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Reimagining Church: Consider Cooperative-Parish Partnerships

Rev. Lindsey Joyce shares that the NIC Office of Congregational Development will explore expanding cooperative parish ministry across the conference. Drawing from her experience co-founding the Northside Co-op, she highlights the transformative power of collaborative ministry to stabilize churches, spark innovation, and trust the Holy Spirit’s movement. She invites others to join in this work of connection, revival, and courageous reimagining.

Rev. Lindsey Joyce named Cooperative Parish Strategist

The Northern Illinois Conference is pleased to welcome Rev. Lindsey Joyce as cooperative parish strategist in the conference’s Congregational Development office.

Bishop Schwerin Calls Churches to Experiment with Ministry

Bishop Schwerin noted that in these days, churches should experiment with new ministry ideas--even if they end in failure. Resourcing, connectionalism, and upholding the call to love our neighbors are foundational to these efforts.

We Share for the Good of the Whole Mission

Bishop Dan Schwerin underscores the importance of shared mission and mutual sacrifice within the United Methodist connection, especially during challenging appointment seasons. He addresses clergy concerns over recent pastoral appointments, emphasizing the realities of declining compensation and shifting ministry models in a post-Christendom era. Schwerin calls for understanding, collaboration, and innovation as the conference navigates reduced resources, encouraging experimentation and new expressions of ministry. He concludes with a heartfelt appeal for prayer, faithfulness, partnership, and continued commitment to the shared mission of making disciples.

Reimagining Church: Introducing the Turtle Awards

Rev. Christian Coon introduces the first-ever Turtle Award to celebrate churches that have taken bold risks in ministry—even when those efforts didn’t succeed. Inspired by the idea that progress requires “sticking your neck out,” the award encourages learning from failure and supports innovation through a $500 grant. Churches are invited to share their stories of experimentation, reinforcing the value of trying new approaches to share the Good News.

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Reimagining Church: Meet Your Librarian

Rev. Christian Coon shares how a challenge to conduct one-on-one meetings transformed his ministry, leading him to deeper community connections and new outreach opportunities. By engaging with local leaders, including a public librarian, he discovered insight that shaped his church’s mission. Now, he encourages others to embrace the power of one-on-one conversations, challenging them to schedule four meetings as a simple yet impactful way to engage their communities.