Midwinter 2023
DRAW NEAR
Do you need to be restored personally and professionally?
At Midwinter 2023, our theme of “draw near” invites each of us to draw near to God—even as God draws near to us. As we gather together in January, we invite you to experience a new sense of call, purpose, and joy as you serve in ministry. Our worship services, workshops, and speaker lineup are all designed with you in mind. Trust us, this will be a Midwinter you won’t want to miss.
ABOUT
The Midwinter conference is an incredible opportunity to connect with colleagues in Covenant ministry, discover new ideas, experience restoration, and get re-energized. Come to share interests, encourage and be encouraged, reflect and be inspired, laugh and have fun! Together with your colleagues in ministry, join us to reaffirm God’s call on your life.
Main Worship Sessions
In our general sessions, you’ll worship, learn from and be inspired by thought leaders, and be renewed in your passion for continuing the mission God has placed before you.
Breakouts
Breakouts are midsized sessions that offer in-depth dialogue and content from pace-setting leaders across various fields. These spaces are designed to give attendees personal access to these leaders and prepare you to return to your ministry context equipped and restored.
Relational Connection
If you have never been to a Midwinter, this will be a time to meet colleagues and develop vital relationships. We know we need one another because we are better together. We look to build connections and faith in each other as we work side by side in ministry together.
Local Experiences
In addition to the Midwinter conference programming, explore our host city and all that it has to offer. Download the Visit JAX! App to discover all the places you can explore, dine, shop, and meet in Jacksonville.
REGISTRATION RATES
Already registered? Click here to access your account and review, make payments, or changes to your account.
| Registrant | Early | Regular |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Registrant | $395 | $440 |
| Additional Registrant | $365 | $410 |
| Retiree, Spouse, Bi-Vocational | $225 | $275 |
| NPTS / CHET Student | $225 | $275 |
| Virtual Option | $149 | $149 |
Virtual Option
If you cannot travel to Jacksonville, we are excited to announce another way you can join us. Starting Monday, December 5, 2022, registration will be open for a digital Midwinter 2023 experience. The cost is $149 for the week. This will include the following:
Live-streaming of all general sessions with exclusive live online hosting and chat during the sessions.
Live-streaming of the president’s update on Tuesday morning
Live-streaming of the large breakout “Leading through Transition: Leadership Lessons as We Reflect on Our Covenant History” on Tuesday afternoon
Live-streaming selection of breakout sessions on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, with access to recordings of other breakout sessions, available after the conference
Already Registered?
Click below to access your account and review, make payments, or changes to your account.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for credentialed, active Covenant pastors, global personnel, and chaplains (military and institutional) in good standing, as well as retired Covenant pastors who are not actively serving in a paid ministry position. Scholarship applications need to be submitted no later than December 1, 2022 and will be reviewed by conference superintendents prior to approval. Full-time military chaplains need to submit the application by December 14, 2022. Contact Ordered Ministry with questions at ministry@covchurch.org
Cancellation Policy
Please email events@covchurch.org to submit any cancellation requests. Cancellations cannot be accepted over the phone. Registrations that have only paid the $100 deposit will not be refunded. Cancelled registrations with a balance paid in full and received prior to January 13, will be charged a $50 cancellation fee. After January 13, a $100 fee applies for all cancellations. Exceptions may be made on an individual basis.
Substitutions will be accepted from the same church or institution, provided the registration and fee paid are the same for the new registrant as the original registrant. To make any substitutions, email events@covchurch.org. Make sure to include the name, address, telephone number, and email address of the substitute.
Image Policy
Your participation at Midwinter implies permission for the Covenant to reproduce your image, likeness, or voice in connection with any recorded display or reproduction of Midwinter in post-event publicity and publicity for other such events sponsored by the Covenant.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
225 E Coastline Dr
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 588-1234
SPEAKERS
Tammy Swanson-Draheim
Tuesday Morning
Tammy is the president of the Evangelical Covenant Church. She has been drawing near to her new ministry call this season by listening, gathering with Covenant leaders, and prayerfully discerning our missional objectives. Her update will highlight how God is moving in the greater Covenant Church and the journey ahead in the coming months. We are blessed to hear from Tammy at Midwinter as she continues to courageously lead as our president.
Peter Ahn
Tuesday Evening
Peter is the founding/lead pastor of Metro Community Church in Englewood, New Jersey. Metro Community Church began with a humble vision of becoming a community that finds its commonality in weakness. Today, Metro has grown into a vibrant, multiethnic church transforming its community and the world. He will lean into what it looks like to draw near to God with our whole self and how God works in our weaknesses.
Peter is also the president of Metro Community Center, which serves the people of Englewood through community service and outreach. He travels worldwide to continue his passion for empowering others to embrace their weaknesses. He resides in Northern New Jersey with his wife, Jenny, and three amazing kids: Christina, Kayla, and Christian.
Drawing Near to Our Community
Wednesday Morning
Exploring how to reach out beyond the four walls of the church to partner in our local context. Presented by David Swanson, Benny Amaya, Andrew Morrell, Sanetta Ponton, Drew Williams, Kimberly Wright, and Cindy Wu.
