The Urban Context

Consider unique challenges and how to overcome the obstacles in order to create a multiethnic and economically diverse, socially just, and financially sustainable church in the urban context.

Session A - Wednesday, Nov 9 (10:45a)
Calm Presence & Racial Wholeness • Rich Villodas
Creating a culture of racial wholeness requires a commitment to cultivating calm and curious presence. How can we remain close to others in a world fraught with anxiety—especially over matters of race? In this session, Rich will offer a framework for understanding and promising practices to move you in this direction. 

Session B - Wednesday, Nov 9 (1:30p)
Restorative Leadership • Dennae Pierre
Join Dennae to consider timeless truths and discuss proven practices that ministry leaders can employ to repair broken systems and unhealthy organizational cultures as well as lead others to address the structures we inhabit. Come explore leadership principles that grow out of a life restored both with God and neighbor. 

Session C - Thursday, Nov 10 (10:45a)
Why Another Nonprofit? • Lawrence Hicks & Paul Kroger
Limited time, staff, budgets, and more often keep churches from efficiently advancing justice, mercy, and compassionate work in their communities. Join Lawrence and Paul to learn the why and how of establishing a 501(c)(3) community development corporation (CDC) alongside your church, you can extend impact, leverage partnerships, and attract investment beyond tithes and offerings.

Session D - Thursday, Nov 10 (1:30p)
Creating Effective Systems • Tommy "Urban D." Kyllonen
Typically, urban churches struggle to create effective systems. As a result, many broken people can fall through the cracks. In this workshop, Tommy will share lessons learned and creative ways to establish effective systems for following up new guests, encouraging new giving, and increasing membership in order to scale outreach efforts and Love Your City.