2026 Leadership Institute

Applications Open

The 2026 Leadership Institute will be accepting nominations through April 30th.

AQORD Leadership Institute offers a unique, in-depth experiential learning opportunity for current and emerging senior leaders to deepen their understanding of leading in organizations that embrace faith-based values.

To learn more about the program and apply, click the link below!

LEARN MORE & APPLY

Giving and Receiving Effective Feedback

Upcoming Learning Lab

April 14th | 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST

Giving and receiving feedback are essential skills for managers at every level. Join this Learning Lab to help identify why feedback is necessary and the different types of feedback.

We will also discuss tools and best practices for receiving feedback constructively to help you grow as a leader.

Learning Labs are a virtual classroom environment. Please be prepared to participate in group discussions, breakout rooms, and more!

This session is limited to 50 participants

Making the Most of AQORD Membership:

Peer Groups, Learning Labs & Webinars

AQORD Resource Series Session

April 15th | 2:00pm - 2:30pm EST

The AQORD Resource Series is a short, practical series of sessions designed to help you access and use your member benefits. Please join us for a virtual educational session highlighting AQORD’s Peer Groups, Learning Labs, and Webinars.

As an AQORD member, you are invited to take part in programming designed to foster connection, shared learning, and practical insight. This 30-minute session will provide a high-level overview of these offerings, how to participate, and what to expect from each program. Ample time will be included for questions.

The Gathering 2026:

Many Gifts, One Spirit

In late March, AQORD members joined three sister associations in Indianapolis for The Gathering 2026, a collaborative conference that replaced AQORD’s traditional annual event this year. The event brought together health and human service leaders representing five faith traditions—Anabaptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Quaker, and United Church of Christ—creating a meaningful opportunity to learn from one another while strengthening a shared commitment to service.

The conference was shaped through partnership with Methodist Ministries Network (MMN), the Presbyterian Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (PAHSA), and the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM). This collaboration expanded opportunities for learning, networking, and community-building, demonstrating the strength of working across faith traditions while honoring each one’s distinct value.

2026 Innovation Grant Recipient: Goldensun

Each year, the AQORD Innovation Grant provides $4,000 to support creative, mission-driven initiatives within our membership. Funded through the Lebanon Fund, this award helps organizations launch or expand programs that strengthen services and advance their impact.

Following a thorough review process, Goldensun was selected as the 2026 recipient from a strong pool of twelve applicants.

Roy Teramoto, Goldensun and AQORD Board Member (left), accepting the Innovation Grant on behalf of Goldensun from AQORD President & CEO, Karen Lehman (right).

The award was formally announced during AQORD’s 2026 conference,

The Gathering, recognizing Goldensun’s Sensory & Wellness Enhancement Project for Adults with Developmental Disabilities.

What We Learned Together: A Community Recap of The Gathering

AQORD Webinar

April 28th | 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

In this webinar, we invite you to join us for a thoughtful hour of reflection on The Gathering. Together, we’ll revisit the moments that resonated most, the insights that emerged, and the voices that shaped the experience. This session will feature highlights from the highest-rated workshops, along with reflections from key presenters.