Carlos and Migdalia Quintana
Wednesday Evening
Carlos and Migdalia are a married couple from Puerto Rico who have been married for 36 years. They were general pastors of the Iglesia Ciudad de Restauración in the city of Humacao in Puerto Rico for 12 years. Then they dedicated themselves to traveling, teaching, and preaching the message of the kingdom of God to different churches, giving workshops on inner healing and leadership in the United States, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, among others.
Bryan Stevenson
Thursday Morning
Bryan Stevenson is a widely acclaimed public interest lawyer and best-selling author of Just Mercy. He will invite us to consider what it looks like to draw near to the injustices and brokenness in our world that God may be calling us to engage. Bryan is the founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a human rights organization in Montgomery, Alabama. Under his leadership, EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults. He has dedicated his career to helping people who are poor, incarcerated, and condemned.
Jeanne Stevens
Thursday Evening
Jeanne Stevens is the founding and co-lead pastor of Soul City Church in Chicago. She will invite us to consider what it looks like to draw near to each other as we serve in pastoral ministry. We know that the role of pastor can be lonely and taxing and we need our ministerial body to make it through.
Before starting Soul City Church, Stevens was on the pastoral staff at Willow Creek Community Church and North Point Community Church. She is a sought-after speaker, leader, and writer, Jeanne’s passion is to help people wake up to their purpose as they pursue a life of wholehearted freedom. She lives in Chicago with her husband, Jarrett, and their two children.
Practices of Presence
Friday Morning
Drawing near to God creates greater awareness of God, of others, and of ourselves. Members of the North Park Theological Seminary faculty and staff will guide us in a time of reflection and preparation as they share practices around the topics of awareness, intimacy, identity, and empowerment. Presented by Dennis Edwards, Cheryl Lynn Cain, Paul De Neui, Rob Peterson, and Bret Widman.
SCHEDULE
All times are based on Eastern Standard Time
Indicates the session will be available for our virtual attendees
Monday, January 23
| 7:00 am - 10:00 pm | Registration Open |
| 8:00 am | Covenant Orientation/IGNITE/EQUIP Classes |
| 8:30 am - 11:30 am | ACCW Clergy Women Meeting |
| 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Covenant Clergy Women Ministerium Meeting |
| 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Wholistic Stewardship of Personal Finances for Now and in Retirement |
| 1:30 pm | COMS Training |
| 7:00 pm | Opening General Session |
| 9:00 pm | Conference Receptions |
Tuesday, January 24
| 9:30 am | Morning General Session - Presidential Update |
| 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Lunch Break / Hosted Lunches |
| 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Large Workshop |
| 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm | Dinner Break |
| 7:00 pm | Evening General Session with Communion |
| 9:00 pm | Antiracism Discipleship Pathway Reception |
Wednesday, January 25
| 9:30 am | Morning General Session |
| 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Lunch Break / Hosted Lunches |
| 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | Large Breakout Options |
| 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm | Dinner Break / Ethnic Associations |
| 7:00 pm | ALIPE Service & Reception |
Thursday, January 26
| 9:30 am | Morning General Session |
| 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Lunch Break / Hosted Lunches |
| 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Breakout Session #1 |
| 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Breakout Session #2 |
| 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm | Dinner Break |
| 7:00 pm | Evening General Session |
Friday, January 27
| 9:30 am | Morning General Session |
THROUGHOUT MIDWINTER
Financial Conversations
Bring your financial questions, concerns, and worries. Bring any statements or documents pertinent to the conversation you want to have. This confidential conversation with a financial professional from Covenant Trust Company will provide tools and new ideas to help you move forward with confidence and a clearer vision for the present and your future.
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is a ministry of listening, discernment, and prayer in a confidential setting of encouragement and compassion. Trained spiritual directors are available at Midwinter for a 50-minute session. Capacity is limited, however. Please indicate interest when registering, and you will be contacted with scheduling information at a later date.
Preventative Health Exams
Covenant Benefits and Catapult Health team up to offer preventive health exams during Midwinter. Each 10-15-minute checkup includes eight diagnostic blood tests, medical history, and physical measurements followed by a virtual clinical consultation with a board-certified nurse practitioner after the conference. To participate, register and pay the $25 participant fee during the online registration process. Covenant Benefits will reimburse you the participant fee on-site when you complete your exam, so the cost is free. No refund for no-shows.
Superintendent Conversations
If you would like to make an appointment with a conference superintendent or staff during the Midwinter Conference, please contact them prior to the event. There will be a designated location at the hotel to meet.
Q & A with President Tammy Swanson-Draheim
Join president Tammy Swanson Draheim for a brief presentation of her mission priorities and have an opportunity for questions and answers.
- Tuesday, January 24th 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM – Q & A Session #1
- Wednesday, January 25th 2 PM – 3 PM – Q & A Session #2
- Wednesday, January 25th 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Q & A Session #3
- Thursday, January 26th 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM – Q & A Session #4
- Thursday, January 26th 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Q & A Session #5
- Friday, January 27th 11 AM – 12 PM – Q & A Session #6
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
All times are based on Eastern Standard Time
Monday, January 23
Women in Ministry of the Covenant (Women Only)
Hope for the Journey Ahead
8:30 – 11:30 am | Daytona
Women in ministry, come be refreshed and renewed during a morning “retreat” to soak in God’s Word together. Susan Cosio, chaplain, and spiritual director will lead us through this time with her team. Continental breakfast provided, sponsored by Advocates for Covenant Clergy Women (ACCW).
