Instructor & Testimonial

Instructor

Ann Verdine-Jones, MBA is a Human Resource professional with more than 30 years of experience. While Ann has successfully managed all areas of HR, her recent ventures include consulting with organizations nationally on strategic initiatives, leadership development, cross-sectional team building and employee resource groups, and diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility. Ann has developed workshops that promote intersectional dialogue and she has collaborated as a principal thought leader to chief professionals nationwide. Ann has served as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) consultant to General Assembly and Conference Services enabling her to facilitate workshops and trainings on DEI&B as well as act as a resource for relevant activities. She has also partnered with LIGHT to facilitate a six-week course entitled “The Business of Ministry” which was designed specifically for faith leaders to integrate traditional business principles with the unique challenges and needs of religious organizations.

“Business knowledge equips faith leaders with a comprehensive set of skills that are essential for the effective management and growth of their respective organizations,” says Ann. “This series will help fulfill the participant’s spiritual mission while also addressing practical and administrative challenges. In addition, the series integrates core business concepts with the specific context and needs of faith-based communities, providing practical tools and strategies to enhance organizational efficiency, financial stability, and community impact. This certificate aims to empower faith leaders with the business acumen necessary to lead their organizations effectively, ensuring that they can meet both spiritual and operational goals.”

Testimonial

"I found the course Business of Ministry Bootcamp to be an invaluable addition to my work as a parish minister. Though I have over 20 years of experience in private industry prior to my career shift to professional ministry, there are unique aspects to so many aspects of business as it relates to churches and church staff. Ann is an excellent instructor and communicator, compassionate and understanding of the unique needs of business management in a ministerial context. There was enough interpersonal interaction and discussion to make a Zoom class more engaging than a webinar-type presentation. Ann has also been tremendously helpful with a few business-related questions that arose even after the class was complete — I am so appreciative of her generosity with her time. This class has made me a more knowledgeable and more skilled minister."

—Rev. Jen Raffensperger, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of York, PA