Leadership webinars are online learning opportunities offered by the national office of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Each webinar is made possible through generous gifts to Presbyterians Sharing.
Click on the sign to see the handouts and recordings for PCC webinars on:
Preparing for General Assembly
Description:
At General Assembly in June, commissioners will vote on a series of recommendations related to repudiating (rejecting) the Doctrine of Discovery, a theological and legal principle from the 1400s that legitimized European colonization of non-Christian lands and peoples. During this webinar, Justice Ministries staff will answer questions about the Doctrine of Discovery, its influence on The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s ministry with Indigenous people, and what repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery means. This webinar is suitable for commissioners as preparation for General Assembly and to other members of the church who are interested in the PCC’s ministry of healing and reconciliation.
Downloads:
Repudiating the Doctrine of DiscoveryClick here to watch “Doctrine of Discovery; Stolen lands, Strong Hearts” , a film by The Anglican Church of Canada about the history, legacy and current impacts of the Doctrine of Discovery.
Watch the webinar
Facilitator: the Rev. Ian Ross-McDonald, General Secretary
Host: the Life and Mission Agency
Description:
In a response to a request from a congregation that the PCC endorse the Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth, this webinar will discuss the PCC’s study of the Statement, which will also be presented to the General Assembly in June. The Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth was developed by a national coalition of organizations concerned with the wellbeing of children. The study concludes that there is clear and compelling evidence that the physical punishment of children and youth plays no useful role in their upbringing and poses only risks to their development. Additionally, the General Assembly will be asked to consider requesting the Canadian Government to repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada (which allows parents and teachers to use force to correct a child’s behaviour). This is in line with the 6th Call to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The text of the Joint Statement can be found at www.cheo.on.ca/en/about-us/physical-punishment.aspx . The response to the overture can be downloaded below. Also available to download is a theological statement about the physical punishment of children and youth.
Downloads:
Endorsing the Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and YouthTheological Statement About the Physical Punishment of Children and YouthOverture No 20 re: Endorsing the Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and YouthWatch the webinar
Canadian Ministries
Facilitator: The Rev. Dr. Esther Acolatse
Host: Canadian Ministries
Description:
Death is a natural part of life. Yet in our death-denying culture even Christians are walking on tenterhooks around what we know is natural. In this webinar, we will attend to some of the historical antecedents to our reticent or even fear of death and dying and learn how to accompany others and prepare ourselves to engage this final act of life. We will discuss how our Christian beliefs about death and everlasting life can inform how we live as people of faith. After all, death is not so much about dying but about living.
Bio
The Rev. Dr. Esther Acolatse is an Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Intercultural Studies at Knox College in Toronto, ON. Her current research focuses on issues around care and counseling with migrant families and implications for intra/interfaith dialogue and spiritual care. She is also interested in cultural anthropological dimensions of medicine, health, and healing, and their implications for suffering, death, dying, and care at the end of life.
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Host: Canadian Ministries
Description:
Families living with a dementia diagnosis are facing a lot of changes, with each change representing a loss to be grieved. Often, for various reasons, they face these changes alone. This webinar will talk about how churches are uniquely positioned to help by providing regular weekly fellowship for the person living with a dementia diagnosis, while simultaneously encouraging and enabling care partners to take personal time.
Alice was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and has called St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Calgary her church home for as long as she can remember. She has served as the Side by Side Program Coordinator at St. Andrew’s since early in 2013, and is continually amazed by, and grateful for, the loving hearts, willing hands, and the thoughtful, caring kindness she encounters every week at the St. Andrew’s Side by Side program. Alice is a lifelong learner, and holds bachelor degrees in Linguistics and Psychology.
Handouts:
Side by Side - Caring for Families Living with Dementia – HandoutSide by Side - Caring for Families Living with Dementia – PresentationWatch the webinar
Host: Canadian Ministries
Description:
Caregivers often need to be reminded to take care of themselves when they take on the role of family caregiver for a spouse, parent or other member of their family. This webinar will provide a general view of what caregivers face today and how they respond to the challenges and rewards of this role. We’ll look at stress and burn out- identifying it and preventing it as well as some problem solving techniques. We’ll also explore the role of the faith community and how to accept help and give help.
Pat Baker, MS, has worked in the field of aging and with family caregivers her entire career. She recently retired from working for the government with the Older Americans Act programs and services. In the 1980’s she worked at two different PC(USA) churches in older adult ministry and is glad to be back doing older adult and caregiver ministry in her local church in retirement. She is President-Elect for the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network that she has been involved with since its inception.
Handouts:
Caring for the Caregiver – WebinarWatch the webinar
Host: Canadian Ministries
Description:
Although forming faith draws on many practices that hold for all-ages, there are unique and distinctive ways to help shape the faith-lives of older adults. Let’s explore some of these and the principles that both undergird them and encourage your own creativity when working with mature and older adults.
Joyce MacKichan Walker was the director of Christian education at Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey for 18 years, and in 2007 became the minister of education. Joyce teaches certification classes for educational ministry in the PC(USA), and for POAMN – The Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network, in addition to teaching adjunct at Princeton Theological Seminary. She is a Canadian-American who grew up in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and returns to Canada at least once a year. She retired in July of 2018 so now is thrilled to say yes to fun and challenging invitations to teach, especially if they involve travel!
