Developing Congregations for the Mission

These six presentations will focus on helping our United Methodist congregations focus on the our common mission of "making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." This will be done in a broad comprehensive way, with each presentation connected to the others. Our time together will help us answer the "why," "what," "how," and "who" when it comes to mission.

We will explore the tension between the dynamics of being preference-driven or purpose-centered as a congregation.  We will look at the process of developing spiritual leaders for the Mission, utilizing our Wesleyan roots.  We will discuss practical models for helping spiritual leaders to stay focused on the Mission.  We will develop a clear vision for how to live out the Mission in our congregations and communities.  We wil prepare to equip persons in our congregations and communities.  We will prepare to equip persons in our congregations to evangelize and share their faith in a Wesleyan way. Finally, we will explore how to reach younger generations for Jesus Christ, since they make up the greatest part of the Mission field.

Dr. Doug Anderson is executive director of the Bishop Rueben Job Center for Leadership Development at Dakota Wesleyan University.  He is a member of the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church.  Anderson was a district superintendent and pastor of several growing churches of different sizes in The United Methodist Church.  He has led a variety of practical church seminar for more than 25 years.

Anderson has taught a ministry track at the School for Congregational Development for the past six years.  He is the co-author with Bishop Michael Coyner of the award-winning book, The Race to Reach Out.  He is also a member of the Academy for Spiritual Formation of the Upper Room.

Rich Rubietta, who will serve as worship leader, is a modern-day circuit rider and Conference Evangelist for The United Methodist Church. Appointed to Abounding Ministries, Rich and his wife Jane are "musician-aries," helping congregations redevelop and rediscover their voice in worship. Whereas Rich pastored congregations for 14 years in the Northern Illinois Conference, he now views the General Church as his congregation, much like the early circuit riders.

Click here to view a video of Rich Rubietta

Hotel reservations

Make hotel reservations by calling the Holiday Inn City Centre at 1-800-315-2621 or 309-674-2500. Room rate is $87+tax per night, prior to July 6, 2010. Be sure to ask for the College of Christian Life rate.  Please contact the hotel sales office directly at 309-674-2500, for any and all special dietary needs.

Schedule of events