Seminars

Currently we have 8 seminars that we will be offering over the next 3 years on a rotation throughout the Deaneries.  So each Deanery will have from 2-4 seminars offered yearly so that by 2021 each Seminar will have been available in every area of the Diocese of Kalamazoo at least once.  The Day Trainings will continue to be offered in Kalamazoo.  Click on a seminar to find out where it is currently scheduled.  You can register for any seminar regardless of the location. 

Collaboration:  In ministry decisions need to be made.  This is often difficult as everyone brings their own voice and experience to the table.  In this session participants grow in the skill of working with others, sharing their own skills and stories, and how to come to a conclusion as a team.

Conflict Resolution:  From coworkers, to volunteers, to parishoners conflict will arise.  Learning what to do when that happens is key to building up our ministries and the kingdom of God.  This seminar aids us as people of God in resolving those conflicts in a Christ centered way. 

Goal Setting and Mission Planning:  We can maintain where we are or we can move forward toward a goal.  This session gives participants an opportunity to understand how to seek mission and be focused on goals.  From strategic planning to planning a one night program this session will give concrete advice.

Identifying Gifts in Others:  What do you see when you look at another person?  This session teaches you how to look at all people with new eyes, with faith and with hope.  Learn how to evaluate those in your care and help them to live up to their potential.  Identifying gifts in others helps them to succeed and our programs to flourish. 

Intercultural Ministry:  Participants learn how to see the good in other cultures. To approach ministry in a way that reaches out instead of closes in.  Seeing how God works through different cultures, how we can benefit from learning about other cultures, and how to minister through separate lenses. 

Listening and Communication:  There is an art to listening.  We often hear but do not listen.  When we listen we hear the heart of the other.  Listening is the first step in true communication.  Participants learn practical skills in communicating with others.  This helps in both ministry and the general sharing of the Gospel.

Recruitment and Retainment:  One of the most difficult tasks in ministry is to build up our volunteer base, and to keep those volunteers engaged and enriched.  This session gives practical skills on developing a culture that strengthens volunteers, assists them in finding their niche, encourages their growth and retains them. 

Risk Management and Safe Environment:  Knowing the rules is one thing, understanding why we have them is another.  During this session participants learn how to see the environment around them and look for ways to minister while being safe and reducing risk.  Understanding the why will assist all with the what and the how.