Kara Faris

Contributor

Kara Faris is the Center’s director of resource grants and resource consulting, as well as a resource consultant to congregations. She previously served for eight years as the Center’s education director.

Before working at the Center, Kara served First Friends Meeting of Indianapolis as associate pastor. With a degree in marketing from Butler University’s College of Business Administration and a master of divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary, Kara brings a blend of pragmatism, intuition and passion for lifelong learning to the Center. Kara has authored Including Laity in Education Events Empowers Congregations and co-authored the book Divergent Church.

Contributions From Kara Faris

Collection
Youth Ministry 2
2 resources
Collection
Youth Ministry
2 resources
From the Staff From the Staff
Making Youth Ministry Matter
The purpose of youth ministry is to foster the personal development of faith, theology and...
organization
Fresh Expressions
Public

This organization helps local faith leaders create new kinds of church and meet modern...
web resource
The Inclusive Church: Helping Churches Successfully Include Children with Special Needs
Public

This blog is for congregational leaders desiring resources for special needs inclusion,...
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With
Public

This organization provides resources that support faith formation and congregational...
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Special Touch Ministry, Inc.
Public

This congregation has a wide variety of resources, including retreats, conferences, and...
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PURE Ministries
Public

This organization provides conferences and speakers for congregations to learn about the...
book
The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place
Public

This book takes readers beyond the what, where, and when of technology to outline a better...
article
Guide for Christian Funerals During COVID-19
Public

Prompted by COVID-19 health concerns, this ecumenical funeral guide shares logistical...
organization
Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA)
Public

ASCA is a national support group for adult survivors of physical, sexual, and emotional...
article
Eight Steps for Selecting Fundraising Counsel
Public

This succinct and practical article outlines an eight-step process for choosing...
article
Staffing When You Can't Afford to Staff
Public

This article considers practical ways to have “ volunteer staff” in your...
book
God and Race: A Guide for Moving Beyond Black Fists and White Knuckles
Public

This book models how to start necessary conversations about race, encourage unity, and...
media
God and Race (study guide plus streaming video)
Public

The study guide and short videos are a non-threatening way to dialog about race and...
organization
Sauls Consulting Services, Inc
Public

This organization helps congregations develop stewardship campaigns. Sauls Consulting...
software
Weglot
Public

This software offers congregations a website translation tool. Weglot values practical,...
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spf.io
Public

This software helps congregations translate live audio and content into multiple languages....
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accessiBe
Public

This software helps congregations ensure that people with disabilities can access their...
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Froot Group
Public

This organization helps Christian congregations hire worship leaders and staff. Froot Group...
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Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries
Public

This organization offers congregations faith-based resources and training to support mental...
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Pride Institute
Public

This organization provides specialized addiction recovery and mental health treatment for...
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Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR) Institute
Public

The QPR Institute provides suicide prevention training through its Question, Persuade,...
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Public

This organization connects federal grant programs and initiatives to national, state, and...
web resource Updated
The 988 LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Lifeline Ends- Here Are 16 Alternatives
Public

This article features a comprehensive list of resources for people in the LGBTQ community...
organization Updated
National Alliance on Mental Illness Faith Support Groups
Public

This page, part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website, offers...
book
The Color of HOPE: African American Mental Health in the Church
Public

This book helps congregations and faith leaders understand and address mental health...
web resource Updated
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Video Resource Library
Public

This web resource provides a comprehensive collection of videos focused on mental health...
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The Trevor Project
Public

The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and crisis...
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Guidance in Giving: Catholics Helping Catholics
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This organization helps Catholic congregations enhance their fundraising capabilities....
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Church HR Network
Public

This organization empowers congregations and ministries by providing tailored HR solutions...
web resource
Maintaining Boundaries in a Digital Age
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This online course can help congregational leaders understand or review healthy and ethical...
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HouseRight Production
Public

