“We were thrilled to partner with MaryAnn in our most recent fall church-wide emphasis! We used her latest book, held small group discussions based on the readings, and even built a sermon series in which the highlight was her coming to share the Word with us on a Sunday morning. She was nothing but helpful and delightful to work with, and she truly went above and beyond with some pre-recording and advance copies to help us build the excitement.”
Life-changing retreats, workshops and more.
Brené Brown meets Tina Fey! MaryAnn McKibben Dana has led dozens of groups as they learn to live deeper, more faithful, more creative lives.
“MaryAnn is my favorite collaborator! We have worked together on a number of workshops integrating ministry, improv, and adaptive leadership. Each time is a great joy; and in her presentations, I always find something new, insightful, and immediately practical. I look forward to our next play time!”
Here are a few topics MaryAnn is addressing in events these days. Or contact MaryAnn to “mix and match” and customize your own event.
Hope All the Way Down
How do we cultivate hope to face each day? How do we find the energy to persevere, knowing things don’t always work out OK, no matter what the platitudes say? How do we pursue the work of justice, knowing that the task is too big for any of us? We will explore hope on levels both theological and practical: the stories that form our communities and the systems and structures that can either impede us, or set us free for hope-filled work.
Designing Your Ministry
How does the church go beyond survival mode to a thriving posture? What might we be learning now that we can take with us into a faithful and creative future ? How can we avoid the pitfalls of inertia and “the way things used to be”? And how will we do this work sustainably, exercising care and kindness toward ourselves and others? This workshop will introduce the tools of design thinking, a helpful and humane process to help groups imagine, create and implement the work that matters most.
The Art of Yes-And
This workshop will explore improvisation as a means for vibrant living, even when life and ministry don’t go according to plan. We are all improvisers, often without realizing it. The focus of our time together will not be on acting and comedy skills, but on practices for thriving in the midst of chaotic, often unpredictable lives. Come for a zesty blend of scripture, theology, psychology, pop culture, and more, as we dream, discuss, play, and build resilience together.
“Our presbytery has been so fortunate to host MaryAnn several times for different types of gatherings. It’s not an exaggeration to say she’s nailed it every time with relevant, engaging content and keen pastoral insights. We will keep inviting her! ”