Handouts:
Faith Formation for Older Adults – WebinarThe Age Wave, Principles to Guide Older Adult Ministry – WebinarWatch the webinar
Host: Canadian Ministries
Description:
With churches closing their doors on Sundays due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many of us are wondering how we can continue worshipping together as a community. Fortunately, we live in a time when technology can help facilitate online worship. Join us as Rev. David Moody from Family Church of Heritage Green hosts a seminar on current live streaming technologies and techniques. David has been practicing online worship for over 7 years, and helped set up the Livestream used during General Assembly.
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Host: Canadian Ministries
Description:
Every congregational renewal effort begins first by coming face-to-face with our brokenness and recognizing our need for God to breathe new life into our community. Simply put, “death” comes before “breath” in congregational vitality. We must become honest about our church’s state of health if we want to cultivate hope for renewal.
Although there are social scientific dimensions to congregational vitality, leading change in the congregational setting is also a spiritual and theological task.
In this webinar we will discuss: the spiritual and theological dynamics of congregational vitality, looking into Scripture to develop a practical theology for congregational vitality.
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Communications
International
Justice
Leadership & Renewal
Host: Canadian Ministries
Presenter: The Rev. John Gilbert, Clerk, Presbytery of Grey Bruce Maitland
Description:
Co-operative and cluster ministries are comprised of churches that have chosen to work together − typically with shared staff, programs, and outreach − to provide fiscally sustainable ongoing worship and ministry in their respective communities. This model of ministry offers churches the ability to maintain their individuality as well as decision-making authority, but also benefit from shared programming and ministry. By sharing life together as a co-operative, congregations that were previously struggling have found new energy and life.
In this webinar, we discussed the process of establishing a cooperative ministry in The Presbyterian Church in Canada and heard about the process first-hand from leaders who have done it.
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Presenters: Gregory Lynch, Director of the Green Churches Network and Elizabeth Churcher, Environmental Team Chair at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Tweed, Ont.
Description:
This webinar, collaboratively hosted by Justice Ministries and Canadian Ministries, gives advice on how to begin or expand greening efforts in your congregation. It includes a presentation from Gregory Lynch, Director of the Green Churches Network, and from Elizabeth Churcher, Environmental Team Chair at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Tweed, Ont. Mr. Lynch will present examples of greening efforts churches are undertaking, while Ms. Churcher will share ideas and lessons learned from St. Andrew’s efforts to engage in sound environmental ethics and practices.
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Presenter: Tori Smit, Regional Minister for Faith Formation, Synod of Central, Northeastern Ontario and Bermuda
Description:
You have so many curriculum options to choose from for Sunday school, the nursery, bible studies, and intergenerational events. In this webinar we’ll learn how to evaluate curriculum theologically, educationally, and practically as we walk through a helpful process of evaluation using a provided curriculum evaluation guide. In addition to learning how to evaluate curriculum for your church needs, you will also receive a detailed handout outlining a wide range of recommended reformed curriculum options for your church.
Handouts:
A ten question tool for choosing curriculumCurriculum Options for ChurchesHow to Choose the Right CurriculumTheological Comparison – Orange and DwellListen to the webinar
Presenter: The Rev. David Moody, Heritage Green Family Church
Description:
Church restarts, or replants, often begin with when members of a congregation or the presbytery discern a new vision from God that is significantly different from the congregation’s current ministry focus. Restarts are most successful when a congregation is radically open to a new vision and able to fully trust God with the future of their church. A committed leadership team with the necessary skills and calling to move the vision forward as well as strong plan with inspiring short-term and long-term goals are also key to successfully restarting a church.
View this webinar to learn more about discovering and moving forward with a new vision, finding and cultivating the necessary leaders, and creating a plan for success in church restarts.
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Presenter:The Rev. Emily Bisset, Calvin Presbyterian Church, Toronto
Description:
Ecumenical shared ministry is when people of different denominations worship and serve God in a unified way while still maintaining their denominational identities and connections. It can take many forms, including sharing a program, mission, ministry, or building. While congregations often consider this option for economic reasons, sharing ministry across denominations provides many benefits, including a unified Christian witness, stronger ministry programs, larger networks of resources and support, and a diversity of perspectives and practices. In this webinar, we will discuss the process of establishing an ecumenical shared ministry in The Presbyterian Church in Canada and hear from ministry leaders who are currently serving in an ecumenical shared ministry.
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Presenter: The Rev. Heather Malnick, Living Faith Community Presbyterian Church
Description:
Amalgamation, when two or more churches merge to form a new congregation, is one of the ways God is bringing about new life in our denomination. While often chosen out of necessity (dwindling resources and declining membership), congregations have found that the renewal and vitality that amalgamation brings is well-worth the hard work and sacrifice it takes to bring congregations together.
In this webinar, we discussed the process of amalgamation in The Presbyterian Church in Canada and heard from a ministry leader with first-hand experience in guiding a congregation through the discernment process and steps towards amalgamation.
Handouts:
Amalgamation presentationAmalgamation webinar hand-outPolicy for the Amalgamation or Dissolution of CongregationsWatch the webinar
Presenter: Lauren Wasyluk, Christian Coordinator at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Kitchener, Ont.
Description:
Calling all Presbyterian parents. Do you want to make your children’s faith a priority this summer? It’s easier than you think.
Although summertime is often busy for families, the change in rhythm creates new opportunities for having faith-building conversations and sharing experiences of God with your children.
Join Lauren Wasyluk, Christian Education Coordinator at St. Andrew’s Church (Kitchener, ON), in this webinar as she shares tips and tools for incorporating faith into the rhythms and patterns of family life.
