2026 National Conference Workshops
CCDA exists to strengthen and inspire Christian Community Development practitioners as they seek the flourishing of their communities through faithful presence, practice, and partnership. Our annual National Conference is a primary space for equipping, and workshops are one of the most meaningful ways participants engage best practices, deepen their understanding of CCD, and wrestle with the theology that animates our work. We believe practitioners are best equipped by fellow practitioners, and that the lived wisdom of CCDA members is one of our greatest collective assets.
Dynamic facilitators and thoughtfully designed workshops are essential to this formation. The proposal process helps ensure that conference offerings reflect the depth, integrity, and imagination of CCD inviting participants into relevant, practical, and theologically grounded learning that supports holistic community flourishing.
Multifaceted learning spaces, dynamic presenters and innovative instruction are crucial to the success of training at the conference. The RFP process is our way of ensuring that we have learning opportunities that explore fresh ways of holistically equipping practitioners for community flourish.
Our 2026 Workshop RFP process is open February 2-March 3, 2026. CCDA Members are able to login and submit proposals. CCDA offers conference registration to presenters for accepted proposals at a rate of $99. If your proposal is not accepted, we will honor the March registration rate of $199 for the presenters listed in your application (up to three presenters).
As you prepare your proposal, read through the following information as CCDA has updated its proposal process:
Session Formats
CCDA offers various session formats to best fit your presentation. Choose your session format based on the experience you want participants to have, not just the topic you want to cover. If your session centers on communal discernment around a complex or contested issue, a Critical Conversation is the right fit. If your goal is to equip participants with tools, frameworks, or practices they can apply immediately, select a Traditional Workshop. If the heart of your session is peer learning, shared leadership challenges, and collective wisdom, a Mastermind format is most appropriate. If participants will be actively practicing skills, implementing ideas, or developing tangible outputs during the session, choose a Lab. Proposals are strongest when the format, facilitation approach, and intended outcomes are clearly aligned. Presenters can selection from one of these 75 minute workshop presentation formats.
Session Tracks
As you review the session tracks, please keep in mind the following:
1. You will need to identify how your proposal connects with one of the tracks below.
2. How does your proposal connect with CCDA’s mission and vision?
3. The description under each track is meant to give suggestions for possible topics within the track; however, proposals are not limited to these suggestions.
Please take note of the following proposal requirements as you format and plan your session. Plan to include the following in your proposal:
- Practical Tools: equip attendees with practical tools to use in their own lives and ministries
- Resource Sharing: using a QR code or handout during your workshop helps attendees follow your presentation, suggests further resources for study, provide a link to your bibliography
- Introductions: carve out time at the beginning to introduce yourself to facilitate relationship building and connection with attendees
- Q & A: Ensure engagement and interaction with attendees; presenters can opt for a longer teaching time of 75 minutes but must allow interaction with questions & answer opportunities throughout their presentation
- Ministry stories are helpful as illustrations, but should not be the entire content of the workshop; if you are teaching through a storytelling paradigm, please inform the audience and connect them with resources and tools throughout or at the end of your presentation
- Advertising/Sales: CCDA will not accept proposals that seem like promotions, advertisements or a sales presentation for a particular organization or product. If you have a product or service to advertise, consider reserving an exhibit booth or ad space via ccda.org/sponsor.
Selection Process
Learning opportunities for the CCDA National Conference are selected through a peer, double-blind review process designed to ensure quality, fairness, and diverse representation. A team of experienced former presenters and volunteers evaluates proposals based on shared proposal criteria. After proposals are reviewed and scored, CCDA staff conduct a final alignment review to ensure a balanced mix of topics, voices, and perspectives across the conference with the selection team. This process helps shape a learning experience that is thoughtful, rigorous, and reflective of the diversity of the CCDA community.
Presenter Registration
CCDA will offer conference registration to presenters for accepted proposals at a rate of $99. If your proposal is not accepted, we will honor the March registration rate of $199 for up to 3 presenters listed in your application. **Please note: We do not cover travel expenses (transportation, lodging, food).
Presenters will be notified about their proposal submission in May. We are excited to learn from you at conference!
FAQ
Only current CCDA members are eligible to submit proposals. Membership must be maintained through the completion of the conference. Proposals submitted by non-members will not be considered.
Click on the Submit a Proposal button. Log in with the email your CCDA membership is associated with and the form will populate.
If you have trouble click on our help feature to access assistance. If you forgot your password or username, please click forgot username or password to reset.
Yes. A one-page outline is required and must be uploaded or linked within your proposal. Proposals submitted without an outline will not be reviewed.
Yes. All proposals must clearly align with one conference workshop track and demonstrate a strong connection to CCDA’s mission and vision. Track descriptions offer guidance, not limitations.
Strong proposals:
- Offer practical tools and takeaways participants can use immediately
- Include interactive or participatory elements
- Demonstrate a clear “with, not to/for” posture
- Are theologically grounded and connected to CCD practice
- Balance lived experience or stories with teachable and transferable learning
- Include a one-page detailed outline that reflects outcomes, timing, and audience awareness
- Identify with a workshop track and a session format
Your outline must clearly identify:
- Two concrete tools or takeaways
- At least one interactive or participatory activity
- Alignment between content and stated outcomes
- Practical application supported by story where appropriate
- Time management that allows audience/participant engagement
- An understanding of the intended audience
- Integration of your session format
No. Workshops may not function as advertisements, promotions, or sales pitches. If you wish to promote a product or service, please explore exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities through ccda.org/sponsor.
Proposals are evaluated using a rubric that considers:
- Alignment with a workshop track and CCDA’s mission
- Clarity and cohesion of title, description, outcomes, and outline
- Practical application and participatory design
- Resource sharing
- Presenter diversity
- Adherence to all stated workshop requirements
Presenters with accepted proposals receive conference registration for $99. Travel, lodging, and meals are not covered.
If your proposal is not selected, CCDA will honor the March registration rate of $199 for up to 3 presenters listed on the application.
During the month of May.
All questions should be directed to workshops@ccda.org.
The RFP is currently open between February 2, 2026 until 11:59pm PST on March 3, 2026. No late submissions will be accepted.
