Forward Movement is pleased to announce the Discipleship Matters conference for 2017.
Episcopalians will gather October 16-18 at St. Thomas’ Church, Whitemarsh in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, for a conference focused on helping leaders create a culture of discipleship in their congregations.
The conference will explore Christian formation for discipleship, scripture engagement, habits of daily prayer, serving the poor, and sharing the Good News. Built on the model of the very successful Evangelism Matters conference held in Dallas in November 2016, this conference will offer keynote presentations, workshops, and networking time, and will be undergirded with Eucharist and the Daily Office. The conference will include findings from RenewalWorks, a research-based Forward Movement initiative that has identified key catalysts for spiritual vitality in congregations and for individuals. A focus on discipleship is one of those primary catalysts, based on research from nearly half a million participants across the country.
“In our work with RenewalWorks, we have learned a great deal about how to encourage spiritual growth and deeper practices in congregations,” said the Rev. Jay Sidebotham, director of RenewalWorks. “This conference gives us a wonderful way to share practices that work.”
The conference will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 16, and conclude at noon on Wednesday, October 18. Conference sessions will be held at St. Thomas, and participants may stay in nearby hotels or travel from their homes, if local. Registration opens in mid-July, and more details will be available then, including keynote speakers and workshop sessions. To learn more about the conference or to sign up for updates, visit renewalworks.org/events.
The people of St. Thomas’ Church look forward to hosting Discipleship Matters, said the Rev. Marek Zabriskie, the church’s rector. “We have been transformed by scripture engagement in our church, including of course, The Bible Challenge. We are excited to share what we have learned and to offer hospitality to conference attendees.”
Forward Movement is a ministry of the Episcopal Church that seeks to inspire disciples and empower evangelists. With offices in Cincinnati, Ohio, Forward Movement offers online resources, digital products, books, pamphlets, and its flagship devotional, Forward Day by Day. Learn more at www.forwardmovement.org.