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Chicago Presbytery Zoom Conversations

The Presbytery of Chicago is launching something new — a monthly gathering on Zoom to explore issues facing ministry leaders and churches throughout the presbytery.  Each offering will be a little different, but will always provide someone to walk you through a timely topic or helpful resource.  There will be time for questions and discussion, and also opportunities for you to share your ideas and learnings from your context with the group.

A few aims of these gatherings:

  • Bring your lunch and feel free to eat as we talk. It’s not quite as great as sitting around the table together, but it’s still a good way to connect — and we all have to eat lunch.
  • Be curious and ask questions!
  • Share stories of your own experience and what you’ve discovered.  There’s so much we can learn from each other.

Help us plan future topics by filling out this brief survey. 

 
 

Upcoming Webinars:

When You’re Feeling “Stuck”: An Invitation to Navigate Challenges in Ministry — May 22 @ noon 
With Rev. Nancy Dolan, Transitional Pastor and Church Leadership Consultant

Does ministry, or aspects of it, feel stuck right now? Maybe you’re spinning your wheels and wondering what that’s telling you?

Maybe you sense there must be a better way, but can’t yet see it and are not even sure how to begin.

This sense of “stuck” might be an invitation to explore and learn more.

We’d like to invite you to step toward that invitation! On Thursday, May 22 at noon, join us for conversation around the idea of feeling “stuck” – we’ll learn from each other as we explore how to navigate through and beyond “stuck.”

Join Rev. Nancy Dolan and presbytery staff as we talk about clues that could indicate you’re stuck, what that might be saying about the future vitality of your ministry, and how you can get started with these conversations in the congregation or ministry you serve.

Register now

 

Past Webinars:

Learn with the Clerk! (Recorded April 29, 2025)
With Rev. Ken Hockenberry, Presbytery of Chicago Stated Clerk and Business Manager

According to the AI Overview in Google, the title “Stated Clerk” dates back to 1791 (very old), and is defined as “an executive officer who serves as the secretary and parliamentarian, ensuring accurate records, managing communications, and serving as a polity resource for the assembly.”  Except for the “executive” part, Chicago Presbytery Stated Clerk Ken Hockenberry says this is pretty accurate.  A Stated Clerk, like a Clerk of Session, is one of two officers in all PC(USA) councils (the other officer is the Moderator).  Serving together on a Session and a Presbytery, Clerks and Moderators work with other ruling and teaching elders (collectively called “presbyters”) to help congregations work toward a common goal: to be communities of faith, hope, love, and witness, following the way of Jesus Christ.

Watch the recording. 

 

I Wish My Seminary Taught me How to Be a Stand-Up Comic (Recorded February 2025)
With Rev. Samuel Son and Rev. Dr. Barbara Wilson
 
In this Zoom conversation, we explore what stand-up comedy can teach us about communication. Seminary teaches us to prepare a sermon, but it doesn’t necessarily teach us how to “deliver” the sermon. We explore the importance of delivery and how it is actually not separate from the content, but an important interpretation of content. And along the way, we crack a few jokes. This is not just for preachers, but for anyone whose work involves communication — which is everyone! This Zoom conversation was led by Associate Executive Presbyter Rev. Dr. Barbara Wilson and Rev. Samuel Son, Manager of Professional Development and DEI at Interim Unified Agency of the PC(USA).
 
 
 
Good Futures Accelerator (recorded November 2024)
With Rev. DeEtte Decker and Rev. Corey Schlosser-Hall

Are you ready to discover innovative ways to leverage your church buildings and land, build financial resilience, and innovate with confidence? Join us on November 21 for an inspiring and informational webinar on the Good Futures Accelerator, a transformative resource designed to help congregations unlock the potential of their church property. This dynamic and self-guided program, developed in partnership with Rooted Good and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), offers creative strategies for aligning mission and money.

Watch this short message and visit the Office of Innovation website to learn more about the Good Futures Accelerator program. Whether you want to explore new possibilities or strengthen your existing efforts, don’t miss this opportunity to join the conversation, ignite your imagination, and chart a path toward a sustainable and vibrant future

Church vitality and growth  (recorded September 2024)

For the presbytery’s first lunch & learn webinar, join executive presbyter Rev. Dr. Craig Howard as he leads a discussion of church vitality and growth in congregations throughout Chicago Presbytery.  Joining him for this conversation are Rev. David Black (pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Chicago), Rev. Becca Bruner (co-pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church in Naperville), and Rev. Donna Marsh (pastor of First Presbyterian Church of River Forest) — leaders in congregations experiencing growth in membership or attendance.

There is so much we can learn from each other!  Join this webinar to hear stories from other leaders, share what you’re learning in your context, and ask questions of each other.  Let’s share what we are seeing, learning, and trying.

 
Special Offerings (recorded October 2024)
Wilson Kennedy and Lauren Rogers from the denomination provide an overview of the Special Offerings with a particular focus on One Great Hour of Sharing as the entry point. Guest presenters include a pastor from a Four for Four congregation in Chicago Presbytery who will speak to their experience engaging with the Special Offerings and a staff member of Alliance for Community Services which is a local organization supported by gifts through One Great Hour of Sharing.