Engaging With the Gospel Message at Conferences
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DIRECTORS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (NADCE) CONFERENCE BOCA RATON, FLORIDA / JANUARY 21-23
At the end of January, LHM staff presented and exhibited on behalf of LHM at the National Association of Directors of Christian Education (NADCE) conference in Boca Raton, Florida.
This event offered an opportunity to connect with DCEs from across the country. Many meaningful conversations were had at the exhibit booth, hearing how LHM resources are being used in churches nationwide and sharing updates on our recent work.
Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, vice president of ministry engagement, delivered a keynote on relational ministry and the conference theme, “Rest Assured”, while Ashley Bayless, vice president of global content, led an engaging session on “Reaching Gen Z Using Spiritual Conversations.” Hundreds of LHM resources were shared with participants as we celebrated and supported the vital work of Christian educators.
BEST PRACTICES FOR MINISTRY CONFERENCE PHOENIX, ARIZONA / FEBRUARY 12-14
Several LHM staff members gathered in Phoenix, Arizona, in February for Best Practices for Ministry. This annual conference has been hosted by Christ Church Lutheran for more than 10 years as a reminder to professional and lay church workers that they are loved, they are not alone, and they matter.
LHM was grateful to spend the weekend listening, learning, and connecting with pastors and church leaders. From hosting sessions on topics like multiethnic ministry and engaging major secular events with the Gospel, to having meaningful conversations at our booth with attendees, the week was full of encouragement and shared purpose.
Participants went to the LHM booth to express their appreciation for the breakout sessions and to look at all the displayed resources. Some people stopped by the booth just to share how much they love LHM and our resources.
Breakout sessions led by LHM staff included Lakies, who presented a session titled “How to ‘Find Yourself’ In A Secular Age”; Rev. Germán Novelli, director of Hispanic Ministry, presenting on “Is My Church Ready For Multiethnic Ministries?”; and Dr. Kari Vo, theological writer and author of many Daily Devotions, leading a session titled “Loving Impossible People.”
“It’s vital for LHM to be at conferences like NADCE and Best Practices for Ministry. There are so many interactions at these events that exhibit the deep appreciation and trust the church has for LHM and its work,” says Lakies. “Presenting at these conferences allows us to truly walk alongside those who are serving in ministries across the country, sharing ideas from our research and expertise, as well as supportive resources that can be put to work in any ministry context.”