Asking the right questions is an essential part of being a coach. Basic coaching skills can dramatically improve your effectiveness, increase a leader’s impact in the faith community and the local community, and prepare leaders to effectively coach each other in partnerships with peers. A starter class for those with no previous coaching experience.  A… Continue Reading Basic Coach Training: Start Coaching Tomorrow

This cohort focuses on basics of children’s ministry. There will be a blend of presentations on topics and cohort discussion. Topics may include: choosing and working with curriculum, planning and organizing your year, milestones, etc. Facilitator: Rev. Carol Van Buskirk Meeting Time: 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10am-12pm (Eastern) on Zoom February-November (with a… Continue Reading Foundations of Children’s Ministry Cohort

Do you need your ABAR Training, but do not want to complete it alone? Join one of our East Winds District-sponsored group sessions to begin or continue your training. In each 3-hour long training, there will be time for both large and small group discussions. You must come with an open mind, a willingness to… Continue Reading Group ABAR Training

Whether you have no idea what SAS is or your church leadership is already using it effectively, there is an event for you! Wednesday, October 2nd learn if SAS is right for your church. Wednesday, October 9th learn the latest and best practices for SAS. Register by September 29th for either or both of these free online events.

Join our three month cohort for faith formation leaders to learn, share, and connect. Cohorts in the Michigan Conference offer leaders regular meeting times with others in similar positions or interests. They have made a profound impact on leaders in Michigan and beyond. Past cohort participants have described the cohorts as a place for “community… Continue Reading Faith Formation Fall Mini-Cohort

Grants can be a funding source for existing or ministry new ministry ideas, facility repairs or new builds. Knowing where to look and how to write a grant can be challenging and even intimidating. Join Lisa Batten, Associate Director of Connectional Ministry for a grant writing workshop in which participants will not only learn basics… Continue Reading Grant Writing Workshop

A cohort for experienced faith formation leaders who work with all ages (an emphasis on ministry with children, youth, and families) with a blend of guest speakers and discussion.  Facilitator: Sherry Stone Meeting Time: 2nd Thursday of the month from 10a-12p (Eastern) on Zoom February-November (with a break for the summer) Registration Fee: $299/$399 (MIUMC/non-MIUMC)… Continue Reading Seasoned Faith Formation Leaders Cohort

Through our families of origin we learn to be friend, spouse, parent & co-worker; and our previous generations influence everything from language to mannerisms. Creating & exploring a family diagram or genogram expands a basic understanding of relationship systems and helps identify our patterns of behavior. Participants agree to mutually demonstrate trust, acceptance, kindness, confidentiality,… Continue Reading Genogram Part 1: Creating A Lifetime’s Family Diagram

The Gen Z Cohort is for those who have a passion for young people and would like to be in ministry with Gen Z, the generation quickly becoming the largest in American yet, born between 1999-2015 (ages 8-24). This cohort will specifically focus on the youth and young adult age range of Gen Z, explore… Continue Reading Ministry with Gen Z Cohort

Lay Servant Ministries, of Central Bay District, invites you to participate in a class that will enable you to show an understanding of the biblical call to caring ministry and define your own calling to a pastoral care type of ministry. Lay Pastoral Care Giving is based on the principles of the Good Samaritan and Jesus’… Continue Reading Central Bay District LSM Class Lay Pastoral Care Giving

Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century Explore the aging process, the developmental stages of midlife and older adulthood, and ways to develop an intentional and comprehensive ministry by, with, and for older adults. Dates: Saturdays, October 12 & 19 from 9am-3pm Location: Manchester United Methodist Church, 501 Ann Arbor Street, Manchester, MI 48158 Registration… Continue Reading Heritage District Advanced LSM Class