What is the School of Congregational Development?

In the 1980s the General Board of Discipleship and the General Board of Global Ministries created a training experience for new church start pastors.   In the last ten years, SCD has blossomed to include training for Bishops, District Superintendents, Conference Staff, pastors, and church teams from existing congregations who desire to learn how to create and develop disciple-growing congregations.   Co-developed by GBGM, GBOD, and Path 1 with collaboration with the National Plans and the Congregational Development Network, this year’s event will be in the exciting city of downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

What happens at the SCD?
Participants at SCD choose from a wide variety of learning experiences that equip them in a multitude of areas related to congregational development in new and existing churches.

Plenary Sessions and Worship:  SCD is a spiritual experience that renews faith in Jesus Christ and sends people out into their communities in mission and ministry.  Plenary Sessions and Worship Experiences gather all participants together as a faith community.

Intensives:  Designed for all participants, intensives are a four-hour experience to focus on key principals and ideas that can be applied to most ministry situations.  Participants choose one Intensive at the SCD.

Ministry Track: Ministry happens in a variety of contexts, so the four-part Ministry Track allows you to delve more deeply into the strategies that will equip you to lead more effectively in your particular ministry setting.  Tracks are offered for Conference Leaders, New Church Leaders, and Leaders of Existing Churches. Participants choose one Ministry Track.

Teaching Church Experience:  On Sunday participants choose to worship at and learn from one of the exciting churches in the Nashville area.  Participants experience first hand the ministry of a dynamic congregation, and learn from the leaders how the ministry has been developed.

Celebration Experience:  On Sunday Evening participants will gather with Nashville area United Methodists in the historic Ryman Auditorium for a Celebration with Tony Campolo and musical guests.  This is sure to be a highlight of SCD 2010.

Workshops:  Workshops on Monday give participants nuts and bolts information on critical ministries in the local church.  Participants can choose two workshops.

How to Register: Visit the Registration and Lodging page