Workshops

8:45am – 10:00am

Mission BEYOND volunteer burnout and “what we have always done”: Discern new sustainable ways your congregation can love and partner with your neighbors through service and justice!

Synopsis: You and your congregation are serious about loving your neighbor and want to make a real difference in helping all in your community to thrive but doing this is hard…the same volunteers who do everything are burned out, what you have always done is no longer working, everyone is getting older, you have less people and money to serve and the need seems to be growing…does this sound familiar? Join us as we dream together about how to go beyond burnout and “what we have always done” to love our neighbors through service and justice in new ways that revitalize and re-energize your congregation and your community! This workshop will offer practical tips from multiple congregations across the country on new ways to engage in our mission as church of loving of our neighbors. You will be equipped with tools to help discern how your congregation might be called today to work for service and justice in your community. Together, partnering with God and our neighbors, we can help make our communities more like the beloved community of God that is sweeter and better than anything we could ask or imagine!

Facilitators:

• Rev. Allison Lanza, Be The Neighbor Executive Director and Be The Neighbor Partners

The Crisis in the Middle East

Synopsis: In this workshop, you will learn about the longer history and issues related to Israel/Palestine, the ways that our partners and the Christian Church (Disciples) have been engaged since October 2023, and how you can support rights, justice, and peace in the Middle East.

Facilitators:

• Global Ministries staff and Middle East partners

BEYOND the Walls: The Settler Colonial Mindset

Synopsis: A great scholarly history tells the stories of all peoples, and this workshop will provide tools for people to begin to analyze stories about historical choices that move our denomination beyond the settler colonial mindset.

Facilitators:

• Members of the Advisory Board of the Center for Indigenous Ministries (Crow Eddy, Lisa Barnett, Dave Bell, Laurie Pound-Feille, and Clayton Summers)

Generosity in the Way of Jesus & Justice

Synopsis: If we’re all thinking about money all the time, why don’t we talk about it more in church? Jesus did. Talking about church finance and our present economic structures can be liberating and help us understand the dynamics that impact us. This workshop will explore effectively aligning your congregation’s stewardship practices with its core values and commitments. Inspired by koinonia—sharing and spiritual communion—we’ll discuss ways to create a congregational culture that reduces a sense of scarcity and embodies abundance. Following Jesus’ example, we’ll begin to re-imagine financial practices that reflect love, justice, and solidarity, not just economic norms.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Melissa St. Clair, Minister for Faith and Giving

10:15am – 11:30am

Our Minister is Leaving! Now What?

Synopsis: What is interim ministry, that time between settled pastors? How can we use that time to become healthier, more vital? This workshop will speak to new ways of doing interim ministry, the benefits for the congregation and what to expect.

Facilitators:

• Scott Woolridge, Director of Disciples Interims at DHM, Betsy Arnold, Erin Tyler, Dale Matherly

Swimming Against the Current; Bucking the trend of church decline and closure

Synopsis: For churches yearning a renewal in ministry, for churches willing to engage in bold decisions, come learn how a transformation process can birth new life into your congregation. Learn what are the marks of a vital, sustainable congregation and how to work towards them. Come hear stories from pastors and leaders of transforming congregations and learn how your congregation can embark on a journey towards empowerment and community relevance.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Dr Gilberto Collazo, VP Disciples Church Extension Fund

The Future Shape of Disciples Ministry

Synopsis: The Theological Foundations and Policies and Criteria for the Ordering of Ministry is in a process of transformation.  The workshop would be primarily a listening session for people to give voice to what authorized ministry looks like today and how it can be shaped to meet the needs of the future going forward.

Facilitators:

• Andy Mangum, Regional Minister CCSW and members of the TFPCOM Revision Team

BEYOND Silos and Single Issues: Equipping Communities for Intersectional Justice Work

Synopsis: In this Workshop facilitated by Disciples Justice Ministries, participants will come away with an understanding of an intersectional approach to justice work through variety of activities, small group conversations, and embodied prayer practices. Participants will have the opportunity to share their stories, learn from fellow Disciples, and draw on the resources of the wider church in moving beyond silos and single issues and towards serving as a community of intersectional justice work.

