Retreats, Courses & Webinars
Please Note: All Times Listed Are Eastern Standard Time
Click below for Pinnacle West Events
Hearing Jesus Speak to Our Depression
Does our Christian faith have anything to say about depression?
“I heard that question many times in the forty-one years I served as a lead pastor, chaplain, and support group leader. This is not an academic question for those who ask it. It is the longing of a seeking struggling soul. I know that question on a very personal level as I have faced seasons of depression. I needed help of many kinds; medical, therapeutic, and supportive, but I also longed to find God in my struggle and hear Christ speak truth and healing into my life. My own experience with depression has given me a deep desire to offer help and hope to others facing the same challenge. That desire has led me to write two books on the depression experience and to lead a variety of study and support groups to help people learn about depression and how their faith can be a source of emotional healing. Serving as a Pinnacle associate, I’d like to offer what I’ve learned with the many people connected to Pinnacle Leadership Associates. ”
—Rev. Dr. Ronald “Dee” Vaughan
On September 14, 2:00 EST, Dee will host a free webinar to introduce you to truths and practices through which God can speak to your depression. Dee will also preview the upcoming eight-session online study and support group based on his book, Seeing in the Dark: Biblical Meditations for People Dealing with Depression.
“I believe Jesus wants to speak to our depression. Meeting, learning, sharing, and praying together, I’m convinced we can hear His voice more clearly. If you have questions about the webinar and the group experience, please feel free to connect with me at rdvaughans@gmail.com.”
Meet Ronald “Dee” Vaughan
Dr. Ronald “Dee” Vaughan brings more than forty years of ministry experience to his coaching and consulting work on the Pinnacle team, serving as a student minister, campus ministry intern, hospital and fire department chaplain, interim pastor, university and graduate school teacher, and senior pastor of five congregations. Known as a creative communicator, Dee uses a variety of preaching styles including his favorite, the dramatic monologue, and loves to coach ministers in strengthening their presentation skills.
Dee has written seven books on topics as diverse as depression and The Andy Griffith Show, including Making the Shift Worship Resources with Pinnacle Leadership Press. Having recently retired from full time pastoral ministry, Dee presently serves as the Interim Pastor of Greenlawn Baptist Church in Columbia, SC.
You may sign up for the free webinar below.
Covered in Dust: Learning to Live as an Apprentice of Jesus
— PREVIEW WEBINAR —
Learning to Live as an Apprentice of Jesus
Walk Close - Become Whole - Love Well
What if following Jesus is more than attending church, believing the right things, or trying harder to be a good Christian? Jesus invited people to follow him—to stay close, learn his way, and allow his life to shape theirs.
Covered in Dust is a spiritual formation experience designed to help you move beyond simply believing in Jesus toward learning to live as an apprentice of Jesus in everyday life.
WALK CLOSE
Learn to be present with Jesus
Through Scripture, prayer, silence, listening, and attention, we learn to recognize Christ’s presence in the ordinary rhythms of life. The goal isn’t mastering spiritual practices. The goal is staying close to Jesus.
BECOME WHOLE
Allow Jesus to shape who you are becoming
Apprenticeship reaches beyond what we do into who we are—our desires, emotions, habits, relationships, wounds, and identity. Formation takes time. We aren’t projects to complete. We are people being formed.
LOVE WELL
Live the way of Jesus toward others
As we walk closely with Jesus and allow him to form us, that transformation begins to shape the way we listen, forgive, serve, show compassion, and become present to others. We love well because we are becoming like the One we follow.
A DIFFERENT WAY
Covered in Dust isn’t about adding more religious activity to an already busy life. It’s about learning a different way to live:
Presence before productivity
Practice rather than performance
Formation rather than information
Jesus rather than another checklist
THE EXPERIENCE
Begin with an introductory webinar exploring what it means to become an apprentice of Jesus. Then go deeper through the eight-week Covered in Dust Formation Experience, built around three movements:
Walk Close - Become Whole - Love Well
Covered in Dust is available for individuals, churches, small groups, leadership teams, and ministry communities.
MEET SCOTT W. SMOAK
Scott Smoak is a pastor (UMC), teacher, communicator, and leadership guide with more than 20 years of experience serving in local church ministry. Throughout his pastoral work, Scott has led congregations through preaching, discipleship, pastoral care, leadership development, and organizational transformation. He holds a Master of Divinity degree and is deeply passionate about helping individuals and organizations cultivate healthy leadership, spiritual depth, emotional wholeness, and sustainable rhythms for life and work. Scott’s work is increasingly centered around apprenticeship to Jesus which encourages people to walk closely with Jesus, become whole, and love well. Through teaching, coaching, writing, and leadership conversations, he helps leaders align inner formation with outward influence, creating healthier cultures and more meaningful impact in both ministry and everyday life. Scott and his family reside in Columbia, SC.