Handouts:
Faith Formation at Home – Webinar, June 20, 2018Baton of Faith WorksheetFaith Formation at Home Webinar ResourcesWatch the webinar
Facilitator: The Rev. Dr. Ken McFayden, Academic Dean and Professor of Ministry and Leadership Development at Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Description:
We have a great vision, but how do we live it out as a congregation?
Churches often get stuck at the implementation phase of adopting a new vision. We find it a daunting phase because we think it means making drastic changes, such as completely overhauling programming or developing a new outreach ministry. While these types of changes may come about as long-term vision unfolds, the first steps don’t have to be big. In this webinar, you will learn how to invite and inspire your congregation to work towards realistic and attainable goals in the first year after adopting on your new vision. Topics that will be covered include: busting myths that prevent churches from implementing their visions, acting with intention as a congregation, learning to live out the new vision in a daily way, taking steps towards reaching realistic and attainable goals.
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Facilitator: Nick Warnes, the founder and Executive Director of a church planting initiative called Cyclical.
Description:
Ecclesial innovation in 2018 certainly looks different than it did one generation ago. In the midst of this difference, we can find some common practices amongst churches that are prioritizing the mission of God. From context to context a priority on boundary crossing, discerning God’s initiatives, treating neighbors as mutual subjects and choosing a plural leadership, has been common across North America. The best news is that this isn’t just for experts! All of God’s people can choose these priorities.
Handouts:
Prioritizing The Mission of GodWatch the webinar
Facilitator: The Rev. Brian Fraser from Brentwood Presbyterian, Burnaby, B.C.
Description:
Does your congregation have a vision that is energizing and reinvigorating the ministry of your church?
If your answer to the above question is no, then this webinar is for you. While most churches have a vision on paper, it is often too vague, general or uninspiring to guide them towards the futures they feel God is calling them to. In order to successfully implement a vision, the congregation as a whole must be behind it.
In this webinar, you will learn how to engage in a collective visioning process that is creative and inspiring and will help congregants grow closer to God and each other. Topics to be covered include: getting the congregation onboard, aligning your story with God’s story, mapping your desired futures, and dreaming big but setting specific and reachable goals.
Handouts:
Vision CastingWatch the webinar
Description:
Many sessions are maintenance oriented rather than leadership oriented. What makes the leadership session different from the maintenance session? Why is it important today to shift into more of a leadership orientation? This webinar would provide an overview of the main tasks of leadership. They will be presented as a sequence of steps (in other words, outlining a leadership process) that will help elders see how to move from discovering and assessing issues through faithful reflection, direction setting and planning. You could call this “Leadership 101.”
Handouts:
The Session As Congregational Leaders – Webinar presentationThe Session as Congregational Leaders – notesWatch the webinar
Hosts: Canadian Ministries
Description:
If your church were gone tomorrow, would those in your neighbourhood feel the loss?
Despite the second part of Jesus’ greatest commandment, “you shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31), many congregations have little sense of who their neighbours are and how their churches could serve them. One of the best things you can do to reinvigorate the mission and ministry of your church is to learn about your neighbourhood. In this webinar, you will be given tools to learn about who your neighbours are and what they need, discern how God is calling your congregation to respond to those needs, and develop an action plan for your response.
Handouts
Neighbourhood Mapping HandoutWatch the webinar
Hosts: Canadian Ministries
Description:
This online workshop will allow people to:
- Train your own trainers to have experts in accessibility in your church
- Fully involve members with disabilities in your community activities
- Develop accessible communication in your community outreach
The workshop is being offered by Our Doors are Open. This is a project of the Inclusive Design Research Centre at the Ontario College of Art and Design; the project offers diverse faith-communities in Ontario simple and creative ideas to help increase inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities in worship services, events and all communal activities, and offers free training seminars and services to all Ontario faith communities. Specifically, the webinar will discuss, offer context for, and demonstrate the concepts of welcoming and inclusive thinking. As participants make use of Our Doors are Open’s Brief Accessibility Checklist, this webinar will also help participants to “get organized” by forming accessibility committees in their various congregations, identifying three different kinds of barriers in their own contexts, and creating short- and long-term organizational plans to make space for greater communal accessibility. Lastly, the webinar contains strategies to help participants create greater accessibility in terms of the active participation of people with disabilities in faith communities, communications (alternative and accessible forms of media), and physical buildings or facilities.
Handouts
Accessibility Checklist, Our Doors Are OpenWatch the webinar
Hosts: Canadian Ministries
Description:
At a time when many mainline Protestant churches are struggling, there are some that are thriving and growing. Looking at thriving churches from the outside, it is easy to assume that they may have just gotten lucky or had more favourable circumstances than other churches. In fact, church growth is usually the result of intentional visioning, planning and executing on the part of the congregation and its leaders. In this webinar, you will learn from two churches about the steps they took to transform their congregations from near-death to new-life. It isn’t nearly as daunting as you may think, so sign up today to hear about how it is done!
Watch the webinar
Host: Canadian Ministries
Description:
Where is God calling your church?
If you feel like your congregation is being called to do something different in ministry or mission but don’t know where to begin, you aren’t alone. Facing change, whether chosen and welcomed or required by necessity, is never easy. In this practical webinar, you will learn how to facilitate a collective process of discernment, which will provide your congregation with opportunities to intentionally listen for God’s voice and make decisions about the future together. You will be given ready-to-use discernment tools as well as tips on finding the necessary support within and without the congregation, teaching your congregation to trust God in the process, and how and when to start.
