Preachers
Bishop David Wilson
Bishop Wilson, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, holds the distinction of being the first Native American elected to serve as a bishop in the history of The United Methodist Church.Prior to election, Bishop Wilson served as assistant to the bishop of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC), which is comprised of 81 Native American churches in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. He previously served as the OIMC superintendent for 18 years. He was elected to the episcopacy in 2022 and began serving the Great Plains Conference on January 1, 2023.
Rev. Adam Hamilton
Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of the Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. He grew up in the Kansas City area, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Oral Roberts University and a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Methodist University. He is the author of numerous books, served as a presidential appointee in the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, and frequently speaks on leadership across the US.
Keynote Speakers
Rev. Dr. Allen Buck
Keynote: How we tell our truths when we tell our stories
Rev. Dr. Allen Buck is a member of the Cherokee Nation and serves as the Director of the Greater Northwest Episopal Area’s Circle of Indigenous Ministries as well as pastoring Great Spirit UMC in Portland, Oregon. The Circle of Indigenous Ministries supports Native American and Indigenous churches, fellowships, and ministry partners through resourcing, coaching, consultation, and friendship. He has been an instrumental part of creating the 10-year plan for the Western Jurisdiction’s Committee on Native American Ministry and developing truth-telling circles to examine the church’s role in harming our Indigenous siblings.
Dan Bracken
Keynote: The art of visual storytelling
Dan Bracken is the director of communications at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio. The church’s communications team has traveled all over the world to help visually tell the stories of God at work in our midst. With more than 20 years experience in communications and local church ministry, Bracken will share his knowledge on effective storytelling through visual media.
5 by 5 Design
Keynote: Rebuild, Refresh, Rebrand
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With our lives, our communities, and our world in a constant state of flux, everyone is wondering what’s next. Many church brands need to rise up and make changes. But does that mean a complete brand overhaul or a simple refresh? In this keynote, owners of Minneapolis-based 5 by 5 Design, Wendy Ruyle and Diana Lillicrap, will share the benefits of a strong brand, the process needed to be successful, and how to make sure your brand is more than enough. Come listen to the agency that rebranded United Methodist Women into United Women in Faith as they share insights and practical tips you can use to uplift your brand.
UMCOM, Council of Bishops, and Connectional Table Panel
Keynote: The new UMC Vision Statement
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When we say “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections” what does that mean? Our partners from United Methodist Communications will lead a panel discussion with representatives from the Council of Bishops and the Connectional Table on how to embrace the new vision statement in our collective ministry settings.
Workshop Leaders
Across two days you'll take part in three different sessions of smaller-group workshops with presenters who will help you dive deep in a myriad of communication topics. Not all workshops will be offered each session, but some will.
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Podcasting 101 with Rev. Ryan Dunn from UMCOM
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Local Church communication strategies with Cathy Bien from Resurrection UMC
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Visual Storytelling with Dan Bracken from Ginghamsburg UMC
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Data-Driven Communication Decisions with Lauren Miers from the Missouri Conference
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You’re Already Enough: Is your Brand? With the team from 5 by 5 Design
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Indigenous Ministries & Truth-Telling with Rev. Dr. Allen Buck and team.
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AI & the Local Church with Matt Williams from Resurrection UMC