Covered in Dust grew from Scott’s journey of rediscovering that following Jesus isn’t primarily about accomplishing more for Jesus. It’s about staying close enough to Jesus that his life begins shaping ours.
THE INVITATION
You don’t need another thing to accomplish. Maybe you need a different way of living. A slower way. A more attentive way. A way shaped by presence rather than performance. Jesus’ invitation remains simple: Follow me. Become an apprentice. Follow the Rabbi. Get covered in dust.
Fill out the form below to attend this free preview webinar for Covered in Dust.
Covered in Dust: Learning to Live as an Apprentice of Jesus
— PREVIEW WEBINAR —
Learning to Live as an Apprentice of Jesus
Walk Close - Become Whole - Love Well
What if following Jesus is more than attending church, believing the right things, or trying harder to be a good Christian? Jesus invited people to follow him—to stay close, learn his way, and allow his life to shape theirs.
Covered in Dust is a spiritual formation experience designed to help you move beyond simply believing in Jesus toward learning to live as an apprentice of Jesus in everyday life.
WALK CLOSE
Learn to be present with Jesus
Through Scripture, prayer, silence, listening, and attention, we learn to recognize Christ’s presence in the ordinary rhythms of life. The goal isn’t mastering spiritual practices. The goal is staying close to Jesus.
BECOME WHOLE
Allow Jesus to shape who you are becoming
Apprenticeship reaches beyond what we do into who we are—our desires, emotions, habits, relationships, wounds, and identity. Formation takes time. We aren’t projects to complete. We are people being formed.
LOVE WELL
Live the way of Jesus toward others
As we walk closely with Jesus and allow him to form us, that transformation begins to shape the way we listen, forgive, serve, show compassion, and become present to others. We love well because we are becoming like the One we follow.
A DIFFERENT WAY
Covered in Dust isn’t about adding more religious activity to an already busy life. It’s about learning a different way to live:
Presence before productivity
Practice rather than performance
Formation rather than information
Jesus rather than another checklist
THE EXPERIENCE
Begin with an introductory webinar exploring what it means to become an apprentice of Jesus. Then go deeper through the eight-week Covered in Dust Formation Experience, built around three movements:
Walk Close - Become Whole - Love Well
Covered in Dust is available for individuals, churches, small groups, leadership teams, and ministry communities.
MEET SCOTT W. SMOAK
Scott Smoak is a pastor (UMC), teacher, communicator, and leadership guide with more than 20 years of experience serving in local church ministry. Throughout his pastoral work, Scott has led congregations through preaching, discipleship, pastoral care, leadership development, and organizational transformation. He holds a Master of Divinity degree and is deeply passionate about helping individuals and organizations cultivate healthy leadership, spiritual depth, emotional wholeness, and sustainable rhythms for life and work. Scott’s work is increasingly centered around apprenticeship to Jesus which encourages people to walk closely with Jesus, become whole, and love well. Through teaching, coaching, writing, and leadership conversations, he helps leaders align inner formation with outward influence, creating healthier cultures and more meaningful impact in both ministry and everyday life. Scott and his family reside in Columbia, SC.
Covered in Dust grew from Scott’s journey of rediscovering that following Jesus isn’t primarily about accomplishing more for Jesus. It’s about staying close enough to Jesus that his life begins shaping ours.
THE INVITATION
You don’t need another thing to accomplish. Maybe you need a different way of living. A slower way. A more attentive way. A way shaped by presence rather than performance. Jesus' invitation remains simple: Follow me. Become an apprentice. Follow the Rabbi. Get covered in dust.
Fill out the form below to attend this free preview webinar for Covered in Dust.
Five Practices Of High Functioning Staff Teams: A Multi-Staff Learning Experience
Limit – 10 Church Staff Teams
Rev. Mark E. Tidsworth, Staff Trainer and Leadership Coach
"If you could get all the people in an organization rowing in the same direction, you could dominate any industry, in any market, against any competition, at any time."
— Patrick Lencioni, The Five Dysfunctions Of A Team
Though we easily recognize the wisdom in the quote above, how much capacity do we have for developing our church staff teams? Where do we even begin? How can we build on our current practices to create a mission-congruent culture among our church staff? Is there a simple, practical guide we could personalize for our team and context?
