In Sympathy: Lora Zink
Rev. Lora Zink, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
Location: Online
The NIC Office of Congregational Development is offering free webinars available to all.
All of these one-hour gatherings are at 11 a.m.
All meetings share the same Zoom link.
They will be recorded if you can’t watch it live.
You can view the past recordings here.
Reach out to Rev. Christian Coon with any questions.
Future Teachings:
- Sept. 23: Are Our Buildings Bad or Beneficial?
Many of our churches are struggling with building maintenance which is one reason our conference contracted this year with Foundry, a brokerage that is helping us be good stewards of our buildings and making wise decisions about their future. Representatives from Foundry will give an overview of the resources they offer our churches (for free!) and how they can think strategically as seeing our buildings as blessings. - Oct. 4: Greenhouse Day, all day.
Michael Beck, Director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church, will delve into more detail about Fresh Expressions and how we will launch them in the NIC. The event will be at Journey of Hope UMC in Elgin. Click here for more information and to register. - Oct. 7: Advent Outreach
Now is the time to start planning for ways you might connect with your community during Advent and Christmas. We’ll gather to share ideas about ways you can introduce your community to your church during a season when people are more curious about church and faith. - Oct. 21: The Contemporary Black Church
Join Dr. Jason Shelton as he shares his perspectives and learnings about the Black church in the 21st century. Dr. Shelton recently published the book, The Contemporary Black Church: The New Dynamics of African American Religion.
Past Teachings:
- June 24: Michael Beck "Twilight Teaching on Fresh Expressions Ministries
Michael Beck, Director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church, will talk about Fresh Expressions ministries and how we might start and expand them in the NIC.
Watch the Recording here. - June 3: Using AI in Our Ministries:
Dr. Kate Ott, Director of the Stead Center for Ethics and Values at Garrett-Evangelical, will share about the rise of AI in our world and how church leaders might approach it. She will go beyond the question of, “Is AI right or wrong?” and reflect on how we bring our theology and values to this topic and then explore how churches might use AI.
Watch the recording here.
Download the Powerpoint presentation. - April 29: The Beauty of Radical Hospitality:
The NIC’s own Rev. Dr. Paul Lee will lead webinar that explores how radical hospitality and divine friendship can become transformative practices for renewing the life and mission of the church. Grounded in the theological frameworks of Imago Dei and Missio Dei, we’ll examine practical ways to shift from institutional decline toward a vibrant, relational vision of church—one that reclaims its relevance by becoming a life-giving presence in its community.
Watch the recording here.
Download the Powerpoint presentation. - April 1: Doing Ministry in a Purple Church
Rev. Beth Crissman, District Superintendent in the Western North Carolina Conference and one of the creators of the Purple Church Initiative, will share about the resources for churches that have members from both sides of the political aisle.
Watch the recording here. - March 11: What is a One Board?
Dr. Jaye Johnson, Superintendent for Congregational Excellence and New Communities of Faith in the Iowa Conference, shared information about how a church can explore the One Board governance model.
Watch the recording here.
Download the Powerpoint presentation. - Feb. 25: Overview of Mission Insite
Emily Reece of ACS Technologies gave an overview of a powerful (and free to NIC churches!) tool called Mission Insite, that helps you to learn more about your community.
Watch the recording here.
Download the Quick Insite Worksheet
Download the Executive Insite Worksheet
Download the Ministry Advancement Plan April 2023 - Feb. 18: Creating Creative Worship
Rev. Megan Smick of Oregon UMC shared how one small church is using creative worship to grow. Explore how fun, fellowship, and participatory activities can be used in a worship service to enhance impact and engage people with each other and God.
Watch the recording here. - Feb. 4: Connecting With Young Adults
Rev. Kristopher Sledge, founding pastor of The Journey Church in Harrisburg, PA, and co-author of the new book, Followers Under 40: The Journey Away from Church for Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha shared ideas for connecting with young Adults.
Watch the recording here.
Download the Powerpoint presentation. - Jan. 21: Ideas for reaching out to your community for the Lenten and Easter season.
Watch the recording here.