FRIDAY WORKSHOPS
Morning Plenary
10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The State of the Diocese
The Rt. Rev. Douglas Scharf will share how our vision, mission, and the four pathways are serving the greater diocese. What has strengthened us, what challenges we face, and the ways we are living into our baptismal covenant in Southwest Florida.
Afternoon Workshop
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Forming Disciples
What is discipleship? It’s a word that gets used in church circles, but one that is often ill-defined and even less understood. Fr. Robert Hendrickson, the Chief of Discipleship Initiatives at Forward Movement, will look not only at what discipleship is but also how it is integral to the life of the individual Christian, the parish, and the whole Church. This is a chance to look more closely at how we are gathered in love, transformed by grace, and sent to serve as the people of God. If your parish is trying to figure out what sustainability looks like, how to dive into mission, or just how to pray a little more confidently, then this workshop may help you and your parish think about next steps in your journey with Christ as disciples.
Speaker:
Fr. Robert Hendrickson
Chief of Discipleship Initiatives
Forward Movement
Afternoon Workshop
1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Developing Leaders
Tapping into our Anglican DNA: Leadership in Complicated and Challenging Times
In this workshop, we will time-travel through our spiritual history to uncover powerful, practical tools for leadership that can empower us spiritually to deal with the difficulties we face today.
Speaker
The Rev. Dr. Chuck Robertson
Canon & Senior Advisor to the Presiding Bishop
The Episcopal Church
Afternoon Workshop
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Transforming Communities
Called to Serve
In times of disaster, the Church is called to respond not only with compassion but also with wisdom. Facilitated by Episcopal Relief & Development, this session will focus on how congregations can take practical steps to be ready to serve neighbors in times of crisis and beyond, keeping our lamps lit in readiness to serve (Luke 12:35). Participants will leave with practical tools for congregational preparedness and a deeper understanding of how to bear witness to Christ by building resilience, walking alongside neighbors in need, and upholding the God-given dignity of every person. These tools will serve congregations not only in the wake of a disaster, but in every aspect of your outreach ministries.
Speaker:
Race Hodges
Program Officer, Global Disaster Response & Resilience
Episcopal Relief and Development
Afternoon Workshop
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Embracing Differences
Building Communities of Trust and Openness
What does it take to create communities that don’t just acknowledge differences but truly embrace them? This workshop will explore workable congregational practices that cultivate trust, openness, and mutual respect. Participants will reflect on how churches can become spaces where diverse voices are honored, difficult conversations are navigated with grace, and God’s reconciling love is made visible. Whether your congregation is in the midst of change or seeking to deepen its welcome, this session offers tools for fostering authentic belonging.
Speaker:
Emily Swanson
President, Holy Cow! Consulting
