NOVEMBER 10-12, 2026
Join an ecumenical group of denominational leaders to explore new realities in ministry and their implications for the future of the Church.
As you know, the Mainline Church is facing unprecedented changes that impact every area of ministry, and the trail isn’t always clearly marked. That’s why we’re bringing together leaders across denominations to connect, learn, and encourage one another.
Blazing New Trails: Navigating Changes in the Mainline Church is a 3-day gathering in Denver, CO where we will explore the current and future ministry landscapes. Through keynotes, workshops, conversations, and worship, you’ll be invited to think deeply, consider new frameworks, and return to your ministry with renewed clarity. Sessions will specifically explore the unique role denominational leaders play in today’s Church.
November 10-12, 2026
Denver, CO
We’ll gather at The Alliance Center, a non-profit in downtown Denver at 1:30 p.m. MST on Tuesday, November 10 and conclude at 3:00 p.m. MST on Thursday, November 12.
We believe the future of the Church is ecumenical, so we’re gathering a diverse group of ministry leaders from across Mainline Protestant denominations in the United States. You’ll have the opportunity to build relationships with other leaders in roles similar to your own and learn from one another.
Please note: This is an invitation-only event capped at 35 attendees so we can create intentional space for relationship building, so please don’t share this registration page. If there is another denominational leader you believe would be a valuable addition to the event, please email meghan@ministryleadership.org.
There is no cost to register! MLC has reserved a block of hotel rooms at the Tru by Hilton Downtown Denver. We will provide up to two nights at the hotel and event meals, as well as a ‘field trip’ to a local establishment for fun and fellowship. You are responsible for your travel costs and transportation to and from the event venue.
Our work with hundreds of churches over the past 10 years has revealed common cultural strengths and weaknesses that we will explore together.
How can the Church be more representative of the full body of Christ as communities change? We'll consider inclusive ways churches can deepen relationships with their neighbors.
Together, we'll explore a practical process to help denominations and churches capitalize on property assets for faithful ministry now and into the future.
We'll share high-level trends and offer new ideas for how denominations can respond to the needs of churches and pastors in a hopeful, theologically-rooted way.
How can denominations equip on-the-ground ministry leaders to faithfully respond to the impacts of AI? What questions should we be asking?
What is your denomination prioritizing when measuring the success of a church? The Transformation Ministry Framework will give you a new way to priortize transformation over transaction.
Sr. Director of Ministry Strategies, Ministry Leadership Center
Meghan (she/her) has served rural, urban, and suburban congregations ranging in size from 19 to 4,000 across four denominations in Missouri, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. With an MS in Sustainable Development & Applied Sociology and an MDIV, she’s experienced as a pastor, innovator, youth minister, church planter, and community organizer. Meghan is in the ordination process for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Associate to the District Superintendent, Tennesee-Western Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church and Pastor at McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN
Stephen is the lead pastor visionary, strategist and partnership collaborator of the gospel message of Jesus Christ at McKendree UMC. He is a passionate communicator that desires to speak God’s truth so people of different cultures, experiences, neighborhoods, and all of God’s unique diversity can be reconciled through the unity in Jesus Christ. Stephen is a strong advocate of restorative justice, serving the poor and needy, and participating in life groups for spiritual formation and accountability.
Sr. Director of Next Gen Grants & Research, Ministry Leadership Center
Sara holds an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary and a PhD in Religious Studies from UC Davis. She is trained as a sociologist of religion, with a research interest in American religious culture. Ordained in the PC(USA), she has served in college and camp ministry settings in CA, NV, and NJ. She loves walking with young people as they explore life’s big questions and discover how faith and passion can spark meaningful change.
Sr. Director of Leadership Formation, Ministry Leadership Center
Kirsten brings 24+ years on staff in small and large UMC, Non-Denom. churches, and community ministry. While serving in the local church, she’s spent 15 years equipping faith communities through training, consulting, and resources. Ordained in 2022, she now serves as an Equipping Pastor. Kirsten is passionate about creating safe spaces and helping all people discover their God-given value. She holds a B.A. from Asbury and is an MLC alum.
Community-Focused Innovator, Emmaus Projects
Christopher is a community-focused innovator who leads strategic visioning and project structuring for Emmaus Projects, which guides churches to reimagine their properties. He specializes in client readiness, early-stage planning, and aligning projects with organization’s values, legacy, and long-term impact.
We hope that you can attend the full event! We also know that taking extended time away from family, life, and work is not always possible. If you are not able to be with us Nov. 10-12, please email lindsey@ministryleadership.org for additional information about participating.
Reach out to Lindsey Johnson, Associate Director of Ministry Strategies at lindsey@ministryleadership.org.
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