Workshops

Continuing education for religious leaders

In addition to the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising and Cultivating Generous Congregations, we create standalone workshops available to the public. Future offerings are listed below, as well as recordings from past events.

Skills for Flourishing Congregations - A Partnership with Christian Theological Seminary

Micro-credentials in practical skills for church leaders

“We never learned this in seminary.” How many times does a pastor and church leader say this? While formal theological degree programs provide an excellent foundation, the fast-paced world of ministry makes it necessary for clergy and laypeople to continually evolve their skills to keep churches healthy and flourishing.

Christian Theological Seminary is launching a series of micro-credentialing courses to help meet this need. Micro-credentialing is an emerging trend where educational institutions offer brief, focused, skills-based courses that allow participants to gain and demonstrate competencies in relevant areas of their work. Micro-credentialing courses are not tied to a formal degree. Instead, they are skills-based opportunities for continuing education that help leaders stay nimble and up to date in a rapidly changing ministry environment.

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The 2022-2023 series is focused on financial skills. The 6-week online courses will be hosted online Monday evenings from 6-8 p.m. In the first course, “Church Finance and Infrastructure,” led by Phil and Janet Jamieson in conjunction with Lake Institute.

Additional courses—“Grant Writing and Fundraising” (Winter 2023) and “Facilities Management” (Spring 2023)—can be taken individually or as a sequence to help leaders develop fresh skills and resources.

Faith and Fundraising Series with Greater San Fernando Valley AFP Chapter

Faith and Fundraising – September 8, 12 pm PT/ 3 pm ET

Lake Institute on Faith & Giving fosters a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between faith and giving, through research, education, and public conversation. As a bridge between the academy and faith-based organizations and networks, we seek to explore the distinct challenges and opportunities at the intersection of faith and fundraising. David P. King, Ph.D. will introduce Lake Institute and offer an overview of why the faith and fundraising intersection matters for all fundraisers and leaders of nonprofits today.

The Changing Landscape of Faith and Giving – October 6, 12 pm PT/ 3 pm ET

Navigating the new world of religious fundraising can be a challenge. But, understanding the changes taking place in the philanthropic and religious landscape can equip us to appreciate our history, understand where we are now, and plan effectively for the future. In this webinar, David P. King, Ph.D. will highlight new data from Giving USA, research conducted by Lake Institute’s National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices, as well as trends in religious and spiritual identity and individual practices of giving and volunteering.

Religion and Donor Motivation – November 17, 12 pm PT/ 3 pm ET

Donors are motivated to give in different ways, and religious institutions have opportunities to invite people to participate financially in increasingly meaningful ways over time. Within relationships with donors, different dimensions of religious fundraising may emerge, each indicating different ways of inviting contributions. In this webinar, Meredith McNabb will discuss why people give and how their faith impacts their giving.

Lake Institute on Faith and Giving