Conference-Wide Bible in a Year Reading
The Northern Illinois Conference Committee on Discipleship and Spiritual Formation is launching a conference-wide initiative for 2026 inviting individuals and congregations to read the e…
Location: Zoom
Sundays, March 14 and 21, 1 to 4 pm
Wednesdays, March 17 and 24, 6 to 8 pm
DeKalb District Spring Lay Academy
DeKalb District will host their Spring Lay Academy via ZOOM format. Classes will be held on two Sundays, March 14 and 21 from 1 to 4 pm and on two Wednesdays, March 17 and 24 from 6 to 8 pm.
Cost: $20. Participants must purchase their own books. High school youth may attend at no cost but must purchase books. Min/max class size: 3/15.
Registration closes on Friday, March 12 at 5pm.
Participants choose one course: each course is 10 hours of instruction and participants must attend all four scheduled classes to receive course credit.
Courses offered:
Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders **NEW**
Led by Rev. Brian Gilbert, District Superintendent
Textbook: "Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders" by Marc Brown, Kathy Merry, John Briggs (print editions available at Cokesbury and Amazon; ePub and Kindle also available).
This course will guide lay servants seeking to be more empowered to lead their congregations toward vitality.
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
Led by Janet Becker
Textbook: "Each One a Minister" by William J. Carter
(print editions available at Cokesbury and Amazon; ePub and Kindle editions also available)
This course helps participants understand spiritual gifts and how the church can use them to fulfill its mission and ministry. Participants will also learn what it means to be a spiritual leader and will be equipped to lead others in exploring and using their spiritual gifts.
Leading Public Prayer
Leader TBD
Textbook: "Shaping the Prayers of the People: The Art of Intercession" by Samuel Wells and Abigail Kocher.
(print editions available at Cokesbury and Amazon; ePub and Kindle editions also available)
Praying in public can be daunting, but prayer is something one learns. This course on praying in public will help the participant grow in confidence and skill in public prayer and enrich their personal prayer life.
Called to Preach
Led by Serina Blasdell
Textbook: "From Pew to Pulpit" by Clifton F. Guthrie
(print editions available at Cokesbury and Amazon; ePub and Kindle editions also available)
This course is designed for those who have not completed formal preaching training, for pastors seeking a basic refresher course, and for others who are called upon to preach in a pastor's absence.