LEADERFEST 2023

Session A: 2:30-3:40 P.M.

Becoming Leaders After God’s Own Heart: Praying the Psalms

Rev. Steve Simon, Honorably Retired PC(USA) Pastor

God once described David as “a man after my own heart,” and David is also closely associated with the book of Psalms. In this workshop, we will explore how praying the psalms can help us become leaders after God’s own heart. We’ll examine the nature and purpose of the Psalter, discuss ways of praying the psalms, and learn about the value of and strategies to memorize the psalms.

Steve is a retired PCUSA pastor and has served churches in Michigan, Idaho, and Washington. He is also the author of “Holy Walks: Learning and Praying the Psalms” (Wipf and Stock, 2019) and has taught and preached about the Psalms for over a decade.

Called into God’s Mission: A New Model for Vocational Discernment

Eric Robinson, PhD in Intercultural Studies, Columbia International University

What does it mean to be called? How does one discern their calling? What if we could root the nature of our calling from a missional perspective? This workshop seeks to understand how a deeper understanding of the mission Dei and imago Dei can help believers discern the work to which they are called and equip them for missional witness.

Eric is a graduate of Columbia International University with a PhD in Intercultural Studies, and a graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary with a Master’s in Christian Education. His doctoral research focused on how a fuller understanding of God’s mission can equip Christians live out their calling in and through their work. He is also a career teacher and currently teaches 6th grade math and social studies at Walnut Grove Christian School.

Church Officer Training for Beginners…and Veterans (Please bring a copy of the Book of Order)

Rev. Dr. Hoover & Rev. Olivia Haney, Providence Presbytery

This workshop will explore the beauty and brilliance of Presbyterian polity as it is established in our constitution and practiced by the congregations and councils of our church. We will gain an increased appreciation for and understanding of the way our church is organized and governed and the responsibilities assumed and shared by those set apart within it to serve in ordered ministries.

Hoover and Olivia Haney are Transitional Co-Presbyters and Stated Clerk of Providence Presbytery. Olivia has been a Presbyterian Minister since 1985 and Hoover since 1987.

*NO LONGER AVAILABLE – Connecting During Times of Crisis

Mark McCain, Moderator, SC Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

In this workshop, we will define and establish an understanding of the basic concepts of setting up a program of ministry to assure the preparedness of your congregation to manage a man-made of natural disaster. The overarching objective is to instill confidence by your fellow Christians to lead and manage events surrounding the responsibilities of Christian service to our communities of faith.

As an Elder of Sea Island Presbyterian Church of Beaufort, SC., and a National Response Team (NRT) member of the PC USA’s Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program, Mark brings his experience in natural and manmade disasters and as a civil engineer to serve as the Moderator of the South Carolina Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team assisting our five presbyteries and commissions.

Effective Anthems for Church Choirs

Dr. Don Rogers, Director of Music, First Presbyterian Church, Rock Hill

This workshop will review and rehearse many anthems that are suitable for church choirs of varying voices (unison, 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part) as well as rehearsal techniques and conducting strategies.

Dr. Rogers has served as Director of Music at First Presbyterian Rock Hill since 2008 and retired in 2019 as the Chair of the Department of Music at Winthrop University in 2019. He has been a Certified Church Musician (CCM) through the Presbyterian Association of Musicians since 1985.

Listen to Care: Learn the Skills to Actively Listen

Rev. Sally Franklin, Priest, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fort Mill

In our frenzied pace, self-centered culture, we have become a people who seek first to be understood rather than to seek first to understand. In this workshop, you will learn the skills of active listening – especially in a pastoral environment where we are all called to care for one another. As part of this workshop, participants will practice the skills of active listening.

The Rev. Sally Franklin has been an Episcopal priest for 27 years and the rector of St. Paul’s in Fort Mill, SC for 18 years. She loves doing pastoral ministry and teaching lay persons to provide pastoral care.

*NO LONGER AVAILABLE – Mission Trips: What is Your Who, What, When, and Why?

Rev. Erika Funk, Director of CROSS Ministries, Charlotte, NC

Whether you have limited experience planning mission trips or are looking for a booster, answer the four W’s in this workshop: Why are you doing mission, Where is your heart engaged, Who is it for, and What are you going to bring back? We will discuss how to be a true partner in ministry, what questions to ask before you serve.

Rev. Erika Funk is the director of CROSS Missions, located in Charlotte, NC. CROSS combines service, worship and learning to create engaging service experiences for youth groups.

Preserving Your Family’s & Church Family’s Heritage: An Introduction to Archival Records

John Skardon, Genealogy Librarian, York County Library

This workshop is an introduction to archival concepts including organizing and gathering records; best practices for preservation, arrangement and storage; creating disaster plans; deaccession of records; creating retention schedules; digitization of materials; writing a church history; and whether to transfer materials to a denominational or regional archives.

