Workshops
At Called, you’ll have the opportunity to attend three of the 12 workshops led by experienced ministry leaders and professors. No need to worry about missing others—each session will be recorded, and you’ll receive virtual access to all 12 after the conference.
These three workshops will be livestreamed for those attending the conference online:
- Cyndi Leamon
- Dr. Sandra Richter
- Dr. Mary Hendrickson
Workshops are offered at three different times throughout the day.
There’s no need to register in advance—simply attend the three workshops you choose.
Workshop Times:
- Workshop #1: 10:45 a.m.
- Workshop #2: 1:15 p.m.
- Workshop #3: 2:30 p.m.
Workshop Descriptions
One Generation to Another
with Dr. Gloria Grell
Have you been emotionally or spiritually hurt by a church? If so, you know how it can lead to trauma, disillusionment, despair, isolation, anxiety and depression. The damage caused by church hurt must not be downplayed. But neither should we downplay the potential for healing. In this workshop we’ll look at the root causes and effects of church hurt, the path toward healing, and the difference the power of the gospel can make.
The Heart of the Helper: Strengthening Ministry Through Basic Counseling Skills
with Dr. Mary Hendrickson
Ministry often happens in quiet, messy moments between Sundays—at a hospital bedside, across a coffee table, or in a hallway after a service. Yet many leaders feel unprepared for the complex heart needs they encounter. This workshop helps bridge the gap between the desire to help and the ability to do so well. Through a biblical framework, you’ll learn core counseling skills such as active listening, empathetic presence, and wise questioning, moving beyond quick fixes to meaningful care. Join us to strengthen your ministry and grow in confidence as you walk alongside others with the heart of a servant and the skill of a seasoned helper.
Jesus and John’s Women
with Kristin Jacobson
From Jesus’ countercultural conversation with the woman at the well to His compassion toward the woman caught in adultery, the Gospel of John offers rich insight into how Jesus related to women. This workshop explores what these first-century encounters reveal about His heart and how they continue to bring encouragement and hope to women today.
Developing Discipleship Pathways with Purpose: Helping Women to Serve, Grow, and Lead
with Cyndi Leamon
Women flourish when they have a clear, relational pathway for discipleship—and leaders flourish when they have a plan they believe in. This workshop focuses on creating intentional discipleship pathways that help women move from where they are to where God is leading them as they serve, grow, and lead. Together, we’ll explore practical tools, real-life examples, and simple strategies to mentor and equip yourself and others. Come ready for conversation and hands-on ideas that will help you multiply God’s work.
Equipping the Saints: Mobilizing Others to Serve in Their God-Given Gifts
with Misty Legler
Church leaders are called to prepare others for ministry—but how do we help people thrive in their God-given gifts? This workshop encourages leaders to move beyond quick volunteer placement and invest in developing people who multiply ministry. Grounded in Scripture, it offers practical strategies to identify, affirm, and encourage others in faithful service. You’ll also gain ideas for creating church environments, rhythms, and systems that support serving with longevity and joy.
Forgiven to Forgive: A Biblical Perspective on the Complexities of Forgiveness
with Dr. Pam MacRae
Forgiveness stands at the heart of the gospel, yet it is often difficult and misunderstood. This workshop explores the spiritual, emotional, and relational challenges involved in the forgiveness process and considers what helps when the desire to forgive is hindered by pride, bitterness, or fear. Designed for those who struggle to forgive and for those walking alongside others on that journey, this session offers biblical perspective and practical guidance for moving toward forgiveness.
How to Write a Group Bible Study
with Trillia Newbell
How do you move from studying Scripture to writing a Bible study that serves others well? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to approach the Bible with care so you can develop meaningful curriculum. We’ll explore biblical genres, consider different learning styles, and discuss how to structure studies for groups. You’ll leave with practical tools, greater confidence, and a clear starting point for writing your own Bible study.
Psalm 23: Of Sheep and Shepherds
with Sandra Richter
Many of us know the words of Psalm 23—“the Lord is my shepherd”—and that Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. Some may even know Philip Keller’s reflections on sheep and shepherds. Yet few understand why shepherd imagery fills our Bibles, hymns, and faith. This workshop explores the historical and cultural realities behind these images, asking why “shepherd” became a powerful picture of leadership, why sheep symbolized followers, and why Scripture speaks so often of bad shepherds. Discover how these ancient metaphors shape our roles as leaders and followers as we seek to serve God’s kingdom.
Three Mistakes I've Made in Ministering to Women—and the Wisdom They Taught Me
with Christy Spader
Ministry to women is beautiful—and complex. Women bring strengths, stories, and spiritual needs that can’t be met by a one-size-fits-all approach. After years in vocational ministry to women, I’ve made my share of mistakes, but God doesn’t waste those moments; some became the very experiences that reshaped my leadership and deepened my care for women. In this workshop, we’ll look honestly at what makes ministry to women unique and explore three mistakes I’ve made, along with the practical insights and tools that grew from them. Whether you serve as a leader or volunteer, you’ll leave better equipped to minister with clarity and confidence, create environments where women can flourish, and avoid common pitfalls that hinder ministry.
Confident Compassion: Loving My Immigrant Neighbor
with Bri Stensrud
You’ve seen the headlines, watched the videos on social media, or perhaps personally witnessed our country’s broken immigration system and heightened enforcement in your neighborhood, school, or congregation. So how should Christians respond? How do we hold the tension between law and compassion in this unique time? Join an honest, helpful conversation about loving our immigrant neighbors through the lens of faith. In this session, Bri Stensrud, director of Women of Welcome, will explore what the Bible makes clear about immigration and how believers can engage this topic with confidence, conviction, and compassion.
Divorce: A Weapon for the Church in the Protection of the Vulnerable
with Laura Tukker
What happens when the church becomes a barrier instead of a refuge for those in dangerous marriages? Too often, women and other vulnerable people feel pressured to remain in abusive situations because of misapplied Scripture or teaching. This workshop examines what the Bible says about divorce, safety, and God’s heart for the oppressed. Drawing on personal experience and a careful look at commonly misunderstood passages, we’ll consider how the church can respond in ways that protect the vulnerable and offer hope and restoration to those in crisis.
Developing and Leading an Effective Team
with Kelli Worrall
Healthy, mission-driven teams are prayerfully built and purposefully led. This interactive workshop explores how to identify women’s strengths, recruit team members intentionally, develop them holistically, communicate clearly, and cultivate a culture of trust. Whether you lead a large staff or mentor a small group of volunteers, you’ll gain renewed vision and practical tools to lead with confidence, compassion, and a gospel-centered focus.
