GA 2024 NETWORKING LUNCHES

Connect with others who have similar ministry interests at the 44th General Assembly/Gospel Priorities Summit. Boxed lunches will be distributed at a location on the Hope Church campus (to be announced). Enjoy a time of fellowship and enrichment from 11:45-1:00 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, all lunches are at Hope Church.

Tuesday, June 18
Wednesday, June 19
Thursday, June 20  

TUESDAY, JUNE 18 | NETWORKING LUNCHES

AD INTERIM COMMITTEE ON ORDINATION STANDARDS

Organization: EPC Standing Committees
Hosts: Ad-Interim Committee on Ordination Standards
Location: Cry Room 2 & 3

Join us for a question and response discussion led by members of the ad-interim committee on ordination standards. This is a chance to delve into the complexities of committees work, learn about the process, and ask questions. We encourage open dialogue and active participation. Your insights and experiences are invaluable.

CCO CAMPUS MINISTRY NETWORKING LUNCH

Organization: CCO Campus Ministry
Hosts: Jen Burkholder
Location: Cry Room 1

Are you interested in talking TO the next generation and not just ABOUT the next generation of leaders? Join the conversation WITH CCO Campus Ministry Staff in EPC churches and college student leaders from across the country who are sharing the Gospel on campus, discipling young adults in the context of the local church, and on the front lines of equipping the next generation of leaders in the church and the world. You will be encouraged by the work God is doing in the lives of students and how he is calling and cultivating young women and ment to serve the church NOW and into the future.

EPC MEDICAL & RETIREMENTS PLANS – MANAGING YOUR PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL & FINANCIAL WELLBEING

Organization: EPC Benefit Resources, Inc.
Host: Bart Francescone
Location: Rm 221

This interactive session will point you to valuable personal health, wellness, and retirement planning resources offered through EPC Benefit Resources. Get answers to many frequently asked questions. My out-of-pocket medical expenses are high, how can I reduce them? I’m struggling with a chronic health condition, is help available? Is the money in my retirement account invested properly, and can I choose where it is invested? In an emergency, can I draw funds from my EPC retirement account? Is it true that I can use my retirement funds for housing expenses without paying income tax? I’m approaching retirement age; what will happen with our family’s medical coverage and how do I access my EPC retirement funds? Come to have your questions answered and get on track toward healthier living and greater peace of mind.

EQUIPPING MINISTRY LEADERS FOR TODAY: A CONVERSATION WITH KNOX SEMINARY

EXECUTIVE PASTOR ROUNDTABLE

Organization: EPC Finance
Hosts: Pat Coelho
Location: Rm 223

This networking lunch is for executive pastors, administrators and other church executives who handle the business responsibilities of the church.

ITEN UPDATE LUNCHEON

Organization: ITEN
Host: Mike Kuhn
Location: 227

In this ITEN luncheon, you’ll be updated on ITEN’s training activities over the past year. We have exciting news about handing off the theological training role to nationals. Additionally, come to learn what makes formal theological education different from non-formal and why the latter is essential for forming church leaders in the developing world. Finally, we think you’ll be encouraged as you learn more about the viral spread of the Christian faith among people groups that were formally unreached with the gospel.

REACHING THE DECHURCHED WITH JIM DAVIS

Organization: EPC/EBL Team 
Hosts: Jim Davis
Location: South Hall

An opportunity for extended dialogue on reaching the dechurched in our neighborhoods and in our families, led by plenary speaker and coauthor of The Great Dechurching, Jim Davis.

SIX RELATIONAL ROLES FOR PASTORAL THRIVING

Organization: PastorServe
Hosts: Wesley Horne
Location: Rm 225

Our culture has radically shifted to a privatized lifestyle in the last half-century. We’ve moved from the front yard and front porch community to the back deck and privacy fenced backyards. Screens have replaced so much of our face-to-face connection. Pastors need an ecosystem of relational roles to thrive, but most do not have a robust network. Our panel will lead a discussion of the six relational roles every pastor needs and how to develop them.

STUDY THE PSALMS

THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF MISSIONS?

Organization: EPC World Outreach
Hosts: WO College Cohort
Location: Rm 222/224

40% of the world’s population still lacks access to the gospel. Despite persecution, churches in Iran have seen remarkable growth. Globalization and migrations are bringing the nations to our own neighborhoods. But attendance in the North American church has been in decline. What is the future of missions? How is God at work in the nations? Join us for this networking lunch as our EPC World Outreach College Cohort lead us in thought provoking round table discussions on the future of missions.

WHERE IS EPC CHURCH PLANTING GOING?​

Organization: EPC Church Planting
Host: Tom Ricks
Location: Rm 234

Understanding the EPC long-term commitment to church planting and how to effectively engage my congregation in local church planting. National Church Planting Director Tom Ricks will outline our vision and Dr. Warren Bird will discuss practical applications.

