Equipping the Saints

This page highlights the in-person trainings for the Episcopal Diocese of California.

Studies show that churches learn best when they learn from other churches. Diocesan wide trainings allow congregations to send teams and learn from the wisdom in the room as well as from facilitators and guest speakers.

“Equipping the Saints”

Leadership Training for Vestries and Bishop’s Committees

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025

Time: 9:30 a.m.– 3:15 p.m.

Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda, CA 94563

Join us on Saturday, March 29, 2025 for a diocesan-wide training for new and returning Bishop's Committee and Vestry members and any clergy who can attend.

This day will feature a presentation by Bishop Austin Rios and Canon Sierra Reyes as well as a variety of workshops:

  • The Warden’s Way: Leading with Grace and Wisdom   

  • The Role and Responsibility of the Treasurer

  • Amplifying Your Church’s Voice: A Communications Workshop for Vestries    

  • Supporting our Migrant Neighbors

  • Understanding Vestry Expectations: A Workshop for Lay Leaders        

  • Practicing Discernment as a Church

  • HR Essentials for Church Leadership

  • Disaster Preparedness & Response: Is your congregation prepared for the inevitable?

  • Invitation and Welcome: New Ways to Reach Out and Welcome Visitors

  • Churches in Mission – Outreach, Grants, Community

The day will also include opportunities to meet new folks, connect with other churches, and find resources to take back to your congregation.

Registration includes lunch.

There is ample parking at St. Stephen’s Orinda. St. Stephen’s is close to BART but not quite walkable. Please indicate if you need shuttle from BART station.

Agenda:

9:30                     Check in, refreshments, informal conversations

10:00                   Opening Worship and presentations by Bishop Austin Rios and Canon Sierra Reyes

11:00                   Workshop #1

12:00                   Lunch

1:00                     Workshop #2

2:00                     Break

2:15                     Workshop #3                  

3:15                     End       

Future “Equipping the Saints” Trainings in 2025

May 3 - Learning to Connect with Your Neighborhood. Learning from guest speakers on how to connect and build relationships while becoming good partners with God’s work in your community.

August — Children, Youth, and Family Ministry. How to reach and disciple new generations in the church. What needs to change, and what is working. Planning underway for this all important topic for the future of the church.

November — What to do with our Buildings! Looking at our church buildings as assets for our communities. Planning underway for a training day that helps us dream of new ministries while helping us think about how to steward the resources we have.

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