For many years, we at Pinnacle Leadership Associates have specialized in developing church staff teams toward mission-congruent effectiveness. After hundreds of team retreats and staff development days, we have developed this one day learning experience for multiple church staffs. Each time we do this training, we are impressed by the benefits of collaborative learning and interaction embedded in this day. So rather than limit our work to one church at a time, we are offering this collaborative learning experience to a maximum of 10 staff teams, learning together while contributing to each other. If you are looking for a quality collaborative learning experience, with opportunity to develop your team formation strategy, then this day may be for your team.
Our day includes these three distinct segments:
Presentation – Mark Tidsworth guides participants into Faith Centering, followed by presentation of The Five Practices Of High Functioning Teams. This morning segment includes real time for processing and reflecting as a team on the five practices, considering relevance and application in your context.
Cross Pollination Lunch – Participants engage each other over lunch, sharing insights and wisdom from their experience.
Affinity Group Exploration – During the afternoon segment, participants gather with others who share their roles, mining for best practices. Afterwards, each affinity group raises awareness of other participants about the nature of their roles, along with the best practices that rise to the surface through collaborative conversation.
Resource Included:
The Five Practices Workbook, Pinnacle Leadership Press
Each participant receives this substantive workbook which includes the content from this event, plus guidance toward implementation and integration. The workbook includes resources to extend team formation far beyond this one day experience.
Anticipated Benefits And Outcomes:
A quality, cost-effective development and team formation opportunity
A substantive learning experience with an experienced trainer and leadership coach
A practical pathway for developing a culture of faithful excellence in your staff team
An opportunity to connect with other motivated staff teams, forming community
A Collective Intelligence-based learning experience, capturing the wisdom of practicing clergy and church staff persons
A Workbook designed to equip you for ongoing team formation and excellence
Costs
$300 per team of 4 or more, plus $25 per person for workbook and box lunch
$250 per team of 3 or less, plus $25 per person for workbook and box lunch
$75 for solo clergy or church staff, plus $25 per person for workbook and box lunch
Learn more about Staff Team Trainer and Leadership Coach Mark Tidsworth here and contact Mark with questions at markt@pinnlead.com or 803-673-3634.
Register by filling out the form below.
Crossing Thresholds Preview Event
Mark Tidsworth, Crossing Thresholds Designer, will host this online event for those curious about the Journey or One Day Consultation. Participants will learn the Why behind Visioning, along with a description of the various key moves in the Crossing Thresholds Journey and One Day Consultation.
No cost, but register here to receive the event link:
Spending Time with God on the Back Porch
This 50 minute FREE “Lunch & Learn” with Rev. Dr. Ka’thy Gore Chappell, Pinnacle Leadership Associate, will inspire participants to pursue centering on God practices while sitting on your back porch, deck or in your sunroom. The “Lunch & Learn” will also incorporate an opportunity for participants to experience a centering session during the Zoom Mtg. Resource book for the topic is Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating. Questions? Contact coachkchappell@gmail.com.
Ka’thy Gore Chappell, Workshop Leader
With years of experience in congregational ministry, academic settings, denominational non-profits and coaching, Rev. Dr. Ka’thy Gore Chappell is a teacher who seeks to challenge individuals to embrace practices designed for spiritual growth leading toward a closer relationship with God. Ka’thy is semi-retired and living in Waco, Texas where she continues to coach, mentor, and lead . . . and, of course, be a fun Grandma Kapey. Ka’thy enjoys reading mysteries, listening to country music, walking in the neighborhood, talking with friends and eating delicious food.
Register Here
Ministering to Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in Your Church
Odds are, you have people in your church who are adult survivors of child sexual abuse. According to the CDC, there are over 42 million adult survivors in this country.
You may or may not know this about some of the people in your church. Regardless, your ministry can have a profound impact on them.
In this webinar we’ll address topics of how to support “incognito survivors,” what to do when their stories or their needs are overwhelming, and small changes that can make a big difference.
Cost: Free, Registration Required (below)
Peggy Haymes, Workshop Leader
Pinnacle Associate Peggy Haymes is an ordained minister and licensed counselor. For ten years she worked with abuse survivors from around the world in Safe Harbors workshops.
Register Here
Social + Emotional Intelligence Coaching Group
Want to be a better leader? Engage in a four-week coaching group with Ircel Harrison, an ACC-certified coach, based on the Social + Emotional Intelligence Profile®. In this confidential, supportive environment, you will learn how to maximize your strengths for leadership.
The Social & Emotional Intelligence Profile (SEIP) is a comprehensive, fully-validated and statistically reliable assessment instrument that identifies four aspects of behavior—self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and relationship management—and suggests strategies for enhancing each. Participants will complete the profile online.
Dates are Thursdays, April 9-30, 2:00 to 3:30 ET/1:00 to 2:30 CT (4 sessions). The $275 fee for this group includes the cost of the profile.