For those unable to attend in person, Jane Spriggs, director of the Preaching Camp for Covenant Women Cohort will offer an online time of spiritual refreshing that parallels the in-person retreat from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm EST.
Women in Leadership
1:00 – 4:00 pm | DAYTONA
Join us for our annual Ministerium conference gathering for women only. Come to be encouraged in our call and connectedness as leaders. This year’s theme is “We Are Still Here”—a reminder that we have overcome and grieved so much, and yet in God’s love, we remain! We keep returning to ourselves, our voices, our wholeness, and our strength in whatever context we are leading in! Come to be lifted up, to laugh and cry together, worship and pray, hear gifted speakers, attend breakout conversations (around leading, advocating for survivors of abuse, for women of color, and white women’s antiracist work), and to simply be. All women are welcome to attend—volunteers, lay leaders, bi-vocational or officially licensed, commissioned, or ordained. More info will be posted on the Ministerium website and Facebook group, so share this with your sisters now and plan to join us. We are still here!
Open to All
Wholistic Stewardship of Personal Finances for Now and in Retirement
1:00 – 4:00 pm | Orlando
Covenant leaders will present on various practical topics you need to know as a pastor, including income tax, personal budgeting, insurance, retirement funding, and retirement planning. Hosted by Covenant Finance Office and Covenant Benefits.
Committees on Ministerial Standing Training
1:30 – 4:00 pm | CITY TERRACE 12
This discussion is to train, resource, and equip members of conference committees on ministerial standing to be more effective interviewers of credentialing candidates. Come and receive updates, discuss common problems and issues, and share best practices.
Tuesday, January 24
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Retelling Our Story
Grand Ballroom
Our panel will guide us through our story and defining moments that mark us as a denomination to help ground us as we lead through transition.
Mary Chung March, Tim Hawkinson, Curtis Ivanoff, Ramelia Williams
Wednesday, January 25
11:30 am – 5:00 pm
“Integrated Life” Retreat
Matthews
The past few years have been a difficult, disorienting time, and we know that faithful and fruitful ministry may require a reset. This one-day retreat invites you to refresh your spirit, restore your body, and recover your joy. It will also serve as an introduction to a new Thriving in Ministry cohort that will meet via Zoom from February through April. (Cohort participation is not required for retreat participation.)
Note: Early start will also include lunch.
Facilitated by Mark Won, Ieisha Hawley, and Susan Cosio
2:00 – 4:00 pm
All Wednesday afternoon breakout sessions will be available for our virtual attendees.
Working Genius
River Terrace 2
In just a short period of time, the 6 Types of Working Genius model and assessment from The Table Group and Patrick Lencioni has revolutionized the way teams work together. Work is a gift from God, and it should bring you a great deal of dignity. That’s exactly why The Table Group created the model. During this workshop, Tracy and Cliff Atfield, Certified Working Genius Consultants with the Irresistible Church Network will unpack the model and help you discover the type of work that brings you the most joy and fulfillment while also boosting the productivity of your teams. You’ll also discuss how the Working Genius uniquely applies to your work in the church.
Cliff Atfield, Tracy Atfield
Being a Lighthouse: Maximizing Your Ministry Impact in Your Community through Sharing Your Facility
City Terrace 7
Most church buildings sit empty 70-80% of any given week. If we believe our buildings are tools for ministry, how do we intentionally leverage ways to increase the amount of time our buildings are active each week? In this session, we will explore the pros and cons of sharing your facility with other like-minded ministries and not-for-profits. Participants will be invited to think specifically about what partnering with another ministry would look like in their facility. There will also be a panel discussion of churches that will share their experience of renting out their facility to outside users.
Rob Hall, Rollie Persson, Paul Kruit, National Covenant Properties
Recreating Communities through Intergenerational Outreach Initiatives
Orlando
This workshop will increase your awareness of how the total lifespan perspective enhances renewal both within our churches and community. The why, how, and what of intergenerational outreach initiatives will be explored. Topics include: What is community? How can Crescendo assist the process of initiating intergenerational outreach? We will also address practical ideas to help you begin. You will hear stories from churches engaged in intergenerational outreach initiatives that enhance wellness in our churches and communities.
Steve Wong
Strengthening Your Church’s Partnership Practices
River Terrace 3
Global partnerships are a biblical model that help edify us as the Church. Partnerships are both beautifully rich and complex. As we engage cross-culturally, we can find ourselves in challenging situations resulting from differences in communication, expectations, styles of conflict, and power dynamics. This workshop will focus on providing tangible tools and resources for local churches to strengthen their approaches and best practices for effective global partnerships.
