Fall Webinars Include Tough Topics

September 12, 2012

Starting next Wednesday,Sept. 19, CRC Communications will begin its fall season of webinars, allowing people to connect in real time and in practical ways about different aspects of ministry. The emphasis is on offering ways in which church members can grow together in ministry.

The fall lineup includes help for churches on some sensitive issues. Walking beside people with mental illness, dealing with clergy finances, how to navigate diverse perspectives on homosexuality, getting started as a new deacon or elder, and including children with autism in Sunday school are just some of the topics currently scheduled.

Informally dubbed “Webinar Wednesdays,” the one-hour webinars begin at noon EST on most Wednesdays throughout the fall months. All webinars are free of charge.

To participate, all that’s needed is a computer with headphones or speakers. During the live event, participants can type in questions and respond to quick polls that will appear on screen. Real-time Q & A with the presenter wraps up each event.

Tim Postuma, web manager for CRC Communications, says the initial season of webinars was well received by people both inside and outside the CRC. “In the spring, we averaged about 40 participants per webinar. But that jumps to well over 100 if you consider the number of people who watch the recording shortly afterwards.”

In total, more than 1,000 people have viewed the archived webinars and some of these people have accessed the videos for various purposes in church meetings.

Postuma hopes that the upcoming webinars will continue to serve as valuable, interactive opportunities for people seeking to share ideas and approaches on how to create and sustain vibrant local ministries.

“With no travel required, we can make these workshops available to every corner of the denomination,” says Postuma. “The presenter can ask for a show of hands, or open the floor for questions. It’s not quite the same as attending a workshop in person, but it’s surprisingly close.”

Last season’s webinars included such topics as children and the Lord’s Supper and how to use the web to be a welcoming church.

The new webinar season includes:

  • Is Everyone Really Welcome to Your Church?
  • Being Community: Walking Beside Persons with Mental Illness
  • Autism and Children’s Ministry
  • Clergy Finance: Pointers for Pastors & Church Leaders
  • Getting Started as a New Deacon
  • The Coming Revolution in Student Missions
  • Called to be an Elder: Now What?
  • ChurchINComplete: Working Toward Solving the Generational Hole
  • Nurturing Generous Spaciousness: A Response to Gay Christians in the Church

To register for a webinar, vote on a proposed topic or to view webinar recordings visit: www.crcna.org/webinars.