Group is limited to five participants. Registration Deadline is Monday, April 6.
For more information, contact Ircel Harrison.
Want to be a better leader? Engage in a four-week coaching group with Ircel Harrison, an ACC-certified coach, based on the Social + Emotional Intelligence Profile®. Dates are Thursdays, April 9-30, 2:00 to 3:30 ET/1:00 to 2:30 CT (4 sessions). The $275 fee for this group includes the cost of the profile.
Discover Coaching
Have You Thought about Becoming a Coach?
Looking for something that:
Validates your authenticity?
Strengthens your leadership skills?
Provides a structure for assisting others to discover their best selves?
Reinforces the best practices in interacting with others?
Join us for a conversation about coaching and coach training. In this conversation, we will answer your questions about coaching and coach training and explore the benefits of using coaching skills in everyday life and work. Coach training can benefit all who are interested in developing healthier work and personal relationships.
Participants in the webinar will receive a discount of 20% on the next offering of SCT 101: Introduction to Coaching.
Session will be approximately 90 minutes. We hope to see you there. Register by clicking “Add to Cart” below, then complete your registration by clicking on the “Cart” icon.
Child and Youth Protection Policy for Churches and Faith Communities
Presenter: Lexanne Graves, Pinnacle Associate
Location – Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 400 Harbison Blvd., Columbia, SC 29212
Online Participation Available – See Note Below
Cost: $50
Ensuring the safety and security of our children and youth is paramount to fostering a thriving and trustworthy faith community. This workshop directly addresses this by focusing on the development and implementation of effective Child/Youth Protection Policies. It begins by asking: 'Does our church/faith community have a Child/Youth Protection Policy with annual trainings for adult staff and volunteers?' This isn't just about compliance; it's about proactively mitigating risks, building trust with families, and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the vulnerable members of our community. This training will guide leaders through the process of creating a context-specific policy and provide actionable steps and outlines for putting it into practice, ultimately strengthening our ability to protect and nurture our young people. Without a clear and consistently enforced Child/Youth Protection Policy and regular training, your faith community risks failing to adequately protect vulnerable individuals, potentially leading to harm and eroding the trust of families and the wider community.
Facilitator: Lexanne Graves
Hybrid Option Available: If travel to the Columbia, SC location is not optimal, participants may join online for the same registration fee. Please check “Online Attendance” under “Participation Method” during checkout.
Anticipated Outcomes for Participants:
Educate participants about facts of child sexual abuse and understand the risks
Focus on ways to minimize the risks specific to one’s context
Provide multiple resources on creating one’s policy
Discuss trainings and screenings needed and how to handle reporting child sexual abuse
Craft an outline for one’s policy
Ensuring the safety and security of our children and youth is paramount to fostering a thriving and trustworthy faith community. This workshop directly addresses this by focusing on the development and implementation of effective Child/Youth Protection Policies. It begins by asking: 'Does our church/faith community have a Child/Youth Protection Policy with annual trainings for adult staff and volunteers?' This isn't just about compliance; it's about proactively mitigating risks, building trust with families, and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the vulnerable members of our community. This training will guide leaders through the process of creating a context-specific policy and provide actionable steps and outlines for putting it into practice, ultimately strengthening our ability to protect and nurture our young people. Without a clear and consistently enforced Child/Youth Protection Policy and regular training, your faith community risks failing to adequately protect vulnerable individuals, potentially leading to harm and eroding the trust of families and the wider community.
Discover Coaching
Have You Thought about Becoming a Coach?
Looking for something that:
Validates your authenticity?
Strengthens your leadership skills?
Provides a structure for assisting others to discover their best selves?
Reinforces the best practices in interacting with others?
Join us for a conversation about coaching and coach training. In this conversation, we will answer your questions about coaching and coach training and explore the benefits of using coaching skills in everyday life and work. Coach training can benefit all who are interested in developing healthier work and personal relationships.
Participants in the webinar will receive a discount of 20% on the next offering of SCT 101: Introduction to Coaching.
Session will be approximately 90 minutes. We hope to see you there. Register by clicking “Add to Cart” below, then complete your registration by clicking on the “Cart” icon.
Mission Trips: Creating a Fresh, New, Lasting Culture in Your Ministry
This FREE 45-minute seminar is designed to help you rethink your mission trip, creating a culture within your student ministry that you can carry throughout the entire program year.
Hosted by Jay Gamelin, who has 30 years of experience in student ministry and a proven track record of developing vibrant ministries in both congregational and campus settings. In addition, Jay has been a keynote speaker at youth events in 38 states, served as the closing preacher at the ELCA National Youth Gathering in San Antonio, TX, and been a featured speaker at camps and young adult gatherings in Denmark.