Renée Hale, Adam Edgerly, and Jyoti Deep
Craft and Character Preaching
River Terrace 1
In one of the Apostle Paul’s final instructions to Timothy, he told him, “Do not neglect your gift of preaching…Give your complete attention to these matters (preaching and teaching). Throw yourself into these tasks so that everyone will see your progress.” In this preaching breakout, Pastor Steve Carter will help you identify your unique sound, learn the key essentials to a great sermon, help you develop a healthy feedback loop, and discover the secret ingredient behind every great talk. This will be an interactive conversation to help you take the next step in your development as a preacher.
Steve Carter
The Empowerment Principle: Skills that Transform Communities
Daytona
Engaging in community transformation requires healthy partnerships between women and men. Join us as we explore principles that will help you empower others to join in the transformational work of God. We will hear personal stories of sharing power and look at how Jesus changed the world through his interactions with the people in his community. Hosted by the Biblical Gender Commission.
Jake Bradley, Cheryl Lynn Cain, Mary Peterson,
and Úna Lucey-Lee
Family Ministry
Conference Center B
Fifty percent of high school students actively involved in their churches in high school walk away from their faith after graduation. But the good news is what significantly moves the needle on that statistic. It’s not better programming or more church staff—it’s parents who talk about and practice their faith at home. The key to fruitful, effective ministry to children and families in this cultural moment lies in inspiring and equipping your best partners in this work: parents. This seminar will help you think practically and strategically about partnering with and equipping parents in your congregation to take the lead in discipling their kids. You’ll receive practical tools, as well as resources to use with parents.
Sarah Cowan Johnson
Thursday, January 26
1:30-3:00 PM & 3:30-5:00 PM
Indicates which breakout sessions will be available for our virtual attendees.
Color-Courageous Discipleship: Covenant Edition
City Terrace 7
Join executive minister Michelle Sanchez, author of Color-Courageous Discipleship and the picture book God’s Beloved Community, for a customized Covenant equipping session on color-courageous discipleship! Learn how you can gently and confidently disciple others to make clear connections between following Jesus and resisting racism. Discover hot-off-the-press resources your entire church can use including sermon/teaching outlines (tailored for Covenant churches!), YouVersion Bible reading plans, PowerPoint slides, small group questions, handouts, swag, a children’s activity kit, and more. Learn more >>
Michelle Sanchez
It Really Is About You: Boundaries and Self-Care
River Terrace 2
No one can do it all. Ministry demands are full. It’s important to discern what we can do, where our limits lie, and how we care for ourselves so we can best live into the call before us. Whether you are a church planter, senior pastor, or serve in any other ministry, this interactive experience will draw on a variety of resources to help you assess your journey and grow in awareness of disciplines to engage in self-care. We will also discuss key self-care practices for church leaders, such as how to grieve our losses, savor our graces, and develop self-awareness around the underlying scripts and agendas that drive us.
Don Robinson, Carol Lawson
Recognizing and Addressing Christian Nationalism in Our Midst
Conference Center B
This workshop will define Christian nationalism and explore its rise and evolution. It will then provide pastors with tools to identify Christian nationalism in their congregations and offer strategies for liberating congregants who have fallen captive to it. We will conclude by offering tangible steps for bringing members back into right relationship with God and neighbor, and a proper understanding of the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Andrew Whitehead
Weak Church: Becoming an Imperfectly Perfect Church
River Terrace 1
When have you ever felt strong enough to be weak? To be the real you in front of your congregation or church community? It’s hard to be weak in a world that lusts after strength and power. Jesus says to Paul the Apostle, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). It is the power of Jesus that makes us superhuman, not our own strength. Join Peter Ahn as he shares key principles that help him plant and establish Metro Community Church’s ministry philosophy of weakness. Learn how your church community can become weak so that they can ascend to becoming superheroes for God’s kingdom.
Peter Ahn
Improvisational Leadership
River Terrace 3
In turbulent times, leadership models we once trusted are no longer reliable or even relevant. We may long for a return to the familiar, we may be tempted to quit amidst the chaos, or we can tread water for a while. Improvisation is an art form that is essential now to our leadership repertoire. Salvation history in the Old Testament dazzles us with God’s maneuverability. The Gospels show off the astounding agility of Jesus. The letters that shaped the early church and the apostolic movements remind us that this era of uncertainty—and its opportunities—is not new. In this seminar, you are invited to explore a faithful, adventurous, and engaging way of leading.
Doug Stevens
Pursuing Wholeness in a Broken World
City Terrace 9
Exhausted. Fractured. Hurting. Around and within us, we are confronted with the reality of a world upended and feeling the impact at every level. Yet we are called to minister in the midst of brokenness—which requires courage, humility, and risk. Join this workshop to reflect together on what it means to face ourselves and move toward wholeness so the gospel can bear authentic witness in a world longing for shalom.
Grace Shim
Leaving a Legacy Through Storytelling
1:30 PM Only | City Terrace 6
Leaving a legacy isn’t a choice. The kind of legacy you leave—and how you leave it—is up to you. This workshop will explore the “how-to’s” of leaving a legacy through storytelling, both personally and by the 60+ population in our churches. Participants will have the opportunity to hear the legacy stories of others and begin the process of their storytelling.
