Training Tuesdays

Training Tuesdays is an online training experience to inspire and equip local church leaders to connect more people with Jesus. Using Zoom, leaders connect from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to learn from an expert about a topic that helps 100% of our congregations to become 100 percent vital.

The trainings are recorded and can be accessed via our YouTube Playlist.
The handouts can be accessed in this searchable resource area.

Upcoming Webinars:

November 10: Invitation to the UMC Social Principles

The UMC Council of Bishops challenges us to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Social Principles give concrete expression to this vision, connecting our love for God and neighbor with our responsibility to pursue compassionate justice, build peace, and care for creation.

This Training Tuesday will trace our journey from the Social Creed to the revised Social Principles, exploring the worldwide 2012–2024 revision process, the document’s structure, and its new principles. Participants will learn practical approaches to teaching the Social Principles and encounter gracefilled stories of how United Methodists practice discipleship—bringing God’s love to life in our neighborhoods and around the world.

Most Recent Training Tuesdays

Training Tuesdays: Simple Governance: Moving from Meetings to Ministry, exploring the Unified Board Model

Sep. 29, 2026

“Is your church's board spending more time debating paint colors and mowing schedules than talking about how you're making disciples? You're not alone. Many congregations find themselves stuck in a maintenance-mode governance structure — one built for a different era — that leaves leaders managing minutiae instead of leading mission. Join us for this webinar exploring the Unified Board Model of church governance, grounded in the work of Stephan W. Ross. This model is built on two core principles: Keep It Flat and Keep It Simple — reducing the layers between decision and action so your church can respond nimbly to its mission field. You'll leave with a clear picture of how a unified governing board can combine the functions of Trustees, Finance, SPRC, and Church Council into one accountable team — freeing up laity for hands-on ministry, sharpening decision-making, and refocusing your leadership table on vision, goals, and fruitfulness rather than reports and routine maintenance. This isn't just a structural change — it's a call to lead differently. Simplifying your board is only half the equation. The real shift happens when your leaders commit to having different conversations, embracing accountability, and trusting a permission-giving culture guided by clear principles rather than committee-by-committee control. Whether your church is exploring this model for the first time or refining an existing structure, this session will equip you with practical next steps for moving your leadership toward simplified, accountable governance.”

Training Tuesdays: SPRC - The Bridge Between Pulpit and Pew

Sep. 22, 2026

Participants will explore the 4 C’s of effective SPRC ministry—Confidentiality, Communication, Contracts, and Congregational Accountability—while clarifying the committee’s responsibilities, boundaries, and best practices. Through practical examples, participants will learn how to build trust, strengthen pastor-congregation relationships, handle sensitive matters appropriately, fulfill personnel and contractual responsibilities, and promote healthy accountability. SPRC is not simply a committee that manages problems, but a ministry that builds bridges, strengthens relationships, supports the mission of the church, and leads courageously.

Training Tuesdays: Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Orientation for Local Church Leaders

Sep. 15, 2026

The Baltimore‑Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Conference Benefit and Finance Offices will share important information about the Maryland Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. This new statewide initiative will affect ALL Maryland employers, including local churches, beginning with mandatory payroll withholdings in January 2027.

ALL PREVIOUS TRAINING TUESDAYS

Sessions for those Serving on Committees

Church Council

Finance

Trustees

Staff-Parish Relations Committee – SPRC/PPRC

Nominations

Congregational Development

How to participate:

Register for one of the trainings to the left to obtain the meeting link.
Download ZOOM
After launching Zoom, click Join a Meeting or Sign In. To sign in, use your Zoom, Google, or Facebook account. If you don't have an account, click Sign Up Free.
Refer to your registration confirmation email for a direct link to the training or for the meeting ID.
You can choose to have video on or off, but make sure you DO connect audio so you can ask questions. You will have the ability to mute yourself /turn your video on/off during the training through the tools at the top of your screen after connecting.
To ask questions, click on Participants at the top of your screen, then raise your hand. You may ask questions aloud or via the Chat tool at the top of your screen.