Biblical Interpretation – Faithfully Interpreting Scripture to Minister in Today’s World

Dr. Eric Greaux & Dr. Harold Bennett

As Christians, we are called to rightly interpret the Word of God. The act of interpretation is as common as communication itself. Whenever someone speaks, a listener interprets what the speaker means. But what is interpretation when we apply it to reading the Bible? How can we legitimately and effectively interpret the Bible? This course will help you develop the skills to read, understand, and apply Scripture in its various contexts and genres.

Mental Health – Let’s Talk: Shattering the Silence on Mental Health

Dr. Valarie Sims & Lady Psiyina Davis

To understand mental health, we will explore the resources God has given and made evident to us in the Bible—the community of believers, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and the encouragement of His Word—to manage the impacts of mental health challenges in our churches and communities. We examine how to effectively address and create a mental health support system. We also become more self-aware of how we consider and manage our own mental health, and how this affects our loved ones and our ministries.

Administrative Excellence for Ministry Success

Evangelist Ursula G. Higginbotham & Elder William Canada

Effective administration ensures that church activities run smoothly, resources are properly managed, and finances are handled responsibly. It helps organize events, coordinate teams, and maintain clear communication, all of which support the ministry’s mission. Good administration also ensures accountability and sustainability, allowing the ministry to focus on its spiritual goals while addressing practical needs. Ultimately, strong administration strengthens the church’s capacity to grow, serve its community, and achieve long-term success.

The Pathway to Funding: A Grant Writing Blueprint

Dr. Lupita Roy Rasheed 

This course provides ministry leaders and faith-based professionals with a comprehensive and creative approach to securing financial resources. Moving beyond traditional fundraising methods, participants will explore a wide range of innovative strategies, including grant writing, online giving, community partnerships, and social enterprises. The curriculum is designed to equip participants with both the practical skills and the strategic mindset needed to build a sustainable funding model that strengthens their ministry and expands their community impact.

Team Building: One Goal, Many Hands, Limitless Possibilities

Bishop Chadwick Carlton & Pastor Ryan Allen

Just as the varying parts of the human body need each other to best accomplish its work, so the Body of Christ needs to function interdependently, like a team. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27). God so designed the Church that it “grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Eph. 4:16). This course aims to equip leaders with the ability to build cohesive teams, manage group dynamics, and create a positive culture of service and collaboration within the ministry.

Healthy Church Culture – Cultivating A Place to Grow Together

Deniece Fields Russell & Pastor Samuel Moore

In the local church, the importance of cultivating a vibrant and purpose-driven culture cannot be overstated. While theological tenets and spiritual teachings form the foundation, church culture is what shapes the living, breathing heart of the congregation.  Church leadership holds a unique role when it comes to shaping the culture of your ministry This course trains ministry leaders to cultivate and sustain a healthy church culture where individuals and the membership can thrive together.

Helping Individuals Prepare for the Next Chapter: Retirement

Efrem Jackson, Bjorn Larson & Ryan Sims

Retirement is a process, not a destination. For many of us, our work becomes intertwined with our identity. While this isn’t inherently negative, retirement can sometimes feel like giving up a part of ourselves. However, rather than focusing solely on what we’re retiring from, it’s essential to consider what lies ahead. This course offers a holistic, faith-based guide to preparing for the later stages of life. Through a combination of spiritual reflection, practical planning, and communal support, participants will gain confidence and peace of mind as they plan for retirement and the latter stages of life.

Prepared for the End of Life Transition

Bishop E. Charles Connor & Dr. Marica Tipton

The end of life for a loved one is always difficult.  The range of emotions is to be expected, but they can be both overwhelming and frustrating.  Though there is no way to fully prepare for how the loss of life will impact you or your family emotionally, you can work to have all of your business affairs in order and the appropriate persons made aware of such plans.  This course will address plans and necessary steps to take in advance to ease some of the burden on your loved ones upon the transition of life.

Evangelism: Building Bridges, Changing Lives

Admin. Assistant Waverly Bumbrey & Evangelist Lashun Dillard Berry

This Evangelism Training Course is designed to be a practical overview of the ministry of evangelism and soul winning. You will be introduced to insights, approaches and practices in evangelism that are current and relevant to reaching lost people in today’s culture.  This session will stir your zeal for evangelism while building your courage & confidence for outreach.

