Workshops & Seminars for Clergy
Sharing the Faith with Children
Thursday November 12, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET
About the Workshop
This workshop invites participants to consider questions such as: in what ways do you currently teach children about the faith? How do you share your messages to children in and outside of the sanctuary? How do you expect children to carry on this message for themselves and others as followers of Christ in their daily lives?
As part of a larger grant focused on “Nurturing Children in Worship,” Dr. Helsel has been researching children and congregations’ ministries to children to discover ways we can improve how we incorporate children as faith-sharers and faith-bearers. This workshop looks specifically at the possibilities for sharing faith with children in worship, and invites participants to share their best practices as well.
Requirement:
Participation in this program is limited to clergy. We appreciate your interest; however, if you are not in this category, we encourage you to attend our Public Offerings.
Presenter
The Rev. Dr. Carolyn B. Helsel is Associate Professor in the Blair Monie Distinguished Chair in Homiletics at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where she is also Project Director of the Sharing Faith Initiative. Through the Sharing Faith Initiative, Dr. Helsel supports the work of small church pastors, lay preachers, and children’s ministries leaders.
AI in Church & Ministry: Workshop & Discussion
Saturday, November 14, 2026
10:00 am - 1:00 pm ET
About the Workshop
Artifical intelligence is changing how we work, communicate, and serve. The Church is no exception. In this two-part workshop, we'll explore how priests, deacons, and lay ministers can use AI practically and responsibly in daily ministry: writing emails, synthesizing and generating documents, organizing parish records, and much more.
This will be a live workshop where we will focus on applying AI use-cases relevant to parish life. Please bring your phone or laptop to participate. Come with ideas, problems, and curiosity.
Our goal is to ensure everyone feels equipped and inspired to use these tools effectively and responsibly.
We'll also address the honest question: Why should we even use AI? We'll explore what AI actually is, what it can and cannot do, and what we should never ask it to do. In this process, we will reflect on the deeper questions of faith: stewardship, service, and multiplying our God-given talents.
No prior experience is needed.
Requirement:
Participation in this program is limited to clergy and individuals serving in recognized leadership roles within the Church. We appreciate your interest; however, if you are not in those categories we encourage you to attend our Public Offerings.
Presenters
Dn. David Madey serves as a Deacon of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the Western Diocese and as an AI Product Manager at NBC-Universal Studios. He received his Master’s in Engineering and Design at Stanford University, and he is also the co-host of “Our Weekly Bread” Armenian Church Podcast.
Dn. George Stepaniants, PhD is an Assistant Professor in Applied Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, and received his PhD in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from MIT. He is a Deacon in the Armenian Apostolic Church and has served in both the Eastern and Western dioceses.
Preaching Program
Our Preaching Program offers Armenian clergy of the Eastern and Western Dioceses of America the opportunity to receive intensive, one-on-one feedback in a seminar or workshop setting. This gives our clergy the chance to hone their preparation and preaching skills in order to nourish themselves spiritually and to deliver a meaningful spiritual experience to their parishioners. Clergy may participate at their own speed or follow the five-year certification schedule if they prefer.
