Ginghamsburg’s signature CHANGE THE WORLD conference is coming up April 3 & 4 and the excitement is growing! Our staff and church family love having company and some of my best memories are from these annual events. Karen Smith is our Director of Missional Operations and oversees the execution of these conferences, a job for which she is extremely well-gifted. Today I invited Karen to give us a glimpse into this year’s gathering. Here’s a bit of her brain on the subject:
Karen, what are the offerings you are most excited about this year?
We have what I think may arguably be our best slate of Change the World keynote speakers to date. Rev. Adam Hamilton leads the largest United Methodist Church in the country and is working across our mainline denomination to help the church figure out how to thrive in the 21st century. Diana Butler Bass as a scholar brings well-researched insights into the intersection of American culture and religion. Rachel Held Evans, as a self-described skeptic and Jesus follower isn’t afraid to take on any and all status quo assumptions about the church and why it is not effectively reaching the millennial generation.
Change The World Stage
So, what would you say Ginghamsburg’s “Change the World” conference promises can uniquely promise?
Ginghamsburg Church is one of the best living laboratories I know for discovering what it means to be a missional church. We have been there, done that, and keep on doing it – adapting as we go. And, we are not afraid to share the good and the bad, our successes and our flops. We want to give it all away so that churches everywhere feel empowered to start changing their neighborhoods one life at a time.
Change The World Pop-Up Bookstore
Who’s going to benefit most from the conference – as you see it?
If you meet any of the following criteria, you will benefit from what Change the World has to offer:
- you are tired of doing church the same old way and expecting different results
- you want to do Jesus’ mission, not just read about it
- you are seeking a life of significance, not just success
Pop-up Bookstore Ideas
A lot of folks have been to a Ginghamsburg conference in the past. What’s fresh that begs a second (or third) visit?
This year we have added a track focused on what it means to LEAD STRONG. Anyone who wants to grow in their ability to vision, lead and even butt-kick at times will benefit. Also, if there is any constant at Ginghamsburg, it’s change. We have learned new stuff to do and NOT do since the last time you may have visited. We will be happy to tell you all about it to jumpstart your gain and minimize your pain.
Missional Resources
Thanks, Karen! FYI we’re also offering worship workshops in music and media and I’ll be sharing my most recent DIY campus and stage designs on a dime. Get registered and join us! www.ginghamsburg.org/changetheworld