Congregational Leaders,
In 2026, the Diocese of Southern Ohio will offer a unique opportunity for church leaders to be part of a diocesan-funded cohort that will attend the annual Episcopal Parish Network Conference. This opportunity is for congregational leaders (both lay and clergy) who would greatly benefit from the inspiration, learning, and connection the conference offers, but may not have the budget to attend on their own.
At the EPN Conference, participants step into a vibrant space of collaboration and inspiration. Through keynote speakers, workshops, and small-group conversations, church leaders explore practical ways to strengthen local ministry. Past conference topics have included:
- Creative approaches to stewardship and fundraising that help congregations grow financial sustainability.
- Best practices for lay leadership development that empower more people to serve and lead in the parish.
- New models for community engagement and outreach that respond to today’s social and spiritual needs.
- Tools for strategic planning and visioning that help leaders discern where God is calling their community next.
Beyond workshops and presentations, the EPN Conference is a place to build relationships with Episcopal leaders from across the country who share both the joys and challenges of parish life. Many participants return home with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a network of colleagues to walk with them long after the conference ends.
Parish leaders interested in joining the cohort will submit an application. If selected for one of the limited number of seats, members can expect to gather via Zoom at least once before the conference to get a sense of the offerings and how the team can best take advantage of all the workshops. During the conference, the cohort will meet daily to share their learnings with each other and then work together to implement some of their learnings in their local congregations. Several staff members will accompany the cohort: the Rev. Derrick Fetz, missioner for stewardship; Canon Julie Murray, canon for community engagement; and the Rev. Aaron Rogers, missioner for Black ministries.
This is a unique opportunity for leaders in the Diocese of Southern Ohio to dream, learn, and grow together while strengthening local ministry. Clergy actively serving in a congregation, wardens, treasurers and vestry members are invited to apply. The deadline to apply is Dec. 1.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Derrick Fetz
Missioner for Stewardship
dfetz@diosohio.org
Canon Julie Murray
Canon for Community Engagement
jmurray@diosohio.org
The Rev. Aaron Rogers
Missioner for Black Ministries
arogers@diosohio.org