This organization helps congregations design and implement audio, video, and lighting...
book
Flourishing in Ministry: How to Cultivate Clergy Well-Being
Public

This book can help congregations understand the challenges that clergy face. Author Matt...
book
Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry
Public

This book helps congregational leaders engage in spiritual practices that help sustain...
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discipls
Public

This software helps congregations organize and automate social media content creation and...
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FILO (First In Last Out)
Public

This organization supports staff and volunteers who work on their congregation’s...
book
Decision Decks
Public

This collection of Decision Decks will challenge congregational leadership teams to think...
article
Creating a Church Safety Plan
Public

This article helps congregations think about and develop a safety plan. Author Philip...
article
11 Step Church Security Checklist To Keep Your Church Safe
Public

This article helps congregational leaders recognize the need for a security plan and serves...
article
Creative Ways Your Church Can Save Energy and Reduce Emissions
Public

This article helps congregations consider ways to address energy efficiency in their place...
media
The African American Church House
Public

In this TEDx Talk, Dr. Christopher Hunter, Ph.D., explores the importance that African...
article
Religious Entities Under the Americans With Disabilities Act
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This article explains when and how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to...
book
A Short Guide to Groups: The Art of Leading Community
Public

This book supports congregational leaders who want to start or grow small group ministry....
article
How Christians Can Help Refugees and Displaced People
Public

This article, published by the Reformed Church Press, provides tangible ways that faith...
article
We Choose Welcome: 2023 Action Guide
Public

This article offers Presbyterian Church (USA) and ecumenical resources about welcoming...
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Soul Shop
Public

This organization offers suicide prevention training specifically for faith-based leaders....
web resource
Offering Hope and Healing After Suicide: Church Teachings and Ministries
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This webinar helps congregations gain insight into grieving a death by suicide and offers...
book
Suicide Prevention Competencies for Faith Leaders: Supporting Life Before, During, and After a...
Public

This booklet helps congregational leaders identify the competencies that help them prevent...
article
Strengthening Online Worship Beyond the Pandemic
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This article explores the evolution of online worship, reflecting on the early days of...
media
The New Normal: How the Black Church Has Adapted to Online Worship, Outreach
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"The New Normal: How the Black Church Has Adapted to Online Worship, Outreach" follows...
web resource
Children's Ministry Volunteer Essentials
Public

This on demand course supports congregational leaders doing children's ministry. Children's...
organization
Tiny Theologians
Public

Tiny Theologians offers training tools that help congregations, parents, and children's...
web resource
Keeping Small Church Communications Simple
Public

This blog post, from the Josh Givens Blog: Adventures in Church Communications, supports...
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Effective Communication through Art & Design
Public

This video presentation focuses on the importance of art and design in church settings,...
book
Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story
Public

Author and jounalist Mackenzie Ryan Walters believes that everyone has a faith story to...
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Austin Story Project
Public

The Austin Story Project is an application-only program that trains participants from...
media
How To Use Storytelling to Share the Gospel- Everyday Theology, Episode 40
Public

On this episode of the Everyday Theology podcast, from Woodside Bible Church, the hosts...
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Reconstructing Judaism
Public

This organization supports congregations in the Reconstructionist Jewish movement as they...
book
Turning Donors Into Partners: Principles for Fundraising You'll Actually Enjoy
Public

This book helps congregations who are fundraising for their annual budget or a special...
article
Black Church Business: Does it Make Dollars and Spiritual Sense?
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This article examines perspectives on finances and spirituality in the Black church. The...
article
Strategic Planning That Actually Works: A Guide for 2025
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This article supports congregational leaders as they embark on a strategic plan. With brief...
person person
Lori Tapia Consulting and Coaching
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Consultant, coach, speaker, and pastor Lori Tapia helps Hispanic and Latino congregations...
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Four Common Barriers to Strategy Implementation by The Malphurs Group
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This 30 minute video helps congregations surface common barriers to implementing a...
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