Jay also has extensive experience in constructing service-learning experiences that shape organizational culture. During this seminar, he will guide you through the planning and implementation process to create an experience that will positively impact your ministry all year long.
Please complete the form below to REGISTER for this FREE WEBINAR:
Discovering and Leveraging Your Natural Leadership Style in Ministry
“Know thyself” is a really helpful strategy for increasing one’s leadership competency. Knowing one’s natural leadership style, with its strengths and weaknesses, raises leadership effectiveness.
This learning experience is for clergy and church staff who value growth and development. This is an excellent way to provide a staff development experience for staff teams. Not only is this a high quality training event, but participants will interact with other staff teams from area churches, enriching the learning and forming community. Individual clergy and staff persons will be enriched as well, engaging with others in similar ministry contexts. Whatever your leadership role is in ministry, this Seminar will open the door to leadership growth.
During this Seminar we will:
Complete and score the PeopleMap Leadership Styles Inventory
Learn the Strengths and Achilles Heels of each Style
Learn how to maximize one’s strengths while minimizing Achilles Heels
Hear examples of pastoral and church staff leaders who use their styles for leadership effectiveness
Receive guidance on how to connect one’s leadership style with one’s current ministry goals and aspirations
Receive a substantive workbook with strategies for raising leadership effectiveness
Rev. Mark E. Tidsworth is a Certified PeopleMap Trainer, with 25+ years of experience in training and coaching pastors and church staff persons toward leadership excellence. Mark loves doing PeopleMap training, connecting the dots between individual gifts and graces and the mission of the Church. You will find Mark enthusiastic about raising your leadership effectiveness through this learning experience.
September 18, 2025 - 9:30AM-1:00PM
Location - Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29204
Cost - $75 (includes PeopleMap Leadership Style Inventory)
September 18, 2025: 9:30am–1:00pm
With Rev. Mark E. Tidsworth
Location - TBD, Columbia, SC
Cost - $75 (includes PeopleMap Leadership Style Inventory)
Moms & Ministry
This monthly online group will meet September 2025–May 2026 on the second Thursday of each month, beginning September 11 at 1pm EST.
AI in Ministry: Explore the Possibilities
This 6-session online class will meet on the second Thursday of each month, beginning Thursday, September 11 at 11:00am EST.
Crossing Thresholds: 8 Emerging Dynamics Every Church Must Address
This Seminar is designed for those who are determined to embody the Way of Jesus through and with their churches, leading them to navigate what’s before us with courage and hope.
FREE Webinar for Authors
Have you always wanted to be a writer? Do you have book ideas rattling around in your head? Take your writing dreams into reality. Discover a pathway to publication with Pinnacle Writing Coaches Peggy Haymes and Ronald “Dee” Vaughn as they introduce coaching for the writer and three obstacles writers encounter in their pathway to writing a book.
Discover Coaching
Have You Thought about Becoming a Coach?
Looking for something that:
Validates your authenticity?
Strengthens your leadership skills?
Provides a structure for assisting others to discover their best selves?
Reinforces the best practices in interacting with others?
Join us for a conversation about coaching and coach training. In this conversation, we will answer your questions about coaching and coach training and explore the benefits of using coaching skills in everyday life and work. Coach training can benefit all who are interested in developing healthier work and personal relationships.
Participants in the webinar will receive a discount of 20% on the next offering of SCT 101: Introduction to Coaching.
Session will be approximately 90 minutes. We hope to see you there. Register by clicking “Add to Cart” below, then complete your registration by clicking on the “Cart” icon.
Discover Coaching
Have You Thought about Becoming a Coach?
Looking for something that:
Validates your authenticity?
Strengthens your leadership skills?
Provides a structure for assisting others to discover their best selves?
Reinforces the best practices in interacting with others?
Join us for a conversation about coaching and coach training. In this conversation, we will answer your questions about coaching and coach training and explore the benefits of using coaching skills in everyday life and work. Coach training can benefit all who are interested in developing healthier work and personal relationships.
Participants in the webinar will receive a discount of 20% on the next offering of SCT 101: Introduction to Coaching.
Session will be approximately 90 minutes. We hope to see you there. Register by clicking “Add to Cart” below, then complete your registration by clicking on the “Cart” icon.
Coaching as Spiritual Practice: Deepening Faith While Deepening Impact
You are invited to join Summit Coach Training for a complimentary webinar led by Eddie Hammett, Master Certified Coach on Thursday, April 3, 2025--1pm ET/Noon CT.
