Leaders – Joy Skjegstad & Heidi Unruh 

This session will focus on how to build momentum for change. One strategy is to raise awareness and challenge assumptions through education and storytelling. Also learn ways to engage more people in the work of deep change, with a focus on including groups that are often excluded or ignored.  

Webinars in the Doing Justice Series (click the links to register for each one so you don’t miss out!):

Doing Justice: Options for Congregations When Getting Political Isn’t an Option
Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Doing Justice: Involve More People as Agents of Change
Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Doing Justice: Influence Decision-Makers
Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Doing Justice: Innovate Solutions Through Partnerships
Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Joy Skjegstad is a national speaker, author and consultant with over 35 years of experience starting and growing nonprofits and church-based community ministry programs, including serving as Executive Director of the Park Avenue Foundation at Park Avenue United Methodist Church, and as President of the Sanctuary Community Development Corporation. She has extensive experience working with United Methodist churches and African American-led congregations and nonprofits. She founded the Institute for Ministry Leaders at the University of St. Thomas, and has held a variety of other leadership positions with nonprofit groups. She is the author of four books: Real Connections; 7Creative Models for Community Ministry; Starting a Nonprofit at Your Church; and Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry.

Heidi Unruh is a writer, trainer and coach supporting God’s people in their calling to love their neighbors. A Palmer Seminary alumna, Heidi develops practical resources for effective, asset-based ministry. In addition to working with churches, her collaborations have included World Vision, Christians for Social Action (formerly ESA), the Center for Congregations, and various Christian colleges and seminaries. She brings special expertise in faith-and-work initiatives, coalition building, and trauma-informed ministry with vulnerable families and youth. She lives in Hutchinson, KS. Books coauthored by Heidi include: Churches That Make a Difference; Real Connections; Hope for Children in Poverty; Saving Souls, Serving Society; Salt & Light Guidebook; and Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in Their Work

Leader – William McManus
This presentation provides an overview of the basic responsibilities and fiduciary duties of directors (or trustees), officers, and key persons of New York Religious Corporations. Covered topics include fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest, and the basic corporate structure of NY Religious Corporations.
William McManus’ practice focuses on advising not-for-profit, religious, and tax-exempt entities on matters of corporate governance, compliance with state and federal not-for-profit regulations, internal investigations and regulatory enforcement actions. William is experienced in guiding New York not-for-profit and religious corporations in their formation and governance, and regularly advises clients on tax-exemptions and regulations of tax-exempt organizations. Before joining Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld, William worked as a Special Assistant Corporation Counsel in the Economic Development Division of the New York City Law Department. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Auburn University and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Leader – Karl Vaters  

We must stop treating bivo/covo pastors as second-tier ministers. They are the future. And the future is now. Most of our churches and denominations were designed with the expectation of a full-time pastor as the norm. For many generations it was possible for a church with just a few dozen people to fully support a minister and their family. Not anymore. In this talk, Karl Vaters, from Helping Small Churches Thrive, will share eight adjustments that congregations and pastors must seriously consider in the new reality of a side-hustle world. 

Karl produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com. His heart is to help pastors of small churches (up to 90 percent of us) find the resources to lead well, and to capitalize on the unique advantages that come with pastoring a small church – something virtually every pastor will spend at least some of their ministry years doing. He also believes that big and small churches can and should work together more often – to the benefit and blessing of everyone.
Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry. Episodes feature in-depth interviews about the topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context.
Karl has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience. He and his wife, Shelley have three children and two grandkids.  

Leaders – Joy Skjegstad & Heidi Unruh 

This session is the third in a series of four PRC webinars. Each webinar covers a different pathway for doing justice: How do decisions get made in your local community? This session will help you to understand power dynamics in your community—economic, cultural, social, and political—and how to apply this to critical issues like food insecurity, homelessness, and mental health. We share a range of options for influencing decision-making, so churches can choose strategies that fit their context. Gain insights on how to leverage personal networks, shape public opinion, and organize group action, toward a more just community.

