CTS Webinars- Common Life, Real Conversations
Each year, our free online webinar series explores the questions, challenges, and opportunities that shape our shared life together rooted in faith. We believe conversations about meaning, values, and the common good belong not only in classrooms and congregations but also throughout our communities. Through engaging discussions on timely topics led by subject-matter experts, these conversations seek to foster compassion, wisdom, and faithful leadership for the flourishing of individuals, communities, and the wider world. Rooted in Christian Theological Seminary’s commitment to educating leaders, engaging communities, and advancing justice, this webinar series creates space for thoughtful dialogue, deeper understanding, and shared learning.
2026-2027 Series
What Makes a Good Spiritual Caregiver or Chaplain Today?
Free online webinars on Wednesdays from 12-1:00pm Eastern, open to all.
Explore what constitutes effective chaplaincy and spiritual care in the 21st century—ethically, psychologically, socially, and pastorally— particularly in contexts marked by uncertainty, communal stress, social change, and moral complexity. This includes examining and addressing the assumptions and biases chaplains may hold about “belief” and cultivating the skills necessary to deconstruct inherited frameworks to engage persons and communities with greater depth, humility, and responsiveness.
Spiritual Care for Religious Nones
9/9/2026, 12-1:00pm Eastern
Ben Iten – President, The Humanist Society
Research tends to describe the “religious nones” as comprising three distinct groups: atheists, agnostics, and the religiously unaffiliated. However, these groups differ significantly in how they understand meaning, identity, and the world, and therefore require different approaches from spiritual care providers.
In this webinar, Ben Iten will explore these differences, with particular attention to spiritual care practices that support existential reflection and life transitions across these diverse populations.
Compassion on the Front Lines: Spiritual Care at the Border
10/7/2026, 12-1pm Eastern
Sister Norma Pimentel – Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
Sister Norma Pimentel will share reflections on the spiritual and human dimensions of ministry at the U.S.–Mexico border, drawing from her years of service accompanying immigrant families in moments of profound vulnerability.
Grounded in her leadership at Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, this webinar will explore how compassion, faith, and dignity shape frontline spiritual care responses to migration and humanitarian crisis. Participants will gain insight into the pastoral, ethical, and spiritual challenges of caring for those seeking refuge and hope.
Ministry of Presence: Chaplaincy Amid Poverty and Homelessness
11/11/2026, 12-1pm Eastern
Rev. Charlotte Cramer – Founder, Temple of the Forgotten
Join Rev. Charlotte Cramer for a discussion on the value of spiritual care in contexts of poverty and marginalization, particularly within systems of homelessness.
Together, the session will explore the methods and ethics of spiritual care that support and honor those living in deep poverty, while examining the challenges and complexities of this work. The conversation will reflect on the meaning of presence in spiritual care when outcomes are uncertain or limited and consider how street and community chaplaincy can help transform and reimagine chaplaincy for the modern world.
Troubled Minds: Chaplaincy in the Midst of the Mental Health Crisis
2/3/2027, 12-1pm Eastern
Rev. Angelika A. Zollfrank – Chaplain and CPE Educator, Mass General McLean Hospital
We are in the midst of a major mental health crisis. Chaplains, who are often first responders, need basic skills to identify low, moderate, and severe mental illness. Chaplains can play a key role in suicide prevention and intervention during mental health crises. This presentation will also raise awareness of the important intersection between spirituality and mental health.
Notes from the Queer Diaspora: What LGBTQ Lives Teach Chaplaincy
3/17/2027, 12-1pm Eastern
Rev. Elizabeth M. Edman – Queer Theologian and Priest in Charge, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Bronx
Queer and trans people are often deeply attuned to the sacred and are frequently conscious of the need to attend carefully to their spiritual lives. At the same time, many have experienced trauma within faith communities, often reinforced by appeals to religious authority.
This session will explore how chaplains and spiritual caregivers can recognize the inherent spirituality present in queer life, establish credibility as trustworthy caregivers, and cultivate spaces that are “safe enough” for LGBTQ+ persons to enter. The goal is to deepen chaplaincy practice and foster richer, more ethically grounded spiritual care encounters.
What Does “Care of Souls” Mean in an Age of Artificial Intelligence?
4/21/2027, 12-1pm Eastern
Meghan Sullivan – Wilsey Family College Professor of Philosophy, University of Notre Dame
Drawing on the DELTA initiative—A Faith-Based Ethical Framework for Thinking About Powerful AI—the conversation will consider the common moral and spiritual pillars that unite Christian traditions as humanity enters an era shaped by powerful AI systems. The session will reflect on what “care of souls” means in a world where human identity, agency, and moral decision-making are increasingly mediated by technology.
Registration
Each webinar is free, but registration is required.
About the Courses
In the context of a cultural climate shaped by politics, policies, and influence, Christianity faces pressing questions tied to the intersection of faith, civics, and social values. These free webinars by subject matter experts provide space for world-changing discussions and practical community learning through a theological lens.
Free webinars
open to all
Top instructors
and in-depth content
Hosted by CTS faculty
to facilitate conversation