Handouts:
Discernment Webinar SlidesCollective Discernment PracticesFrom Vision to Vitality: How Biblical Discernment can Reawaken your ChurchWatch the webinar
Living? Dying? Being Reborn?
No matter where your church is on the church lifecycle, God is with you there. In this webinar, you will learn how to find joy and meaning where you are at while also looking towards where God might want you to be. Topics to be covered include: celebrating and building your strengths at any stage, letting go of what is past and looking to the future, dying with dignity as a church, and moving from death to rebirth.
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Leading with Care
Hosts: Life and Mission Agency
Description:
This webinar will feature a review of the Leading with Care Policy and some of the practical issues related to its implementation. Topics will include:
- who should have a police record check and why?
- safety in the rooms of the building (e.g.meeting rooms and classrooms) and around outside of buildings
- insurance issues
- record keeping
- any other questions participants will have
Handouts:
Leading with Care presentation 2018Watch the webinar
Ministry and Church Vocations
Hosted by: Ministry and Church Vocations
Facilitator: Rev. Susan Shaffer
Description:
This narrated PowerPoint presentation offers a brief introduction to The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s candidacy process for those who feel that God may be calling them to serve the church as an ordained Minister of Word and Sacraments. It outlines the Presbyterian and Reformed tradition’s understanding of Christian vocation, the parties with key roles in the candidacy process, how the guidance conference and the psychological testing happens, and the different educational pathways to ordained ministry.
Handouts:
Candidacy ProcessThe Candidacy Process – PresentationHosted by: Ministry and Church Vocations
Facilitator: Rev. Tim Purvis
Description:
This two-part presentation, originally made to the Presbytery of Westminster in November 2021, provides a more detailed look at the candidacy process and the Education and Reception process, and is intended for presbytery clerks, members of presbytery student committees, and anyone wanting a more in-depth treatment of these areas.
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Facilitator: Rev. Tim Purvis
Description:
This online training module offers a basic introduction to the SASH policy is intended for: members of Sessions, congregations and anyone in the church at large; ministers and candidates for ministry who may need a “refresher” in the policy; and applicants to the Committee on Education and Reception (E&R) who have been declared eligible for reception as ministers or as candidates certified for ordination in the PCC.
The module consists of three parts to be completed in sequence: A 30-minute online video, Sexual Misconduct: Learn to Spot It, Learn to Stop It, produced by the Anglican Church of Canada; a 30-minute narrated PowerPoint presentation; and a 10-question quiz to test your knowledge.
The module consists of three parts to be completed in sequence:
Money Matters: Building Financial Sustainability
Presented by: Karen Plater, Associate Secretary, Stewardship; Jen DeCombe, Associate Secretary, Canadian Ministries;
Description:
This is the first session in an eight-part webinar series that will help you build financial sustainability for your congregation. This first session led by Jen de Combe, Associate Secretary, Canadian Ministries. focuses on how to discern and articulate your ministry’s vision and mission. (Please note, audio drops out in this recording at 17:22 and returns at 17:52.)
The webinar series runs for a course of eight weeks, and each session in the series takes place on Thursday from 1:30–2:30 p.m. (Eastern). Visit https://presbyterian.ca/2023/02/21/webinar-series-money-matters/ for more information and to register.
Handouts
Money Matters Part 1.1 – The Role of Vision – presentationWatch the webinar
Presented by: Jen DeCombe, Associate Secretary, Canadian Ministries;
Description:
In this second session, Jennifer de Combe, Associate Secretary, Canadian Ministries, expands how churches develop a new vision for ministry. Jen emphasizes it is crucial to engage the whole congregation in developing a compelling vision, with leading of the Holy Spirit.
Visit https://presbyterian.ca/2023/02/21/webinar-series-money-matters/ for more information and to register for the complete series.
Handouts
Money Matters Part 1.2 – The Role of Vision – presentationFront Porching brochureNew Initiative Discernment Process brochureWhat Next brochureWatch the webinar
Hosted by: Canadian Ministries, Stewardship & Planned Giving
Presented by: Jen DeCombe, Associate Secretary, Canadian Ministries;
Description:
In this webinar, Jen DeCombe leads us through the steps a congregation will take to move toward realizing and communicating a congregation’s vision so that fundraising flows out of the visioning process.
Visit https://presbyterian.ca/2023/02/21/webinar-series-money-matters/ for more information and to register for the complete series.
Handouts
Money Matters Part 1.3 – Vision and Fundraising – presentationGiving Guide – Bulletin InsertWhat Clergy Should Know About What People GiveLinks
What Clergy Should Know article
Visit webpage
Watch the webinar
Hosted by: Canadian Ministries, Stewardship & Planned Giving
Presented by: The Rev. Jeya So, Minister at Anchor & Hope Church—a PCUSA third culture, multigenerational, inclusive church called to bless and serve the city of San Diego and the world.
Description:
In this webinar, Rev. Jeya So emphasizes the importance of teams in sustainability and finance. She explains that congregations need to recognize and empower load-bearing leaders. Rev. So encourages congregations to let go of preconceptions about what their team should look like and to identify people in their four circles (spiritual, personal, social, and public) who can contribute to church sustainability.
Visit https://presbyterian.ca/2023/02/21/webinar-series-money-matters/ for more information and to register for the complete series.