Facilitators:

• Disciples Justice Ministries Group Members, including:
  • Rev. Dr. Laurie Pound Feille (Co-Facilitator for Disciples Justice Ministries),
  • Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray (Co-Facilitator for Disciples Justice MInistries),
  • Rev. Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto (National Benevolent Association),
  • Rev. Dr. April Johnson (Reconciliation Ministry),
  • Rev. Carol Devine (Green Chalice),
  • Rev. Dan Adolphson (Disciples Public Presence),
  • Rev. Jeff Wright (Disciples Palestine Israel Network),
  • Rev. Ken Brooker Langston (Disciples Center for Public Witness),
  • Rev. Kelli Driscoll Crews (Disciples for Choice),
  • Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri (Green Chalice),
  • Rev. Sekinah Hamlin (Disciples Overseas Ministries),
  • Rev. Sydney Avent (Social Justice Minister)

8:45am – 10:00am

Brave + Beloved: LGBTQ+ Coming Out Journeys in Christianity

Synopsis: Coming Out as LGBTQ+ is often a complex, multi-faceted, and ongoing journey and process. Join this workshop to receive sacred stories from a panel of LGBTQ+ Christians who will share their coming out experiences, specifically within a Christian context. Attendees will be invited to engage in a time for questions and responses as part of the workshop.

Facilitators:

• Jermell Witherspoon, Executive Director, AllianceQ​

Grant Writing Beyond the Basics: Mastering the Art of Compelling Grant Proposals

Synopsis: Designed for both congregational and nonprofit leaders, this workshop offers the opportunity for current and/or potential grant writers the opportunity to dive deeper into the art of writing a compelling grant proposal through hands-on learning, discussion and small-group work

Facilitators:

• Kara Whitehouse, NBA Operations & Grants Management Coordinator

Intergenerational Church: BEYOND Generational Assumptions

Synopsis: While bringing in more young adults remains a constant concern for many churches, what if we have been missing the mark? What if doing young adult ministry means going beyond just young adults, and what if intergenerational ministry might be one way to foster the kind of churches we all long for – healthy, thriving, and welcoming? How can the church strive to ensure that every generation feels seen, heard, and valued by their faith community?

Facilitators:

• Martha Arambel, Tyler Araki, Jessica Braxton, Virginia White

10:15am – 11:30am

BEYOND Surviving: Tips to Thrive as a Congregation

Synopsis:

Facilitators:

• Rev. Dr. Erin Cash, Project Director, Lexington Theological Seminary;
• Rev. Dr. Kory Wilcoxson, Pastor, Crestwood Christian Church, Lexington, KY

Going BEYOND in Ecumenism

Synopsis: Interested in deepening ecumenical relationships, but want some inspiration and ideas to get started? The Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry (CUIM) and Global Ministries have wisdom and hope to share. Hear about the joys, challenges, and opportunities of ecumenical work, celebrate Global Ministries’ upcoming 30th anniversary, and consider how you might deepen your faith partnerships.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Paul Tche, President of the Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry, and
• Rev. Dr. LaMarco Cable, President of Disciples Overseas Ministries and Co-Executive of Global Ministries

Regional Elders: An Evolving Paradigm for Regional Ministry

Synopsis: The world has become more disconnected and, to a large degree, so has the church. As the ministry of regions has become more challenging given fewer resources and larger geographic areas, how is the church to maintain and even enhance its ministry to congregations and clergy? This workshop will explore the evolving role of Regional Elders as partners with regional staff in the nurture of these vital relationship and strengthening the covenant we share between local and regional expressions of the church.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Dr. Tom Stephenson, Regional Elder, Central District, Christian Church in North Carolina

Access is Justice: Disability inclusion as foundational to congregational health

Synopsis: Over 13% of Americans have a disability, which means your congregation/ministry assuredly has multiple points of connection. How we support and engage disability, on both the individual and communal level, is inherently theological. Going beyond the link between disability and pastoral care requires us to let God ‘reshape’ our worldview and how we view our place/role in our community. Experts and self-advocates will facilitate a discussion, inviting the participants to share together best practices and wise guidance.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Dr. Topher Endress,
• Rev. Chris Snow, Tammy Besser, MSW, and
• Rev. Tom Jones

8:45am – 10:00am

KEYNOTE – Rev. Dr. Lee H. Butler, Jr.

