1:30 PM – 2:15 PM workshops

Handle Resiliency with Care 

Greg Baker (World Vision) 

Description: It doesn't take a research study to know that pastors and leaders in the faith world are struggling. Even though the events of the past two years have placed enormous pressures on professionals who were already feeling burned out, ill-equipped and underappreciated, signs of hope and resilience have continued to shine through in these trying times. 

World Vision engaged the Barna Group to look more closely at the specific pressure points pastors are facing during this unique cultural moment in order to more fully understand how resilience is being cultivated today. Join us as World Vision shares the results of the data and analysis with you.

Greg lives in High River, AB with his lovely wife and two energetic kids. As a former Alliance pastor, he served in Edmonton and Ottawa for over 12 years and is passionate about sharing the love of God and seeing God's Kingdom furthered in the world! Greg loves spending time with his family, exercising, board games, and growing in his walk with Jesus.

Handle Poverty in Your Community with Care

Derek Cook (Canadian Poverty Institute)

Description: In response to their real-world concerns about scarcity, Jesus assures His disciples of God’s abundance (Matthew 6). The key to such abundance lies, He says, in seeking the kingdom of God. This workshop will invite us to reflect on what it means to “seek the kingdom of God” and what that has to do with poverty in our communities today.

Derek Cook is the Director of the Canadian Poverty Institute at Ambrose University. He brings over thirty years of leadership experience in the government, academic and non-profit sectors. Derek's work includes extensive experience in social research and policy development at The City of Calgary and in community development with various organizations across Canada. Previously, he served as the Executive Director of the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative, leading the Mayor's task force on poverty reduction. 

2:15 PM – 3:00 PM workshops

Handle Data with Care

Dr. Joel Thiessen (Flourishing Congregations Institute)

Description: Congregations can benefit greatly from data-informed practices. This session explores why church-related data ought to matter for congregations, examples of recent data, and how congregations might interpret and use such data. 

Dr. Joel Thiessen is Professor of Sociology and Flourishing Congregations Institute Director at Ambrose University. He has published several books and articles related to congregations, religious nones, millennials, and religion and culture in Canada. For more information, visit www.joelthiessen.ca.

Handle Interculturality with Care

Dr. Charlie Cook and Lauren Umbach (Jaffray Centre)

Description: As Canada continues to navigate what it means to be an increasingly multicultural country, the church has an opportunity to demonstrate how diverse communities can thrive together. When handled with care, our cultural differences can contribute to a greater understanding of the grandeur of God. Join us for a conversation around migration, culture, and the implications for our communities of faith. 

Charles Cook, PhD is the Executive Director of the Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives and Professor of Global Studies and Mission at Ambrose University. Prior to teaching at Ambrose, the Cooks worked in Bolibia, Mexico, and Argentina. Born to Canadian international workers he was raised in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. When he is not teaching he can found involved in various Jaffray related activities in different corners of the world. 

Lauren Umbach has been the Research and PRogram Coordinator for the Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives at Ambrose University since 2016. Prior to that she managed two cafes in Laos with a Business as Mission focus for three years, and spent a year in Vietnam teaching English. Lauren has a Master of Arts in Intercultuural Ministries from Ambrose Seminary.