Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Is your community becoming more diverse? Are you interested in reaching out to your new neighbors? Are you already part of a multicultural congregation or racial-ethnic church but want to deepen the conversation about diversity?

The 11th Annual National Multicultural Church Conference is a learning and worship event to equip attendees with deeper knowledge and practical skills for practicing multicultural ministry. Those who would benefit from attending include presbytery staff, church members, church leaders and clergy.

The conference will be held May 27-30 in Chicago with pre-conferences on May 26 and 27. This year’s conference explores the theme, “H20:  Deepening our Faith, Widening our Culture” and focuses on the biblical vision of Ezekiel 47:1-12.

“Participants can really dive in and immerse themselves for a few days in an area of ministry in which they would like to deepen their understanding and add to their skills,” said the Rev. Marcia Mount Shoop, moderator of the Presbyterian Multicultural Network and a member of the conference leadership team.

The conference features a great list of speakers and track leaders including:

• The Rev. Eric Law, author and executive director of the Kaleidoscope Institute in a Diverse Changing World
• Second City Communications, members of the noted comedy troupe who will present a two-hour event focusing on diversity and inclusion as a way of life
• The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of the 218th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
• Dr. Renita J. Weems, Old Testament scholar, author and preacher
• The Rev. Gradye Parsons, stated clerk of the PC(USA)

Detailed information and a full list of speakers is available in the registration booklet from the multicultural congregational support office.

The conference offers seven major tracks including Christian education, evangelism, theological education, and worship, as well as tracks for children and youth. Each track offers a day and a half of instruction and interaction. The conference is designed with dual opportunities for both current practitioners of multicultural ministry and for newcomers.

“Participants will be equipped with tools on how to grow the church deep and wide in a diverse setting,” said the Rev. Raafat Girgis, associate for multicultural congregational support with the General Assemble Mission Council.

A limited number of scholarships are available. Registration fees begin at $265 for adults. Online registration is available. A detailed schedule and lodging information is available online. Questions or scholarship requests can be directed to Aldenice Lemes, (888) 728-7228, x5252 or Melissa Johnson, (888) 728-7228, x5344.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) comprises more than 2 million members in more than 10,000 congregations, answering Christ’s call to mission and ministry throughout the United States and the world.