10:15am – 11:30am

Weaving a Tapestry: Becoming an Authentic Multi-Cultural Multi-Ethnic Worshiping Community.

Synopsis: This workshop will explore the work/goal of becoming “An Authentic Multicultural Multi-Ethnic Congregation”. Participants will acknowledge the challenges and the potential for building communities through this transformative work. Leaders will gather tools, ideas, and strategies.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Vinnetta Golphin-Wilkerson

Building Faith Habits at Home: How to Use Worship to Teach Families Faith Practices that Last a Lifetime

Synopsis: “Faith is learned when it is woven seamlessly into the fabric of everyday life.” (Faithful Families, Traci Smith). In this interactive and engaging workshop, ministry leaders will learn practical ways to use the worship service in order to help people of all ages, particularly families with young children, learn to establish simple faith practices that will last a lifetime.

Facilitators:

• Traci Smith, Program Director, Family Faith Every Day

BEYOND Worship: Playing with Worship and Creating Spaces for 21st Century Spiritual Play

Synopsis: In this engaging workshop, participants will explore the essence of true worship through a deep dive into biblical principles, discovering how to infuse their worship practices with authentic spiritual power. Through interactive discussions, creative activities, and practical exercises, attendees will uncover innovative ways to embody and express worship in alignment with scripture. By the end of the session, participants will have gained fresh insights and actionable strategies to enhance their worship experiences and foster a deeper connection with their worship.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Dr. Charisa Hunter-Crump

Innovative Worship: Transformative Worship: Unveiling the Power of True Worship through Biblical Insights

Synopsis: In this engaging workshop, participants will explore the essence of true worship through a deep dive into biblical principles, discovering how to infuse their worship practices with authentic spiritual power. Through interactive discussions, creative activities, and practical exercises, attendees will uncover innovative ways to embody and express worship in alignment with scripture. By the end of the session, participants will have gained fresh insights and actionable strategies to enhance their worship experiences and foster a deeper connection with their worship.

Facilitators:

• Dr. Rochelle Carr

8:45am – 10:00am

Global Rise of Authoritarianism: Views from Global Partners

Synopsis: In this workshop, international partners will share the experiences and perspectives of their institutions regarding the rise of authoritarianism in the regions they represent. Participants will be invited to look for common threads in authoritarian movements, and to reflect on our calling as Christians to respond to this global challenge.

Facilitators:

• Dr. Kahala Cannon, Global Relations Minister for Africa with Global Ministries, and international partners

KEYNOTE – Rev. Leah Gunning Francis

10:15am – 11:30am

Pension Fund: BEYOND Retirement

Synopsis: Participants will leave this workshop equipped with knowledge and resources to better understand the continuum of services and products Pension Fund offers. The workshop will include conversation about planning for retirement, empowering churches to support their staff, and ways to encourage clergy health and wellbeing during active ministry.

Facilitators:

• Julie Richardson, VP for Development and Programs, and
• Alexis Gammon, SVP of Client Relations

OPEN TABLE FAITH: Honest Conversation, Authentic Community and Soul Care for Spiritual Refugees

Synopsis: Many people are questioning, rethinking and deconstructing the religion, beliefs and assumptions that they inherited, or have already abandoned church and faith altogether. Open Table Faith is a ministry of First Christian Church in Tyler, TX that goes BEYOND traditional church ministry to connect with doubters, questioners and spiritual refugees through honest conversation, authentic community and soul care. This interactive workshop will explore the mission and vision of Open Table Faith, and provide inspiration, ideas and practical examples of how churches can engage in this type of vital ministry.

