On Saturday, January 25, the Northern District UMC held a Church Leadership Training: Developing Our Skills. The keynote speaker was Les Fish. Les is the Conference Chair of the Congregational Development Team. He brought thought provoking ideas on rethinking church, discipleship, and leadership.
Reverend Shea James, Director of Young Disciples and Outdoor Ministries, conducted a 3-hour training to help churches in the Northern District develop a Safe Sanctuaries policy. The participants left her training with the tools to craft a policy and do their own trainings.
Reverend Phil Dukes spoke on the importance of worship being a team approach. He taught ways to bring worship to the next level. His students left with a renewed excitement about worship!
Reverend Martha Ognibee, the Northern District Superintendent, led a group on the most important committee in the church, the SPRC/PPRC. She discussed how the committee can help support the congregation and the pastor for Jesus.
Reverend Melissa Shortridge, the Greenbriar District Superintendent, shared how the Administrative Council is called to lead the church in shaping the future of the church.
Lunch was served by the New Martinsville UMW. The vegetable soup was scrumptious and warmed the cold rainy day.
These classes held in the district are important, as they bring information and fellowship across the district and serve as a reminder that we are called as the church to do God’s work together.