Eunice Johnson, Sammi McCubbins
What’s Next? Living God’s Call after Compensated Employment
3:30 PM Only | City Terrace 6
This workshop is designed to take a holistic view of purposeful, missional living all the days of our lives and to provide personal guidance in pursuing an ongoing life of missional discipleship after compensated employment. You will hear stories from ministry colleagues who have navigated these changes. The session will also explore creating opportunities for laypersons in your churches to prepare for “life after compensated employment.”
Alan Forsman, Debbie Blue
Understanding the Town and Country Context
1:30 pm ONLY | Matthews
This presentation will help leaders understand and lead effectively within the surprisingly complex Town and Country Context. It will include an explanation of rural contextual distinctives and how they differ from urban/suburban realities. An insightful review for seasoned leaders and an important introduction for emerging leaders.
Martin Giese
Regaining Ministry Momentum & Leading Through Change
3:30 pm ONLY | Matthews
Many Town and Country churches struggle with ministry inertia, a loss of focus and momentum. Similarly, many Town and Country churches are resistant to change. This presentation will equip ministry leaders to navigate both challenges effectively.
Martin Giese
Creating Communities of Shalom
Clearwater
Shalom is the Hebrew word that sums up the biblical understanding of “what life should be like.” It is often translated as “peace” in our English Bibles. The purpose of justice in Hebrew society was to restore and sustain shalom. As Christ’s followers, we are called to make God known; justice is both God’s brand and God’s signature. As the psalmist reminds us, “God is known by his acts of justice” (Psalm 9:16). One way we can make God known is to pursue communities of completeness, soundness, welfare, and peace—communities of shalom. This session will focus on how Covenant pastors can create Shalom Circles in their communities, leveraging the faith community, nonprofit, business, and local government sectors to identify and resource under-resourced persons.
Paul Robinson
Freedom, Unity, and Responsibility in Covenant Life and Mission
Daytona
In 2018, the Covenant Executive Board called for a resource paper focused on the intersection of freedom, unity, and responsibility in Covenant life and mission. Members of the writing team will lead this presentation on the paper and facilitate a discussion designed to invite collaborative reflection on the themes and feedback as we continue refining and improving its voicing of the Covenant. We hope and pray this paper and our ongoing discussions will kindle fresh hope and insights into how we live and serve together in human diversity within divine unity.
A draft of the paper will be released prior to Midwinter and emailed to all who have signed up for this discussion.
Howard Burgoyne, Hauna Ondrey, Doug Bixby
Keeping Your Church Focused on Mission, the Value of a Narrative Budget (and other Stewardship Best Practices)
City Terrace 5
Learn why a narrative budget is important to keep your church’s focus on mission and ministry, rather than on institutional survival. Explore additional stewardship and giving best practices such as preaching and teaching tithing and beyond as discipleship; building a high expectation culture; conducting an annual giving campaign with a call for commitments; harnessing the impact of examples and testimonies; handwriting thank you notes; understanding generations and segmenting appeals; and other effective stewardship strategies. Learn more >>
Keith Carpenter, Kreig Gammelgard, Prajakta David
Self-Care Practices for Church Planting
City Terrace 4
Most church planters fail, not because of a lack of ministry skills, but because the demands of the work outstrip their soul’s capacity to give. How can we remain spiritually vibrant, healthy, and joyful in the midst of a difficult mission? In this session, we will discuss key self-care practices for church planters, how to grieve our losses and savor our graces, and develop self-awareness around the underlying scripts and agendas that drive us.
Tim Morey
Congregational Transformation Through Conflict
City Terrace 12
It is tempting to avoid conflict and engage those who have different views from ours. Congregations are often divided, and leadership can be as well. This workshop will help you see conflict in a new way. Using Scripture and a Christ-honoring mindset, we can find ways to use conflict to transform our relationships and congregations. Come gain the tools to do just that.
Mary Hendrickson
Polishing Your Livestream
Acosta
Learn how to make your livestream come alive and be engaging for your viewers. We will share some practical applications and techniques suitable for varying budgets and sizes of churches. Including equipment, personnel, creativity with shots, space design, pitfalls, and best practices.
David Cherry
en español
El Cuidado Pastoral en las Diferentes Estaciones y Etapas de la Vida
1:30 PM Only | Orlando
En este taller veremos como el cambio es lo único constante en nuestra vida. Al hacer pausas y enfocarnos en tener un buen cuidado pastoral, desarrollaremos y obtendremos un cuidado integro en nosotros. Esto favorecerá cada etapa de restauración personal y en nuestras congregaciones. Aprenderemos destrezas para seguir creciendo, madurando, tener animo, y fuerzas para poder tener familias y congregaciones saludables.
Pablo Anabalon
La Mujer en el Ministerio
3:30 pm only | Orlando
En este taller exploraremos las bases teológicas del llamado de la mujer al liderazgo a todos niveles de la iglesia. Reflexionaremos en como el ministerio de la mujer en la iglesia enriquece el reino de Dios. Analizaremos precedentes históricos y globales de como el liderazgo de la mujer en la iglesia ha promovido un iglecrecimiento a través del avivamiento.
Alejandro Carrizo, Dany G. Flores
NEXTGEN CONFERENCE
Saturday, January 21 – Monday, January 23
We know that we need each other now more than ever.