Webinars in the Doing Justice Series (click the links to register for each one so you don’t miss out!):

Doing Justice: Options for Congregations When Getting Political Isn’t an Option
Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Doing Justice: Involve More People as Agents of Change
Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Doing Justice: Influence Decision-Makers
Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Doing Justice: Innovate Solutions Through Partnerships
Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Joy Skjegstad is a national speaker, author and consultant with over 35 years of experience starting and growing nonprofits and church-based community ministry programs, including serving as Executive Director of the Park Avenue Foundation at Park Avenue United Methodist Church, and as President of the Sanctuary Community Development Corporation. She has extensive experience working with United Methodist churches and African American-led congregations and nonprofits. She founded the Institute for Ministry Leaders at the University of St. Thomas, and has held a variety of other leadership positions with nonprofit groups. She is the author of four books: Real Connections; 7Creative Models for Community Ministry; Starting a Nonprofit at Your Church; and Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry.

Heidi Unruh is a writer, trainer and coach supporting God’s people in their calling to love their neighbors. A Palmer Seminary alumna, Heidi develops practical resources for effective, asset-based ministry. In addition to working with churches, her collaborations have included World Vision, Christians for Social Action (formerly ESA), the Center for Congregations, and various Christian colleges and seminaries. She brings special expertise in faith-and-work initiatives, coalition building, and trauma-informed ministry with vulnerable families and youth. She lives in Hutchinson, KS. Books coauthored by Heidi include: Churches That Make a Difference; Real Connections; Hope for Children in Poverty; Saving Souls, Serving Society; Salt & Light Guidebook; and Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in Their Work

This annual training includes an explanation of sexual harassment, church-based case studies of unlawful sexual harassment, information concerning employees’ rights, information addressing conduct by church leadership and the responsibilities of the church’s leadership, information on the documents the church must have in place, and information concerning the federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment. This is an online and interactive 90-minute session which meets New York State Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training. 

Patti Berner has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson at EPC (Elmhurst Presbyterian Church) in Elmhurst, Illinois. 

Leader – Renato Matos & Alexandra Columbo
This webinar will explore important legal provisions to consider when negotiating Lease Agreements and Use and Occupancy Agreements. Special attention will be given to understanding potential tax consequences when churches share their space with third parties.
Alexandra Columbo practices in the area of Real Estate, Corporate and Commercial Transactions, and Religious and Charitable Organizations. Alexandra represents religious and not-for-profit clients in various types of real estate transactions including sales and acquisitions of properties, long-term leases and other types of use agreements. Alexandra regularly advises religious corporations and not-for-profit corporations on navigating the statutory approval process for the sale and other disposition of real property assets, including the submission of applications to the Office of the New York State Attorney General and the Supreme Court of the State of New York, pursuant to Not-For-Profit Corporation Law Sections 510, 511 and 511-a, and Religious Corporations Law Sections 12 and 18.
Renato Matos is the Managing Partner of the firm. Since joining the firm in 2009, Renato has primarily focused on the Real Estate and Religious and Charitable Organizations areas of our practice. Renato routinely represents religious and not-for-profit corporations on complex real estate transactions including purchases and sales, long-term ground leases, air rights transfers, joint ventures and affordable housing development projects. Renato earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the Hofstra University School of Law. In 2015, Renato was selected by the New York Law Journal as a Rising Star—one of 50 lawyers under the age of 40 who have established a record of accomplishments and demonstrated that they are top contributors to the practice of law and their communities. Renato is active in the community and regularly donates his time and expertise to numerous charitable organizations. He is president of the board of directors for the Council of Church Advisors.

Leaders – Joy Skjegstad & Heidi Unruh 

This session is the fourth in a series of four PRC webinars. Each webinar covers a different pathway for doing justice:One approach to seeking justice in your local community is to collaborate on creating something new. Joy and Heidi share how churches can work with others in the community to launch innovative approaches to tough issues. Examples of what this might look like include starting a new program, developing a diverse coalition, connecting with artists and entrepreneurs, or building a network of mutual care. Even small movements toward justice can lead to other changes. We describe three vital steps toward innovation: discovering untapped resources and ideas; building effective partnerships; and discerning a clear focus for what you want to accomplish together.

