Keynote Speaker
REV. JUNIUS B. DOTSON
General Secretary/CEO, Discipleship Ministries
A nationally recognized leader, speaker, and author on evangelism and church revitalization, the Rev. Junius B. Dotson is the General Secretary (chief executive officer) of Discipleship Ministries, an international agency of The United Methodist Church with a staff of 135.
Dotson launched “See All The People”, the highly successful church-wide initiative that helps church leaders concentrate on intentional discipleship, while learning new behaviors around engaging their surrounding community.
Rev. Dotson is the author of Developing an Intentional Discipleship System: A Guide for Congregations, and Engaging Your Community: A Guide to Seeing All the People. Both resources help congregations look beyond their walls, acknowledging that God calls us to have “meaningful relationships in authentic, organic and consistent ways.”
As a leader who responds to challenges and opportunities in new and creative ways, Rev. Dotson believes that effective ministry is about training, developing, and empowering leaders to establish ministries that address the needs of the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.
Speakers
Mitchell R. Hortert, MSW
"LGBTQIA+ Safe Spaces"
Community leader, advocate, educator. Past President of PFLAG Pittsburgh. Co-Convener of WPA Reconciling Ministries
Dr. Jane Ellen Nickell
"UMC History: Race, Gender & Sexuality"
Chaplain and Associate Dean at Allegheny College and teaches in the Department of Religious Studies
Dr. Steven Tuell
"Inclusive Biblical Interpretation"
James A. Kelso Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Sarah Gallagher & Sarah Speedy
"Hear Us: Young Adult Perspective"
Sarah Gallagher studies Art Therapy at Marywood University. Sarah Speedy is in a gap year and will begin studying Technical Theater in the Fall.
Rev. Dawn M. Hand & Rev. Eric S. Park
"General Conference Possibilities & Local Church Responses"
Rev. Dawn M. Hand is the Pittsburgh District Superintendent & Rev. Dr. Eric Park is the Butler District Superintendent
Childcare & Current Kids
The Current has programs for all ages!
Childcare will be provided for newborn to pre-k in the Christ Church nursery.
Current Kids program available for grades K-5 will include games, crafts, and lesson.
Youth grades 6-12 are encouraged to fully participate in the main event.