The NextGen Conference (NGC) is designed for all leaders to find connections, develop leadership skills, be inspired, and be empowered to continue investing in the next generation.
You can expect dynamic teaching, passionate worship, breakout sessions led by pace-setting leaders, and opportunities to develop vital relationships. We create this space to partner with you as you engage your call to ministry.
This year we are designing NGC to fully include leaders who serve in children, youth, and young adult ministry. Why? Because we believe we are better together as we learn from one another and invest in the next generation for God’s glory and neighbor’s good.
Registration NGC $175; NGC Plus $250
Schedule
Saturday, January 21
| 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm | Registration |
| 7:00 pm | General Worship w/ Communion |
Sunday, January 22
| 9:30 am | General Worship Session |
| 11:00 am - 1:00 pm | Conference Lunches |
| 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm | Breakout Session #1 |
| 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Breakout Session #2 |
| 7:00 pm | General Worship Session |
Monday, January 23
| 9:30 am | General Worship Session |
Speakers
Saturday Night
7:00 pm
Joseph Sojourner (aka Sojo)
Joseph Sojourner (aka Sojo) is a refreshing voice of creativity and leadership for this generation, harnessing the power of story to connect people to purpose. Sojo is owner of Two Cents Creative Thinkers, an Atlanta-based creative agency, as well as creative consultant for Trilith Studios.
A trusted voice on next generation business leaders, Sojo has been featured on NBC’s “Your Move,” in candid conversations with leadership guru Andy Stanley, and he inspires schools, universities, churches, and teams. In 2022, Sojo launched The Moonwalkers Podcast, a place for doers to uncover the steps needed for true success and for dreamers to discuss the leaps needed for the betterment of humankind.
Sunday Morning | CovTalks
9:30 am
Paul Robinson
Paul Robinson is the executive minister of Love Mercy Do Justice, where he has served since 2019. Prior to this role, he was a bi-vocational pastor of Grace Outreach Covenant Church in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and served as senior community leadership consultant with the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation of St. Paul, Minnesota, where he consulted to develop leadership experiences to help individuals and organizations maximize productivity. He holds a bachelor of science degree in finance from Eastern Illinois University and an MDiv from McCormick Theological Seminary of Chicago.
Grace Shim
Grace Shim is the executive minister of Serve Globally and has served in the Covenant since 2003 as global personnel and most recently as co-regional coordinator of Asia with Serve Globally. Her home church is Christ Covenant Church in Villa Park, Illinois. She holds a bachelor of arts in math education from Virginia Polytechnic and State University and a master of arts in counseling psychology from Trinity International University. She is a licensed clinical counselor and was ordained to Word and Service at Gather in June. Shim and her husband, Bob, have three adult children.
Tammy Swanson-Draheim
Tammy has been drawing near to her new call this season of ministry by listening, gathering with Covenant leaders, and prayerfully discerning her missional objectives. We are blessed to hear from Tammy as she leads the Covenant as our president.
Sunday Night
7:00 pm
Clay Scroggins
For the past 20 years, Clay Scroggins has served in many pastoral roles at North Point Ministries, a multisite church started in Alpharetta, Georgia, led by Andy Stanley. Most recently, Clay served as the lead pastor of Buckhead Church, one of North Point’s largest campuses. Clay is the author of the best-selling books How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge, How to Lead in a World of Distraction, and The Aspiring Leader’s Guide to the Future. He holds a degree in industrial engineering from Georgia Tech, as well as a master’s degree and doctorate with an emphasis in online church from Dallas Theological Seminary. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, Jenny, and their five children.
Monday Morning
9:30 am
Sarah Cowan Johnson
Sarah Cowan Johnson is the author of Teach Your Children Well: A Step-by-Step Guide for Family Discipleship. She is a ministry trainer, consultant, and coach who works with church planters, pastors, and ministry leaders across the United States and Canada. She served as executive pastor for Sanctuary Church, a Covenant church plant in Providence, Rhode Island, and previously was a staff trainer and area director for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She and her husband have two sons and live in Providence.
Breakout Sessions
Sunday, January 22
1:30 PM
What is Young Adult Ministry?
CITY TERRACE 7
When a student graduates from high school, what does it look like to create a space to help these students continue to grow in their faith throughout their 20s? We hear this group is disengaged, deconstructing, and disenfranchised with the local church. Come to this breakout to discuss what church leaders can do to help reach and equip young adults in your community.
Joseph Sojourner (Sojo)
Speed Ideating
CITY TERRACE 11
Come share your ministry ideas and grab some new ones in a speed dating format that is sure to be equal parts genius and ridiculous! Hosted by Diane Borden and Sara Sosa, along with lots of other really great people…like you!
Diane Borden, Sara Sosa
Trauma-Informed Youth Worker
CITY TERRACE 9
44% of teens nationwide are experiencing hopelessness and 45% of children have experienced at least one traumatic event (1 in 10 have experienced 3 or more). If you are working with children or youth, the likelihood is, you are working with trauma victims. This reality can be overwhelming, but the good news is your ministry can be a place of healing and growth. This seminar will help you better understand trauma, how it impacts the brain, and how your ministry can respond.
