practical, actionable insights tailored to the real-world challenges churches face.
Join us in the Learning Lab in September to learn strategies for cross-cultural connection and church in the digital age, plus changes to this year’s charge conference forms.
SEPTEMBER IN THE LEARNING LAB:
Bridging Cultural Differences in Ministry
This session will cover best practices for your churches and teams to aid in preventing unintentional but insensitive hurtful interactions between clergy, lay leaders, volunteers, and congregants in any setting. Led by Rev. April Casperson, Director of Enrollment Management at Methodist Theological School in Ohio and expert in Diversity and Inclusion.
Monday, September 8, 12-1:30 pm PDT (9am-10:30 am HST).
Church in the Digital Age
This session will encourage us to radically rethink the ways our churches can respond to the digital world in which we live. Led by Rev. Trudy Robinson, Lead Pastor at First UMC of San Diego, Rev. Trudy will share her church’s process for defining a hybrid vision in their church in this era of becoming and how this new world has influenced the ways they design their worship and communication with their membership. This session is designed for churches of any size and their clergy, staff, and lay leadership.
Monday, September 15, 6:30-8pm PDT (3:30-5pm HST)
Introduction to Compass
Learn about Compass, the new retirement program for United Methodist clergy. This session will be led by Manuel Vargas from Wespath and Wanda Bethea, Benefits Manager at CalPac. Active clergy and church treasurers will benefit from learning about these changes and requirements.
Monday, September 22, 6:30-8pm PDT (3:30-5pm HST)
Connectional Ministries: Cherishing Community, Cultivating the Future
This session invites us to the future of our conference and your church. Join Erin Hawkins, Executive Director of Connectional Ministries to explore how to nurture authentic relationships and align resources to End Spiritual and Physical Hunger across our churches, communities, and mission fields. We’ll engage themes of interconnection, mutual liberation, and creative transformation while reflecting on seven quadrennial goals that guide our shared work.
Tuesday, September 23, 6-7pm PDT (3-4pm HST)
Charge Conference Forms Made Easier
All are invited to attend this presentation by Conference Statistician and Data Services Coordinator Jennifer Gaylord, with support and resourcing from the District Offices. This seminar will be especially relevant for clergy appointed to the local church, church office staff, SPRC chairs, Trustees Presidents, and other local church leaders who are completing and signing charge conference forms.
Offered at 9:30 am on September 26 and 29; 6:30 pm on October 9 and 13 PDT (6:30 am and 3:30 pm HST).
Registration opens soon.
The Learning Labs will continue through October and November, stay tuned to your email, our social media, or the website for more announcements!