Handouts
Money Matters Part 2.1 – Building Your Team – presentation (coming soon)
Watch the webinar
Presented by: The Rev. Jeya So, Minister at Anchor & Hope Church—a PCUSA third culture, multigenerational, inclusive church called to bless and serve the city of San Diego and the world.
Description:
In this webinar, Rev. Jeya So explains that an asset-based approach to leadership and team-building in churches focuses on recognizing the gifts and strengths of individuals and empowering them to take on leadership roles. By broadening the scope beyond what is needed to merely keep things going and by sharing the responsibility of the church with as many people as possible, churches can increase their sustainability and adaptability in a changing environment.
Visit https://presbyterian.ca/2023/02/21/webinar-series-money-matters/ for more information and to register for the complete series.
Handouts
Money Matters Part 2.2 – presentationWatch the webinar
Hosted by: Canadian Ministries, Stewardship & Planned Giving
Presented by: The Rev. Jeya So, Minister at Anchor & Hope Church—a PCUSA third culture, multigenerational, inclusive church called to bless and serve the city of San Diego and the world.
Description:
In this webinar, Jeya So emphasizes the power of storytelling in building community and sustaining relationships. We discuss the human desire to connect through stories and Jeya explains how a narrative budget uses storytelling to share how a church is stewarding resources. Jeya discusses the benefits of changing the way financial information is presented and the importance of involving many members of the congregation in sharing their stories of how the budget serves mission.
Visit https://presbyterian.ca/2023/02/21/webinar-series-money-matters/ for more information and to register for the complete series.
Handouts
Money Matters Part 2.3 – presentationWatch the webinar
Presented by: The Rev. Jeya So, Minister at Anchor & Hope Church—a PCUSA third culture, multigenerational, inclusive church called to bless and serve the city of San Diego and the world.
Description:
In this webinar, Jeya So explores the importance of creativity in church ministry. She discusses the challenges faced by churches, the need for innovation while maintaining core values, and the significance of self-care. The webinar emphasizes the value of teamwork, the power of inviting outsiders to join church ministries, building a sense of community within the team, and leveraging networks for effective problem-solving. Includes two creative exercises and some stories to help participants think creatively.
Visit https://presbyterian.ca/2023/02/21/webinar-series-money-matters/ for more information and to register for the complete series.
Handouts
Money Matters Part 2.4 – presentationWatch the webinar
From Jeya So’s presentation:
Additional Resources:
- Rooted Good: Mission Possible Game
- An online game to inspire creativity and build teams
- https://www.rootedgood.org/post/mission-possible-the-story-and-reach-of-our-most-popular-tool
- Leadership Can Be Taught, by Sharon Daloz Parks;
- Adaptive leadership in practice
- https://www.amazon.ca/Leadership-Can-Be-Taught-Approach-ebook/dp/B001GIPS02/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
- God, Improv, and the Art of Living, by MaryAnn McKibben Dana
- A book on improv principles and their connection to spiritual wisdom to build our creativity
- https://www.amazon.ca/Improv-Living-MaryAnn-McKibben-Dana-ebook/dp/B091K7F21S/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
- The Storytelling Non-Profit, by Vanessa Chase Lockshin
- Sustaining Grace, by Hagley, Roher, Gehrling et. Al
- Good Idea, Now What? by Charles Lee
- How to move ideas to execution
- https://www.amazon.ca/Good-Idea-Now-What-Execution-ebook/dp/B006V87A4O/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
- The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron
- The Spirituality of Fundraising, by Henri Nouwen
Presented by: Karen Plater, Associate Secretary, Stewardship; Jen DeCombe, Associate Secretary, Canadian Ministries
Description:
In this webinar, Karen Plater explores how congregations can reclaim the word stewardship. Using a variety of case studies, she introduces a number of tools congregations can use build financial sustainability including how to teach stewardship principals all year round, building intentional stewardship campaigns to ask for gifts, saying thank you and giving updates. She also talks about practical tools to make it easy for people to give, including digital giving and having a plan to receive for planned gifts. Stewardship committees are encouraged to embrace joy, foster a culture of stewardship, and make it easy for people to give while emphasizing transparency and trust. Finally, if congregations are doing all these things, but they can’t raise enough support to sustain a building they can consider how to continue the legacy of the congregation through amalgamation and/or by supporting ongoing mission and ministry through their presbytery and denomination.
Visit https://presbyterian.ca/2023/02/21/webinar-series-money-matters/ for more information and to register for the complete series.
Handouts
Money Matters Part 3 – presentationWatch the webinar
Presented by: Jim MacDonald, Development Manager, Stewardship and special guest, The Rev. Kirk Summers, Minister, Trinity Presbyterian Church York Mills
Description:
Discover the transformative power of caring for your church, camp, and specialized site facilities and grounds. The Rev. Kirk Summers, of Trinity Presbyterian Church York Mills, Ont., explores theology and stewardship connected to buildings and shows how they are tools in mission and evangelism. He explores infrastructure maintenance, renovation, renewal, management, I.T. security, and operational oversight. This informative and inspiring session will help you position your facilities and grounds as a blessing rather than a burden.
Visit https://presbyterian.ca/2023/02/21/webinar-series-money-matters/ for more information and to register for the complete series.
