As the Center for Congregations works with congregations across the state of Indiana, we encounter many who face challenges as they seek to make ministry meaningful for volunteers.
Outside resources are often beneficial in helping congregations become more intentional and disciplined about recruiting, motivating, training, and supporting volunteers for service within the congregation and/or within the community. One such resource is a national conference, LifeServe 2010, to be held in September in nearby Columbus, Ohio. The conference is intended to provide insights and skills for developing great volunteers. LifeServe 2010 is sponsored by Church Volunteer Central and the Externally Focused Network.
Church Volunteer Central, a program of Group Publishing, is a membership organization that provides resources and coaching related to recruiting, equipping, retaining, leading and protecting volunteers. The Externally Focused Network is a ministry of LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, Colorado. LifeBridge is pastured by Rick Rusaw, the author of The Externally Focused Church. The Externally Focused Network is a connection of churches who feel called to live out the “Good News” by serving their communities.
The LifeServe National Conference takes place Wednesday, September 29, 2010 through Friday, October 1, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus, Ohio. The conference features a variety of workshop models from hour long sessions to six-hour options (presented during six one-hour workshop time slots). Workshop presenters have experience managing volunteer work in the not-for-profit world as well as in mainline and non-denominational congregations. Cost for the conference is $400.00 with early bird registration discounts. See www.lifeserve.group.com for details.
Nancy DeMott
Resource Director
