■ Seminar Descriptions
– Clergy Care: Several of our Huddle Leaders will share about the district “Huddle” pastoral care ministry and highlights from the 2022-23 ministry year. An updated overview of the PastorWell program will be provided, along with Sabbatical planning resources and an overview. * Presenters, District Huddle Leaders
– Church Revitalization: Church “revitalization” has become a church “buzzword” and yet have you wondered just what exactly the term means and entails? Come and hear the story of two of our district churches and their revitalization journey. Our presenters will also share insights they’ve learned along the way and encouragement for those prayerfully seeking and working towards revitalization in their church. * Presenters, Rev. David Starkey (Pine Meadows) and Rev. James Swanson (Rome)
– Navigating Church Conflict: The family of God doesn't have to be the "family feud". This seminar will provide biblical principles and best practices to assist church leadership in working towards conflict resolution in the local church. * Presenter, DS Matt Pickering
– Protecting Our Churches: What can our Church do to increase the safety and security of our congregation? How can we implement an adequate safety and security plan? We're not a "Big Church." What about New York's "Concealed Carry Improvement Act?" You'll hear from two members of the Victory Highway Security Team who will try to answer the questions that church leaders are dealing with today. * Presenters, Mr. Bill Solt and Mr. Tom Taylor, Victory Highway Church Safety Team Members
– Treasurer Seminars: Presenters, District Finance Team, Mrs. Tammy Leonard, Mr. Kurt Parker, Rev. Gary Hart
A. The New USF and DSF Assessment Plan: At the 2022 General Conference, a new formula for calculating the USF assessment was approved. There are new percentages, tier structures, and even a new fund being implemented in conference year 2023-24. The Penn York District financial team will also be working on a new common formula that will apply to all our local churches. Join Kurt Parker, Penn York District's Financial Director, for an introduction to these new formulas and begin to understand how your church and district might be affected. This seminar is recommended for both church treasurers, pastors, and board members.
B. Pastor Compensation Packages: Learn the essential components that make up a Wesleyan pastor's compensation package and how to accurately calculate pensions, social security bonuses (SECA), healthcare costs, housing allowances, and more. Kurt Parker, Penn York District's Financial Director, will walk you through the key aspects of making sure your pastor is paid correctly. This seminar is perfect for both church treasurers and pastors.
C. Everything Treasurer Q&A: A seminar devoted to answering church finance questions from church treasurers and pastors. Bring your questions that day or submit them in advance, via a questionnaire, from the district finance team, to be sent by email to district treasurers (coming soon).
– Church Multiplication Seminars
A. Kingdom DNA: Mobilize your church to engage the public square. Equip your people to seek first the Kingdom of God, embrace their identity as disciples, who are engaging society, and watch Christ build His church. * Presenter, Dr. Richard Cox (Overflow)
B. Becoming an Acts 1:8 Multiplying Church: When Jesus commissioned his disciples in Acts 1:8, he revealed the key for reaching the world is found in churches sending out leaders to reach unreached people groups. In this seminar, church multiplication strategist, Dr. Ed Love, will expose you to proven multiplication strategies, including developing potential church planters, Acts 1:8 vision casting, as well as potential roadblocks that can jeopardize your church’s multiplication culture. * Presenter, Dr. Ed. Love – Executive Director, Church Multiplication and Discipleship of TWC
C. Penn York District Church Multiplication Updates: Come and hear updates on our recent district church plants and multiplication efforts and also our new works started in 2022-23. * Presenters, District Area Multiplication Leaders/Plant Pastors
– Planning a Worship Service:
Planning, communicating and executing a worship service is no small task! In this seminar we will be discussing how to put together the different elements into one, God honoring gathering. Discussion will include spiritual, technical, relational, practical and special elements. Come with questions and an open heart! * Presenter, Rev. Shane Maze, Worship and Creative Arts Director – Victory Highway
– Planning a Worship Service Q & A * Presenter, Rev. Shane Maze, Worship and Creative Arts Director – Victory Highway
– Crisis Ministry – Preparation and Self-Care: “I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!” It's important to note that pastors, like anyone else, may respond to critical incidents in different ways. While there is no one-size-fits- all approach to CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) there are techniques that can be a helpful starting point for pastors looking to manage stress and support themselves and their congregations in times of crisis. Overall, the most important thing is to acknowledge the potential for critical incidents in the ministry and provide pastors with the support they need to cope and recover. * Presenter, Rev. Don Grant (Hillview)