Register Here for Regional Assembly 2026

WORKSHOP SESSIONS

2:30 pm – 5:00 pm Room #1

Disciples Churches Responses to Immigration Parts 1 and 2

In this two-part workshop, Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray and Rev. Grace Kozak will present on how Disciples churches are responding to refugee immigration issues. The first part will share how Disciples in Ohio worked ecumenically with other church partners in the United Church of Christ and Church of the Brethren to create a three-day gathering for training and spiritual grounding to respond to the current immigration crisis together. Brian and Grace will share how this model can be adapted for a new context, such as the Tennessee Region. They will focus on the importance of building relationships between churches and local organizations to have a response that can unite the church across differences. Part two will be a hands-on workshop, inviting participants to imagine what this kind of Faithful Response Gathering could look like in the Tennessee Region and jumpstart the planning process for how Tennessee Disciples can work together on this kind of project beyond the Regional Assembly.
Presenters: Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, Director for Justice Advocacy Ministries & Disciples Home Missions and Rev. Grace Kozak, Assoc. Director for Immigrant & Refugee Response & Week of Compassion

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm & 4:00 pm-5:00 pm Room #2

Financial Wise Practice At Every Size

Smaller congregations are often asked to do a lot with a little. But faithful financial leadership isn’t about scarcity, it’s about wisdom. In this workshop, we’ll focus on the essential financial practices every congregation needs to thrive. We’ll also name the unique challenges
smaller churches face—and offer tools that are right- sized, not overwhelming.
Presenter: Rev. Melissa St. Clair/Center for Faith and Giving

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm & 4:00 pm-5:00 pm Room #3

Evangelism in the New Age: The Power of  Radical Welcome

What does social media have to do with church evangelism? How do we grow the church by re- envisioning a concept of “welcome?” What demographic of people are joining the Disciples of Christ church, and
why? Join Reverends Margie Quinn and Wesley King as they share how the power of social media, radical welcome, and creative worship has grown Vine Street Christian Church’s membership by 20% in the last year.
Presenters: Rev. Margie Quinn, Senior Minister, Vine Street Christian Church & Rev. Wesley King, Assoc. Minister, Vine Street Christian Church

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm & 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Room #4

Inspiring/Caring for an Aging Congregation

Older people still have much to give. Learn how to draw from their wisdom and activate their gifts.

Presenter: Rev. Jason Pearson/Community of Faith Christian Church

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm & 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Room #5

More than Youth Group:  Building Faith Communities with Young People

This workshop will engage adult leaders
to incorporate solid principles of effective youth ministry for their
congregation.  This is not a “youth ministry 101,” but a conversation toward building a church where teens encounter God, belong, and contribute to the life of the community.  “More than Youth Group” will explore ways for youth to find their place of belonging and give adults tools to reimagine youth ministry in our local congregations.
Presenter: Rev. Kyle Harris, TN Regional Youth Program Director for Camp and Conference

Saturday only 10:00 am – Noon & 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (for ages 12 17) Room #5

Engaging Youth in Ministry

This interactive program for teens will engage our middle and high school students in ministry.  We will build relationships, discern our faith, and put that faith into action.  These two sessions will build on each other as young people experience how the church helps build
community and live their faith.
Presenter: Rev. Kyle Harris, TN Regional Youth Program Director for Camp and Conference