Churches Gave Generously at Annual Conference 2026
Northern Illinois Conference members and churches gave generously to three opportunities at Annual Conference this year, June 14-16. The Bishop’s Appeal so far has raised $30,…
Location: Hope UMC in Joliet (2506 Caton Farm Road, Joliet)
MARCH 2
LOCATION: Joliet: Hope UMC
MARCH 2
9 A.M. - 3 P.M.
LOCATION: Joliet: Hope UMC
2506 Caton Farm Road, Joliet
SPEAKER: DIRK ELLIOTT
Cost: $20
(boxed lunch provided)
Churches come in all forms of vitality: 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.
Dirk Elliott
DIRK ELLIOTT
Speaker Bio: Dirk Elliott is the retired 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