Facilitators:

• Jonathan Benedetti, Associate Minister, FCC Tyler; Director, Open Table Faith

Funding Mission through Investment Income

Synopsis: What difference would your ministry make if it had double the budget for mission? Join our workshop to discover how long-term investments through Christian Church Foundation can help make that happen. Co-led by Rev. Jay Hartley and Rev. Marilyn Fiddmont, this workshop will help you dream beyond your current mission to find and fund more ways to spread the Good News in the world.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Dr. Jay Hartley, Regional Minister Christian Church in Arizona and
• Rev. Marilyn Fiddmont, Vice President Christian Church Foundation

Creating Welcoming Authentic Space and Mission Experiences for Youth and Young Adults

Synopsis: For years we’ve known that mission trips alone do not deeply or effectively disciple young people, yet many congregations struggle to move beyond these short-term mission ventures. Missional Youth Ministry engages youth as whole people, tapping into their innate sense of justice and bringing them into relationship with their church, community, and world. Discover ways to actively involve youth in the mission of God (including or without mission trips!) and encourage them to live out their faith in practical ways.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Dr. Lara Blackwood Pickrel, Senior Pastor, Hillcrest Christian Church
• Rev. Managerrie Winston, Coordinator for Ministry with Youth & Young Adults, Disciples Home Missions

8:45am – 10:00am

We Need Care Too: Soul Medicine and Practices for Spiritual and Mental Health Providers’ Wellness and Support

Synopsis: This workshop will provide clergy, community leaders, and care providers with an interactive experience of self and communal care focused on navigating grief, storytelling, rituals of healing, developing affinity groups for nourishing optimal joy, how to ask for support, and sacred breath: integrating symbols of faith and mindfulness. This experience is based on a toolkit created by NBA’s 2023-2025 Mental Health Equity Cohort for clergy, community leaders and care providers to learn and practice a variety of forms of self and community care to empower leaders, enhance understanding, and support their resilience with healing.

Facilitators:

• Joselyn Spence, Director of Mental Health and
• Wellness NBA; NBA’s 2023-2025 Mental Health Equity Cohort:
  • Rev. RJ Robles;
  • Wes Parks, LPC,
  • Rev. Whittney-Marie Murphy,
  • Carolina Fuentes, LCSW

Becoming a Silver Chalice Ministry: Engaging Older Adults

Synopsis: The Silver Chalice Ministry workshop is for those wanting to enhance, encourage, and thoroughly engage the older adults in their ministry and community at large. While the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) recognizes the importance of utilizing the gifts and serving the needs of disciples of ALL ages, the intent of Silver Chalice is to provide our ministries concrete tools and resources to help us go BEYOND to serve and to celebrate the incredible value and wisdom of the older adults in our midst.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister in Mid-America, A Silver Chalice Region
• Rev. Lina Eddy, Ordained Clergy, Interim Minister, Silver Chalice Guide
• Rev. Kimberly Weir, Chaplain/Executive Director Florida Senior Enrichment Center

BEYOND the Funeral – Aftercare for Loved Ones

Synopsis: Sometimes it’s hard to imagine care for loved ones left to figure out life after death, after the funeral, after the dust settles, but there is hope. This hope comes by way of compassionate care and consideration through aftercare and grief support for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

Facilitators:

• Maudine Wordlaw and
• Rae Karim

Disciples Financial Ministries 101

Synopsis: If you think “CCF, CFG, DCEF, and PF” reads like alphabet soup, this is the workshop for you! Come discover how each of the financial ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is unique, works to serve your needs, and work together to further the mission of the Church. Representatives from all financial ministries will share their work, how it relates to you, and answer any questions you have.

Facilitators:

• Christian Church Foundation
• Center for Faith and Giving
• Disciples Church Extension Fund
• and Pension Fund of the Christian Church.

Cyber Security Awareness and Best Practices for Your Ministry

Synopsis: As churches and religious organizations place more reliance on technology, they become increasingly vulnerable to cybercrime. Protect your ministry by learning best practices for cyber security and enhance your ministry’s awareness of preventative tactics to avoid a cyber incident at your church. This information will help strengthen ministries and prepare them to have relevant training for staff and volunteers to prevent cyber related incidents. Staff and volunteers will know what to look for with phishing emails, they will know how to update passwords effectively and will be more informed overall on real scenarios that have affected ministries in the past with cyber claims.