Treehouse, Tim Cryer
Outreach Innovation: New Strategies to Reach the Next Generation
CITY TERRACE 12
Join us for a session to explore what it looks like to reach today’s youth with the gospel. Erik Cave, Interim ECC Youth Ministry point person, will share ways in which BLESS for Youth is uniquely tailored for the next generation. Michelle Sanchez, Executive Minister and author of Color-Courageous Discipleship Student Edition, will share how evangelism and racial reconciliation are linked for the next generation. And Doug Schaupp, National Director of Evangelism for InterVarsity, will unveil a brand new evangelism initiative currently being developed in partnership with the Evangelical Covenant Church. You don’t want to miss this powerful session on next-generation disciple-making!
Erik Cave, Michelle Sanchez, Doug Shaupp
Sunday, January 22
3:30 PM
What is Young Adult Ministry?
CITY TERRACE 7
When a student graduates from high school, what does it look like to create a space to help these students continue to grow in their faith throughout their 20s? We hear this group is disengaged, deconstructing, and disenfranchised with the local church. Come to this breakout to discuss what church leaders can do to help reach and equip young adults in your community.
Joseph Sojourner (Sojo)
One-Room Faith Formation
CITY TERRACE 11
Join us for a session to explore what it looks like to reach today’s youth with the gospel. Erik Cave, Interim Covenant Youth Ministry point person, will share ways to practically call forth the hidden gifts within a multi-age classroom.
Paula Frost
Ministry of Storytelling
CITY TERRACE 9
Everyone tells a story about themselves. “I respond well under stress.” “I am a good mother.” I am a bad Christian.” “I’m stupid.” These stories drive our behavior and how we interact with ourselves, others, and God. Ministry is the act of “Restorying.” Helping youth identify what false stories they are believing and actively altering or replacing those stories with truth. In this seminar you will gain the tools necessary to implement this strategy in your ministry. By attending you will also receive a free month-long teen curriculum, using these storytelling methods called, “Overcoming Life’s Challenges.”
Treehouse, Tim Cryer
Lunch Box
CITY TERRACE 12
Come explore with us a new app designed to restore balance and make ministry easier by providing true community, grab & go resources, and seminary level training. This workshop will show you how to get the very best out of this amazing new resource!
Sara Sosa
PRE-EVENTS
Covenant Living Communities Chaplains Meeting
Sunday, January 22, 1:30 pm – Monday, January 23, noon
A meeting of education and inspiration specifically designed to support the work of Covenant Living Communities chaplains and to update them on current initiatives. Registration information will be sent to all Covenant Living chaplains separately. Please contact John Satterberg at jhsatterberg@covliving.org with any questions.
Spiritual Directors Retreat
Sunday, January 22, 4 pm – Monday, January 23, 4 pm
Registration $25
The Association of Covenant Spiritual Directors (ACSD) will sponsor a pre-Midwinter retreat for all spiritual directors, whether members of the ACSD or not, entitled “Celebrating God’s Creation as both Spiritual Practice and Self-care” led and facilitated by Rick Mylander, outgoing president of the association. We will consider how nature not only serves as an important spiritual pathway but also as one way among many that can help provide healing and wellness for directors and directees alike.
The cost of the retreat is $25, and attendees are responsible for their own housing and meal costs. Meals will be taken together at various locations nearby, and housing reservations can be made at the Midwinter venue, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.
Anyone interested in double occupancy may contact acsd@covchurch.org for assistance. Other housing options are at attendees’ discretion.
SPECIAL EVENTS
All times are based on Eastern Standard Time
Monday, January 23
| Morning | ||
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 - 11:30 am | Women in Covenant Ministry | Hope for the Journey Ahead: Morning “retreat” to soak in God’s Word. Sponsored by Advocates for Covenant Clergy Women (ACCW). Continental breakfast provided. RIVER TERRACE 1 |
| Lunch | ||
| 11:30 am - 1:00 pm | Clergywomen Thriving Vocationally Lunch | Clergywomen are provided lunch on Monday. Sponsored by North Park Theological Seminary. CONFERENCE CENTER A |
| Afternoon | ||
| 1:00 - 4:00 pm | Women in Leadership | We Are Still Here: This year we have grieved so much, yet in God’s love, we remain. Come be lifted up, laugh and cry, worship and pray, hear gifted speakers, and attend breakout conversations. RIVER TERRACE 1 |
| Evening Receptions | ||
| 9:00 pm | Conference Receptions | Check at Registration for Locations |
Tuesday, January 24
| Breakfast | ||
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 - 9:00 am | Crescendo Breakfast | The Crescendo team seeks to raise awareness of the issues surrounding aging and to provide a framework for holistic ministry. Come learn more about the ministry as well as the resources and coaching available to you and your community. (RSVP and $15 payment required during registration) ORLANDO |
| Lunch | ||
| 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Church Planters Lunch | Calling all church planters and anyone passionate about our kingdom-advancing movement! Join us for a time of fun, connection, celebration, and vision casting. God is doing great things in our movement, and we look forward to the Lord moving with even greater power in the years to come. RIVER TERRACE 1 |
