Inspired Leadership Conference

Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

A day of workshops to help equip and inspire both clergy and lay parish leaders. Workshops for administrators, treasurers, worship leaders, clergy, lay ministers and others who may be discerning a call to either ordained or lay leadership. All are welcome to participate.

This event is free thanks to generous donors and a Constable Grant from The Episcopal Church.
Lunch and dinner may be purchased

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

(REGISTER)

Click here for a PDF Flyer including the day's schedule & workshops being offered

Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Phil thorne, Ph.D.

Dr. Phil Thorne’s ministry passion is to serve the local church and its leaders. For twenty-one years he was Senior Pastor of West Shore Free Church, a vibrant congregation near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and until recently, the interim Senior Minister of Park Street Church in Boston. In the second half of life, Phil has increasingly focused his attention on encouraging and developing other pastoral leaders, helping them care for God’s people with biblical wisdom, spiritual vitality, leadership skills, and emotional health.

A PhD graduate from Cambridge University, Phil has taught courses in theology, spiritual formation and church leadership at Biblical Seminary, LBC Graduate School, Phoenix Seminary and Messiah College. Since 2015 he has served as adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Ministry program at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, mentoring several cohorts of leaders in the theology and practice of pastoral ministry.

Phil and his wife, Cindi, now live in central Pennsylvania near their children and grandchildren, just a stone’s throw from the Yellow Breeches, a wonderful trout stream in a beautiful part of the world.

Workshop Descriptions

Advent Through Art
Presented by Bryanna Carpenter- Nardone
Brynna Carpenter-Nardone, Cathedral Arts missioner, will lead a visual meditation on art for creatively awakening to the scripture and story of Advent.

Are you a lector?
Presented by Mark Hibbard
Are you currently a Lector or do you feel a calling to this ministry? Does sharing Scripture bring you joy? In this workshop we will discuss this ministry, and it is a ministry.

Church Growth
Presented by Rev. Derik Roy
Strategies to help your church grow and reach others for Christ. Both clergy and lay leaders are encouraged to attend.

Church Pension Group: Clergy Taxes & Pension
Presented by CPG Staff
CPG Staff will discuss the Clergy Pension Plan Benefits, assessments, provide financial help and resources regarding clergy taxes and housing. Helpful for clergy and parish treasurers

Church Pension Group: What is MAP and how to use it?
Presented by CPG Staff
CPG Staff will demonstrate the MAP system for clergy and parish administrators showing us where to find common tasks and important information, how to navigate MAP and how to get help.

Exploring Our Call to Ministry
The Very Rev. Leander Harding, Rev. Christina Hunter, Rev. Peter Schellhase
Three clergy talk about their own call to holy orders and how they help others discern their own call to ministry whether lay or ordained.

Lectio Divina and the Psalms of Advent
Presented by Rev. Meaghan Keegan
An introduction to the practice of lectio divina using the lectionary psalms of Advent. Take the time to prepare and listen to God’s word in fellowship and peace.

Morning Prayer 101: Anyone can do it!
Presented by clergy of the Southern Adirondack Deanery
Come and learn the "nuts and bolts" of praying the Daily Office of Morning Prayer. Come and learn how you might lead Morning Prayer in a small group or on the occasional Sunday. Perfect for lay leaders!

Ministry of the Deacon
Led by members of the Deacon’s Council
Have you ever wondered what a deacon's ministry is...in the church and the world?  Come and meet with a panel of deacons who will offer opportunities to discuss and explore the diaconal call

Planning for Clergy Sabbaticals
Presented by Rev. William Hinrichs
CONSIDERING A SABBATICAL? Join us for a workshop to explore the purpose of sabbatical leave, planning a sabbatical, paying for a sabbatical and how to make your sabbatical a prayerful and renewing experience.

Sabbath Rest
Led by the Rev. Dr. Phil Thorne
A closer look at one of the most neglected and needed practices in the Bible—especially for busy leaders.

Sexual Misconduct Prevention
Presented by Rev. Michael Gorchov, Rector of St. Paul’s Troy, Diocesan Misconduct Prevention Coordinator/Consultant, Certified Praesidium Guardian
This workshop offers a basic overview of Misconduct Prevention strategies for churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Albany.