news article
Transformational leadership is the focus of NEJ conference
July 17, 2015 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
HERSHEY, Pa. – It’s not church as usual at the See, Know, Love Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ) Transformational Leadership Conference, Oct. 2-4 in Hershey, Pa. United Methodists are invited to join with bishops, cabinets, emerging leaders and others to experience a high-energy training opportunity to become “Church 2.0,” in the words of Bishop Marcus Matthews, co-chair of the NEJ Vision Table that sponsored the NEJ Transformational Leadership Conference.
Click here to download a poster; click here to download a postcard.“Don’t miss this change to see change happening in the Church before your eyes!” said Bishop Matthews. “This is where bishops, cabinets and young leaders are united to experience training for Church 2.0: a Church transformed by leadership that responds to God’s mission in new and relevant ways outside the walls of our churches. And the young will lead us – with many workshops showing us just how they are already in mission with Church 2.0 in a myriad of front-line ministries throughout The United Methodist Church.”
A first-ever gathering at the conference of all the NEJ bishops and cabinets show the level of commitment to this new focus on transformational leadership. Bishop Gary E. Mueller, of the Arkansas Episcopal Area, will offer invited guests from conference Cabinets and Boards of Ordained Ministry a pre-event that will identify significant next steps in creating vital congregations. The whole NEJ event is also endorsed by the College of Bishops.
A radical approach to programming includes keynote speakers the Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, a visionary, boundary-breaking Lutheran pastor; Fiona Haworth, a sprit-filled, hospitality-driven corporate executive who brings the best of the boardroom to the church; and Leaders from The Chapel in Brunswick, Ga., a United Methodist Church that is revolutionizing discipleship. Dr. Albert Mosley, president of Gammon Theological Seminary, will provide theological reflections, engaging in a new kind of Christian conferencing with the presenters and participants. In addition, more than 25 practicums offered by young emergent leaders will show Church 2.0 ministry is already well underway in the NEJ.
The three-day event will close with a first-ever, live-streamed NEJ World Communion Sunday worship service, attended by all the bishops and cabinets of the NEJ as well as the hundreds of conference registrants. The preacher for this service will be Bishop Sandra L. Steiner Ball of West Virginia Episcopal Area.
“Expect worship that impacts and engages the heart, mind, and spirit!” said Bishop Steiner Ball. “We want to show the Church ways of worship that celebrate the heart of our faith – Jesus Christ – and this service will be a memorable one, most memorable if as many NEJ churches as possible align their services to join in with one heart and many voices on this most special World Communion Sunday.”
Registration is still open. All are invited to attend. For more information, go to nejleadership.org/home, or contact Sheila George at sheilageorge387@gmail.com or (433) 393-6645.