| 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Serve Globally Luncheon | Join us to learn how Serve Globally is partnering with the global church to empower local communities and how you and your church can be part of the denomination’s global efforts. $15 paid during registraion. CITY TERRACE 9 |
| 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Pathways to Seminary Lunch | North Park Theological Seminary offers many learning formats and pathways into a seminary community that is preparative, transformative, and accessible. Come learn about ways seminary can work with your current ministry and life situation. BOARDROOM 1 |
| 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Covenant Chaplains Association Annual Meeting | Covenant Chaplains Association (CCA) will hold our annual meeting on Tuesday at lunch. Please bring your own lunch. Beverages will be provided. Contact Susan Cosio at cca.chair@gmail.com to register for a virtual option. ORLANDO |
| Evening Reception | ||
| 9:00 PM | Antiracism Discipleship Pathway Reception | This gathering is for participants—past and present—of the Antiracism Discipleship Pathways. This will be a space to commune, dream, and reimagine together. $10 paid during registration. RIVER TERRACE 1 |
Wednesday, January 25
| Breakfast | ||
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 - 9:00 am | Racial Righteousness Breakfast | Join us to learn more about racial righteousness and network with peers pursuing this biblical commission in their ministerial context. Dr. Andrew Whitehead, lead author of the award-winning book Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States, will be our featured speaker. ($20 paid during registration) RIVER TERRACE 1 |
| 7:00 - 9:00 am | Central Conference/Harbor Point Ministries Breakfast | Registered Midwinter participants who are part of the Central Conference are invited to gather on Wednesday morning for a time of fellowship and sharing about our conference ministries. Updates on camp ministries and the work of the conference will be shared. Breakfast will be served promptly at 7:15 a.m., followed by a program. Questions and RSVP by phone (773) 267-3060, or info@centralconf.org. ORLANDO |
| Lunch | ||
| 11:30 am - 1:15 pm | Town and Country Lunch | Join us in honor of all pastors serving in town and country settings, recognizing how much your ministry matters to God. Learn about new developments from the Town and Country Commission. RSVP during registration. CITY TERRACE 9 |
| 11:30 am - 1:15 pm | Paul Carlson Partnership Luncheon | Join Paul Carlson Partnership for lunch featuring Dr. Eric Gunnoe, founder of the PCP Medical Ambassador program, as he shares about partnering with the Covenant Church of Congo medical leaders to address severe acute malnutrition in children. ($10 paid during registration) CITY TERRACE 12 |
| 11:30 am - 1:15 pm | Becoming a Spiritual Director Lunch | Interested in becoming a spiritual director? Come learn more about our Spiritual Direction Certificate and how it can fit with your life and current ministry. Lunch is provided. CITY TERRACE 4 |
| Association Meetings | ||
| 5:00 - 7:00 pm | African American Ministers Association (AAMA) | The purpose of the AAMA is to support African American credentialed clergy and African American seminary students who desire to transition to ministries requiring clergy credentials. RIVER TERRACE 2 |
| 5:00 - 7:00 pm | Asociación Latina de la Iglesia del Pacto Evangélico (ALIPE) | Asociación Latina De La Iglesia Del Pacto Evangélico links pastors and leaders of Latino congregations through connection, fellowship, and resourcing. Cost $25. RIVER TERRACE 1 |
| 5:00 - 7:00 pm | Covenant Asian Pastors Association (CAPA) | The Covenant Asian Pastors Association supports Asian credentialed clergy, Asian seminary students, and those serving in an Asian context. CAPA is a strategic partner in pursuing the goals of the Covenant and its vision to impact the world for Christ. RIVER TERRACE 3 |
| 5:00 - 7:00 pm | Indigenous Ministers Association (IMA) | The Indigenous Ministers Association is a connecting point for Indigenous people in the Covenant, with the desire to share the voices of all our people of Turtle Island. OFF SITE |
Thursday, January 26
| Morning | ||
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 am | Covenant Kids Congo Walk for Water | Join us at Midwinter to walk (or run or roll) with Covenant Kids Congo powered by World Vision and celebrate 10 years of partnership! Pick up your t-shirt and race bib at Midwinter registration. CKC will meet out in front of the hotel lobby. ($25 paid during registration) |
| Breakfast | ||
| 7:00 - 9:00 am | Advocates for Covenant Clergy Women (ACCW) Breakfast | We are excited to hear from Covenant President Tammy Swanson-Draheim as she talks to us about her hope for Covenant clergywomen moving into the future. We will also hear about a pilot program to help churches shift their perspective toward greater affirmation of women in leadership. ($10 paid during registration) DAYTONA |
| Lunch | ||
| 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | The Meaning of Membership Lunch | Did you know the Covenant has a comprehensive membership curriculum you can use for your church's new members class? Come discover The Meaning of Membership: Deeper in Christ. Further in Mission. Together. ($15 paid during registration) CITY TERRACE 7 |
| 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Association of Covenant Spiritual Directors (ACSD) drop-in lunch | Spiritual directors are invited to a bring your own lunch and hang out, as well as any who might like to ask how direction works, or connect with a director. BOARDROOM 1 |
