Ministry Tracks are designed to enable leaders to focus on a particular context for ministry. Participants are encouraged to bring a team to learn together with the goal of going back home with the first steps of a strategy they can implement in their ministry setting. Participants stay in the same Ministry Track for the four sessions that meet as follows: Friday from 2:00 to 3:30 and 4:00 to 5:30; and Saturday from 10 to 12 noon and 2:00 to 3:30.

Existing church ministry tracks are for leaders of established churches who are looking for effective strategies to improve and turn around their infrastructures and ministries.

MT15:  Grow the Church Where You Are
Brad Kalajainen
For leaders of successful new churches that want to grow to the next level, and/or want to offer multiple worship experiences on one campus Learn the key strategies that have grown Cornerstone UMC in Grand Rapids, MI as a dynamic, disciple growing congregation with multiple worship experiences and a strong small-group ministry. Cornerstone just moved into a new building and has over 2,000 in multiple worship services. Brad is pastor of Cornerstone.

MT16:  Turning Around Existing Churches
Dottie Escobedo-Frank, Joe Daniels
For leaders of congregations that have experienced a steady downturn, and  want to turn around.  Learn effective strategies for moving into vitality and growth  This track is for congregations with fewer than 250 in worship. Dottie is the pastor of CrossRoads UMC in Phoenix and Joe is pastor of Emory United Methodist Church in Washington DC

MT17:   Focus Churches
Doug Anderson
Learn tools and strategies for moving your congregation beyond the plateau of stagnated membership numbers, into a new era of growth and vitality. Doug is executive director of the Bishop Rueben Job Center for Leadership Development

MT18:   Reviving African American Churches
Sherry Daniels, Tyrone Gordon, Cheryl Walker
What are effective strategies to getting African-American congregations back on track toward wellness and vitality? Learn the keys to moving your congregation toward new life.
  
MT19:   Reviving Rural African American Churches
Telly Gadson
Rural African American Churches have the powerful potential to discover problem-solving possibilities when they re-launch their commitment to the spirit of N.O.W. (nurture, outreach, witness/worship). This means of grace ignites evangelism in the hearts of the people, whereby the church grows out into the community and the community takes on the spirit of the church. Telly is pastor of St. Mark UMC in Sumter, SC
           
MT20: Small Churches: Stories of Turn Around
Betsey Heavner
More than half of United Methodist Churches have less than 100 people in worship each week. The stories and practices of thriving churches provide principles, tools and ideas for every church. In this ministry track you will build a plan for renewing your leadership in a small membership church. Betsey is director of leadership for renewal at GBOD.

MT21:     Spanish Language Congregational Mobilization
Francisco Cañas
Discover the holistic concept of congregational mobilization. Learn that inherent in the mobilization process is the methodology known as the “See-Judge-Act” trilogy. Become equipped to take the next steps for embarking on a journey of personal, congregational, and community transformation.

MT22:     Migration and Multiethnic Congregations
Kelvin Sauls, Dionisio Salazar
Migration is an integral part of the American historical and contemporary landscape. As individuals emigrate and immigrate, how can we engage in effective, need-based evangelism and radical hospitality as ports of entry to transforming congregations for real and relevant mission and ministry?

MT23: Vital Mergers
Angelin Simmons
In the face of decline & church closings, merging churches has become a viable option for many districts & conferences. This ministry track will explore how intentional & strategic mergers can stabilize, strengthen & set congregations up for vital ministry. Come and explore strategies & principles that are effective, practical & achievable for vital mergers.

MT24: Building Effective Children’s Ministry in a Turn around Church 
Mary Alice Gran
This ministry track will pay attention to how we plan for children, relate to families and educate congregational members.  Included will be welcoming children, helping children to grow as disciples, safety issues, facilities, and including children as a part of the congregation. Mary Alice is Director of Older Children’s Ministries at GBOD.