The Michigan Conference Connectional Ministries Staff has been developing conference-wide events and ongoing offerings that you can sign up for today! These exciting initiatives are designed to nurture spiritual growth and foster a strong sense of belonging within Michigan United Methodist faith communities and leaders.
For more information about any upcoming initiatives or offerings, contact any staff member.
Kathy Pittenger, Associate Director of Faith Formation and Leadership Development
Lisa Batten, Associate Director of Intercultural Resourcing, Leadership and Fund Development
Laura Witkowski, Director of Connectional Ministries | Yolanda Thomas, Connectional Ministries Executive Assistant
The Connectional Ministries Staff is always launching new cohorts, workshops and resources.
Fall Book Club
Beginning October 1, join faith formation leaders via Zoom on Thursdays from 1 to 2:30 pm ET to explore skills that help neurodiverse and marginalized children thrive. Facilitated by Andrea Trantham and Kathy Pittenger. Free-will donation; book scholarships available. Register now!
Coffee & Conversation
Connect with other faith formation leaders at the Detroit Institute of Arts coffee shop on November 10, from 10 am to 2 pm. Enjoy networking, idea sharing, and a Visio Divina spiritual practice led by Rachel Lunning. DIA admission is self-pay for those outside the tri-county area. Register now!
Grant Writing Workshops
In the Grant Writing 101 and GrantStation workshop, you will go over basic steps and then learn to use the GrantStation search tool. Cost is $20 per person / $40 per group from one church or organization. Join on Wednesday, September 23, noon – 1:30 pm or 6 – 7:30 pm ET, Register now!
Need ongoing support? Join the monthly online co-working space for grant writers to come alongside one another, ask questions, hear updates from experienced writers, and feel encouraged. Once a month through December 2026. Free. Register now!
Building Beloved Community
Do you want to deepen your understanding and experience of culture and belonging? Join others for the new Introduction to Cross-Cultural Ministry workshop. Three Mondays, beginning October 26, from 5:30 to 7 pm ET. Cost is $20 per person or $45 for a group. Register now!
Want to go further? For those who’ve taken the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) within the past four years, IDP Together offers a supportive, monthlong walkthrough of your Intercultural Development Plan. Co-facilitated by Rev. Alice Townley and Charity Ben, the group meets Mondays, Nov. 2-30, from noon to 1:15 pm. Cost is $25 per person or $40 per group of three. Register now!
Rooted: Reclaim
Ministry leaders engaged in faith formation ministry at any age level are invited to Rooted: Reclaim on Tuesday, October 20, from 9:30 am – 4 pm at Okemos Community Church in Okemos. Optional pre-event co-working time on Monday, October 19, in the afternoon. Worship, learn, play, and connect with other faith formation leaders during this time of renewal. The “Reclaim” tag refers to connecting with our Wesleyan roots and exploring what it means to be United Methodist today. Learn more and register now!
Roles for Social Change
During times of social upheaval, many experience burnout or uncertainty about how to make a difference. In this four-week series, participants will explore frameworks for contributing to social transformation. Join members of the Michigan Conference Board of Justice and the Connectional Ministries Team in collaboration with the Building Movement Project. Zoom workshops are on Mondays, September 14, 21, 28, and October 5, from 6:30 – 7:45 pm ET. Cost is $25, or pay what you can. Register by September 7.
More Events and Additional Ways the CM Staff Can Help
SEED TO HARVEST MINISTRY INCUBATION
We often feel isolated when launching something new, or we may be unsure of the next steps when revamping a program or ministry already in place to be more fruitful. The good news is that we don’t have to go it alone! Facilitators will guide you and provide resources to ensure you feel supported in doing the work God has called you to do. Learn more.
Information Session
Participants will learn about the process of incubating a ministry idea to launch. There will be time for fun, interactive activities, questions, and sharing ideas with the Seed to Harvest Team. There is no fee to participate. Join us on September 15, 2026, at Noon and 6 pm, and on October 1 at Noon and 6 pm via Zoom. Register now!
Monthly Cohort
Join the monthly online cohort and be part of a peer community, learning and implementing ministry incubation tools to adapt an existing ministry or launch a new one. The second Tuesday of each month, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm ET, starting January 12, 2027. Cost: $75 for five monthly cohorts (January through May 2027). Register now!
Sprout-A-Thon
Join this one-day event to build a framework for your ministry idea, create a pitch to recruit donors and volunteers, and share your passion and vision. Participants will engage with fun tools in their project, learn from peers, and take a step toward making their idea a reality. A $60 fee includes resources and necessary supplies. This hybrid event takes place on Saturday, February 27, 2027, from 10 am to 4 pm ET, location TBD. Register now!
