WEBINARS

Webinars are 90-minute, virtual trainings facilitated by a different Lifeline Chaplain each month that cover special topics and book discussions relating to pastoral care. Webinars are scheduled in advance, and we strive to offer one webinar per month.

March 2026

21
March

Special Topic: Escaping The Messiah Trap

Date March 21, 2026Time 9:00 am - 10:30 am America/ChicagoOrganizer Paul Riddle

Have you ever felt exhausted from always being the one others lean on? This webinar explores the “Messiah Trap”—the hidden pressure helpers often carry to fix, rescue, or hold everything together. Join us for a practical and encouraging conversation that will help you set healthier boundaries, care for others without burning out, and rediscover sustainable compassion.

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April 2026

18
April

Book Discussion: A Spirituality of Caregiving

Date April 18, 2026Time 9:00 am - 10:30 pm America/ChicagoOrganizer Paul Riddle

Caregiving can be deeply meaningful—but also challenging. In this webinar, we’ll explore Henri Nouwen’s reflections on the spiritual side of caregiving and why care is never one-sided. Through discussion and shared insight, we’ll discover how caregiving can become a space of mutual growth—where both the caregiver and the one receiving care are strengthened, nurtured, and transformed.

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May 2026

02
May

Special Topic - Navigating Advance Directives in the Hospital

Date May 2, 2026Time 9:00 am - 10:30 am America/ChicagoOrganizer Gabe Fisher
Advanced Directives can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when you are in the hospital. This seminar explains the content of these documents, the rationale behind each one, and the process of completing them. One goal is for participants to view these forms through the angle of dignity, quality of life, and compassion for family.
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June 2026

17
June

Special Topic - Grieving the Loss of Children

Date June 17, 2026Time 10:30 am - 12:00 pm America/ChicagoOrganizer Seth Shaver
The unique impact of perinatal loss cannot be underestimated, and the wake of these losses is far-reaching. Through this webinar we will explore some of how these types of losses are felt. Along with increased awareness of this type of grief, we will discuss some sensitive strategies to better support families who have lost pregnancies and babies.
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July 2026

15
July

Special Topic - Grieving the Mind

Date July 15, 2026Time 10:30 am - 12:00 pm America/ChicagoOrganizer Seth Shaver
Experiencing Alzheimer’s and Dementia is extremely disorienting. Those who care of these people must walk a difficult path. Watching the mind and memory of your loved ones slip away causes grief, even though they are still physically still around. We will what pastoral care looks like both for the afflicted and their caregivers. Knowing some of what to expect and approaches we can take with our care can equip us to care for all those directly and indirectly affected by these diseases.
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August 2026

13
August

Special Topic - Who Is Responsible for Pastoral Care in the Local Congregation?

Date August 13, 2026Time 10:30 am - 12:00 pm America/ChicagoOrganizer Terry Kitson
Every congregation I’ve been part of or spoken with affirms the importance of pastoral care. Yet some struggle to define what pastoral care is, while others wrestle with determining who within the congregation is responsible for providing it. Are ministers or elders the primary ones called to walk pastorally alongside congregants? Should responsibility belong to those with formal titles or to those who are spiritually gifted for this work? And most importantly, how do we ensure that the needs of all our congregants are truly met?
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September 2026

09
September

Special Topic - Communal Grief

Date September 9, 2026Time 10:30 am - 12:00 pm America/ChicagoOrganizer Seth Shaver
While grief is very much an individual process, there are times when our communities experience grief together over a shared loss. Individual and communal grief can be navigated similarly in some respects, but communal grief can often be more complex since everyone grieves in their own way. We will explore some strategies to help a community walk the path of grief together in healthy, respectful, and meaningful ways.
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October 2026

03
October

Special Topic - A Biblical Approach to Pastoral Care

Date October 3, 2026Time 9:00 am - 10:30 am America/ChicagoOrganizer Gabe Fisher
This seminar provides a simple four-fold model for pastoral care that is grounded in scripture. Participants will learn an accessible framework for supporting those in their congregations, families, and communities during loss and crisis. Two goals are for participants to have a clearer understanding of pastoral care and increased competence in caring for those around them. Registrants will receive a copy of A Brief Biblical Reflection on Pastoral Care.
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November 2026

12
November

Special Topic - The Empty Chair

Date November 12, 2026Time 10:30 am - 12:00 pm America/ChicagoOrganizer Seth Shaver
Regardless of where you are in your grief, special events can bring back the pain of loss in different and acute ways. This webinar will explore what types of things you can expect in these moments. We will also look at ways to incorporate your grief and memories into these times without letting it take over these significant life events, such as holidays, weddings, and other milestones.
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