Skip to Main Content

Lake North Leadership Training 2026

Location: United Methodist Church of Libertyville, 429 Brainerd Ave.

Ln District Leadership 2026

Leading Your Church in Changing Times

Sat. Feb. 7
8 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

United Methodist Church of Libertyville, 429 Brainerd Ave.

Online registration 

Cost: $15 each
Scholarships available. Please inquire with the organizers.

Download the Flyer

Why attend: Now more than ever, local church leaders must adapt how they do ministry. Level up how you serve your congregation by joining fellow local lay leaders, church officers, ministry leaders, clergy and more for a half day of shared learning, insightful inspiration and meaningful connection.

What’s new: Our event is conference-style – we’ll all be together throughout the event (no breakout groups). 

What attendees will learn: Hear from experts and leaders on topics designed to encourage church leaders as they discern how to adapt their ministries.

Schedule:

  • 8 a.m.        Registration & Light Breakfast Fellowship
  • 9 a.m.        Worship Service
  • 9:30 a.m.   Keynote: Fireside Chat with DS Victor Melad, Jr.
  • 10 a.m.      Community Plenary Sessions
    • Supporting the Well-Being of Your Pastor
      Kelly Wittich, Director of Health and Well-Being, Wespath and Jodi Benacka, Manager, Health and Well-Being, Wespath
    • Artificial Intelligence: What Local Church Leaders Should Ask
      Joash Mencias, Shepherding Team, Lake North District
    • Panel: Insights for Churches Seeking to Adapt & Innovate
      Rev. Christian Coon, Director of Congregational Development, Northern Illinois Conference
      Rebekah Coffman, Executive Director, Church Properties Reimagined
      rev. dr. abby mohaupt, Director, Garrett Collective, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
      Rev. Clayton Edwards, Deerfield Campus Pastor, Kingswood UMC

Questions? Joash Mencias, LN DST

News & Announcements

Lsm Change Article Image

A New Season in Lay Servant Ministries

Lay Servant Ministries is entering a new season of leadership as Kim Emery begins serving as director of the Conference Committee, following 10 years of leadership by Peggy Hansen. Lay Se…

Wheaton Gary Mission Trip1

Putting Faith Into Action: Serving Near and Far

Northern Illinois Conference churches put faith into action through summer mission experiences, from local service projects to weeklong trips across the country. While the proje…

Rockford Christ Beth Eden Camping 5

Camp and Retreat Ministry Task Force Moves into Feasibility Study

The Bishop’s Camp and Retreat Ministry Task Force has begun the next phase of its work following direction from the 2026 Northern Illinois Annual Conference. Th…

New Ac Secretary Image

Welcoming Our New Annual Conference Secretary

After six years of faithful service as Annual Conference Secretary, Randy Hayes is stepping down from the role due to health concerns. Bishop Dan Schwerin, in consultation with the…

Print