The webinar includes a coaching demonstration and introduction to Hammett’s forthcoming book, Coaching as Spiritual Practice. One hour of Continuing Coach Education provided.
The webinar is free of charge, but participation is limited.
Deadline for registration is Monday, March 31.
A complimentary webinar from Summit Coach Training led by Eddie Hammett, Master Certified Coach --Thursday, April 3, 2025--1pm ET/Noon CT
Includes a coaching demonstration and introduction to Hammett’s forthcoming book, Coaching as Spiritual Practice. One hour of Continuing Coach Education provided.
The webinar is free of charge, but participation is limited. Deadline for registration is Monday, March 31.
Discover Coaching
Have You Thought about Becoming a Coach?
Looking for something that:
Validates your authenticity?
Strengthens your leadership skills?
Provides a structure for assisting others to discover their best selves?
Reinforces the best practices in interacting with others?
Join us for a conversation about coaching and coach training. In this conversation, we will answer your questions about coaching and coach training and explore the benefits of using coaching skills in everyday life and work. Coach training can benefit all who are interested in developing healthier work and personal relationships.
Participants in the webinar will receive a discount of 20% on the next offering of SCT 101: Introduction to Coaching.
Session will be approximately 90 minutes. We hope to see you there. Register by clicking “Add to Cart” below, then complete your registration by clicking on the “Cart” icon.
Discover Coaching
Have You Thought about Becoming a Coach?
Looking for something that:
Validates your authenticity?
Strengthens your leadership skills?
Provides a structure for assisting others to discover their best selves?
Reinforces the best practices in interacting with others?
Join us for a conversation about coaching and coach training. In this conversation, we will answer your questions about coaching and coach training and explore the benefits of using coaching skills in everyday life and work. Coach training can benefit all who are interested in developing healthier work and personal relationships.
Participants in the webinar will receive a discount of 20% on the next offering of SCT 101: Introduction to Coaching.
Session will be approximately 90 minutes. We hope to see you there. Register by clicking “Add to Cart” below, then complete your registration by clicking on the “Cart” icon.
Clergy & Church Staff Election Debriefing
While coaching and consulting this week, it’s clear to us on the Pinnacle Team that many clergy and church staff are working through their own angst regarding the election, while walking alongside their people who are struggling. Given this, we want to help. Rather than offer a seminar or workshop, it seems the most immediate need for clergy and church staff is….
· A safe space for personally debriefing thoughts, feelings, and responses to the election
· A safe space for clergy and church staff to discuss preaching and leading in politically purple, moderate, or progressive churches
Given this, Pinnacle Team Leader Rev. Mark Tidsworth will facilitate this debriefing with guided conversation. Knowing Sunday is coming soon, we are offering this opportunity right away (Friday) and then again on Tuesday, November 12. We will work to make sure this is a safe space for personal debriefing with others doing the same, while also considering communicating, preaching, and leading in spiritually sensitive and Christ-centered ways. When you register, you will receive the zoom link. After clicking “add to cart,” please complete registration by going to the cart.
While coaching and consulting this week, it’s clear to us on the Pinnacle Team that many clergy and church staff are working through their own angst regarding the election, while walking alongside their people who are struggling. Given this, we want to help. Rather than offer a seminar or workshop, it seems the most immediate need for clergy and church staff is….
· A safe space for personally debriefing thoughts, feelings, and responses to the election
· A safe space for clergy and church staff to discuss preaching and leading in politically purple, moderate, or progressive churches
Given this, Pinnacle Team Leader Rev. Mark Tidsworth will facilitate this debriefing with guided conversation. We will work to make sure this is a safe space for personal debriefing with others doing the same, while also considering communicating, preaching, and leading in spiritually sensitive and Christ-centered ways. When you register, you will receive the zoom link.
Clergy & Church Staff Election Debriefing
While coaching and consulting this week, it’s clear to us on the Pinnacle Team that many clergy and church staff are working through their own angst regarding the election, while walking alongside their people who are struggling. Given this, we want to help. Rather than offer a seminar or workshop, it seems the most immediate need for clergy and church staff is….
· A safe space for personally debriefing thoughts, feelings, and responses to the election
· A safe space for clergy and church staff to discuss preaching and leading in politically purple, moderate, or progressive churches
Given this, Pinnacle Team Leader Rev. Mark Tidsworth will facilitate this debriefing with guided conversation. Knowing Sunday is coming soon, we are offering this opportunity right away (Friday) and then again on Tuesday, November 12. We will work to make sure this is a safe space for personal debriefing with others doing the same, while also considering communicating, preaching, and leading in spiritually sensitive and Christ-centered ways. When you register, you will receive the zoom link. After clicking “add to cart,” please complete registration by going to the cart.