Facilitators:

•  Jennifer Perri, CIC, CISR (she/her/hers)
  Assistant Vice President, United Church Insurance Services

10:15am – 11:30am

KEYNOTE – Rev. Dr. Esther Robles

8:45am – 10:00am

BEYOND the Generation Gap: A Timeless Gospel

Synopsis: Discover how to transcend generational divides and rediscover the heart of the gospel. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from different perspectives, build bridges, and create a more inclusive and impactful Christian community.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Virzola Law, Senior Pastor & Rev. Sandra Summers, Pastor, Chaplain, Wellness Doula

Just Worship— Just World: Expanding Our Language for the Holy

Synopsis: Our worship should reflect the world we seek to co-create with the Holy. The workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to explore biblical and contemporary images of the Holy. You will gain new tools and ideas for planning worship and personal devotions by engaging your imagination, scripture, and one another.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Dr. Lisa W. Davison, VP of Academic Affairs & Dean/Professor of Hebrew Bible at Phillips Theological Seminary

How Would Jesus Jam? Build and combine communities with music

Synopsis: Bring an instrument or lend your voice and learn how casual worship can draw diverse musicians, fans, and families into Christian fellowship. To some, the old hymns are chicken soup for the soul. For others, they’re stale or unfamiliar. But spruce ’em up and invite everybody to play along, then watch the magic happen. The Old Time Gospel Jam has enlivened worship, awakened gifts, and attracted new Disciples at two different churches. Can it do the same at your church? Bring an (acoustic) instrument — guitar, uke, etc. — and leave with a book of simple tunes, a great idea, and maybe a little joy in your heart! A great workshop for any pastor, church musician or worship leader.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Joel Tucker, Senior Pastor at Guyton Christian Church

10:15am – 11:30am

Creating a Imaginative Altar Experience

Synopsis: Led by Dr. Monique Crain Spells, this workshop intends to offer attendees an opportunity to witness, learn, and design an altar experience that invites invigorating congregational participation in worship. Using a mixture of artistic elements and contemplative mantras, she will share an example of an imaginative and transcendental altar experience before walking participants through the visioning and outlining of their own altar experience to take home and try with congregants.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Dr. Monique Crain Spells, VP for Disciples Home Missions, Dir. of Christian Ed & Faith Formation

“Surely God is in the Place”: Building Spiritual and Community Resilience in Uncertain Times

Synopsis: “Surely God is in the Place”: Building Community and Spiritual Resilience in Uncertain Times offers a holistic approach to navigating today’s challenges, from pandemic and climate change to economic and technological uncertainties. Participants will explore practices to address grief, fear, and worry while discovering tools for cultivating awe, delight, and sacred imagination. Drawing on decades of experience from Bethany Fellows Retreats and Green Chalice’s eco-grief workshops as well as first hand experience walking with people in Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, this session will equip clergy and lay leaders with spiritual practices, artistic expression, and small group discussions to foster resilience and deepen connections with God, community, and self.

Facilitators:

• Rev. Carol Devine Co Minister of Green Chalice
• Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri Minister of Bethany Congregations and Co-Minister of Green Chalice
• Rev. Aneesah Veatch Director and Minister of Bethany Fellows

Praise and Worship “BEYOND”

Synopsis: Get ready to elevate your connection with God at the “Praise and Worship Beyond” Workshop! This workshop is all about breaking free from limitations and diving into a deeper, more intimate relationship with the divine. We’ll show you how to turn every moment into a chance for praise and worship, and help you tap into the unique talents and gifts that God has blessed you with. Whether you’re a worship leader, part of a worship team, or a ministry leader, this workshop will empower you to lead with unwavering faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s time to take your worship to the next level and bring glory to God like never before!

Facilitators:

• Maria Lilomaiava-Moderator/Worship Leader