Equipping the Saints 

Join John Calvin Presbytery for a leadership training day complete with keynote speaker and workshops to choose from. There will be continental breakfast, lunch, child care, fellowship, and more.

 8:45-9:15 AM – Registration

9:15 hymn sing, scripture, and prayer

 9:30 a.m.  Absent in the Pews: Ministry with Young Adults, morning keynote, Rev. Dr. Nishioka

At over 84 million, persons in their 20s and 30s, comprise 27% of the US population.  Yet few of the them, even those we baptized and confirmed, are members of our congregations.  Why is that?  In this first conversation, we will explore who these young adults are and what they are seeking.  

Rodger Nishioka is an American preacher, Seminary professor, and Christian educator. He currently serves as director of Adult Educational Ministries at Village Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. He was previously the Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary. 

 

10:45 - Workshop Options #1

  1A. Coaching for Spiritual Growth will introduce what coaching is and how it can help individuals, sessions, and congregations grow in their relationship with God in Christ. Come try some activities and maybe even have an opportunity to be coached on some aspect of growth in your life or in the life of your congregation. Coaching is part of Melana's job description and so does not cost anything for individuals or congregations within the presbytery. Come see how coaching might bring transformation.  Melana Scruggs has been coaching for a year and a half and will soon be ACC certified by the International Coach Federation. She offers group and individual coaching and has coached several church sessions within the presbytery.

   1B.  Exploring What a Missional Church Looks Like and how it can help to bring about new growth and revitalization for the Presbytery and the denomination!  The session will include examples of exciting and creative New Worshiping Communities already started through the 1001 New Worshiping Communities Initiative and how 1001 can be a resource for your presbytery and Church Planters.  Rev. Shawn Kang, a SFTS graduate, planted a new congregation in Houston in 2004.  Starting with 8 folks, the church chartered and grew to become a truly multi-cultural, multi-racial, inter-generational, and socio-economically diverse congregation.  Shawn is now working half time with 1001 and part time with the Presbytery of New Covenant and starting a New Worshiping Community called Mosaic Village Church.

  1C.  Creating a Culture of Generosity Is your congregation’s approach to stewardship stuck in a rut? Are you living in a state of scarcity and longing for abundance? This workshop will outline a program that has moved churches from a four-week stewardship campaign to a year-round culture of generosity. Learn how to form your Generosity Team, how to create an activities calendar for your church’s funds ministry, how to prepare a narrative budget, and how to integrate all aspects of your church into the life of generosity.  Presbyterian Foundation Representative Lisa Longo

  1D.  Electronics in the Worship Service We will explore different levels of electronics in worship including music, PowerPoint, projection and videos.  Come with questions about connections, equipment, and other practical considerations.  Rev. Jack Cormack, Hillcrest and Gibson Chapel churches, Springfield

  1E.  Worship and Spirituality During the Advent Season  How is our observance of Advent changing? What assumptions are built into the way we plan for seasons like Advent? How can our Advent planning remain “light,” not requiring significant funds or even the centralized work of a pastor? What’s going on within us and around us during December? What is it that we “need” during this season?  We will cover possible Advent themes, ideas and frameworks that can be adapted for your situation, and offer time to collaborate among the group.  Rev. Jared Witt, Fort Scott church

 

11:45 – Lunch

 

12:30 - 1:30 - Workshop Options #2

   2A. Adult Education Galore--Adult education is the bedrock for Christian education, and it is how we learn about worship, mission, and stewardship.  It is a way for members to give pastoral care. We will look at ways to make your adult education vibrant.Malinda Spencer, pastoral presbyter of John Calvin Presbytery

   2B. Church Security will explore the 4 basics areas of church security: Health, Weather, Fire/Smoke and Intruder/Active Shooter. How and where to start, how to train, what about insurance and the law? Questions will be welcome.  Rev. Jack Cormack, Hillcrest and Gibson Chapel churches, Springfield

   2C.  Electronic Giving As our society becomes more reliant on e-commerce, it is time for our congregations to join in. There are people in the pews who would participate in giving but don’t because they cannot use their plastic or their smart phone. Church is the only place left where they can’t give their money with a click. Who are these givers? What are the tools they use? How much do these tools cost the church? Who are the vendors? What do you need to know to make a decision?  Lisa Longo, Presbyterian Foundation

   2D.  Exploring What a Missional Church Looks Like—see description 1B above     

   2E. Advent Themed Arts –Enhance your Advent observance by creating art to do with your congregation

 

1:45 p.m.  Present in the Pews: Growing in Faith, closing keynote, Rev. Dr. Nishioka

 As the PC(USA) continues to age faster than the US population, the Holy Spirit is showing us new ways of being church.  In this conversation, we will explore some of the trends and practices that are shaping our ministry in these days.  

 3:00 PM  - On our way home

Registration cost is $20 by October 1, or $25 beginning October 2.  Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and a day of fellowship and learning.

 Child care during the keynotes and workshops will be available for a small fee, by reservation before October 4.  

Register Now!