Communications for Ministry
January 18 – March 4, 2027
Much of ministry in many vocational forms involves communications—preaching a sermon, praying at the bedside, and counseling congregational members are areas of communication that seminarians receive training for. But what about the website, weekly email, monthly newsletter, and social media? These are areas of ministry that are overlooked but are an integral part of the fabric of most faith communities and NGOs. And most such organizations can't afford to hire a staff member dedicated to these areas, so it falls to the ministry leader to be the expert. This course offers needed support for faith leaders who have had to teach themselves even as the technologies keep evolving. In Communications for Ministry, participants will learn best practices and tools for effective, engaging communication within and beyond faith communities. In addition, participants will create and workshop communication strategies.
This course will be six weeks of online engagement with synchronous Zoom sessions on most Thursdays. See full schedule below.
Facilitators
Rev. Jo Nygard Owens is a CTS alum who has been a leader in church communications in multiple denominations for over 15 years. Rev. Owens recently served as the Pastor for Digital Ministry at Washington National Cathedral. Currently, Rev. Owens is the National Program Director for the Episcopal Preaching Foundation.
Dr. Mindy McGarrah Sharp is Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care at CTS. She brings her recent 2025 Certification in Foundations of the Critical Response Process to support peer workshops in this course.
Schedule & Topics
This course consists of six weeks of asynchronous online engagement, with synchronous Zoom meetings from 12:00-1:30 PM Eastern Time.
Meetings will take place every Thursday except February 25.
Weekly Topics
| Week 1 |
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Design Principles
Best Practices Scavenger Hunt
Generative Feedback Demonstration
Generative Feedback Signup
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| Week 2 |
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Basic Communications Tools Part 1: Announcements and Email Newsletters |
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| Week 3 |
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Basic Communications Tools Part 2: Canva Event Flyer and Social Media |
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| Week 4 |
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Putting It All Together |
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| Week 5 |
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Work on Communication Strategy Outlines |
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| Week 6 |
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Present Communication Strategies
Next Steps
Closing Ritual
Assessment
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Program Fee
The program fee for this course is $250, which includes a nonrefundable $50 deposit.
A $60 early registration discount is available through November 4, 2026.
All balances are due two weeks before program start. Cancellations must be received at least two weeks before program start to receive a refund of the program fee minus the deposit.
Contact
For questions about registration or for technical assistance, email lifelonglearning@ctsnet.edu. For questions about the course content, please contact Jo Nygard Owens at jonygardowens@gmail.com.
