Communicating Better to Lead Better in Ministry

“All leaders have to communicate – to inspire, direct, influence, encourage, interpret, and manage disputes,” says Archdeacon Steve Hopkins, whose portfolio includes responsibility for ministry leadership development. When done well, ministry thrives; when done not so well, ministry often suffers, he notes.  With this in mind, the upcoming Niagara Leaders’ Conference will focus on helping diocesan leaders – lay and ordained - enhance their communication skills and, as a result, their effectiveness as leaders in the church. 

The one-day event will take place on Saturday March 25 at St. Christopher’s in Burlington. Registration begins at 9 a.m.., the formal program kicks off at 9:30 a.m., and the day will end by 3p.m..

Those attending the conference will have the opportunity to participate in three workshops focussing on different core communication skills: personality dimensions, assertive communications, and emotional intelligence. Bios for conference presenters are available here. The event also offers diocesan leaders an opportunity to build networks and share experiences. 

Leaders interested in attending the event can register online. The cost is $30 per person, or $20 per person for parish teams of three or more people. 

Archdeacon Hopkins adds “no matter how much experience or training we have, we can always communicate better – because communications is one of those life-long learning challenges that’s never “done” and can always improve.”