Equipping the Saints 2025 [CfM]

Equipping the Saints Weekend is designed to train parishes across our diocese in areas of ministry that have been identified by diocesan leadership as strategic opportunities for growth.

The Center for Ministry, a Strategic Initiative in the 2023-2028 Diocesan Strategic Plan, is hosting this event in partnership with the Cathedral’s Charles Simeon Institute.

We will be offering 6 Tracks for Training (participants will choose 1 ):

• Training & Certification for Lay Eucharistic Ministers (Facilitator: Deacon Debra Gordon, Christ Church, Vero Beach)
  For the experienced or a newly recruited LEM, this workshop will blend practical knowledge and hands-on instruction to equip men and women to serve the Eucharist and to participate in worship services as effective lay ministers. A discussion component will provide space for individual questions about handling other activities often assigned to LEMs in a local ministry context. Workshop participants will meet thetraining requirements to receive the diocesan two-year license for this ministry.
• Church Musicians: Pastoring through Music and Liturgy (Facilitator: Archdeacon Jessica Jones)
  Lex orandi, lex credendi: the law of prayer is the law of belief. In other words, what we say (or sing!) in worship forms us. Therefore, it is vital that our musical worship leaders understand how the songs they select align with the liturgy, the Word, the liturgical season, and most importantly, how those songs impact the congregation’s theology over time. Because what we sing will impact our faith. This workshop will equip musical worship leaders to serve as pastoral musicians, serving their congregations with liturgical integrity that considers the biblical and historical structure of worship, so as to strengthen and encourage spiritual formation within our communities and ourselves.
• The Bishop, The Rector, and the Vestry (Facilitator: Rev. David Trautman)
  Every Anglican leader needs to understand the different roles of rectors, vestry members, and bishops. When leaders understand these rolesand put them into practice, Anglican churches flourish. When they don’t, they can flounder. This course will practically explain the differentroles, responsibilities, and resources for leading a flourishing Anglican church. This course will also address the needs, challenges, structures, canons, and other important issues facing Anglican churches of any size. We will be using Canon David Roseberry’s book, TheRector, the Vestry and the Bishop: The Essential Guide for Anglican Leaders, as a resource for this class. You will not need to read it in advance.
• The Ministry Of Hospitality: Welcoming Friends & Strangers Into God’s Community (Facilitator: Rev. Canon Bill Krizner)
  Recognizing that both belief and belonging are fundamental to God’s Church, this workshop is designed to help leaders reconsider their approach in helping those exploring the church find an immediate connection to Jesus and His ministry within your particular church context. Taught by the Gulf Atlantic Diocese’s Canon for Congregational Development, the workshop will help participants look at the most common mistakes that churches make when engaging with visitors; consider the most effective ways to introduce such newcomers to not only church programs but to the people of the church; and create individualized plans to pursue when returning home from the workshop. This session will be highly interactive and rely heavily upon scenario-based training, as well as interactive workshop exercises, to best explore God’s desire to grow His Church through the crucial ministries of inviting, welcoming, and connecting.
• Running Alpha in Your Community (Facilitator: Jenny Noyes, Global Mission Initiative & New Wineskins)
  The Alpha Course is still one of the best ways to introduce people to Jesus and make disciples through a local church community. Alpha wasstarted in an Anglican Church in London over 30 years ago, and it’s still going strong all over the world. Though Alpha has been used in theU.S. since the mid-1990s, our post-Christian culture is now more ready than ever for a non-threatening, honest conversation about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit! My life was completely transformed when I attended Alpha in 1991 in London. It has been my pleasure to share with churches around the world for three decades how this model of 1st century Christianity can help your church reach the lost in your community and enfold them into the life and witness of your local church. Come explore how you can use Alpha to expand God’s Kingdom where you live, work and play!
• Youth: Apologetics for the Next Generation (Facilitator: Rev. Canon Christopher Jones)
  You’ve probably heard the term “G.O.A.T.” used to describe the Greatest Of All Time—whether it’s LeBron James or Michael Jordan, TheBeatles or Michael Jackson (or for GenZers, Taylor Swift). But what if there is one person whose greatness goes far beyond the fame of anyathlete, musician, or celebrity?

  In this workshop, we’ll be talking about the real GOAT — Jesus Christ. His greatness isn’t measured by scoring or platinum records, but by Hisunique role in human history and the way He changed everything for us. But more than just recognizing His greatness, we’ll also equip youwith the rudimentary tools to build the game plan you need to defend your faith with confidence in a world that often asks tough questions.”How can you believe in something you can’t see?” “Does science disprove God?” “Isn’t the Bible just a book of myths?” These are the kinds of questions you’ll face in school, with your friends, and even online.

  While we can’t cover every apologetics topic or question in a short workshop, by the end of it, you’ll learn how to respond with reason and evidence, while doing so in a thought-provoking and winsome approach.

• Children’s Ministry: Discover the Art of Engaging Young Hearts – A Godly Play Workshop (Facilitator: Ruth Seawell, Church of the Apostles, Fairhope, AL)
  Are you passionate about sharing faith with children in a meaningful and impactful way? Join us for an inspiring workshop where you’ll observe a licensed Godly Play instructor lead a live session with children, demonstrating this creative and wonder-filled approach to spiritua formation. This workshop is perfect for Sunday school teachers, Christian educators, clergy, and anyone who desires to nurture children’s faith journeys in an authentic and imaginative way.

  What You’ll Experience:
  ✨ Live Demonstration: Watch an expert storyteller guide children through the Godly Play curriculum, fostering curiosity and deep engagement.
  ✨ Interactive Debrief: Reflect on the session with the instructor and fellow participants to understand the techniques, theology, and principles behind Godly Play.
  ✨ Hands-On Learning: Gain practical tips for incorporating storytelling, creative response, and sacred play into your teaching.

Childcare will be provided, centered on Godly Play curriculum.