The workshops at the 2023 Leadership Academy include:

Coaching LEADLab

with Chad Delaney and Rev. Steven Smith

This workshop will explore how coaching is used with our Emerging and Converging churches. It will also explore how group coaching can be helpful in a ministry context.

Coaching is a one-on-one process of imparting to a leader the encouragement and skills they need to succeed in a task.

Chad and Rev. Steven walk alongside new/affiliating pastors and leaders to help them remain on track and accountable for the goals they have set for themselves and their faith communities.

DCEF LEADLab

with Jim Michel and Rev. Richard N. Williams

Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) is the partner organization for New Church Ministry. This workshop will explore how the resources found in DCEF can be beneficial for new congregations.

As Building and Capital Services Advisors, Rev. Richard Williams and Jim are responsible for proactively initiating and responding to the building and capital needs of congregational leaders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They provide Disciples congregations with a variety of building assessment and planning, capital fundraisingloan and investment services offered by DCEF. In addition, Jim coordinates DCEF’s Disaster Response service, serving church leaders who face insurance, construction and legal issues related to damage from natural disasters. Rev. Williams is the Senior Director of Services, leading the congregational Advisor team.

Marketing LEADLab

with Rev. Patricia R. Case

This workshop will explore the importance of online presence, branding, and making your church’s voice heard through all of the mediums that people expect in this day and age.

Rev. Patricia Case, whose marketing and communications work in Disciples ministries spans decades, serves as the Transitional Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for DCEF. She has worked closely with DCEF and New Church Ministry for more than 20 years.