Skip to Main Content

Vital Partnerships: New Models of Cooperative Ministries

Location: Journey of Hope UMC, 37W040 Highland Avenue, Elgin, IL

Vital Parnerships 2022 Graphic

Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Location: Journey of Hope UMC 37W040 Highland Ave, Elgin, IL

Speaker: Dirk Elliott

Cost: $20
Box Lunch Provided

Online Registration

Download the Flyer

Churches come in all forms of health: some are healthy and growing, others are maintaining the status quo, and some are declining. But they all have one thing in common – they want to be fruitful and healthy. One way this can happen is through partnerships or mergers. Attend this workshop and explore new ways your church might become healthier through a merger.


Pic Elliott Dirk

Dirk Elliott

Dirk Elliott

Speaker Bio: Dirk Elliott is Director of Congregational Vibrancy and Leadership Development for the Michigan Conference.  Dirk has been a congregational developer for 21 years after serving 18 years in pastoral ministry. He serves on the Path 1 Strategy Team, the New Church Start division of the United Methodist Church. Dirk authored "Vital Merger: A New Church Approach that Joins Church Families Together to Change Lives and Communities."

Sponsored by the Office of Congregational Development and Redevelopment

News & Announcements

Flowers Sympathy625x400 2a417 Copy

In Sympathy: Erma Bryan

Mrs. Erma Bryan, the surviving spouse of deceased member Rev. Bill Bryan of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Pentecost Serrvice 25 Preach Cmyk

Fourteen Churches Unite for Pentecost worship

On Pentecost Sunday, 14 United Methodist churches from the Prairie North District gathered at Freeport’s historic Oakdale Tabernacle for a powerful worship celebration filled wit…

Grace Over Fear Cmyk

From Your Bishop: Subvert Fear With Grace

In his latest column, Bishop Schwerin reflects on the legacy of fear-driven policies like the Japanese American internment during World War II, lifting up stories of resilience throug…

Cabinet Selfie Cmyk

This Life-Changing Journey: God Extends Grace; Let Us Do the Same

In her reflection, Rev. Danita R. Anderson celebrates Annual Conference 2025 and recalls her own ordination journey, now over four decades in ministry. She lif…

Print