While coaching and consulting this week, it’s clear to us on the Pinnacle Team that many clergy and church staff are working through their own angst regarding the election, while walking alongside their people who are struggling. Given this, we want to help. Rather than offer a seminar or workshop, it seems the most immediate need for clergy and church staff is….
· A safe space for personally debriefing thoughts, feelings, and responses to the election
· A safe space for clergy and church staff to discuss preaching and leading in politically purple, moderate, or progressive churches
Given this, Pinnacle Team Leader Rev. Mark Tidsworth will facilitate this debriefing with guided conversation. We will work to make sure this is a safe space for personal debriefing with others doing the same, while also considering communicating, preaching, and leading in spiritually sensitive and Christ-centered ways. When you register, you will receive the zoom link.
Social + Emotional Intelligence Coaching Group
Want to be a better leader? Engage in a four-week coaching group with Ircel Harrison, an ACC-certified coach, based on the Social + Emotional Intelligence Profile®. Dates are October 17-November 7 at 10 am to noon CT/11 am to 1 pm ET. The $275 fee for this group includes the cost of the profile.
Want to be a better leader? Engage in a four-week coaching group with Ircel Harrison, an ACC-certified coach, based on the Social + Emotional Intelligence Profile®. Dates are Thursdays, April 9-30, 2:00 to 3:30 ET/1:00 to 2:30 CT (4 sessions). The $275 fee for this group includes the cost of the profile.
Moms & Ministry
A Free Come & See Event!
Do you sometimes find yourself having difficulty balancing your duties as a mom and the obligations of ministry? Do you feel exhausted from juggling both? Do you ever feel alone in those struggles?
Well the good news, is that you are NOT alone! In 2015, 25% of women reported losing confidence in their calling since starting ministry . . . that number climbed to 55% in 2022.
Do you want some more good news? Rev. Dana Seiler will be offering coaching for women who would like support, encouragement, and best practices to help rejuvenate the Spirit and renew their sense of calling. If you are looking for community with commonality, then please join Dana on August 29th at 11 am for a (free) 1 hour Zoom call. There is no commitment in this preview Zoom gathering, simply a way to learn more about being a mom in ministry while also learning about this group. Come and see if this is something that you want or need to invest in so that you can experience the unforced rhythms of God’s grace once again.
Rev. Dana Seiler, Group Leader and Coach
Of Dana’s many titles; Mom, wife, Associate Pastor, Frenchie mom, cook, hiker, gardener, yoga teacher, coach, and encourager, her favorite title of them all is Mom. As a pastor who believes family is the top priority, Dana has faced the challenge of balancing the demands of ministry while still having enough time and energy to be a good mom. She is committed to helping support and encourage those who are facing the same difficulties and creating a community that can share wisdom surrounding this topic. Please feel free to contact Dana if you would like more information or if you would like to pursue a group or coaching.
If you are interested in this topic but are not able to attend the initial Zoom call on August 29 at 11 am EST, you can sign up for one of the offerings below:
1) Moms & Ministry cohort (Zoom) 2nd Thursday from 11:00 am-12:00 pm Sept - May
2) Moms & Ministry cohort - TBD by Come and See Zoom call
3) Individual coaching for women or moms - TBD - based upon clients schedule/preference
Discover Coaching
Have You Thought about Becoming a Coach?
Looking for something that:
Validates your authenticity?
Strengthens your leadership skills?
Provides a structure for assisting others to discover their best selves?
Reinforces the best practices in interacting with others?
Join us for a conversation about coaching and coach training. In this conversation, we will answer your questions about coaching and coach training and explore the benefits of using coaching skills in everyday life and work. Coach training can benefit all who are interested in developing healthier work and personal relationships.
Participants in the webinar will receive a discount of 20% on the next offering of SCT 101: Introduction to Coaching in September.
This “taste and see” conversation will be offered twice:
Monday, August 5 at 6:30 pm ET/5:30 pm CT
Thursday, August 8 at 12 noon ET/11 am CT
Session will be approximately 90 minutes. We hope to see you there. Register below (coming soon!)
Discover Coaching
Have You Thought about Becoming a Coach?
Looking for something that:
Validates your authenticity?
Strengthens your leadership skills?
Provides a structure for assisting others to discover their best selves?
Reinforces the best practices in interacting with others?
Join us for a conversation about coaching and coach training. In this conversation, we will answer your questions about coaching and coach training and explore the benefits of using coaching skills in everyday life and work. Coach training can benefit all who are interested in developing healthier work and personal relationships.
