News

Young People's Ministries Debuts New Leader Development Resource

(December 6, 2007, GBOD) — The General Board of Discipleship's Young People's Ministries will sponsor leadership development sessions for adults who work in ministry with young people. Events will be held in five locations starting February 9 and continuing through May 17, 2008. Saturday sessions will run 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (See locations and dates below.)

Michael Ratliff

"Young People's Ministries is excited to debut this new leader development resource for those adults who work with young people in our church. Through worship, interaction, and information, leaders will discover new ways of being in meaningful ministry with the young people they serve," said the Rev. Michael Ratliff, team leader for Young People's Ministries.

Marketed as "The 'SOURCE," the event is designed to enhance spiritual growth and explore new resources for ministries with youth and young adults.

"This day will be a wonderful time of dialogue with colleagues and discovery of the many connections among our ministries, our spirituality, and our lives," says Micki McCorkle, director of leadership development with adult workers.

Micki McCorkle

"It is a resource for ministry, a source of training, and it also connects us with "The Source" -- who is God in Christ," McCorkle said.

The one-day gatherings and optional half-day "Living Waters" retreats, to be held on Sundays from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon, will allow participants to dig deeper and reflect more broadly on their personal spiritual journey.

The 'SOURCE is a place where all adult workers, paid and volunteer, can find meaning and relevance for life and ministry. Participants will grow in their own leadership skills for effective ministry and discover new ways to empower youth and young adults as leaders in their immediate contexts (school, work, home, and church).

The Saturday session costs $25 and includes lunch; the half-day retreat on Sunday is $10 (lunch not included). To register and find hotel options, visit www.gbod.org/thesource or contact Micki McCorkle, mmccorkle@gbod.org, 615-340-1797; or Sarah Smith, ssmith@gbod.org, 615-340-1780.

Dates and locations are listed below.
*Optional half-day retreat.

February 9-10,* 2008
Grace United Methodist Church
Oklahoma City, Okla.

March 1-2,* 2008
First United Methodist Church, Indianola
Des Moines, Iowa

March 29-30,* 2008
Kavanaugh Center
Louisville, Ky.

April 12-13,* 2008
Foundry United Methodist Church
Washington, D.C.

May 17-18,* 2008
University United Methodist Church
Las Vegas, Nev.

GBOD staffers will facilitate the Saturday sessions, which include: worship, a plenary on "Leadership: The Big Picture," snapshot sessions on "Spirituality and Leadership," "Leadership for Postmodern Times," "Leadership in Today's Youth Culture," "Riding the Waves of Transition: Leadership with Young Adults," "Leadership in a Global Church" and closing worship.

GBOD's mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, GBOD (www.gbod.org) is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, call the Media Relations Office toll free at 877-899-2780, ext. 7017.