Bi-Vocational Ministry Conference

Registration Fee: $50.00 (plus housing)

Keynote speaker: The Reverend Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood

The Reverend Dr. Robert Grove-Markwood is the Executive Director of The BTS Center, mission successor to Bangor Theological Seminary (BTS). The Center's evolving mission is to equip and support faith leaders for theologically-grounded and effective 21st-century ministry, especially in smaller, rural settings. Bob was the final president of Bangor Theological Seminary during its historic closure and re-invention. He had an extensive history with BTS -- as a graduate (M.Div. and D.Min.), admissions director, and a trustee -- before becoming the final president. He also served as the pastor of the Presque Isle UCC in northern Maine for 25 years.

Who should attend

This event is geared both toward those serving or seeking to serve in a bi-vocational ministry context as well as governing body or judicatory leaders who work with ministers who serve in such contexts.

Workshop Titles

Professional and Personal Bi-vocational Pastors Track

1. Learning from Bi-vocational pastors (storytelling and sharing what you know)
2. Developing a congregation full of leaders (empowering the congregation to do the work of ministry)
How to grow a congregation while working part-time – Rev. Felicia Howard LaBoy, MBA, Ph.D (Associate Dean for Advanced Learning/Assistant Professor, Black Church Studies, Louisville Theological Seminary)
3. Self-esteem issues and Bi-vocational pastors
4. What leadership competencies are needed for part-time pastors?

Governing Body Track

1. Governing body conversations…feedback, resource sharing, collaboration
2. Crowdfunding for Bi-vocational Ministry
3. Benefit options for bi-vocational pastors – Jim Sanft (FSA, President and CEO of Concordia Plan Services, of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod)
4. Preparing congregations to transition from the full-time pastor model to the bi-vocational pastor
5. Downsized…supporting congregations living into new ministry realities