The annual Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference will convene church leaders from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), ELCA, Episcopal Church and other partners in Baltimore from September 21‑23, 2026. With a focus on adaptive generosity, the three‑day gathering offers plenary talks, workshops, and worship experiences designed to help participants translate stewardship principles into concrete ministry actions.
The 2026 edition of Stewardship Kaleidoscope will take place at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, offering both in‑person and virtual participation. The conference, organized by the Presbyterian Foundation’s planning team, aims to equip leaders of faith communities with practical tools for cultivating generosity amid economic uncertainty.
Three speakers headline the program:
Shane Claiborne – author and activist whose recent work, Rethinking Life, continues his exploration of faith‑driven social change.
Robert Hall – consultant and author of This Land of Strangers, known for his extensive writing on leadership, culture, and relational dynamics.
Bethany Peerbolte – an ordained PC(USA) minister who gained a national audience through short‑form video ministry and now leads the online worship community OurTapestry.
Their diverse backgrounds promise a conversation that bridges activism, corporate‑style strategy, and digital ministry.
Attendees who travel to Baltimore can select from dozens of workshops covering topics such as:
Virtual registrants will have access to all plenary sessions, worship services, and eight curated workshops, ensuring a core experience regardless of location.
Beyond the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the conference draws participants from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Episcopal Church, and other ecumenical partners. This breadth reflects a growing recognition that stewardship challenges—and solutions—transcend denominational boundaries.
The worship component will be led by Rev. Christopher M. Lee (Grace Presbytery, PC(USA)) and Rev. Sarah K. Fisher, Bishop‑elect of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina. Their involvement underscores the event’s commitment to integrating theological reflection with practical generosity.
To broaden access, the Presbyterian Foundation offers a grant covering up to 50 % of registration, travel, and lodging costs for PC(USA) ministers and their accompanying lay leaders. The ELCA provides a limited number of scholarships, coordinated through the conference’s volunteer planning team. Early‑bird registration (in‑person) ends June 30, with a final deadline of September 4.
Stewardship Kaleidoscope has, for decades, served as a laboratory for testing new models of giving within faith communities. In a period marked by shifting demographics, declining traditional giving patterns, and heightened economic pressure, the conference’s theme—“Doing more in BaltiMORE”—signals a deliberate focus on creative, locally grounded generosity. Participants are encouraged to leave with three actionable steps for their ministries, a concrete outcome that aligns with the event’s educational ethos.
While the 2026 gathering will conclude on September 23, its impact is expected to ripple through the participating congregations over the coming year. By fostering dialogue across traditions, highlighting innovative stewardship practices, and providing financial assistance to ensure broad participation, Stewardship Kaleidoscope continues to shape the conversation about how churches can responsibly fund their mission in an uncertain world.
For registration details, workshop schedules, and grant applications, interested parties should consult the official Stewardship Kaleidoscope website.
