The 2023 Leadership Training Day hosted by Miami Valley and Ohio River Valley districts will feature Rev. Dernard Newell, Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging for West Ohio Conference. Workshops examine different aspects of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Schedule for the Day

8:30      Gathering

9:00      Welcome/Worship

9:20       Keynote with Dernard Newell

10:00     Q&A

10:30     Break

10:45     Workshops 

Workshops

The Invisible Becoming

Presenter: Dave Mack and Jami Nathan

Description: In Mathew 25 Jesus speaks about those who are Lost. People who are incarcerated are not only lost but find themselves as invisible people in our communities. Kairos ministries and others seek to fulfill the scriptures found Matthew 25 by recognizing the plight of these pilgrims and inviting them into a journey where they become not invisible, not lost, but rather these pilgrims become Beloved through the unconditional love of God expressed through Kairos and prison ministry. Join us to discover ways we can create a community where ALL are included.

Immigration Ministry and Ministry with Immigrants

Presenter: Scott Hicks

Five Loaves, Two Fish, and Jesus: Community Ministry The Teacher's Method

Presenter: David Meredith

Description: This workshop on Asset Based Community Ministry will explore the Biblical approach of Jesus and Paul for congregational ministry that develops the community and geographical parish in its context. It is focused on capacity, built on relationships, and secured by resources from within. It works in rural and urban settings. Learn more. Examine some examples.

Workshop with Dernard Newell

Presenter: Dernard Newell

Listening Circles: a tool for belonging

Presenter: Karen Cook and Wendy Lybarger

Description: The circle process is one of the oldest and simplest of all group processes.  Circles assume a universal human wish to be connected to others in a good way and symbolize the belief that all people are embody the image of God.  A Listening Circle is a way to gather personal perspectives and experience and to allow participants to hear others’ point of view.  This workshop will provide background and structure for Listening Circles, explore areas of church life and ministry where Listening Circles may be used, and provide experience in participating in a Listening Circle.