Workshops

Growing "Multi" Churches with Paul Nixon

Neighborhoods are changing everywhere. The church that mastered the last set of neighbors now has to think about on-boarding people with different cultural backgrounds and life wisdom.  Learn practical steps one can take to lead diverse people (generationally, ethnically, socioeconomically) to bond together as ministry teams. Building capacity to be a “multi” church in a “multi” world is essential for thriving. Learn from a pastor, coach, ministry strategist and student of culture. Paul has been coach to the fastest growing mainline Protestant churches and some of the most creative and wildly diverse new ministries in the US. He helps churches measure and cultivate their capacity for multiplying ministry in a wide variety of contexts.

Forward Together: How to Have Needed, Difficult and Productive Conversations in Your Congregation with Stephanie Hixon from Just Peace

In the midst of this deeply conflicted relational world, we are called to be reconcilers, to be a mediating presence, to be co-creators of safe and bold spaces inside and outside the church. This call is, indeed, a challenge and a great adventure. In this workshop, you will learn basic skills and a framework to facilitate productive conversations about difficult topics in your congregation. Learn from one of the top facilitators and trainers in this work within the UMC.

Blank Slate: Write Your Own Rules for a Twenty-Second Century Church Movement with Jasmine Rose Smothers

Learn how to release old assumptions from previous generations, and embrace new ones, so that your church can thrive. The church must get “unstuck” from its current context in order to address the context of younger generations; otherwise, it will not be relevant to younger people and will die with the older generations.

By placing millennials, generation Z, and generation Alpha at the center of our thinking we can envision and create ministries and faith communities with and for these current and upcoming generations. Are you ready for the gifts of a blank slate?

Engaging multiple generations of Hispanic/Latinos in Your Community with Emma Escobar and the Committee on Hispanic/Latino Ministries

If your church is near a public school where more than 20% of its student body is Hispanic/Latino, this workshop is for you! There are many different cultures and generations of Hispanic-Latinos in the BWC. Learn the realities and myths of working with these communities and discuss the seven guidelines of doing ministries with second-generation young Hispanic-Latinos.

Forward Together: How to Have Needed, Difficult and Productive Conversations in Your Congregation with Stephanie Hixon from Just Peace

In the midst of this deeply conflicted relational world, we are called to be reconcilers, to be a mediating presence, to be co-creators of safe and bold spaces inside and outside the church. This call is, indeed, a challenge and a great adventure. In this workshop you will learn basic skills and a framework to facilitate productive conversations about difficult topics in your congregation. Learn from one of the top facilitators and trainers in this work within the UMC, Stephanie Hixon.
 

Connecting for a Change: How to Engage, People, Churches and Partners to Inspire Hope in Your Community with Joe Daniels

Every day, people in churches and communities are confronted by the enemies of disconnection, division, distrust, and disbelief that threaten their ability to live life and live it to the full. As a result, many churches and judicatories are struggling for survival and relevancy, and many communities are searching for hope. The good news is that God has a plan for revival and revitalization through the multipliers of mission strategy: building relationships, organizing people, utilizing assets and liberating congregations.