Lansing hosts a weekend of Inspiration, networking, and bridge-building, October 16-18. The 2nd REACH Summit and the annual Learning Event of the General Commission on Religion and Race wrap-around each other for an awesome experience of integrated learning.
The REACH Summit, held Friday-Saturday, October 16-17 at the Lansing Center offers workshops within 5 Vision Tracks. Each workshop will introduce concepts designed to help churches reach out to more new people. Participants will then have the opportunity to join a REACH Network Group to continue exploring and learning throughout the year while networking with other pastors and church leaders implementing the same strategies in their churches.
Tracks include
- OUT: 10 landmines to avoid when starting a new worship service and Starting a new service in an existing church
- UP: Church in a what? and Reaching unchurched people in your neighborhood
- IN: Move people from first-time guests to fully-committed members and Double your small group participation
- ACROSS: Developing ministry within the community and Reaching youth
- FORWARD: Exploring the Vital Church Initiative
The NCJ Commission on Religion and Race Event, transforming roadblocks into building blocks, will also be held at the Lansing Center, October 16-18. Registration includes full participation in the Michigan-area UMC REACH Summit.
Friday begins with a full complement of learning opportunities, including worship, a panel discussion (The New Jim Crow), and afternoon workshops. Friday evening, the REACH Summit begins with a special worship service featuring Erin Hawkins, General Secretary, General Commission on Religion and Race. Saturday, the REACH Summit includes a full day of workshops to equip churches to reach more people, including different cultures and social-economic groups. When the REACH Summit concludes Saturday evening, an annual banquet and celebration continues for NCJ/CORR guests. Featured guest is Rev. F. Willis Johnson, UMC pastor at Wellspring Church, Ferguson, MO, a key voice and mediator in Ferguson. Sunday concludes with a short plenary session followed by worship, both at nearby Lansing Central UMC. Rev. F. Willis Johnson and Rev. Linda Farmer-Lewis will lead closing worship. For full details and registration, click here.
Last Updated on October 27, 2023