Church Planting Conference looks toward an intercultural future

The Church Planting Conference to be held May 15-17, sponsored by the Church of the Brethren through the office of Congregational Life Ministries and the New Church Development Advisory Committee. and hosted at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., will be forward-looking with the theme, “Plant Generously, Reap Bountifully--Toward an Intercultural Future.”

Registration is now open at www.brethren.org/churchplanting/events.html and continues through March 17 at an “early bird” rate of $179. The registration fee increases to $229 after March 17. Student registration is offered at the rate of $129. A rate of $149 applies to first-time registrants, good through the early registration period (March 17).

Rooted in worship and prayer, providing practical training

“This vibrant gathering focused on church planting is rooted in worship and prayer while providing practical training, nurturing conversation, and stimulating idea-sharing,” said an invitation from Jonathan Shively, executive director of Congregational Life Ministries. “The entire conference will work toward an intercultural future, including a unique track offered in Spanish.”

Keynote leaders for the event include Efrem Smith, president and CEO of World Impact, an urban missions organization committed to the empowerment of the urban poor through the facilitation of church planting movements and leadership development; and Alejandro Mandes, director of Hispanic Ministries for the Evangelical Free Church of America, who has a special commitment to love, train, and send immigrant leaders.

The preaching for the opening worship service will be Nancy Sollenberger Heishman, moderator of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference.

Workshop proposals are being received

Organizers also are seeking workshop proposals from those who have experience and expertise to share with church planters. Workshops at the event will enhance the church planting movement, cultivate skills for new church development, and inspire missional leadership. Workshops will be provided by the keynote presenters and other leaders, and will include a series for Spanish speaking leaders, and for planting practitioners.

Those whose workshop proposals are accepted will receive an additional registration discount. Those who submit a workshop proposal should plan on registering for the conference after hearing whether their proposal has been accepted.

Information and guidelines for workshop proposals can be found at www.brethren.org/churchplanting/proposals.html.

For more information go to www.brethren.org/churchplanting/events.html or contact churchplanting@brethren.org.

Source: 1/10/2014 Newsline