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
The Board of Young People’s Ministries creates events and resources for youth and young adults to help them stay engaged with one another and with the church as they grow in faith and life. A Youth & Young Resource Roundup highlighting the latest is published every other month. Review the latest issue. If you have questions about these resources or need more information, contact Lisa Batten at [email protected].
Young Adult Discernment Cohort
This monthly online group supports young adults (ages 18-33) asking, “What’s next?” or “What gives my life meaning?” Led by Rev. Cora Glass and Aiden Diaz, it offers community, spiritual practices, resources, and optional coaching. The group meets monthly via Zoom, with details to be announced. Interested? Fill out a form or email Cora at [email protected].
Do-Nothing Fall Retreat
Sponsored by Michigan United Methodist Campus Ministries, this retreat is for students and young adult professionals seeking rest, renewal, and connection with others. It is a time to step away from the hustle of college life and rest in God’s presence and “come as you are.” This will be a weekend of community, worship, and space to breathe. October 24-25, 2026 at Lake Louise Camp in Boyne Falls. The retreat is offered on a sliding scale of $0-$50, based on each participant’s financial situation. For questions, call or text Rev. Carl Gladstone at 586-295-3055. Register now!
PROTECTION POLICY AND SEXUAL ETHICS
Our responsibility is to care for, protect, and care for all God’s Children. Protection Policies (also known as Safe Sanctuaries or Abuse Prevention) and Sexual Ethics Policies are designed to protect and care for the children, youth, and adults in our churches and communities. Learn more.
Protection Policy Basics Workshop
Is your church’s Protection Policy up to date? Join Rev. Kathy Pittenger for a free, 60-minute workshop designed to help church leaders understand the basics of Protection Policies, also known as Safe Sanctuaries or Child/Youth Safety Policies. Learn what a policy should include, who should be involved in creating it, screening and training resources, best practices, and what to do if an incident occurs. September 29, 2026 at 12 p.m. or 7 p.m. ET via Zoom. Same content given at both sessions. Registration is free. This workshop is not a training event. Instead, it is an opportunity to gain a foundational understanding of Protection Policies and the key elements churches should consider when developing or updating their policies. Register now!
INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCY
The Michigan Conference employs the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) as an assessment of cultural understanding and intercultural competence. This resource is available to Michigan United Methodists and serves as a valuable aid in building relationships across diverse cultures. Learn more.
CONTEMPLATIVE COHORT
Meets monthly via zoom for contemplative prayer practice. Each session is led by a facilitator who explains the practice and leads the group through the prayer. After the prayer practice, there is time for debriefing and resource sharing. Come when you can, stay as long as you are able. Sessions meet on the 3rd Monday of each month. Contact Lisa Batten for a zoom link.
COACHING SUPPORT FOR FAITH COMMUNITIES AND MINISTRY LEADERS
Coaches provide just-in-time support by asking questions and challenging the one being coached to set and reach their goals. Using deep listening, coaches ask questions to trigger deeper contemplation, providing a sounding board that allows the coachee to think more deeply and profoundly than they would without coaching. Visit the coaching page to learn about upcoming classes.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Focusing on your relationship systems, consider what’s happening and what options you have can heal your important relationships. 1-on-1, interpersonal and group mediation services are available. Learn more.
Connectional Ministries Staff Members
Director, Associate Directors for Connectional Ministries, and Executive Assistant
Laura Witkowski
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Kathy Pittenger
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Lisa Batten
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Yolanda Thomas
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Called to the work of the laity, Laura is passionate about ministry leaders using their God-given gifts in ways that can transform the world around them. Encouraging others to lead authentically from who they are, who God has shaped them to be, is important in her work. Laura and her family are active at Grand Rapids Aldersgate UMC, where she has been a member most of her life.
Asking questions, thinking outside the box, looking at a challenge from several different perspectives, and being creative are all gifts Kathy brings to her work. Kathy loves it when children discover something new and the way it makes their face light up, especially when it is in relationship to Jesus and faith. She is excited for opportunities to encourage, equip, and be a resource for the leaders who are planting seeds and making a difference in their churches, communities, and world.
New ministry with new people excites Lisa. She is guided by her own sense of call and vocation and by the vision to create a culture where all, especially young adults, are valued.
Yolanda is very excited to be working with the Connectional Ministries staff. Her desire is to assist in opportunities offered to the conference that make a difference in others, churches, and communities.