Leadership Summit 2024
This event is held at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo, MN. The Synod invites and pays for three people from each presbytery. Additional folks are welcome in person at the expense of the participant or presbytery.
The Leadership Summit is an annual event sponsored by the Synod of Lakes and Prairies to provide support and resources to its presbyteries in working with candidates, pastoral leaders, and congregations. It provides an opportunity for personal interaction with national staff as well as others doing similar work within the Synod. Each year has a particular theme. This year’s theme is Re-Imagining Our Work.
As the world around us changes, as fewer people feel called to traditional ministry, as congregations wonder what their future will be, how do we continue to think about what it means to serve congregations and pastoral leaders? What do we need to let go of as COMs, CPMs and presbyteries? What do we need to embrace? What opportunities lie ahead?
Schedule
Tuesday Afternoon
2:00 Chairs of CPM or COM are invited to meet with GA staff people.
4:00 Opening Worship and Welcome
Tuesday Evening (also available on Zoom)
Plenary Session: Exploring Our Assumptions led by Jihyun Oh, Director of Mid-Council Ministries
Wednesday Morning
Plenary Session: Trends, opportunities, and potential concerns to be aware of as we re-imagine our work. This morning we will look at key changes in the Presbyterian Church and hear about resources available to our presbyteries to address the trends as well as some things to think about in terms of working with congregations and PNCs as the new benefits plan rolls out.
Wednesday Afternoon Workshops
- Congregational Self-Awareness. Ever worked with a congregation that wasn't very self-aware? What is the capacity of a congregation for innovation? A simple tool can help a congregation think more clearly about this. Participants will be able to use it and see the kinds of reports generated. Emily Meyer, Executive Director, The Ministry Lab
- Congregational Vitality. The Office of Congregational Vitality is rolling out a new program for individual congregations to engage in rather than just presbyteries. Your chance to learn about the resources and process for this new program. Tony Oltmann, associate for the Office of Vital Congregations
- Risks and Benefits for Pastoral Leaders and Candidates as the “all-family/all the time” medical benefits expectation ends. How will what congregations are willing to offer pastors impact their search? Will they look to "save money?" Will they be generous? How will COMs and CPMs work with congregations to understand the new program and its options? Ken Green, Board of Pensions
- Pastoral Leadership Revitalization Program Pastoral Leadership Revitalization (PLR) is a program offered by OPSF, in partnership with presbyteries, specifically for newly ordained and/or isolated pastors to provide support, rejuvenation, and resiliency. Pastors participating in this program receive monthly coaching from a seasoned pastor and retreats for rest and renewal. Shelli Latham and Tricia Dillon Thomas , Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation
- Intercultural Competence. Jihyun Oh
- Building Structures of Support. LeaderWise
Wednesday Evening
Plenary Session: Conversations of Discernment, facilitated by Jihyun Oh, Director of Mid-Council Ministries. What has been is changing all around us. We'll hear from some presbyteries who are offering menus of options for congregations in times of transition. What kind of conversations are most helpful with congregational leaders at times of transition? What kind of conversations are helpful in working with candidates as they discern their call?
Thursday Morning
Continuing conversations and closing worship. We will be done by 11:30.
