with Rev Dr Karen Medland, Regional Minister, Pastoral Relations, Chinook Winds Regional Council

Conflict is a natural part of life together—and churches are no exception. When change comes, tensions often rise, and what begins as difference of opinion can quickly feel overwhelming.
In this workshop, we’ll explore how conflict works in church communities: the dynamics at play, the common causes, and why it often feels different in a faith setting. Together, we’ll name patterns, share experiences, and discover practical tools for navigating conflict in healthy, constructive ways.
Whether your community is currently facing challenges or simply wants to be better prepared for the future, this workshop will offer insight, encouragement, and strategies for moving through conflict with grace and hope.

with Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, Chinook Winds Regional Council

Communities of Faith are encountering major change in their local neighbourhoods after the COVID 19 Pandemic.  How we manage our own resources, how we work together, and how we collaborate to meet the needs and opportunities around us has never been more important. This workshop will open up horizons of community engagement and collaboration that can bring real hope amidst all the change, including a focus on:  mission and values development work to bring clarity about who we are as communities of faith offering unique ministry in our local context;  community engagement resources that can help build upon the support and energy of the community all around; and capital and facility analysis, to identify ways to work together, share space, and maintain sustainable community benefit.

with Rev Joel Den Haan, Community of Faith Strategy Consultant

Building on the tradition of sharing and caring in small communities, this workshop will help you learn how to bring your gifts to support spiritual care in communities of faith. Utilizing a team-based approach, this workshop will empower lay people to work collaboratively to support an existing minister in providing spiritual care. We will learn some new skills together, sharpen some existing tools in our toolkits, and focus on some takeaway skills that will help build our confidence and skill levels.

with Rev Dr.Geoffrey Simmins

If you ask communities of faith what worries them the most, there list will almost always include the lack of young people who participate in the life of the congregation. The church needs young people and young people need the church. For communities who have discerned a call to serve young people, there are some markers in ministry with young people that may indicate life (or death) for churches. Come and learn the markers and ways that your faith community could make meaningful connections to young people around you so that they may know and feel the power of the Love of God and the Peace of Christ AND help lead God’s grace-filled work in the world.

with Rev Pamela Evans, First Third Ministry Team Lead, Chinook Winds Regional Council

with Rev Joel Den Haan, Community of Faith Strategy Consultant, Chinook Winds Regional Council

Church governance is not one-size-fits-all. This session will open the discovery of various types of boards and alternative structures that can help your congregation thrive. Learn about the key responsibilities of governing bodies, including legal obligations, accountability to the wider church, and regional oversight. This workshop will also delve into the legal responsibilities that come with leadership, providing clear guidance on how to ensure your church operates within its legal and ethical frameworks. Ideal for church leaders looking to deepen their understanding of governance structures, this session will help you shape a board that works best for your community’s unique needs.

with Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, Chinook Winds Regional Council

Religion at large has imposed artificial "norms" and prioritized only certain types of relationships and families, which has fractured our sense of kinship and belonging. This is especially true for 2SLGBTQ+ people and other equity seeking communities. Inclusive and affirming faith practices can be an antidote to the hateful rhetoric and discriminatory practices that seem to abound. We can be a part of the solution, and embody the deep unconditional love that grounds our faith. Understandably, this work can sometimes feel overwhelming, and we may not know where to start or who to talk to. And what's this talk about PIE?! The acronym of PIE (Public, Intentional, Explicit) embodies a guiding map and litmus test for those who want to be more tangibly affirming, whether as an individual or faith community. Whether you feel like you're just starting to dip your toes in, or you're dog paddling in the deep end, we invite you to come and explore the conversation with curiosity. We’re all in this together!

with Affirming Connections