Professional Development
Share Your Thoughts: Program Suggestions for ’26
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Upcoming educational programs
Details for our 2026 programs will soon be shared – check back here for details!
You may also want to view the chapter pages for additional in-person and educational sessions.
Past Professional Development Webinars
Past Recorded Webinars and Convention Presentations
Shared below are our most recent educational development webinars; click here to go to our YouTube channel, with videos of past webinars, convention presentations and Wilbur awards
Perspectives of Traditional Religions on Positive AI Futures
William Jones, Associate for Futures Program, Future of Life Institute
Dec 10 webinar
“The Epidemic of Human Trafficking”
Theresa Flores, Advocate, Author and Survivor
November 20 webinar
Did you know:
– Social media is the #1 way people are groomed into being trafficked.
– Sextortion is the #1 threat to teens today; it is how many traffickers force or blackmail them into being trafficked.
– In the United States along, an estimated 24,000 individuals are victims of human trafficking; 54% of those trapped in modern slavery are women and girls.
– Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes ever. (Statistics courtesy of Operation Underground Railroad and Theresa Flores).
During her presentation, Ms. Flores provided insight into and statistics regarding sexual trafficking, sharing her thoughts as to what must be done in order to combat this epidemic. According to her, “We desparately need more sheepdogs to protect the sheep, our youth. We must work to stop the demand and to limit the customer and find better ways to protect and help our youth.”
Click here for the video.
Podcasting
Ryan Dunn, Minister of Online Engagement for United Methodist Communications
November 12
In his presentation, Ryan Dunn shared some suggestions for those offering podcasts: think very specifically about the who, why and how. Know your audience, be clear on your underlying purpose and goal, and understand how you can provide value to your listeners. Dunn, who is the Minister of Digital Engagement with United Methodist Communications, noted that podcast listening is primarily a solitary activity, with almost 80% of listeners doing so while commuting. View the YouTube recording as he shares additional insight into podcasting.
Ryan is the host of the “Compass Podcast: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday” and the “MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast”, helping faith leaders navigate digital outreach and connect with seekers who may never walk through traditional church doors. With over a decade of experience in church communications and a heart for storytelling, Ryan is passionate about using podcasts to spark spiritual curiosity and create meaningful connection beyond the sanctuary.
Click here to view the video.
Faith and Pragmatism
Deborah Hileman, SCMP, FCSCE, CCMC; President and CEO of The Institute for Crisis Management
October 21
To paraphrase the saying, “stuff happens,’ and effective crisis management is essential for navigating unplanned and unforeseen events. Deborah Hileman, President and CEO of The Institute for Crisis Management, shared tips to get yourself – and your organization – ready for what might happen.
Known as a voice of calm amidst chaos and crisis, Ms. Hileman has earned a reputation as a trusted communication strategist and advisor to board members and C-suite executives, operations leaders and other organizational stakeholders. She has developed and implemented successful communication strategies for numerous business issues, from mergers and acquisitions to criminal prosecutions and federal civil investigations, workplace violence, wrongful death, social media attacks and cybercrime, among others.
Click here to view the video.