Participants in the webinar will receive a discount of 20% on the next offering of SCT 101: Introduction to Coaching in September.
This “taste and see” conversation will be offered twice:
Monday, August 5 at 6:30 pm ET/5:30 pm CT
Thursday, August 8 at 12 noon ET/11 am CT
Session will be approximately 90 minutes. We hope to see you there. Register below (coming soon!)
WEBINAR: Launching Missional Sermon-Based Small Groups
Pinnacle Associate Doug Cushing will describe how launching missional sermon-based small groups can transform your congregation and breath new life into Sunday worship and weekly Christian formation. Join Doug as he leads an engaging conversation on how to successfully launch Missional Sermon-Based Small Groups.
WEBINAR: Launching Missional Sermon-Based Small Groups
Pinnacle Associate Doug Cushing will describe how launching missional sermon-based small groups can transform your congregation and breath new life into Sunday worship and weekly Christian formation. Join Doug as he leads an engaging conversation on how to successfully launch Missional Sermon-Based Small Groups.
Launching Missional Sermon-Based Small Groups
A Half-Day In-Person Workshop!
Columbia, South Carolina
Dr. Doug Cushing will share how this vision for congregation-wide small groups will foster renewal and inspire a new way of being church in the world while also creating a robust life of faith for your congregation.
Location: McGregor Presbyterian Church, 6505 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212
Due to the generous support and partnership with Trinity Presbytery, Pinnacle Leadership Associates is able to provide this workshop as a low cost learning opportunity. Thank you to Executive Presbyter Rev. Danny Murphy and all of Trinity Presbytery for your partnership!
Registration Fee: $20 (free for members of McGregor Presbyterian Church)
McGregor Presbyterian Church
September 28, 2023
JOIN US FOR THIS EXCITING WORKSHOP!
Webinar: Key Steps in Interim Transitions
Join Pinnacle Leadership Associates for this free, online webinar as we discuss the key steps to take in an interim time. Rev. Andy Casto-Waters will share insights from his years in Transitional Ministry, discussing previous pitfalls and his approach to leading a church during a pastoral change. Register below, or contact Andy Casto-Waters for more information.
What People Are Saying
“As an Interim Pastor, Andy Casto-Waters provides congregations with a sense of hope. He is able to guide church staff and members with his gentle, but decisive leadership during transitional, and often uncertain, times.”
“A God-given ability to connect and communicate with both individuals and with a congregation that make him an ideal interim minister.”
“Andy’s training and experiences have sharpened his abilities to help congregations through conflict and transition.”
WORKSHOP: Pinnacle Preaching Lab (Online)
Description: an interactive group process to help participants improve their sermon delivery.
Aside from comments like “good sermon” or our own evaluation (I nailed it today! I wasn’t on my game!), preachers rarely have the opportunity to review how they present their message. Does the “how” of our presentation get in the way of the “what” of our message? This seminar will allow each participant to receive constructive feedback from peers on how we say what we say.
Format:
Limited to a maximum of five participants.
Each participant will upload two sermon videos, one at the beginning of the lab and the second midway through the workshop. Prior to each session, the leader and the group will review each sermon and offer comments and observations during group meetings. Anticipate reviewing two sermons per meeting.
There will be six 90-minute sessions over the course of eight weeks. Our initial session will be on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. We will meet every other week thereafter and conclude no later than Tuesday, November 28.
Cost per participant: $300
Recommendations:
“Dr. Ireland has a reputation for being a very capable homiletician. As a relatively young preacher, I’m always looking for ways to hone my craft, which prompted me to seek out Dr. Ireland’s expertise. After watching my preaching, he and I had a robust discussion on the ways my sermon writing, and proclamation might be improved. If you are looking to become a more effective communicator of the Gospel, contact Dr. Ireland.”
—Rev. Dr. Koby Strawser, First Baptist Church, Erwin, TN
“At a time when my Sunday messages were floundering, Bill Ireland coached me out of a preaching rut. It not only served me well, but his work blessed our church. He helped me focus on Scripture as a priority and helped me get to the passage sooner in my sermons. Take advantage of Bill’s decades of first-hand experience, his love for the church, and his devotion to Christ to enrich your own preaching.”
—Rev. Dr. Larry Yarborough, Deermeadows Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL
Bill Ireland has served as a pastor for over forty years and is currently serving as the pastor of the Norris Religious Fellowship in Norris, TN and as an associate with Pinnacle Leadership. He brings a wealth of experience, insight, and curiosity to the craft of preaching. He is the author of three books and numerous journal articles. Pulpit Digest published a number of his sermons and his lectionary commentary. He also served as a contributing editor to The Library of Distinctive Sermons.