Handouts
Money Matters Part 4 – presentationWatch the webinar
Stewardship & Planned Giving
Presented by: Jim MacDonald, Development Manager for Stewardship & Planned Giving
Special Guest: Bruce A. Barkhauer, Minister for Faith and Giving at Disciples of Christ
Description:
Stewardship expert, Rev. Bruce A. Barkhauer, explains how to run a stewardship campaign in your church. During the webinar, Bruce shared how congregations can use the stewardship materials. “Because of You, Our Church Changes Lives,” a comprehensive kit designed to support your congregation’s annual stewardship efforts. It includes worship resources, sermons, and faith formation materials for all ages, along with practical tools like posters, commitment cards, and letters. These materials can be used for both year-round and seasonal campaigns.
Watch the webinar
Handouts
Connecting Donor Generosity to Your Church’s Mission – presentationGet the campaign kit
Contact stewardship [at] Presbyterian [dot] ca to receive the PCC coupon code and the link to unlock and download the campaign/study kit’s printable digital files—a US$49 value—free of charge for your PCC congregation.
Other Resources
Bruce Barkhauer’s Community of Prayer Stewardship Devotional
Link: https://chalicepress.com/products/community-of-prayer
Presented by: Karen Plater, Associate Secretary for Stewardship & Planned Giving and
Lori Guenther Reesor, Stewardship Consultant
Description:
This webinar explores deficits in the church, advising a shift away from a crisis mindset.
Strategies for addressing deficits include embracing alternative narratives, increasing giving, and optimizing resource utilization. Through the lens of gratitude and storytelling, participants discuss how to align funds with mission and encourage generosity. In addition, resources for fundraising, money management, and cultivating a culture of generosity are shared.
Handouts
Help! We Have a Deficit! – presentationWatch the webinar
Hosted by: Stewardship & Planned Giving
Presented by: Guest speaker: The Rev. Doug Schonberg
Description:
Have you ever wondered whether a capital campaign would help support your congregation’s ministry? Sharing from first-hand experience, The Rev. Doug Schonberg will help you consider why you would do a Capital Campaign and how to prepare for it and then how to execute it. Presented in two parts.
Part I: Reasons and Research will help you uncover and articulate why you need and want a capital campaign and the difference it will make. You will be introduced to resources to help you develop the case for your capital campaign and learn about the tasks you need to do before beginning the campaign.
Part II: Running a Campaign explores key elements to help you run your campaign, including whether to hire a consultant, how to prepare campaign materials, conducting stewardship teaching that can help prepare donors, and figuring out the funds that may be realistically raised.
The Rev. Doug Schonberg served from 1998 to 2020 as minister of Chippewa Presbyterian Church in Niagara—a vibrant, intergenerational congregation located in the village of Chippawa in Niagara Falls, Ontario. During this period, he helped lead the congregation through three capital campaigns raising a total of 1.6 million dollars over 14 years. Chippawa celebrated the completion of their mortgage in June of 2022.
Visit Doug’s website at www.relationalsystemsconsulting.com
Presentation Slides
Capital Campaign Considerations – Part I: Research & ReasoningCapital Campaign Considerations – Part II: Running a CampaignWatch the webinars
Presented by: Guest speaker: Dr. Lori Guenther Reesor. Hosted by the Stewardship & Planned Giving Team: Karen Plater, Jim MacDonald, Heather Chappell, and Maggie Leung.
Description:
Is your congregation reluctant to talk about money? Spend an hour with generosity expert Dr. Lori Guenther Reesor and learn how to change the conversation from meeting the budget to worshiping a generous God. Discover how to talk about money, say thank you and offer prayers celebrating generosity.
Lori is a passionate speaker who can engage anyone interested in cultivating generous discipleship in their congregation, including clergy and church finance teams.
Visit Lori’s website at www.lgreesor.com
Presentation Slides
A Practical Guide to Joyful Generosity – Evening Session, May 18Watch the webinars
Hosted by: Stewardship & Planned Giving
Presented by: Guest speaker: Rev. Bruce Barkhauer, Minister for Faith and Giving at Disciples of Christ. Hosted by the Stewardship & Planned Giving Team: Karen Plater, Jim MacDonald, Heather Chappell, and Maggie Leung.
Description:
A 2021 survey on stewardship practices in the PCC revealed that while 61% of congregations have a sermon on stewardship, 79% don’t have intentional programs encouraging generosity. This 54-minute webinar explores how congregations can teach about the spiritual discipline of stewardship. Bruce A. Barkhauer, Minister for Faith and Giving at Disciples of Christ (USA), shares ways you can talk about giving in your congregation and introduce you to From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving, a new stewardship theme resource with everything you need to teach your congregation about giving all year round—including sermon and worship resources, small group study guides and educational materials for children and youth. The digital resources are available free-of-charge for PCC congregations. Contact the Stewardship & Planned Giving staff for access info.
Handouts:
Running an Effective Annual Stewardship Campaign – presentationWatch the webinar
Hosted by: Stewardship & Planned Giving
Presented by: Lori Guenther Reesor, Stewardship Consultant
Description:
Jesus talks about money; your church can too! Fundraising consultant Lori Guenther Reesor walks webinar participants through her new book, Growing a Generous Church: A Year in the Life of Peach Blossom Church . Discover the different strategies this small, fictional congregation experiments with over the course of a year as they explore giving, generosity, and money and grow in their faith journey. Lori will help you understand how to better talk about money and learn how to implement strategies in your own church.
Watch the webinar
Presented by: Karen Plater, Associate Secretary, Stewardship & Planned Giving and Jim MacDonald, Development Manager, Stewardship & Planned Giving
Description:
Major gifts and legacy gifts can be a wonderful blessing for you congregation’s mission and ministry. A well thought out legacy gift or endowment policy provides clear guidance to ensure that your congregation is ready to receive, invest and use legacy gifts to support your congregation’s long-term ministry.
