Workshops

Cultivating Courageous Leadership: The Diakonos Solutions Story

The Rev. Dr. Susan Rose
Discover how Diakonos Solutions is transforming the experience for women in ministry through practical support and mentorship. This workshop shares the journey of Diakonos Solutions, born from research revealing that women in ministry are still “not-quite-equal,” even when denominational polity says they are. Women are often left to navigate institutional and leadership challenges without adequate mentoring or support. Diakonos Solutions creates confidential space outside of institutional structures while nurturing women leaders who serve within them through mentoring, Spiritual Direction and DMin coaching. Learn how our two ministries- Stories Behind the Stoles and DMin Scholarships- provide both symbolic and substantive encouragement for women answering God’s call.

We invite you to be part of this sacred work of cultivating courageous leadership with women in ministry—come discover how these initiatives are creating ripples of change across our faith communities and how you might participate in this transformative journey.

I AM WORTHY—Even when the ground shakes

Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy
When life unravels through grief, injustice, trauma, or change, it’s easy to question your worth. But your worth was never dependent on having it all together. This workshop is a sacred space to name what’s been hard and reconnect with what has held you all along.

Led by Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy, Native theologian, storyteller, and pastor, this session draws from her work at the intersection of spiritual care, Indigenous wisdom, and somatic healing. Kelly creates space for stories that live not only in our memories but in our bodies, inviting us to heal through breath, grounding, movement, and sacred storytelling.

Grounded in the promises of Isaiah 54:10 that God’s love will not be shaken and Philippians 4:13 that strength comes from something greater than ourselves, this workshop offers a rhythm of deep reflection, gentle conversation, and embodied spiritual practice.  You’ll engage with stories, grounding exercises, and spiritual tools to help you stay rooted in your worth, especially when life feels uncertain. These practices aren’t just for this moment; they’re gifts you can return to whenever the ground begins to shift.

This is not about fixing yourself. It’s about remembering who you are.

Come as you are, tender, strong, tired, hopeful.
You are still here. You are still worthy. And your story still speaks.

What is Faithful Language for God?  Exploring the Bible and Artwork to Find Out

Dr. Mary J. Streufert
Join this workshop to be inspired and amazed at the wealth of language and images for God!  Whether you are curious or convinced—or unsure or unaware—what the conversations on language for God are about, this workshop is for you.  Using Scripture and artwork, we will explore how language for God that is inclusive (of all humans) and expansive (of all creation) is scripturally, theologically, and evangelically faithful from a Lutheran perspective.  You will leave with practical tools to engage others in your communities and reflections for personal devotions. Dr. Mary J. Streufert serves as ELCA Director for Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment.  With 20 years of experience in this role, she has encouraged others to take seriously what we believe and what we think because what is in our hearts and minds shapes how we act.  Her great love of thinking and talking about faith with others brings her into regular collaboration with others throughout the ELCA, the Lutheran World Federation, and among global scholars.  She has published extensively as a feminist Lutheran theologian, including three books with Fortress Press:  Transformative Lutheran Theologies:  Feminist, Womanist, and Mujerista Perspectives (editor, 2010); Language for God:  A Lutheran Perspective (2022); and with Dr. Mary Elise Lowe, ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Faith, Sexism, and Justice (2025).