SATURDAY: IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS
11:00am Round 1 Workshops
Building Hope Through Establishing and Growing Legacy Fund Giving in Your Congregation– Randy Johnson (CCF)
Healthy churches need to develop multiple streams of income. In this workshop, you will learn how to invite, encourage and mentor church members to join you in offering generous end-of-life gifts to support the ministries you all love. You will learn how so many other congregations are doing this successfully and how non-threatening, fun and rewarding the process will be!
Relationship Based Evangelism: Walking not Winning – David Miller, Beneva Christian Church:
How overwhelming is it to think about going into all the world and making disciples? Well, Jesus gave this Great Commission to eleven disciples and look what happened! Did each of the disciples go into all the world? No. But each disciple did go into their world. Now you’re invited to do the exact same thing.
Cultivating Hope Through Safe Ministry Practices - Jennifer Perri/Cindy Howell (Insurance Board)
This workshop explores how strong policies and safe procedures create a foundation of hope for congregations. Participants will receive practical guidance for reducing risk, strengthening accountability, and protecting the people and ministries they serve. Thoughtful safety practices not only prevent harm but also foster trust, stability,and a hopeful future for the whole church community.
Thriving in Hope: What Thriving Can Look Like in These Times - Erin Cash (LTS)
Drawing on research from the Thriving Congregations Project at Lexington Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Erin Cash will offer practical insights, real stories, and usable tools to help congregations clarify their calling to live with hope during tumultuous times. This workshop aims to leave you with hope that your church can thrive in your
context. Whether you are on the cusp of thriving or already flourishing, come learn about how to increase your hope by living as a thriving church.
1:30pm Round 2 Workshops
Finding Hope in Resurrection - Meizon’s story of how God is making it all things new!–Kevin Bruchert & Miranda West, Meizon Church
Meizon Church is a new church in the region. The story of their merge with First Christian Church of Gainesville is just one story of how we can honor the legacy of what was while also embracing new and innovative practices to create a hopeful future.
Living Hope as a Silver Chalice Congregation – Kimberly Weir
This is an introduction to Silver Chalice that includes the purpose and goals, the Resolution that was passed at GA, what has happened since GA, and how the Silver Chalice ministry lives into the hope, witness, and legacy of our seniors.
Hope for the Future: Strategic Ministry Planning with DCEF – Richard Williams (DCEF)
This workshop offers practical guidance for congregations seeking to plan faithfully and strategically for the future. Rev. Richard Williams will introduce accessible tools for assessing ministry needs, setting clear priorities, and aligning resources with mission. Participants will gain a hopeful, realistic framework for shaping ministries
that are sustainable, responsive, and grounded in the life of their congregation.
The Quiet Work of Hope - Melissa Frantz
A gentle 50minute gathering to rest, reconnect, and remember the hope that awakens within us, unites us with one another, and moves with us back into our ministries. Through reflection, conversation, and simple practices, we’ll make space for the kind of hope that steadies the soul and strengthens community.