NEW AND RENEW

The denomination’s “New and Renew” conference, held every other year, took place at the Church of the Brethren offices in Elgin, Ill., May 17-19, drawing people from across the country to explore themes of church planting, renewal, and revitalization. The Illinois/Wisconsin District Church Revitalization and Development Team (CRDT) offered scholarships for district members to attend, and eight people did so—participating either in person or virtually, joining a total group of about 100.

A band led by California pastor Gilbert Romero provided energetic and uplifting music and worship, surrounding a variety of workshops and several keynote sessions by Jessie Cruickshank—a minister, author, and neuroscience specialist from Colorado. Cruickshank said that to serve in ministry, “We have to be brave … and a little bit naïve,” noting that it requires a great deal of trust in God. She and other speakers encouraged congregations to be active in discipleship and building relationships.

Workshop topics (with a few led in Spanish) included youth ministry, church growth and planting, building trust, discernment and prayer, understanding the church’s neighborhood, transforming trauma, board practices, and sharing the love of Christ. Church of the Brethren staff Josh Brockway and Becky Ullom Naugle (Highland Avenue) were among those providing leadership, along with former Rockford pastor Samuel Sarpiya.