WOMEN PASTORS’ LUNCH

Organization: EPC/EBL Team 
Hosts: Annie Rose
Location: Entrance 5 Foyer

A time for women Teaching Elders, Commissioned Pastors, and Candidates to connect and pray for one another.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19 | NETWORKING LUNCHES

CURIOSITY: DEVELOPING THE LINK BETWEEN YOUR JOURNEY AND ANOTHER’S

Organization: Alongside Ministry Wives​
Host: Coletta Smith
Location: Rm 223
Audience: All Pastors’ Wives

Your story matters because it is how you fit into God’s plan. But it’s not just about your story. The women that you are pouring into have stories that matter too. And your story can be the bridge that helps these women see God’s hand in their lives. But we aren’t always granted admission into others’ stories, especially in a generation that is highly skeptical and cautious. So how do we allow our story as pastors’ wives be something that God uses to connect us with others. Curiosity is the key that gains us admission into the lives and hearts of others. We will dig into intentional mentoring and how to develop a heart of curiosity that builds a bridge to those God’s brings to our shores. This gathering contains intensely practical and meaty tools wrapped in great conversation.

DISABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRY

EPC MEDICAL & RETIREMENT PLANS – MANAGING YOUR PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL & FINANCIAL WELLBEING

Organization: EPC BRI
Host: Bart Francescone
Location: Rm 221

This interactive session will point you to valuable personal health, wellness, and retirement planning resources offered through EPC Benefit Resources. Get answers to many frequently asked questions.

My out-of-pocket medical expenses are high, how can I reduce them? I’m struggling with a chronic health condition, is help available? Is the money in my retirement account invested properly, and can I choose where it is invested? In an emergency, can I draw funds from my EPC retirement account? Is it true that I can use my retirement funds for housing expenses without paying income tax? I’m approaching retirement age; what will happen with our family’s medical coverage and how do I access my EPC retirement funds?

Come to have your questions answered and get on track toward healthier living and greater peace of mind.

EQUIPPING PASTORS FOR COACHING

Organization: PastorServe
Hosts: Wesley Horne
Location: Rm 225

Pastors are called to equip the saints for ministry inside the church and in their everyday engagements. Coaching is a critical skill for fulfilling that calling with staff and members. Effective coaching involves regular conversations (as opposed to a monologue) that follow a systematic process centered on a defined set of skills that can be learned and developed. We will share and discuss coaching tools that have a proven track record.

INVITATION ONLY – CHURCH HEALTH NATIONAL TEAM

Organization: EPC Church Health
Host: Bob Stauffer
Location: Rm 227

Sam Rainer meeting with National Church Team – By Invitation Only

LGBTQ: REACHING ACROSS THE DIVIDES

Organization: Where Grace Abounds
Host: Scott Kingry
Location: Rm 222/224

It’s a current scenario in our culture these days. Those who are our friends and loved ones, now stand in opposition because of a change in belief over politics, worldviews, vaccines, etc. How is this nuanced when a close LGBTQ loved one or good friend has a shift in sexual/gender identity, identity labels, theology or leave their faith? We can stand across divides not recognizing each other. What’s next? How do we love our “frenemies” and not be a “frenemy” at the same time? In this workshop we’ll explore the nuances of resolving faith/sexuality conflicts, offer some practical ideas and have time for discussion and Q&A.

LOVING YOUR REFUGEE NEIGHBOR

MINISTRY IN A TRAUMA DRIVEN WORLD

Organization: HopeWell Counseling and Equipping Ministries
Hosts: Cron Gibson
Location: Rm 234

The work of discipleship, evangelism, and people care in a world marked by anxiety, depression, and trauma is complex on a good day. The seminar will give you tools to engage hurt and wounded people with the hope of the Gospel. Understanding how trauma, shame, and mental illness shape peoples concept of self and others is a powerful gateway to effective ministry across a coffee table and from the pulpit. Believers and non-believers are asking how does Jesus bring hope in the midst of pain. Come learn how to answer their questions.

PASTORAL HEALTH – THE NEXT GENERATION AND BEYOND

Organization: PIR Ministries
Host: Roy Yanke
Location: Rm 226

Even as the landscape of pastoral ministry begins to change, the critical importance of the health of those who will step into these roles remains the same. The human conditions that can impact ministry life require every generation of pastors to pay careful attention to the health of their whole person.

Teaching and Ruling Elders are invited to participate in this discussion of how to navigate both the old and new challenges of leading the church, the importance of good models to follow and the foundational patterns that can ensure a healthy ministry life for the next generation.

PASTORAL LETTER ON RACIAL LAMENT AND HOPE

Organization: Ad Interim Committee on Pastoral Letter on Racial Lament and Hope
Host: Gerrit Dawson
Location: South Hall

Presentation by the committee on the Pastoral Letter on Racial Lament and Hope, followed by group discussion and questions regarding the pastoral letter.

PRAYING THE PSALMS

PRESBYTERY MISSION TEAMS AND ENGAGE 2025 HOME TEAMS​

SMALL CHURCH NETWORK: LEADING WITHIN OUR LIMITS

Organization: Small Church Network
Host: Bill Crawford
Location: Youth Loft

Small churches, Large churches, ALL churches need leaders who understand their limits. This talk by TE Jason Woods is foundational to leading in today’s congregation come together for great teaching and an opportunity to interact and pray for one another!

WHY DO WE NEED NEW CHURCHES?

Organization: Church Planting
Host: Richard Rieves
Location: Entrance 5 Foyer

The Church in America is facing the greatest missional opportunity in her history. By 2050 30 million children raised in Christian homes with disaffiliate with their faith. In the last 20 years 40 million Americans have stopped attending church. Statistics tell us church planting is the single most effective means of evangelism. We need to start new churches, but to do so EPC pastors and elders need to be convinced, convicted, and educated. Join us as we consider this challenge together!

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THURSDAY, JUNE 20 | EQUIPPING SESSIONS

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