John currently serves as the York County Library, Special Collections/Genealogy Librarian, a position he has held since 2016. He received his MSLS Archives & Records Management degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012.

*NO LONGER AVAILABLE – Sunday’s Coming, Again?

Rev. Joanne Sizoo, Pastor Grace Presbyterian Church (Y); Connie Bonebrake, Chair of Worship Team, Grace Presbyterian Church (Y); Ginger Deaton, Director of Music, Grace Presbyterian Church (Y)

In this workshop, we will look at best practices – or at least OUR practices – and resources for planning worship that is faithful, Reformed, and engaging.

Joanne Sizoo is pastor at Grace, Fort Mill, and active in Providence Presbytery. She’s a straight, cis gender white woman who works hard to be aware of her privilege and use it on behalf of marginalized folks. Connie Bonebrake is chair of the worship team at Grace. She is a Population Health Leader for Humana, where she works for health care access for underserved populations. Ginger Deaton is Director of Music Ministries at Grace and teaches piano.

Using Technology to Reach Outside the Walls of the Church

Rhett Eckhardt: Current Tech Support Fort Mill School District & Former Tech & Communication Support, Grace Presbyterian Church (Y)

This workshop will demonstrate the various ways to livestream church services, meetings, and events. It will show different ways to have hybrid meetings so your church can include both a group of people in-person and online at the same meeting! Many people are eager to use technology to expand the church’s reach…but just don’t know where and how to begin. Join us for the information you need to use technology as an effective evangelism tool.

Rhett began working with the youth at Grace while also working on the technology and audio/video aspects of the church. Over the course of the pandemic, he spearheaded adding equipment to livestream worship, while also helping meetings and study groups be able to meet remotely, and in a hybrid format.

What To Do With Just a Few: Faith Formation with a Variety of Ages

Kathryn McGregor, Certified Christian Educator, Unity Presbyterian Church

“Our church has one 3-year-old, one 5th grader, and one high schooler. How do we offer Sunday school for this wide range of ages?” “Our church has no children. I guess we can’t do children’s ministry.” “Before the pandemic, we had a nice size group for youth group. Now, we’re lucky if we have one or two.” This workshop will offer ideas for churches who want to offer faith formation, but don’t have enough of any age group to do things the way we used to. Hear about ministry ideas and resources that can help and how other churches are creating new and exciting ministries – with just a few!

Kathryn McGregor is a Certified Christian Educator, currently serving as the Director of Christian Education at Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill. She previously served as the Associate for Christian Education for Providence Presbytery where she gained a love for resourcing small churches who don’t have educational staff.

Session B 3:50-5:00 P.M.

Authentic Witness: Enrichment, Mission, and Evangelism in an Interfaith Context

Dr. Adrian Bird, Interim Chaplain at Queens University; Dr. Eric Robinson, Career Teacher, Walnut Grove Christian School

Building relationships and partnerships with those of other faiths is an important part of the church’s mission. This workshop will consider the theological and missiological implications of Christian participation in the interfaith movement. We will explore how interfaith work provides an opportunity for believers to enrich their own faith, but also creates space for authentic evangelism and mission, thereby shaping the nature of the church’s work in the world.

Dr. Adrian Bird currently serves as Interim Chaplain at Queens University. Adrian taught for ten years at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Charlotte, teaching ancient and modern Christian History, Mission and Evangelism, and Christian encounters with World Religions. The interfaith movement has become a deeply engaging and enriching space for Adrian to live into and practice his faith, and he was privileged to serve for several years as Chair of Interfaith Partners of South Carolina.

Eric is a graduate of Columbia International University with a PhD in Intercultural Studies, and a graduate of Union Presbyterian Seminary with a Master’s in Christian Education. His doctoral research focused on how a fuller understanding of God’s mission can equip Christians live out their calling in and through their work.

Becoming a Matthew 25 Church

Sy Hughes, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Join us for a discussion and overview of the invitation to become a Matthew 25 Church. Presbyterians have been called to become a Matthew 25 Church by the 22nd, 223rd, and 224th General Assemblies. Please join us as we discuss our efforts as a denomination to support vital congregations, eradicate systemic poverty, and dismantle structural racism. Bring your questions! You make mission happen — and Sy is just here to help!

Sy Hughes is the Mission Engagement Advisor for the Southeast region, for the Presbyterian Mission! His region includes the synods of the Mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic. He is based in Columbia, SC with his family he works to support the mission and ministry of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. “My goal is to connect the passion, leadership and excitement of congregations, individuals and presbyteries to the mission and ministries of the wider Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),” Sy says.

*NO LONGER AVAILABLE – Board of Pensions 101

Elizabeth Little, Church Consultant, Board of Pensions

This workshop will provide an introduction to the Board of Pensions for the PC(USA) denomination by providing general information about what it provides, why it’s important, who’s eligible, etc.

