2024 Vestry Training Provides Hands-On HelpMarch 18, 2024 • Marti Pieper  • DIOCESAN FAMILY • EVENTS • LEADERSHIP

“For the churches, for the gospel.” That’s why the diocesan office exists, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin S. Holcomb told those who attended the 55th annual Diocesan Convention of the Diocese of Central Florida on Jan. 27. That core purpose stood behind and beneath the diocese’s 2024 Vestry Training, held Saturday, March 9, at Church of the Messiah, Winter Garden. That core purpose also became the takeaway for the 173 registrants, who were equipped and empowered by a general session and eight workshops to serve their churches and communities in fresh ways.

During her Vestry Training workshop, Mrs. Michelle Tepper, network director for Alpha USA, presents the latest tools and techniques for creating safe places for conversations about faith. | Photo: Erik Guzman

“Everything we did was designed to be something they could use, something that was hands-on,” said the Rev. Canon Dr. Dan Smith, who planned and organized the event with input and approval from Holcomb and the active support of the diocesan staff. “[All the workshops] were actually things that in some way, shape or form, vestry members and the clergy who were there could take home and do something with, to implement changes to a program or introduce a program to their churches.”

“Ultimately, I think that’s what drove the turnout: that we geared content toward what we thought would be helpful on an everyday basis in congregations,” he said.

In a Vestry Training workshop on monetizing buildings, the Rev. Allison Harrity shares strategies for using church property to care for the congregation instead of the congregation caring for the property. | Photo: Erik Guzman

His previous experience as canon to the ordinary in the Diocese of Missouri; his recent experience as priest-in-charge at Holy Cross, Sanford; and most of all, his many visits to various vestries and congregations since his July 1 start date as Central Florida’s canon to the ordinary informed Smith’s design of the Vestry Training.

“I have probably been in 40 congregations, even if it was for a vestry meeting or meeting with the rector,” he said. “I’ve probably been in half our congregations and listened to them about the issues they’re facing. That drove the content; that drove the design.”

And Smith was not alone in his enthusiasm about the event. The bishop expressed his gratitude via social media: “I am very grateful to Canon Dan and the rest of the diocesan staff for their hard work on the Vestry Training this weekend. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring together the team who presented innovative ideas and resources to our vestry members.”

“The 2024 Vestry Training is an excellent example of how the diocesan office exists ‘for the churches, for the gospel,'” said Diocesan Director of Communications Erik Guzman, who provided A/V support prior to and during the Vestry Training, with assistance from Vita Mazzaluna, Church of the Messiah’s tech minister. “I was impressed by the range and quality of the workshops Canon Dan organized: everything from monetizing church property to the latest on Alpha outreach. I was thrilled to see how well the content was received. It’s a very exciting time to be a part of what God is doing in our diocesan family.”

Vestry Training participants had the opportunity to fill out a one-page survey about the event before they left. The anonymous comments included:

  • “Entire event was well done! Canon Dan did a fabulous presentation … Thank you. I am leaving charged up.”
  • “It was very helpful – I am excited and encouraged.”
  • “Too many other workshops given by other organizations don’t have enough specific how-to info. These workshops provided whys and how-tos. Thank you!!!”

Chair of the Stewardship Committee, the Rev. Phyllis Bartle, offers practical ideas for guiding parishioners to look at their stewardship in a different light. | Photo: Beverly Jennings

Workshops presented and leaders for each were as follows:

During her Vestry Training workshop on newcomer ministry, the Rev. Cynthia Brust presents how to create a culture of belonging to guide visitors to full engagement as members. | Photo: Erik Guzman

“The attendance tells me a couple of stories,” Smith said. “One, it tells me that there’s a hunger out there, a real desire and in fact, a real passion on the part of leaders in our congregations to thrive, not to just hang around but to actually be engaged in mission and ministry and to thrive as a congregation. …. The attendance and surveys told us we’re moving in the right direction in terms of content, and we’ve got to pay attention to that.”

He added that the surveys, which included a question about potential future workshops, “gave us significant content that we’re going to make use of,” both at next year’s Diocesan Convention (which will include training opportunities) and at future Vestry Training events.

“We’re trying to listen to the diocese and what the needs are,” Smith said. “There was real energy in that room when the whole group was together or as I wandered around and peeked into various workshops. There was real energy in the room among the leaders, who were there to learn and grow.”

“The other thing that stood out to me was that we really have some top-notch people in this diocese,” he said. “We had really good leaders for these workshops. They’re a diverse group, and it was all homegrown; we didn’t fly in a consultant from New York or someplace. We really did a homegrown thing, and it was high quality.”