Congregational Learning Labs Uniquely Designed for Churches of Christ
No one knows your ministry like you do. If you’re like us, you often long for time to pause and think through how things are going and to reflect on how things might move ahead. These congregational learning labs provide you and others the context in which to unlock the energy and creativity that already exists within your congregation.
Event Dates
We are booking for 2021. Contact Josh Kingcade to discuss bringing the event to your area.
Past Dates
October 12, 2015: Kansas City – Sheraton Overland Park
October 13, 2015: Wichita – Hyatt Regency
February 29, 2016: Fort Worth – Sheraton Downtown
April 4, 2016: Wichita Falls – Edgemere Church of Christ
November 6, 2016: St. Louis – The Heights Rec Center
November 7, 2016: Springfield (MO) – Doubletree Hotel
March 26, 2017: Chicago – Naperville Church of Christ
September 28, 2019: Kansas City – Southpoint Church of Christ
Format/content
We will offer three different track options. Each track will begin with a 45-minute presentation by members of Memorial Road Church of Christ’s ministry staff. After a break, participants will return for a facilitated round table exercise (with others from their congregation) that will help them begin to apply the content from the first session to their particular church context.
Sample Schedule
Our events typically work best on a weeknight, but different cities have different cultures and we can adjust based on needs.
7:00-7:10 pm: Large group devotional, prayer, and instructions
7:10-7:55 pm: Part 1 of each track (presentation by MRCC staff)
7:55-8:05 pm: Break
8:05-9:00 pm: Part 2 of each track (facilitated table discussions)
Description of Tracks
Typical tracks are listed below, but we can substitute other tracks depending on suggestions and needs in a particular location.
Track 1: Congregational Hospitality
Mark Taylor (Executive Minister)
Andy Lashley (Involvement & Communications Minister)
Mark and Andy will present several methods for churches to better welcome and follow up with their guests. Participants will then discuss how effectively they believe their own churches are doing this and which ideas from the presentation could be applied to their context.
Track 2: Community Outreach
Terry Fischer (Community Outreach Minister)
Terry will present some ideas for “raising the temperature” for evangelism in your congregation. He will also share examples of effective entry points for reaching those with little or no church background. Participants will then evaluate their own congregation’s passion and resources for evangelism, identify their own welcome/entry points and set goals and specific steps for increased effectiveness.
Track 3: Adult Education
Josh Kingcade (Education Minister)
Josh will present participants with several tools for assessing long-term adult education goals and content. Participants will then begin to work on intentional learning outcomes for their education ministries.
Guest Hospitality Track in Fort Worth 
Fort Worth 
Adult Education Track in Fort Worth 
Kansas City 
Guest Hospitality Track in Kansas City 
Community Outreach Track in Wichita, KS 
Wichita Falls, TX 
Community Outreach Track in St. Louis, MO 
Guest Hospitality Track in Springfield, MO 
Springfield, MO
Facilitators
These MRCC staff members facilitate the various tracks at the events. Click on their photos to learn more about them.
Terry Fischer
Josh Kingcade
Andy Lashley
Mark Taylor
