Why do we often sink into a scarcity mindset when we think about small churches? Small churches have an abundance of gifts to offer, so let's talk about it! Pastors, deacons, and congregational lay leaders are invited to join this conversation around creating and sustaining small churches with abundance mindsets. We will explore the benefits of smaller congregations, how to identify and develop the authenticity of your church, and how to energize the congregation around seeing and sharing the gifts of your church with an abundance mindset.
Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 10:00am-11:30am Mountain Time (Noon–1:30pm Eastern Time)
Location: Online (zoom link provided when you register)
Cost: $20 Individuals / $35 Groups
Workshop Leader: Rev. Joel Pancoast, Lead Pastor
Joel Pancoast has been in ministry for 30 years in various capacities, serving in outdoor ministry, children and youth ministry, campus ministry, and in roles as associate, lead, and solo pastor in several different cross+generational congregational ministries. Joel is available to help individual church leaders or leadership teams live into the full potential of God's mission for you through the following tools:
Energizing small churches with abundance mindsets.
Facilitating wilderness retreats for coaching, intentional conversation, and mutual learning in the areas of sabbath practice, spiritual gifts for ministry, innovative ministries, or other topics catered for your needs.
Discerning God's identity, character, and mission for your ministry.
Stewarding annual ministry budget appeals, capital campaigns, or other special projects.
Nurturing leadership development with staff and volunteer teams, congregational leaders, and young leaders in formation and discernment.
Joel currently lives in Granby, Colorado, where he serves as pastor at Lord of the Valley Lutheran Church. Surrounded by world class ski areas, hiking trails, and fishing streams and lakes, he is ready to host you for a Rocky Mountain retreat!
Joel's wife Sonja is also a pastor, currently serving as the retirement plan manager at Clergy Advantage. They have two young adult children in college.