Lay Learning Labs – May 2026
CBAC Leadership Development presents Lay Learning Labs, an accessible and practical resource for lay leaders. Whether you’re a treasurer, clerk, small group/Sunday school leader, the Lay Learning Lab is designed to help each congregation’s lay leaders grow and lead in this current moment.
The sessions will be held on Zoom from 6:30-7:30pm, each covering various topics. Please note that they take place concurrently; you can only choose one each night.
May Lab options
Karen Gunn – What Church Treasurers need to Know about the Pension and Insurance Benefits.
Hannah Bartlett – Impressing vs. Blessing in Youth ministry
In a ministry culture that often celebrates what looks impressive – big events, polished programs, and eye-catching moments – it’s easy to confuse attraction with transformation.
This learning lab is an invitation to step back and examine the difference between impressing young people and truly blessing them. Together, we’ll explore how biblical hospitality, presence, and faithfulness often shape hearts more deeply than hype or production value.
Gordon Dickinson – Clear & Compelling Communication
Learn essential communication tools and skills to engage your congregation, get the word out, and enhance your church’s impact.
Laura Bennett – Developing Cultures of Prayer for Justice and Spiritual Renewal
Do you long to see spiritual renewal in your congregation? Do you have a heart for justice in your community, but aren’t sure where to begin?
Whether you’re an elder, treasurer, kids-min leader, or volunteer greeter, cultivating a culture of prayer has the potential to unite your team, deepen your dependence on God, and create space for the Holy Spirit to move in fresh and transformative ways.
In this Learning Lab, Laura Bennett, CBAC Coordinator for Justice and Advocacy, shares a practical theology of prayer for spiritual renewal and justice. Whether you’re inspired to start a prayer room, strengthen the prayer life of your leadership team, or discern how prayer can fuel your church’s engagement in justice, this workshop will equip you with both theological vision and practical next steps.
We’ll cover topics such as:
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A practical theology of prayer
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How prayer fuels mission and justice in church contexts
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How to practically move teams from prayer-shy to prayer-bold
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Take-home frameworks and prayer-tools to use in your context