Leading a church in today’s world is no small task. Research consistently shows that well-trained leaders help churches grow and thrive. According to Lifeway Research, churches with structured leadership training see higher volunteer retention and greater ministry effectiveness. Additionally, Barna highlights that ongoing leadership development is directly linked to spiritual growth and outreach success. Scripture also teaches the importance of training and equipping others for ministry. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:11-12, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
I learned this truth firsthand in my late 20s. I found myself overwhelmed by the growing demands of church ministry. With more responsibilities piling up, I believed it was my duty to take on everything that was left undone. Anything that didn’t get done fell to me—after all, I was trained in Faith Formation, and that was my area of expertise. But beyond that, I was often making my best guess.
What I came to realize was that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about training and empowering others to share the load. Church leadership isn’t a solo endeavor; it requires a team of well-equipped, knowledgeable individuals who can take responsibility and lead effectively.
That’s when a friend mentioned the Chicago Presbytery LEAD Conference, a gathering that was designed to equip leaders with the tools and support they need to build sustainable, thriving ministries. The Chicago Presbytery 2025 Leadership Conference, on March 8, reimagines the LEAD Conference of years past and will be an opportunity for church leaders – whether pastors, elders, deacons, or volunteers – to gain new insights and skills.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Holy Disruption: The Pursuit of Building the Church in a Messy World,” speaks to the challenges we face today while offering practical solutions. The conference will offer the tools, insights, and support you need to build a thriving church in the midst of the messiness of modern life. Our keynote speaker, Rev. Samuel Son, a leading voice in diversity and reconciliation, will inspire you with his message on how to engage the challenges of our world in a meaningful way. His talk promises to energize and empower you to lead with courage and clarity in this disrupted world.
In addition to the keynote, the conference offers 16 workshops designed to help church leaders empower others, share responsibilities, and move ministries forward. Topics include:
- Technology in Worship: Learn how to enhance worship with technology.
- Faith & Social Justice: Address homelessness, systemic racism, and building inclusive communities.
- Mission & Community Building: Dive into local and global mission efforts.
- Faith in the Public Square: Navigate the intersection of faith and public life.
As church leaders, one of the best investments we can make is in the training and development of our teams. Just as Paul and Jesus empowered others to lead, we can help ensure that congregations are equipped to serve faithfully and effectively. This conference is a vital step in making that happen.
Join us on March 8, 2025, at the College of DuPage for a day of learning, growth, and connection. This is a rare opportunity to strengthen your leadership, equip your team, and build a thriving ministry. Don’t miss out — register today and take the next step in investing in the future of the church.
Thom Cunningham is the Director of Mission and Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield.
