Workshops
We plan to hold around 20 different workshops at the Caffeinated Church Conference! See below for workshop descriptions and confirmed speaker information. We will continue to add workshops as they are confirmed. Of course, workshops are subject to change as we explore what topics are timely and of interest to communicators, administrators, and volunteers. If you have an idea not covered here, please send your idea to mike@caffeinatedchurch.org.
Practical AI & Your Work
How might Artificial Intelligence help you in your work? AI can help church staff be more efficient, effective, and strategic in their work. Discover how AI can revolutionize routine tasks, provide data-driven insights, and improve communications, freeing up time for church staff to focus on building relationships and serving the community. Learn to leverage technology practically with this demonstrative workshop chock full of examples and ideas. (Full disclosure: AI helped write this workshop description.) This workshop is led by Canon Mike Orr, Canon for Communications & Evangelism, The Episcopal Church in Colorado.
Focus on 5 Communications Areas & Ignore the Rest!
Updating your website each week, navigating Facebook's constantly changing platform, writing an article for the church newsletter every month, connecting with folks worshipping online… the list of communication-related tasks can be overwhelming for a full-time staff person let alone for the majority of churches that have volunteers and staff sharing the burden. Kelly Champagne, owner of Evoke Engagement Experts, shares the five areas of communication your congregation should focus on when you have limited time or resources.
Graphic Design for Beginners
Led by Ronda Palazzari, a mixed media artist, designer, author, and photographer living in Denver, Colorado. Ronda teaches on graphic design for beginners and color theory. She is the Director of Communications of Higher Things, an RSO Youth Non-Profit for the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.
Video Storytelling: Start to Finish Video Production Training
How do we capture the stories of our people in modern ways in 2024? It starts with video. In this workshop, Easton Davis, Canon for Communications and Digital Evangelism in The Diocese of Atlanta, will lead participants in a hands-on experience in capturing Good News behind the lens. It will include video and audio basics, a live demonstration of someone sharing their story, and post-production. There will also be time for questions and responses. You will leave this workshop knowing how to use your phone to do pro videos, capture professional audio on a budget, capture someone's story, and manage post-production. This workshop was led by Canon Easton Davis, Canon for Communications & Digital Evangelism, the Diocese of Atlanta.
Camera Tech & Getting Started
From camera gear and accessories to gadgets and programs, we explored various photography setups for your ministry. Explore the benefits of using dedicated camera equipment while demystifying photography jargon and shopping. Whether you want to get started or are looking to upgrade your setup, this is a great workshop to get started. With over a decade of photography experience, Bro. Andrew Morehead, Missioner for Communications and Evangelism for the Episcopal Church in East Tennessee, leads this workshop.
Visual Identity Strategy and Best Practices
Why is visual identity important? What graphic and design elements make your organization or “brand” memorable to your audience? In this workshop, learn how to create a visual identity strategy that will guide your design decisions, improve your recall value, and create a lasting impression. Workshop led by Canon Mike Orr, Canon for Communications & Evangelism, The Episcopal Church in Colorado.
True Testimonies: How We Work
Church communicators can often be the catch-all for the responsibilities that don't naturally fall to anyone else. In this workshop, we will discuss how we can work smarter by creating processes and procedures while setting expectations so we can work more efficiently. Participants will share their own challenges in a confidential setting as the panelists help communicators find their voice and lean into their expertise. This will be a time to share resources and successes and create a supportive network for communicators to lean on. Please be prepared to talk about real issues that affect your professional life as a church communicator. This workshop is led by Evans Ousley and Enrique Cintrón, the communications team at Saint John’s Cathedral, Denver.
Depolarization & Dialogue: Discipleship for our political times
Across the church, people are hungry for a way out of our polarized political moment. “What do I say to someone who believes [X]?” “How can someone be a Christian and think [Y]?” Many people despair that we’ll never find a way forward together. People of faith have an opportunity at this moment to respond in a different way than what our ideologically fraught culture has to offer, rooted in Jesus’ call to love our neighbors. This workshop will be an introduction to depolarization and respectful dialogue in the context of faith-based advocacy, offering a model for loving engagement across ideological and cultural divisions that neither precludes passionate advocacy nor requires ‘watering down’ one’s own moral commitments, equipping you to lead constructive conversations in your ministry context. This workshop will be led by Peter Severson, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA.
RELATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Join us for an interactive workshop tailored for church communicators and administrators, focusing on the art of Relational Communication. Dive deep into understanding listening filters—those biases and experiences that shape how messages are received—and learn how to ensure your message truly "lands" with your audience. Through role-playing, case studies, and group discussions, you'll gain essential skills for enhancing community building, spiritual guidance, and administrative efficacy. Whether you're delivering a sermon, coordinating a church event, or resolving conflicts, this workshop will equip you with the tools to communicate more effectively. Workshop led by the Rev. Dr. Dee Cooper, Lead Presbyter of the Denver Presbytery.
REIMAGINING YOUR CHURCH BULLETIN
If the phrase "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" sums up your attitude towards your church bulletin, this workshop may make you reconsider. While sticking to old methods is tempting, taking a fresh look at your bulletin's design and content could transform it into a more effective tool for connection and engagement. In this workshop, we'll share practical advice on optimizing your church bulletin for better readability, accessibility, and cost-efficiency, without compromising on its essence and purpose. This workshop is led by John Reid, Chief of Finance & Operations at St. Paul’s Memorial Church at the University of Virginia.
