Location: Rockford: Christ, 4509 Highcrest Rd.

Saturday, January 24
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Christ UMC in Rockford, 4509 Highcrest Rd.

Online registration 
Online Registration closes Jan. 18. Walk-ins will be accepted, but lunch may not be available.

Cost

•  $15 per person (incluldes lunch)
•  Total of $50 per Church*
  *Register each person under the church option, entering their information and workshop choices.

Download the Flyer
 

Schedule:

• 8:30   Registration and Gathering
• 9:00   Opening Worship 
• 9:45   Workshop 1
• 10:45  Break and Transition
• 11:00  Workshop 2
• 12:00   Lunch

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Classes:

Choose one class per session. All classes are offered in both sessions.

• Stewarding God’s Resources: Finance & Risk 101  - Led by Kim Emery (NIC CCFA chair) & Elizabeth Stahl (NIC Risk Manager) 
  Churches are called to protect the people, property, and resources entrusted to them.  This session breaks down what church leaders need to know about protecting buildings, finances, and ministry operations, so your church can stay focused on their ministry missions while staying covered to remain strong and sustainable. This session will introduce the essentials of finance and risk management, helping leaders understand insurance coverage, liability, property and finance protection in a way that’s simple, practical, and geared to everyday church life. 

• Lay Leadership Training - Led by Kris Aves (Certified Lay Minister & Prairie North Lay Leader)
  Lay Leadership can often be described as a bridge between the pastor and the congregation. We often serve roles as mentor, teacher, encourager, connector, and administrator. There are also specific roles as United Methodists we recognize including local lay leader, lay speaker, certified lay minister, district lay leader, and lay member to annual conference. Our time will include exploration and learning about these roles and how your talents, spiritual gifts, and graces can be unleashed, brought forward for God’s service. 

• Next Gen Youth - Led by Rev. T.K. Lee and Pastor Roger Bronkema
  Whether your church has no children’s ministry yet or you’re dreaming of restarting youth ministry, this class will help you take the first steps with confidence. Pastor TK Lee and Roger Bronkema will walk through the core principles, practical strategies, and real-life experiences needed to launch (or relaunch) a thriving children and youth ministry.

• Church Communication that Connects: Websites, Social Media & More  - Led by Taylor Greenwood
  In today’s world, utilizing digital communications isn’t optional for effective ministry— it’s essential! This session will explore practical ways to strengthen your church’s communication strategies through your website, social media, and other tools. Learn how to create an online presence that tells your church’s story, communicate with impact, and connect with younger generations and the broader community. Walk away with simple and actionable strategies your church can implement to make your message clear, consistent, and compelling.

• Church Growth, Fresh Expressions - Led by Rev. Violet Johnicker
  A Fresh Expressions workshop will introduce the theology and framework of the Fresh Expressions approach and begin exploring practical ways to live it out in your local congregation. Come and hear why the Church needs fresh expressions and what fresh expressions might look like in your specific context.

• Stronger Together: The Value of our Connectional Work - Led by Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer
  The workshop is designed to celebrate and enhance the unique connectional nature of The United Methodist Church within the Northern Illinois Conference. It explores how shared mission, resources, and partnerships across congregations empower ministry and expand outreach.

• Staff-Parish Relations Committee 101 - Led by Rev. Dr. Hwa-Young Chong
  This workshop provides a practical and accessible overview of the role and responsibilities of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC). Through a combination of teaching, discussion, and real-life examples, participants will explore the core purpose of SPRC: building healthy, accountable, and supportive relationships between the congregation, the appointed clergy, and all church staff. The workshop covers foundational concepts such as confidentiality and communication, the chair’s leadership role, staff evaluations, conflict transformation, pastoral support, appointment-making processes, and best practices for creating a healthy staff culture.

• Newly added: Shovel Your Sidewalk: Clearing the pathways to your church - Led by Rev. Christian Coon
  Just as there are many different ways to enter a church building, and there are also numerous pathways that interested newcomers have to learn about our churches. Participants will learn about three of those pathways (digital, community awareness, and invitation) and tips that churches can use to help newcomers find them.

Questions? Contact Rev. Jeremiah Lee