Conference attendees are senior church leaders, pastors, seminarians, community leaders, youth leaders, university students, professors, and non-profit leaders. We expect at least 300 attendees.
We are called to rebuild, reconcile, reimagine, and renew the Church.
Join us as we explore why people are leaving the church, the reasons behind the trends, and how we can rebuild the ruins.
June 11 Sunday 6-9 pm
The Barna Group
June 12 Monday 8-5 pm
Workshops
Networking
Practical Labs
Rochester NY
Shrinking congregations, deconstruction, polarization, fatigue, injustice ... These are just a few of the words that come to mind for those doing the work of ministry in the church and the world. While many of us faithfully continue in our work, the headlines and data of people leaving the church show troubling trends even while we see glimpses of God at work in often-unlikely places.
We are called to rebuild, reconcile, reimagine, and renew the Church. Join this two-day conference on Sunday, June 11, and Monday, June 12 on Why People are Leaving the Church: Visions of Hope to learn the reasons behind the trends and what the church can do about the injustices in our world. Attendees will hear from the Barna Group and seminary faculty, alumni, and students who are doing the work in our congregations and communities. These two days will encourage you as we learn together and confront these challenges together. Be energized by the community of faith and head back to your congregations and communities with a fresh set of eyes for the work that God is calling us to do.
How can you get involved?
Have an idea for a workshop? Know someone who should be an exhibitor? Want to bring your church leaders and congregation?
Want more information on how to get involved?
Schedule
Sunday, June 11
4:00 - 6:00 pm — Registration
6:00 - 7:00 pm — Introductions/Prayer/Worship
7:00 - 9:00 pm — Presentation by the Barna Group
9:00 - 10:00 pm — Reception/Networking
Monday, June 12
8:00 - 10:00 am — Main Session
10:00 - 11:00 am — Session #1
11:30 am - 12 pm – Session #2
12: 00 - 1:30 pm — Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 — Session #3
3:00 - 4:00 — Session #4
4:00 - 4:30 — Main Closing Session
Workshop Speakers

Eric Logan

Scott Sittig

Amanda Williams

Barb Bushart

Grace Douglass

Marissa Heffernan
Frequently Asked Questions
"The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."