Interrupting Microaggressions: Moving from Awareness to Faithful Action
In our collective journey toward equity and inclusion, it's often the subtle, everyday interactions—the things unsaid or unconsciously implied—that can create the deepest divides. This interactive workshop is designed specifically for communities committed to DEI work and seeking to live out values of compassion, justice, and belonging in real and practical ways.
With a “no shame, no blame” approach, we’ll explore the concept of microaggressions: what they are, how they show up in both interpersonal and institutional contexts, and why they matter—especially in spaces rooted in care, service, and spiritual connection. Through real-life examples, guided reflection, and actionable tools, participants will learn how to recognize these often-invisible inequities and respond in ways that foster deeper understanding and connection.
We’ll provide a practical framework with language and confidence-building strategies to navigate difficult conversations with empathy and humility. This workshop offers a safe space to learn, grow, and take meaningful steps toward more inclusive and equitable faith communities.
*Note, participation at this workshop fulfills the anti-racism training requirement.
Thursday, October 23, 9:30–11:00 am
Covenant Presbyterian Church
5400 South Yosemite Street, Greenwood Village, CO
MEET OUR Facilitators
Jon Hurst (he/him) is a dynamic scholar-practitioner currently serving as Lead Pastor of Cameron United Methodist Church in the Platt Park neighborhood of Denver, CO. With a deep passion for progressive theology and the arts, Jon is dedicated to reimagining and reclaiming Christian faith and the role of the church through creative expressions, radical hospitality, and inclusive ministry practices. As a certified candidate for ordination as an Elder in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church, Jon actively integrates academic scholarship and innovative pastoral leadership to foster vibrant spiritual communities that challenge traditional boundaries and encourage transformative experiences of faith.
Prior to his call to ministry, Jon has held various leadership positions in the field of Higher Education and Student Affairs with focused work in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as well as experiential learning, intercultural education, and identity development. He holds an M.Div from the Iliff School of Theology, M. Ed in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University at Buffalo, and a BA in Journalism from Central State University.
Jeni Rinner (she/her) is an experienced educator, facilitator, and program designer who brings creativity, empathy, and scholarly depth to her work in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With a passion for fostering communities of belonging, Jeni partners with faith leaders to create spaces where dialogue, reflection, and transformation can flourish. Currently, Jeni serves at the Iliff School of Theology, where she builds innovative programs at the intersections of theology, ethics, and community engagement. Her work includes developing an End-of-Life Doula Certificate program that equips caregivers with compassionate care using a frame of somatic awareness and social justice, as well as collaborating with organizations to foster the ethical development of artificial intelligence.
With a PhD in Literature and Poetry from the University of Oregon, Jeni understands the power of storytelling to shape identity and community. She integrates this narrative awareness into her facilitation, helping ministers and leaders reflect on their own stories and engage meaningfully with the stories of others. She also holds an MA in Digital Media Studies from the University of Denver, an MEd in Language Arts Education and a BA in Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame. Jeni is committed to designing learning experiences that are accessible, engaging, and transformative.