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Working Smarter, Not Harder


by Ashley Graham-Wilcox


This post is inspired by a conversation we had at this month’s Admin Cafe workshop. (Members can access the slides from that workshop here.)


And before I say anything else, let’s just get this part out of the way: I don’t always do this well! I’m not someone who has perfectly figured out productivity or time management or sustainable rhythms. Most weeks, I still find myself reacting more than I’d like, overcommitting, or trying to squeeze one more thing in.


But I am trying. As I’ve said in this blog — what feels like many times — we’re all out here trying our best. And I read a lot, and love a good planner. So, if your to-do list feels infinite and your energy feels…not, you’re not alone.


The Real Source of Overwhelm

When we talk about working smarter, not harder, we’re usually responding to a feeling—and that feeling is overwhelm. Overwhelm tends to come from three things...

Upcoming Workshops

Expert-led Workshop

Stewardship in a Digital Age
Special 90-Minute Workshop with Ryan Panzer


Thursday, April 9
| 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM PT / 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM MT / 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CT / 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM ET


In a culture shaped by attention economies, social media metrics, and frictionless giving tools, stewardship no longer looks like it did a decade ago. As generosity increasingly moves online, churches are discovering both new opportunities—and new challenges.


In this extended 90-minute session, Ryan Panzer invites church leaders, communicators, and administrators to explore how digital culture is reshaping generosity and what it means to form faithful stewards in this environment. Together we’ll look at the difference between performative generosity and authentic, relational stewardship, consider how Millennials and Gen Z approach giving, and explore practical ways churches can move beyond transaction-based appeals toward transformational generosity.


We’ve intentionally scheduled this conversation during the Easter season—a time when the church reflects on resurrection, renewal, and the abundance of God’s grace. It’s also timed to give church staff and committees space to reflect and prepare ahead of fall stewardship seasons. Caffeinated Church members are encouraged to bring their stewardship chairs, fundraising committees, or anyone involved in generosity and development. The goal is to leave not just inspired, but with concrete ideas your team can put into practice together.


Led by Ryan Panzer, author of The Holy & the Hybrid: Navigating the Church’s Digital Reformation.

Realm User Group

Realm User Group


April 16 (Third Thursday of the Month, excluding July and December): 9:00 AM PT / 10:00 AM MT / 11:00 AM CT / 12:00 PM ET


Join us for a time of sharing, troubleshooting, and honing our Realm skills in support of our missions and ministries.


Hosted by Janey Griggs Salazar, Administrative Assistant and Benefits Coordinator for the Episcopal Church in Colorado

 

Administrators Virtual Cafe

Leading From the Middle


Wednesday, April 29 | 10:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM MT / 12:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM ET


Not every leader sits at the head of the table. This Admin Café roundtable is designed for those navigating leadership without formal authority: working between clergy, councils, staff, and volunteers while still being expected to move things forward.


Using a few practical frameworks as anchors, we’ll explore real-life challenges, trade strategies, and name what actually works—and what doesn’t—when leading from the middle.


Come ready to reflect, contribute, and leave with a few grounded practices you can try right away, along with the reassurance that you’re not the only one figuring this out. 


Facilitated by Ashley Graham-Wilcox, Independent Church Consultant

Caffeinated Church Conference Pour-Over:

FEATURED CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

 

AI & The Great Commission: New Tools for Timeless Truths


Empowering Episcopal Leaders to Proclaim the Gospel in a Digital Age


Tuesday, April 21 | 4:15 PM - Ross

What happens when ancient truth meets modern tools? In this dynamic session, you'll learn how to use AI to create graphics, newsletters, and social media content; clip and repurpose sermon video for outreach; generate content ideas and streamline communication; and discover both free and paid tools to elevate your church's digital presence — all so you can reclaim time for mission, not just media.

No tech degree required. Just a heart for the Gospel and a willingness to explore.

This workshop is led by the Rev. Christian Anderson, Vicar of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Stuart, Florida.

Registration Details

We're 2 weeks away from the Caffeinated Church Conference!

This conference focuses on the practical work that helps congregations function well—clear communication, effective stewardship messaging, strong church websites, healthy staff collaboration, and building stronger internal systems so churches can do their work and ministries better. At just $400—and hosted in Atlanta, one of the more affordable cities to travel to—it’s a cost-effective continuing education investment that equips church administrators and communicators with tools they can immediately bring back to strengthen their congregation’s work.


☕Churches with an Average Sunday Attendance of less than 100 can receive $100 off their registration fee. Request a scholarship.


☕ If you're local to Atlanta and can only attend for a day or two, you can register as a commuter here.

Espresso Yourself: A Creative Prompt

This month's challenge: Write one sentence your congregation actually needs to hear.


Not a bulletin announcement, not an event reminder. Just one honest, human sentence about what your community is living through right now — and maybe what the Gospel has to say about it.


Share it with us. We'd love to read it.

Refill & Rest: Self-Care Corner

You made it through a full and Holy Week! All the showing up, all the care, all the details. Take one breath and remember: What you offered was enough. You are enough.


Now let yourself rest.

 
 
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