One reason that many donors make the language in their gifts too restrictive is that there are no policies in their congregation about how to channel legacy and other planned gifts. Legacy and endowment policies can both assure potential donors that their gifts will be stewarded wisely and help donors to see how their gifts will enhance the life and mission of the Church.
This webinar will help you develop a legacy giving policy that fits your congregation. We will discuss how to create a policy and review sample wording that can be adapted to your congregation’s context and ministry needs. We’ll also go over a checklist which can be used both as a guide for assembling your policy and to double check that you have included the necessary items in your existing policy.
Watch the webinar
Hosted by: Stewardship & Planned Giving
Presented by: Jim MacDonald, Development Manager, Stewardship & Planned Giving
Description:
You’ve been building a culture of generosity in your congregation and people want to give. It’s time to make it as easy as possible for them to do so in an era when we’re told that one-third of individuals under the age of 50 make no purchases using cash.
This webinar will compare the costs, features and benefits of fundraising services that make online donation easy: Tithe.ly, CanadaHelps.org and iATSPayments.com. We’ll also look at the church marketing and management services: Micharity.com, PushPay.com and PlanningCenter.com. For in-church giving, we’ll talk about Square Reader and other payment companies that offer point-of-sale terminals. While a few companies offer simple methods to enable eGiving in your church, others are surprisingly complex, requiring expertise and customization that many churches may find challenging. This webinar will make recommendations that help you decide which service will best serve your church’s unique circumstances.
Erratum to the original webinar:
This webinar has been edited since first broadcast and updated. New slides were added from 23:37 to 28:20. Here is the gist of the amended information:
In the past, CanadaHelps.org did accept donations via Interac Online but has now stopped. This is because “Interac Online” has all but been abandoned by Canadian financial institutions. Most banks provide a “co-badged” debit card, which accepts Interac payments for tap and chip transactions but flips over to the Visa Debit network for manually-input and online payments. (Debit Mastercard at BMO.)
Consequently, to donate from existing funds, almost all online donation solutions work with Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard (or PayPal). When you use a tap and chip device, in person, like those offered by Square Reader, Clover Flex or Stripe, the device can access the Interac network, which has lower transaction fees.
Links to special eGiving offers for PCC Churches
- Tithe.ly: To set-up an account with the special rate for PCC churches (lower transaction fees), go to tithe.ly/rp/pcic/register
- Square Reader: To set up an account and pay no processing fees for the first $1,000 or 180 days, visit squ.re/PCC
- Micharity.com: To set up a “Launch Plan” for free, indefinitely, (save $29/mo.) go to https://micharity.com/pccchurches
Handouts:
Digital Giving Comparison ChartWatch the webinar
Hosted by: Stewardship & Planned Giving
Presented by: Karen Plater, Associate Secretary, Stewardship & Planned Giving
Description:
This stewardship webinar will start the church year by:
- Talk about reclaiming stewardship—what does it really mean?
- Provide ideas for what your stewardship committee can do to encourage generosity
- Help you move from “we’re behind on budget” to encouraging the spiritual practice of generosity in your congregation with an emphasis on storytelling
- Answer the question, “why should I give to my congregation?”
This introductory webinar can help launch your congregation’s stewardship ministry and introduce tools for encouraging a culture of generosity. It’s great for a first-time webinar participant or a refresher for long serving stewardship committees.
Handouts:
Growing a Culture of GenerosityWatch the webinar
Presented by: Jim MacDonald, Sherri Grosz
Description:
If someone wanted to leave a gift to your church in their will, would you know what to do? Did you know half of Canadians can’t make a legacy gift because they don’t have a will? Here’s how you can help people in your congregation consider making a bequest in their wills with practical tools to help make it happen.
Supporting materials
YOUR WILL – A Planning Guide and WorkbookWatch the webinar
Presented by: Lori Guenther Reesor, Stewardship Consultant
Description:
The Apostle Paul collected money from his various churches as part of his Collection for Jerusalem. Then as now, we give in grateful obedience to God’s abundant grace. In this webinar, we will write a fundraising letter in real-time modeled on Paul’s approach.
Handouts:
Fundraising letter with Apostle PaulWatch the webinar
Presented by: Lori Guenther Reesor, Stewardship Consultant
Description:
Are your church members mortal? Yes! Is your church pretending that they’re not? Probably! Would receiving a bequest benefit your church? Yes! Does your church need help broaching this topic? This webinar will provide practical tools for talking specifically about bequests in your congregation.
Handout:
Leaving a Legacy to Your Church – PresentationWatch the webinar
Presented by: Lori Guenther Reesor, Stewardship Consultant
Description:
What wonderful work has God been doing in your congregation? This webinar will look at ideas for annual receipt letters, including letters to people who aren’t getting a receipt. Includes a sample letter for you to modify.
Handout:
Thank You Letters presentationWatch the webinar
Presented by: Lori Guenther Reesor, Stewardship Consultant
Description:
Talking about money can feel scary. This webinar discusses how to talk about money from a Biblical perspective in a joyful and generous way. Did Jesus really mean we had to give away all we had to follow him? What does the tithe mean today? Examples and stories of what to do with gifts of treasure will be shared.