Supporting Mission and Ministry with Your Church Database
Databases aren’t just for large churches. Having a database can help churches of all sizes to do the work of ministry. Ultimately, church management software can improve your ministry effectiveness through empowering people, both paid and volunteer, and offering insights into the processes you follow. Having the right tools for managing your church can provide systems to engage newcomers, reengage those who have become distant, and deepening relationships within the church for the purpose of making disciples. Choosing the right tools for your church or diocese can be daunting. Talk to other churches who’ve implemented a database/church management system and are strategically using it to grow their church. This workshop is led by Tracy Methe, Missioner for Baptismal Living for the Episcopal Church in Colorado.
Deepening our Experience of Divine Love and Community through Color and Line
"The church needs new language to meet the new realities we are living in," said The Rev. Winnie Varghese. Discover new ways of articulating our spiritual selves; ways that connect with God, within our church communities, and with people of other faith traditions. This workshop is led by Angela Hummel, who, through a Roanridge Grant, has brought this method of visual and color thinking to communities throughout Colorado. Learn more about Angela's Art Theology project at https://youtu.be/PoigWumwZBU. She has an MFA from Naropa University and an MA in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute in Baltimore, MD, and she is currently working on her Art Theology project in her doctoral work at Iliff School of Theology.
The Power of the Past: Sharing History to Shape the Future
History plays a crucial role in helping us understand who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going. Historical assets not only play a significant role in shaping the identity of an organization, but also serve as powerful tools for marketing and engagement. In this session learn more about how you can use your church or organization's history as a source of content and a tool to engage members, the public, and even donors with your mission. This workshop is led by Katie Clark, Chief Operating Officer of HistoryIT, and former Canon for Communications for the Diocese of Maine and Director of Communications for the Diocese of New Hampshire.
Maximizing Impact with Your Church eNewsletter
Are you tired of saying "It's in the eNewsletter! Been there for weeks!"? In this workshop, we'll cover various aspects of crafting a compelling church eNewsletter that gets read and maximizes engagement with your congregation. Explore email service selection, content curation, and strategies for highlighting crucial information amidst the clutter. Discover tactics for boosting open rates, including segmenting your audience, optimizing subject lines, and keeping your email list clean. Learn how to enhance readability, ensure brevity and consistency, and ultimately engage your congregation effectively. Don't miss out on this opportunity to revolutionize your church communication! This workshop is led by Sheila Chester, member of the Denver Presbytery. Read bio. View website.
What is Christian Nationalism, and why is everyone talking about it now?
As more political leaders are naming themselves as Christian Nationalists, and evoking far-right Christian imagery and rhetoric in their political speeches, we ask: what is Christian Nationalism, and why is it a threat? In this conversation, we will dig into the history of the movement, the myths that perpetuate it, and the current political trends that evoke concern. We will also explore ways Christians can take action to counter the movement, and how we can foster Christian communities rooted in inclusion, interconnection, and justice. This workshop is led by Rev. Amanda Henderson, Director of the Institute of Religion, Politics and Culture at Iliff School of Theology. Amanda is ordained with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), author of Holy Chaos, Creating Connections in Divisive Times, and is pursuing a PhD in religion and politics at the University of Denver.
Healthy Practices for Social Media
This workshop will discuss healthy practices for navigating social media as a communicator or administrator to create an engaging, safe, and wholesome account. We will think through the “why” of using social media, and talk through boundaries, politics, trolls, and more. This workshop will focus more on the theory of engaging within social media and establishing protocols rather than the “how to post/get more followers/etc.”
BUDGETING
Join our Church Administrator's Workshop on Budgeting and Cash Flow to gain essential skills in financial stewardship. This hands-on session will cover budget creation, expense tracking, and cash flow management tailored for church operations. Learn practical tools to optimize resources, ensuring your church can continue to serve its community effectively. Perfect for administrators, finance teams, and clergy interested in fiscal responsibility.
SOCIAL MEDIA AS MINISTRY
Learn how to approach social media in a strategy-driven instead of a content-driven way all in an effort to reach and minister to more people. In this workshop, we will explore how to build relationships in the social media space, secure meaningful engagement, and more.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR RELIGION WHILE WORKING FOR THE CHURCH
How do you keep the faith when you work for the Church? Being in ministry can be overwhelming. There are many challenges. If you worship where you work, there can be even greater challenges. How do you keep your religion and remain clinging to your Creator in the midst of storms? Let’s talk together and learn from one another.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION: PRACTICAL STRATEGIES & TOOLS IN OUR WORK
Join us for this panel discussion tailored for church administrators. This session will share insights for the vast breadth of areas that church administrators are responsible for: volunteer coordination, event planning, member data, financial records, event calendars, operations, strategic donation and expense management, effective channels for internal and external communications, and more. We'll share innovative tools that streamline administrative tasks, freeing up your time for meaningful engagement with parishioners. Whether you're managing a large urban congregation or a small rural church, you'll walk away with actionable insights to enhance your administrative effectiveness. This workshop is a panel discussion by Colorado administrators from different church denominations.
SMALL & RURAL CHURCH COMMUNICATIONS
Join our workshop designed for small and rural churches seeking effective communication strategies. We'll explore how to spread the Gospel using traditional avenues like community events, flyers, and newsletters. Learn how to optimize minimal internet resources for reaching your congregation. We'll also delve into the nuances of utilizing social media in rural settings to create a connected faith community. Empower your church to communicate more effectively, regardless of technological constraints.