What skills and traits do you need for responsible leadership and professional integrity? In our summer workshop series, lay leaders and religious professionals are invited to sharpen their sense of integrity through skill development and community discussion around volunteer management, equity-oriented governance, and financial decision-making. You can register for the series or an individual workshop.
$50/series or $20/each
Sliding scale encouraged.
Thursday, May 7, 2026
5-6 pm Central/6-7 pm Eastern
Ministry often depends on volunteers—but how do faith leaders inspire, coordinate, and sustain the people who make ministry possible? “Ministry in Motion: Leading Volunteers in Faith Communities” explores practical strategies to nurture a shared sense of purpose and calling. In this one-hour session, participants will gain tools for building healthy volunteer cultures that strengthen both leadership and community impact.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
10-11 am Central/11am-noon Eastern
How can faith communities ensure that their governance practices reflect their deepest commitments to justice, dignity, and shared leadership? “Strategic Governance Through an Equity Lens” invites religious and lay leaders to examine how decision-making structures, policies, and leadership practices can either reinforce or challenge inequity. In this one-hour session, participants will explore practical approaches to governance that promote greater inclusion.
Saturday, September 26, 2026
12-1 pm Central/1-2 pm Eastern
Financial decisions in faith communities are never only about numbers—how can leaders ensure their financial practices reflect love at the center? “Ethical Financial Decision Making” invites religious and lay leaders to explore how transparency, accountability, and moral discernment shape faithful stewardship of resources. In this one-hour session, participants will consider practical approaches that support trust and integrity within their communities.
Ann Verdine-Jones, MBA is a Human Resource professional with more than 30 years of experience. While Ann has successfully managed all areas of HR, her recent ventures include consulting with organizations nationally on strategic initiatives, leadership development, cross-sectional team building and employee resource groups, and diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility. Ann has developed workshops that promote intersectional dialogue and she has collaborated as a principal thought leader to chief professionals nationwide. Ann has served as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) consultant to General Assembly and Conference Services enabling her to facilitate workshops and trainings on DEI&B as well as act as a resource for relevant activities. She has also partnered with LIGHT to facilitate a six-week course entitled “The Business of Ministry” which was designed specifically for faith leaders to integrate traditional business principles with the unique challenges and needs of religious organizations.
“Business knowledge equips faith leaders with a comprehensive set of skills that are essential for the effective management and growth of their respective organizations,” says Ann. “This series will help fulfill the participant’s spiritual mission while also addressing practical and administrative challenges. In addition, the series integrates core business concepts with the specific context and needs of faith-based communities, providing practical tools and strategies to enhance organizational efficiency, financial stability, and community impact. This certificate aims to empower faith leaders with the business acumen necessary to lead their organizations effectively, ensuring that they can meet both spiritual and operational goals.”