Webinars in the Doing Justice Series (click the links to register for each one so you don’t miss out!):

Doing Justice: Options for Congregations When Getting Political Isn’t an Option
Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Doing Justice: Involve More People as Agents of Change
Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Doing Justice: Influence Decision-Makers
Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Doing Justice: Innovate Solutions Through Partnerships
Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Joy Skjegstad is a national speaker, author and consultant with over 35 years of experience starting and growing nonprofits and church-based community ministry programs, including serving as Executive Director of the Park Avenue Foundation at Park Avenue United Methodist Church, and as President of the Sanctuary Community Development Corporation. She has extensive experience working with United Methodist churches and African American-led congregations and nonprofits. She founded the Institute for Ministry Leaders at the University of St. Thomas, and has held a variety of other leadership positions with nonprofit groups. She is the author of four books: Real Connections; 7Creative Models for Community Ministry; Starting a Nonprofit at Your Church; and Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry.

Heidi Unruh is a writer, trainer and coach supporting God’s people in their calling to love their neighbors. A Palmer Seminary alumna, Heidi develops practical resources for effective, asset-based ministry. In addition to working with churches, her collaborations have included World Vision, Christians for Social Action (formerly ESA), the Center for Congregations, and various Christian colleges and seminaries. She brings special expertise in faith-and-work initiatives, coalition building, and trauma-informed ministry with vulnerable families and youth. She lives in Hutchinson, KS. Books coauthored by Heidi include: Churches That Make a Difference; Real Connections; Hope for Children in Poverty; Saving Souls, Serving Society; Salt & Light Guidebook; and Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in Their Work

Leader – Mark Elsdon 

The closure and repurposing of 100,000 church properties this decade presents both a crisis and an opportunity. What happens next is up to us. Churches often wonder how to better serve their neighbors and use buildings and land that is empty much of the week. Drawing upon stories from around the country and insights from his two books, Rev. Mark Elsdon, will help expand our imagination for what is possible using church buildings, land, and investment assets for housing and social enterprise projects that transform neighborhoods. 

Rev. Mark Elsdon lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as a serial social entrepreneur, strategic executive, and author. He is a national thought leader and speaker on subjects of faith-based impact investing, social enterprise, and property development. Mark is the author of We Aren’t Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry. and editor of the book, Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition. Mark holds degrees from the University of California, Berkeley; Princeton Theological Seminary; and the University of Wisconsin School of Business. He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, USA and serves as co-founder of RootedGood and principal at Threshold Sacred Development. Mark lives in Madison, Wisconsin with his family.

Leader – Patti Berner

This annual training includes an explanation of sexual harassment, church-based case studies of unlawful sexual harassment, information concerning employees’ rights, information addressing conduct by church leadership and the responsibilities of the church’s leadership, information on the documents the church must have in place, and information concerning the federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment. This is an online and interactive 90-minute session which meets New York State Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.

Patti Berner has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson at EPC (Elmhurst Presbyterian Church) in Elmhurst, Illinois.

Leader – Cesie Scheuermann 

Ideas on how to put a program together and get something started. More to come. 

Cesie Delve Schuermann –  As a consultant in stewardship, development, and grant writing, Cesie has helped raise more than three million dollars for numerous non-profit organizations. For more than 20 years, she’s been working with churches and non-profits to increase and celebrate generosity.  She is a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship and her Inspiring Generosity blog helps clergy and lay people learn about fundraising and overcome their fear of asking for money, and she loves thanking donors 

Leader – Patti Berner

This annual training includes an explanation of sexual harassment, church-based case studies of unlawful sexual harassment, information concerning employees’ rights, information addressing conduct by church leadership and the responsibilities of the church’s leadership, information on the documents the church must have in place, and information concerning the federal and state statutory provisions concerning sexual harassment. This is an online and interactive 90-minute session which meets New York State Standards for Sexual Harassment Prevention Training.

Patti Berner has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson at EPC (Elmhurst Presbyterian Church) in Elmhurst, Illinois.