Elizabeth M. Little has served as a Church Consultant with the Board of Pensions since 2016 serving the presbyteries in North Carolina & South Carolina. She is also an elder at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. Prior to joining the Board, she was a Church Support Associate with the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

Characteristics of a Healthy Congregation

Rev. Joanne Sizoo, Pastor Grace Presbyterian Church (Y)

In this workshop, we will learn some characteristics of healthy congregations including communication patterns, leadership models, and dealing with toxic folks.

Joanne Sizoo is pastor at Grace, Fort Mill, and active in Providence Presbytery. She’s a straight, cis gender white woman who works hard to be aware of her privilege and use it on behalf of marginalized folks.

Clerk of Session Training for Beginners…or Veterans

Rev. Dr. Hoover & Rev. Olivia Haney, Providence Presbytery

The Clerk of Session plays a vital role in a congregation’s life. This workshop highlights some of the most important functions of the Clerk and will especially be helpful for new Clerks as well as “seasoned” Clerks who want to keep up-to-date with their responsibilities.

Hoover and Olivia Haney are Transitional Co-Presbyters and Stated Clerk of Providence Presbytery. Olivia has been a Presbyterian Minister since 1985 and Hoover since 1987.

Generosity 365: Rethinking Annual Stewardship

Olanda Carr, Presbyterian Foundation

This workshop provides an example approach for organizing stewardship leadership teams within the congregation. The workshop will also stress the importance of maintaining a consistent process for stewardship education through the year – not just during the typical fall campaign. Participants will be presented with organizational templates and suggested reading resources to assist with the shift from traditional to innovative ideas with stewardship campaigns and teams.

Olanda is the Senior Ministry Relations Officer for the Presbyterian Foundation since 2011. In this capacity, she assists churches and individuals in a variety of areas related to stewardship, planned giving, and estate planning. She is currently a Ruling Elder of First United Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC where she chaired numerous committees including Worship, Stewardship, Communications, and Evangelism.

Introduction to the Enneagram

Rev. Mia Levetan, Chaplain of Acts, Park Pointe Village, Rock Hill

Are you sick of hearing about the enneagram with no idea what they are talking about? Did you know that you do have wings? Mia, an enneagram enthusiast, will teach the nine, inter-connected, Godmade personality types to better learn about ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Participants may wish to take the online Enneagram Personality Quiz prior to the workshop.

The Rev. Mia Levetan currently serves as a Chaplain for Acts at Park Pointe Village, a community-life community in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Mia is a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary with degrees of Master of Divinity and a Master of Art in Practical Theology with a focus in Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology.

*NO LONGER AVAILABLE – Is this Reformed? Choosing Reformed Curriculum

Kathryn McGregor, Certified Christian Educator, Unity Presbyterian Church

The Book of Order says is it the responsibility of the Session to approve all curriculum used for teaching in PC(USA) churches. But how do we know if a curriculum our teachers find on the Internet or about which the church receives a flashy brochure or catalog in the mail is reformed? This workshop will provide tips and resources so that you will know how to preview materials you find to see if they fit your church’s theology and receive information about places to find reformed curriculum for all ages.

Kathryn McGregor is a Certified Christian Educator, currently serving as the Director of Christian Education at Unity Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill. She previously served as the Associate for Christian Education for Providence Presbytery where she gained a love for resourcing small churches who don’t have educational staff.

Presbyterian Women: Making a Difference

Lee Barnwell, PW Representative, Providence Presbytery

The Church is the body of Christ and is set in the world to continue Christ’s work today. Presbyterian Women uses its members to share in this mission. This workshop will encourage PW participation looking at our history and discuss how PW groups are different – and the yet the same.

Lee is a member of Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church. She serves as Co-Moderator and Historian for Providence Presbytery PW. She a member of PWSCT, PWPCT, and PWCCT Of Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church.

*NO LONGER AVAILABLE – Presbytery & Congregational Crisis Planning

Mark McCain, Moderator, SC Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

In this workshop, we will learn the necessary processes and tools to assist in the beginning to set-up a presbytery mission and or/or congregational plan to address the preparation phases in advance of a natural or man-made disaster.

As an Elder of Sea Island Presbyterian Church of Beaufort, SC., and a National Response Team (NRT) member of the PC USA’s Presbyterian Disaster Assistance program, Mark brings his experience in natural and manmade disasters and as a civil engineer to serve as the Moderator of the South Carolina Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team assisting our five presbyteries and commissions.

Speaking to Be Heard: The Art of Public Speaking

Dr. David Bender, Pastor, Faith Presbyterian Church (L)

This workshop explores how public speaking is a unique form of communication, why competency public speaking is crucial, the forces that work against competent public speaking, and many “tools of the trade” that might help raise our competency.

David earned a MA in Speech Communication from Wake Forest University, his M. Div. and D. Min. from Columbia Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Wake Forest Law School. He has worked as a litigation attorney and currently serves as adjunct instructor of Public Speaking at York Technical College.