Introduction to Lay Missional Retreats
By Barbara Miller

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We know dramatic change in the life of faith communities is most successful when supported by mid-governing systems. We also know that missional transformation happens in congregations, through committed lay leadership. We are therefore eager to build the conversation at both levels.

We are in the process of planning a series of Regional Lay retreats to:

• Build Missional awareness for local congregations helping them to learn about God’s plan for their congregation and communities
• Provide an opportunity for congregations in PMC clusters to share their stories of missional transformation so that congregations can learn from them

Format:
Friday afternoon is for local judicatory leaders and local pastors:
Includes a light lunch and “preview” of the conference presentations for the lay gathering the following day
Saturday 9AM-3PM is for pastors and lay persons:
Retreat format from including lunch and refreshments

What we are asking:

1. Mid -governing level partners to provide the names of leaders in neighboring synods or denominations that we could invite to both Friday/Saturday events.
2. Mid-governing leaders to invite congregations they know would be interested to attend
3. Ask congregations involved in PMC to “spread the word” by distributing marketing literature to congregations in the area where possible. These partner congregations also present at the Saturday event

CI provides:
For both days, a CI Consultant to present and facilitate the content delivery and coordinating the PMC congregations that will tell their stories of transformation. On line registration for the event, all print material for marketing and presentations. Our expenses are covered by the registration fees.

Hosting congregation provides:
Friday event: Help in choosing a place to meet with 8-10 people that would offer a light lunch and place for a short presentation; it could be a conference room with a catered lunch.
Saturday event: Meeting Space/Facilities and general hospitality. We would arrange refreshments and lunch as part of the registration fee. We would like a resource table at the event to sell books on the missional topic. We would provide inventory and would coordinate with the local congregation the best way to staff the table.

If you would be interested in hosting a lay retreat or serving as our partner telling you story of transformation, contact Barbara Miller at Church Innovations for more details.

Barbara Miller is the Chief Operating Officer of Church Innovations.