Continuing Education and Workshops
Quarterly workshops, seminars, and coaching sessions designed to address the unique challenges of rural and small-town ministry.
Program Overview
The Hood Empowers Continuing Education program offers accessible professional development for North Carolina’s rural and small-town ministers and church leaders. Our hybrid approach combines virtual accessibility with in-person community building to meet the diverse needs of ministry leaders across the state.
Delivery Formats
- Virtual Learning Platform: Access workshops from anywhere with reliable internet, eliminating travel barriers for remote church leaders
- Regional In-Person Gatherings: Quarterly face-to-face sessions hosted at partner churches throughout different NC regions
- Hybrid Events: Simultaneous in-person and livestreamed sessions allowing maximum participation
- On-Demand Resources: Recorded sessions and supplemental materials available for asynchronous learning
Faith Development Workshops
- Balancing Ministry Priorities: Practical strategies for maintaining spiritual leadership while addressing operational demands
- Rural Evangelism Innovation: Techniques for meaningful community outreach despite declining populations
- Spiritual Resilience Building: Support systems for leaders experiencing ministry fatigue in challenging contexts
- Discipleship in Resource-Limited Settings: Creating impactful spiritual formation with minimal technology and staffing
Foundation Building Workshops
- Church Facility Management: Practical guidance for prioritizing repairs and maintaining aging buildings on limited budgets
- Technology Solutions for Rural Churches: Affordable digital tools and basic technology training for enhancing ministry reach
- Financial Stewardship and Fundraising: Grant writing, community fundraising, and strategic budgeting for rural contexts
- Administrative Streamlining: Systems for efficient church operations with limited staff and volunteer resources
Community Formation Workshops
- Rural Community Assessment: Tools for identifying local needs and strategic ministry opportunities
- Cross-Cultural Ministry Approaches: Strategies for connecting with changing demographics in rural North Carolina
- Collaborative Leadership Models: Building effective partnerships with local organizations and government agencies
- Intergenerational Ministry Design: Creating programs that bridge age gaps and leverage the wisdom of church elders
Accessibility Features
- Sliding Scale Pricing: Cost structures based on church size and resources to ensure accessibility
- Technology Lending: Equipment loans for leaders needing devices to participate in virtual sessions
- Travel Stipends: Financial assistance for in-person attendance from remote areas
- Childcare Provisions: Support for parent-ministers attending in-person gatherings
- Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend options accommodating bi-vocational ministers
Upcoming Workshop Series
Winter Series: “Resilient Ministry in Changing Communities” (Virtual)
Spring Series: “Maximizing Church Resources for Community Impact” (Regional In-Person)
Summer Intensive: “Rural Church Revitalization” (Hybrid Format)
Fall Series: “Collaborative Ministry Models across Church Boundaries” (Virtual)
Success Stories
Additional Support Services
Grant Writing Assistance: Expert guidance for securing external funding
Financial Planning Consultation: Strategic budgeting for resource-limited contexts
Collaborative Resource Sharing: Networks connecting churches with complementary assets
Technology Assessment: Evaluation of digital needs and affordable solutions
Need Help?
Ready to Transform Your Ministry's Impact?
Don’t let limited resources constrain your ministry vision. Our funding center and resource repository are ready to help your rural or small-town church overcome financial challenges and expand your community impact. Visit our Resources page to begin the application process or access our comprehensive toolkit library today.