You're invited to take part in the "Leading Edge Learning" Series launching in July 2021. Offered by the Center of Congregational Excellence, these in-person gatherings are for North Georgia laity and clergy to meet and learn from leading-edge authors and innovators for Christian congregational health and vitality. 
 

July 2021: Tod Bolsinger 

In his book, "Canoeing the Mountains (2015)," Tod Bolsinger convinced us that pioneering a new future for our church will require adaptive leadership skills and mindsets. In the crucible of the COVID-19 pandemic, he released, "Leadership For A Time of Pandemic and Tempered Resilience," and laid out the kinds of trials that forge adaptive leaders and congregations into truly resilient ones. Join us for a time of learning and conversation around essentials for post-pandemic congregational leadership.

Event Details

• Meet & Greet: 6 p.m. on Friday, July 30 at St. Paul Summitt Street UMC, Gainesville, Ga.
• Leading Edge Learning Event: Tempered Resilience: An Adaptive Leadership Summit: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 31 at Cliftondale UMC, College Park

September 2021: Rev. Dr. Mark DeYmaz

The Rev. Dr. Mark DeYmaz is the founding pastor of the Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas. In this multi-ethnic and economically diverse church, significant percentages of Black and White Americans, together with men and women from more than 30 nations, walk, work, and worship God together as one. A recognized leader in the emerging Multi-ethnic Church Movement, his first book, "Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church," provides the biblical mandate for the multi-ethnic church and outlines seven core commitments required to bring it about. For churches to not only survive but thrive in the future, leaders must also learn to leverage assets, bless the community, empower entrepreneurs, and create multiple streams of income to fund their mission effectively. In his latest book, "The Coming Revolution in Church Economics," DeYmaz offers the Why and the How.

Event Details

• Meet & Greet: 6 p.m. on Friday, September 24 at Point First Mallalieu UMC, East Point
• Leading Edge Learning Event: Building Healthy Multi-Ethnic and Entrepreneurial Congregations: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 25 at The Nett Church Berkmar Campus, Lilburn

October 2021: Brave Church feat. Elizabeth Hagan

Difficult conversations are … well, difficult. As the church, we’re in a position to lean INTO those conversations, not away from them. Through Brave Church, we'll discuss ...

• Navigating difficult topics like mental illness, domestic violence, racism, and sexuality
• Asking thought-provoking questions and initiating disarming conversations
• Moving beyond "agreeing to disagree"
• Launching a 6-week small group with the included Brave Church Group Guide

Event Details

• Leading Edge Learning Event: Brave Church: Tackling Tough Topics Together, Saturday, October 23, 2021, 9am-2pm at East Cobb UMC, 2325 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30062.
• Register Here
   

November 2021: Hearts on Fire feat. Robert King

In his first book, "Hearts On Fire: Your Roadmap to an Exciting Love-Filled Life," the Rev. Robert King guides you through a roadmap leading toward an exciting life and love. The roadmap challenges key personal thoughts and attitudes that routinely keep us separated from living life to its fullest in our relationships and actions. By connecting anew to the love and power of Jesus, you are encouraged to seize the opportunity to develop a new focus, renewed energy, enduring passion, and sustained purpose. King currently serves as the lead pastor of Golden UMC in Douglasville, Georgia.

Event Details

• Meet & Greet: Friday, November 12, 6:30-8:00 pm, Neighborhood UMC in Atlanta. (Register Here)
• Leading Edge Learning Event: Hearts on Fire: Saturday, November 13, from 9:00 am-2:00 pm, Neighborhood UMC, Atlanta. (Register Here)