Online Workshop: Resurrected Church — What Tomorrow’s Church May Look Like Today

Led by:  Rev. John Cleghorn, Pastor, Caldwell Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC

Workshop Description:

The landscape of the church is changing. How can congregations prepare now for the America of the (near) future? What may be learned from some of the most diverse churches of the Presbyterian Church (USA), blending mixes of race, income level, age, and sexual orientation? What happens when a church has a near-death experience and emerges with a new sense of liberation and comfort with experimentation? Can a congregation be built out of wounded and weary seekers who have been hurt, disappointed, or rejected by a church elsewhere? What happens when those on the margins are truly centered, heard, and followed?

These and other questions related to intersectional ministry will be explored in a two-part series of workshops rooted in the stories told and lessons learned in, Resurrecting Church: Where Justice and Diversity Meet Radical Welcome and Healing Hope, by Rev. John Cleghorn (Fortress, 2021). John shares original research on some of the PC(USA) denominations most dynamic congregations that center social justice in their mission. He also bears witness to his own transformation in ministry in a diverse congregation of wounded and weary God-seekers after his 25 years in business.

Leader bio: Rev. John Cleghorn is pastor and head of staff at Caldwell Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is a diverse, dynamic, and deeply missional congregation that has been resurrected after almost closing in 2006. Caldwell intersects a range of members spanning race, age, income level, orientation, and religious background, drawing members from 25 zip codes, four counties, and two states. Having arrived at Caldwell in 2007 from 25 years in other professions, John’s research and pastoral leadership focus stems from his experience of studying congregations similar to Caldwell. These congregations update the same-old conversation about diversity in the church in how they emphasize an intersectional manifestation of the risen Christ, center those who have been wounded by religion, and practice radical welcome.

John is a husband and father. He holds an MDiv from Union Presbyterian Seminary and a DMin from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. His book, Resurrecting Church: Where Justice and Diversity Meet Radical Welcome and Healing Hope (Fortress Press), was published in March 2021.

Online Format: This two-session workshop will use Zoom technology to meet online in order to allow for presentations by the leader as well as interaction among participants. Each registered participant will receive the class meeting link prior to the first workshop. The sessions will meet on two consecutive Mondays, February 7 and February 14, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Please note that the workshop sessions will not be recorded. Participants will need an electronic device equipped with a reliable Internet connection, built-in or external microphone, and a built-in or external webcam.

Cost:

$25 per individual, if register by January 23, 2022. (Note: Beginning, January 24, price increases by $10. Register early and save!).

CEUs: .2 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) for this event. Note: CEU certificates can be generated upon request at the time of the event.

Registration: Online registration is open. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Registered participants will receive a Zoom meeting link the week prior to the event’s first meeting.

Waiting List: Once event reaches capacity, a waiting list will be started.