Leadership Training Event 2016
Christian Reformed Home Missions, Volunteers in Service, and Calvin College are teaming up once again for the annual Leadership Training Event.
This year's event will be held at Calvin College on Tuesday, Sept. 13. The event is targeted at pastors, elders, deacons, and anyone else called to leadership in their church.
This year’s theme is taken from Isaiah 65:18a – “Be glad and rejoice in what I will create.” Additionally, Isaiah 65 will be the topic spoken on by guest speaker Ryan Verwys. Verwys is president and CEO of the Inner City Christian Federation, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit which seeks to provide high-quality housing for those who otherwise could not afford it.
He will speak on Isaiah’s vision in which all people, young and old, will live long and prosperous lives, in their own homes and with their own food to eat.
While this event has always focused on how local churches can engage their communities, this year asks a narrower question: How do churches become God’s kingdom presence in community?
Church leaders will be connected with local churches on how to become more aware of the culture of people in their communities. One of the main focuses will be on how to map out each church’s special community.
There will also be discussions about how churches can become more culturally competent, and how photography can be a powerful way to learn about and connect with community.
The event contains two breakout sessions, in which participants can pick whatever workshops best suit their interests and abilities. This includes workshops specifically designed for elders and deacons, as well as more general ones about being God’s hands and feet in a broken world.
Between 300 to 400 people typically attend the event, which has been going on for 15 years. The event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. with a worship session, two workshops, and a break for cookies and coffee.
Worship will be held in Calvin’s Chapel, and workshops will be held in the nearby Hiemenga Hall.
For more information or to register, click here to visit the Volunteers in Service website.
