In an era where technology pervades every aspect of life, understanding and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly enhance the effectiveness of ministry work. Here, we will de-mystify AI by exploring practical AI applications that can radially improve how ministries engage their communities, produce content, develop discipleship resources, and streamline administrative processes. Specifically designed for ministry leaders eager to navigate the basics of AI, in order to discern its potential benefits and limitations within their ministry context.
Among the discouraging reports of aging and decline in churches today, how can you help young people discover and embrace your church? Fueled by a landmark investigation of more than 250 diverse congregations effectively loving and serving teenagers and young adults, explore stories and shared characteristics of real-life churches that are thriving. As a leader, you’ll leave with a host of doable ideas to help your church change young people and help young people change your church.
Since most congregations in the U.S. have a weekly worship attendance under 75, this will help you in fitting the BIG experience of Leadership Institute and Church of the Resurrection into your smaller context. Along with tips for rethinking and right-sizing your small church ministry for God-sized impact in your community, you will receive models and practical steps for rethinking community engagement, simplifying decision-making and governance, empowering laity, and strategically planning ministries that are the right fit for smaller churches.
We know how important culture is to any organization – including our congregations. However, we often lose track of how to create and maintain the kind of healthy, vibrant culture God desires. Jesus said, “Seek ye first…” This is not to equate the Kingdom of God with church culture, but Jesus did teach the importance of prioritizing. In a fast-paced, interactive style you will learn why, what, when, where and how to prioritize the kind of culture in your church that will make a difference in your ministry and in your community. Whether your culture needs a major upgrade or is already healthy, you will learn a systematic and uplifting process for clarifying and unifying buy-in to producing lasting change and more fruitful results in your church for the Kingdom of God!
Spiritually exhausted? Longing to more deeply connect with the fullness of God’s love? This is an extraordinary opportunity to learn, through the connections between Benedictine and Wesleyan theology and practices, how to tap into the Benedictine-Wesleyan way in your own spiritual life. You’ll also learn how this approach can be used for spiritual formation in your church and shared with people in your community.
Injustice looks different in every community, and the church can address it in faithful ways. Explore practical tools for “asset mapping” the community surrounding your church as a way of understanding the work of engaging injustice Christ may be calling you to as faithful Methodists in your context.
We are often preoccupied with our congregations, denominations, and religions … and we forget that these communities will never be healthy without a healthy planet. Explore how, going forward, wise and healthy congregations will reprioritize caring for the Earth as holy work, an essential part of their worship, identity, and mission. Participants will imagine what their congregation and ministry would look and feel like if we wholeheartedly joined Team Earth.
This conference is brought to you by ShareChurch,
a ministry of Resurrection, a United Methodist Church,
Leawood, Kansas, U.S.A.