Equipping & Empowering Leaders for the Local Church

Dr. Anthony Taylor & Bishop Anthony Wheeler

Sometimes, as leaders we appoint/promote individuals in roles (because of their faithfulness and loyalty) without the proper know-how as it relates to serving… understanding how to go in and out, presiding over services, executing services, having courage & assertiveness where necessary, while showing empathy and compassion as needed.  This course will provide leaders with tools to coach their teams that serve in a leadership capacity towards the know-how & church acumen of ministry.

Preparing for Leadership Transition

Superintendent J. Kyle Nicholson & Admin. Assistant Jeffrey Lewis

Visionary leaders must also have vision for the church beyond their tenure.  Succession planning, often neglected, provides a way to ensure sustainability in not only leadership but also the effectiveness of the local congregation.  This course will discuss positive examples of successful leadership transitions within local churches.

Jurisdictional Strategic Planning for the Future

Bishop Michael Jones & Bishop Marcus Ways

This course will focus on equipping jurisdictional leaders with the skills and wisdom to guide ministry through infrastructure, strategic vision, planning, and execution.  Participants will develop a customized strategic plan to build a healthy jurisdiction.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities in the Local Church

Dr. Loretta Howard & Missionary Elizabeth Luckett

The course will share insight from experts from The Word of Hope Ministries Diverse Business Development Program. A program that started in 2022 with a goal to train 100 small businesses powered by a 2.7 million grant from The Department of Administration. To date it has served over 300 small businesses. The course will provide invaluable insights to opportunities for using entrepreneurship to support the local church.

Building a Multicultural Ministry

Superintendent John Perez & Elder Sal Ayala

This course will offer insight on how local churches and jurisdictions can minister to the growing Hispanic/Latino population right in our own backyards.  Leaders of the COGIC Hispanic Initiatives will share proven strategies and tools for reaching our Spanish speaking communities.

Health & Wellness

Bishop Elton Amos

This course will discuss vital information regarding Health and Wellness from licensed professionals, to assist in helping leaders to prosper in spirit, soul and body.

Technology

Pastor Keith Odom

This course will discuss the pertinent ways that technology can positively impact your ministry.  Learn from the Director of Technology the Church of God in Christ how technology should not be feared but rather optimized in today’s church.

Handling Sensitive Issues in Leadership

Bishop Uleses Henderson

Every generation faces hard topics that test both the courage and compassion of leadership. From cultural shifts to internal church conflicts, this workshop equips leaders with biblical strategies to engage sensitive matters without compromise. Participants will learn how to communicate truth in love, create safe spaces for dialogue, and guide their congregations toward healing and reconciliation.

Urban Initiatives

Dr. Anthony Coleman

Focusing on the heartbeat of our cities, this session explores innovative strategies for outreach, empowerment, education, and economic impact, positioning the church as a lasting anchor of hope in urban communities.

Christ in Crisis: Restoring a Christ-Centered Focus 

In a world where secularism rises and faith often declines, it is easy for churches to lose their center. This workshop calls leaders to intentionally restore Christ to His rightful place in preaching, discipleship, and daily ministry practice. It will emphasize practical ways to strengthen biblical teaching, reframe the church’s witness in a skeptical culture, and ensure that Christ remains the foundation in every crisis.

No Family Left Behind

Bishop Darrell Hines

The demands of ministry can unintentionally strain marriages, children, and personal relationships. This session provides guidance on how leaders can balance their call to serve with the call to be present at home. Through biblical principles and practical insights, participants will discover rhythms of rest, boundaries for healthy leadership, and tools for strengthening family life, ensuring that no family is left behind in the work of ministry.

Engage Next: Reaching and Engaging the Next Generation 

Chairlady Vandalyn Kennedy, President Kale Mann, Dr. Brianna Parker, Bishop Matthew Brown, Administrative Assistant Otis Lockett

This general session will close the conference diagnosing the reality of an aging church who is experiencing the troubling trend of youth and young adults disengaging from our churches. The panelists will provide practical insights and strategies to help local churches and jurisdictions