Handouts:
Jesus Talks About Money, We Can Too – presentationWatch the webinar
Presented by: Lori Guenther Reesor, Stewardship Consultant
Description:
Discover ways in which you can enrich the offering experience as an act of worship. This webinar will provide ideas on how to promote the offering as a celebration of God’s abundance. It will also help people see how their gifts further God’s work in your church and beyond.
Handouts:
Celebrating the Offering – Webinar presentationGiving Guide – Bulletin InsertWatch the webinar
Hosts: The Rev. Mark Tremblay
Description:
The Rev. Mark Tremblay will share some practical tools that Knox, Calgary has used over the years to construct their narrative budget. He will talk about what they have learned, what has worked, what has not worked, etc. This webinar builds on concepts introduced in a previous webinar, “Sharing your story in a way that inspires.”
Watch the webinar
Category: Stewardship & Planned Giving
Hosts: Stewardship & Planned Giving
Description:
This webinar, led by Karen Plater (Associate Secretary, Stewardship & Planned Giving) will provide practical language for presenting financial updates to your congregation. It will look at how to move from challenge-based language to compassion-based invitations to give.
Handouts
Talking about Church Finances to Encourage Generous GivingWatch the webinar
Description:
This webinar will explore the importance of saying thank you to the people who have generously supported the congregation’s mission and ministry, and ways to do it that reflect our faith.
Handouts
Inspire, Ask, Thank TipsPCC Saying thank you – presentationWatch the webinar
This webinar will provide helpful hints on how to present the budget to the congregation in a way that shares what the congregation is accomplishing in mission and ministry. Plus, you’ll learn creative ideas on how to tell the story and help people see and experience the impact their gifts are having.
Handouts:
Narrative Budgets—Finding and Telling Your Church Mission StorySharing Your Story in a Way That Inspires – presentationWatch the webinar
Treasurers
Presented by: Karen Plater, Heather Chappell, Maggie Leung, Stewardship; Terrie-Lee Hamilton, General Assembly Office;
Description:
This webinar reviews the questions on the 2022 statistical and financial report, one line item at a time, including changes that have been made this year.
Handouts
PCC Statistical & Financial Report – Presentation SlidesWatch the webinar
Ministry of Managing Money Part 1: Where do I begin? Financial roles, vocabulary, software & budgets
Presented by: Karen Plater, Stewardship; Don Muir, General Assembly Office; Maurice Mawhinney, Presbytery of West Toronto; Nicole Jeffrey, Pension & Benefits; Jim MacDonald, Stewardship
Description:
This 100 minute webinar provides an overview of financial ideas and concepts, as well as the different roles session, board of managers and other committees play in managing the finances of a congregation, and how they interact with the treasurer.
Handouts
Treasurer Webinar Part 1 – Presentation SlidesTreasurer Webinar Part 1 – Presentation with Notes, PDFQ&A from Sessions 1–3Watch the webinar
Presented by: Karen Plater, Stewardship; Maurice Mawhinney, Presbytery of West Toronto; Jim MacDonald, Stewardship; Maggie Leung, Stewardship, Oliver Ng, CFO
Description:
This 120 minute webinar covers what makes a gift receiptable, the nuances around different types of non-cash gifts (gifts-in-kind), exploring gifts of service, how to identify qualified donees, how to set up your receipts, many ways to give and the receipting requirements of each of them, including gifts-in-kind, gifts of securities, life insurance, charitable gift annuities and bequests, the essentials of preparing your congregation to receive digital gifts from online giving to apps and terminals, saying thank-you, considerations for other kinds of revenue like grants and rent. You might want to watch it in two parts!
Handouts
Treasurer Webinar Part 2 – Presentation SlidesTreasurer Webinar Part 2 – Presentation with Notes, PDFQ&A from Sessions 1–3Watch the webinar
Hosted by: Stewardship & Planned Giving
Presented by: Karen Plater, Jim MacDonald, Maggie Leung, Heather Chappell, Stewardship; Maurice Mawhinney, Presbytery of West Toronto; Nicole Jeffrey and Liane Maki, Pension & Benefits; Oliver Ng and Rebecca Weber, Finance
Description:
This 120-minute webinar dives in-depth into some of the details of congregational expenditures, including payroll-related matters (employee vs. contractors, minimum stipends, deductions, housing allowance, insurance, pension and benefits, pulpit supply) and property management. We’ll also look at synod and presbytery assessments, Presbyterians Sharing allocations and how to remit to the national office. Finally, we’ll touch on the other ways congregations spend money on mission and ministry.
Handouts
Treasurer Webinar Part 3 – Presentation SlidesTreasurer Webinar Part 3 – Presentation with Notes, PDFQ&A from Sessions 1–3Watch the Webinar
Hosted by: Stewardship & Planned Giving
Presented by: Karen Plater, Jim MacDonald, Heather Chappell, Stewardship; Lawrence Eastwood, Presbytery of Westminster; Bill Paterson, Mill Woods Presbyterian Church – Edmonton; Oliver Ng, Presbyterian Church in Canada; Maurice Mawhinney, Presbytery of West Toronto.
Description:
“Gifts were received. Expenditures were made. Now it’s time to share the story of how the money was spent. This webinar focuses on the different ways of reporting finances – to session, the congregation, Canada Revenue Agency, grant makers, lenders, and donors. Learn more about the ins and outs financial statements and how to use financial statements to share your story of mission. NOTE: The PCC Statistical report will be covered in a separate webinar on Thursday January 27, 2022.”
Handouts
Treasurer Webinar Part 4 – Presentation SlidesTreasurer Webinar Part 4 – Presentation with Notes, PDF