Dates

Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 9:00 am – 11:45 am

A new conference for women in Pastoral Leadership! Women face unique challenges and opportunities as leaders in the church. Join other women dedicated to addressing those challenges head-on while celebrating the invaluable gifts women bring to the table. Hear inspiring leaders share their stories, while equipping you for the complexities of leadership in the church today. Deepen your skills through practical breakout sessions on setting boundaries, navigating conflict, balancing competing values, and more. Discover a supportive network of fellow clergywomen and forge lasting friendships in a safe space marked by diversity and inclusivity!

Location

Resurrection, A United Methodist Church in Leawood, KS

Designed to lift up the power of women’s leadership in the church and hosted by women at one of the most dynamic churches in the country, this conference is just for you. You won’t want to miss the experience!

Cost

$199 through January 31

$249 after January 31

Preferred Hotel

Resurrection has longstanding relationships with nearby hotels – booking information will be available soon!

Event Schedule

TUEsday, APRIL 29, 2025
9:00 am Opening
9:20 am Session 1 – Nancy Beach & Samantha Beach Kiley
10:30 am Break
11:00 am Morning Breakout Options
12:15 pm Lunch
1:15 pm Session 2 – Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright
2:30 pm Break
2:45 pm Afternoon Breakout Options
4:00 pm Optional Sanctuary Tours
5:00 pm Dinner On Your Own
Wednesday, april 30, 2025
9:00 am Session 3 – Nadia Bolz-Weber
10:00 am Break
10:30 am Closing Session & Worship – Rev. Nicole Caldwell Gross

Tuesday Morning Breakouts

Conflict Resolution

Kay McCarthy

We all face conflict at work, at home and in our communities. Levels of civility have been increasingly shattered in social media, in our personal interactions and in the church. Learn practical skills and strategies for resolving conflicts and improving challenging relationships. Explore the underlying contributors to conflict and start developing constructive dialogues. Look at conflict styles, how we can be more confident in our responses to conflict, and how to set up effective processes going forward. And we’ll discuss how we do all of that in a Christian community with grace and forgiveness.

Next Sunday: An Honest Dialogue About the Future of the Church

Nancy Beach & Samantha Beach Kiley

Like many families, the Beaches have been wrestling with the question of whether future generations will find a church worth fighting for. In this session, Nancy, the Baby Boomer, and her daughter Samantha, a millennial, will offer their perspective on the way forward.

Standing Strong or Standing Down: Setting Boundaries Without Losing Congregational Trust

Rev. Kim Jenne

Clergywomen face gendered bias so regularly it can make finding the balance between taking a stand and letting something go particularly challenging. This workshop will guide participants in developing strategies to set healthy boundaries around what they are willing to accept in terms of behavior and language, while addressing the potential risks of losing congregational confidence and trust. By exploring topics such as criticism, cultural conditioning, internalized bias, the likeability penalty and performance bias, participants will gain tools to protect their well-being and leadership integrity, while minimizing alienation of their congregations or church leadership.

Rising Above False Narratives

Rev. Dr. Anne Gatobu

Many times we are shaped by other people’s ideas about us. Often those ideas lead to narratives being spun about us which very often we subscribe to or quietly disagree but do not actively disconfirm or try to change. This phenomena is used against the marginalized (women, people of color, etc.) systemically and often unknowingly. This session offers ways to rise above these narratives and re-write our own.

Can Female Clergy Leaders Have It All? Living Fully in the Midst of Competing Values

Rev. Donna Holder

How can female clergy navigate the often-competing demands of life while maintaining physical, emotional, financial, spiritual and social well-being? Together we will explore what it means to “have it all” and how to stay focused on our life goals while doing the work of ministry.

Unleash Your Potential: Vision Boards for Inspired Leadership

Rev. Ashley Morgan Kirk

Unlock your creativity and leadership potential in this dynamic, hands-on session designed for female clergy by female clergy. Be empowered by creating a personalized vision board that reflects your unique leadership dreams. Dive into a fun and reflective experience that blends art, self-care, and deep personal insight. This is your chance to recharge, reimagine, and reenergize your leadership path in a supportive and creative environment!

Tuesday Afternoon Breakouts

Conflict Resolution

Kay McCarthy

We all face conflict at work, at home and in our communities. Levels of civility have been increasingly shattered in social media, in our personal interactions and in the church. Learn practical skills and strategies for resolving conflicts and improving challenging relationships. Explore the underlying contributors to conflict and start developing constructive dialogues. Look at conflict styles, how we can be more confident in our responses to conflict, and how to set up effective processes going forward. And we’ll discuss how we do all of that in a Christian community with grace and forgiveness.

She LEADS – Exploring Leadership Lessons from Rahab

Rev. Dr. Aleze Fulbright

Most often we hear the Biblical narrative of Rahab as simply one of a prostitute. However, to explore Rahab’s story, we will find there are discoveries that move her beyond the label to truly being characterized as a leader.

Standing Strong or Standing Down: Setting Boundaries Without Losing Congregational Trust

Rev. Kim Jenne

Clergywomen face gendered bias so regularly it can make finding the balance between taking a stand and letting something go particularly challenging. This workshop will guide participants in developing strategies to set healthy boundaries around what they are willing to accept in terms of behavior and language, while addressing the potential risks of losing congregational confidence and trust. By exploring topics such as criticism, cultural conditioning, internalized bias, the likeability penalty and performance bias, participants will gain tools to protect their well-being and leadership integrity, while minimizing alienation of their congregations or church leadership.

Rising Above False Narratives

Rev. Dr. Anne Gatobu

Many times we are shaped by other people’s ideas about us. Often those ideas lead to narratives being spun about us which very often we subscribe to or quietly disagree but do not actively disconfirm or try to change. This phenomena is used against the marginalized (women, people of color, etc.) systemically and often unknowingly. This session offers ways to rise above these narratives and re-write our own.

Can Women Clergy Leaders Really Have It All? Dealing with Conflicting Values

How can female clergy navigate the often-competing demands of life while maintaining physical, emotional, financial, spiritual and social well-being? Together we will explore what it means to “have it all” and how to stay focused on our life goals while doing the work of ministry.

Gentle Yoga – Reset and Restore

Jaime Kernaghan

Come, take a break. Honor yourself and allow time for relaxation, meditation and space to listen to God as we move our bodies. This time is for anyone and everyone. There are no requirements. No judgements. Only acceptance, space and openness. We look forward to seeing you on the mat. We will have a limited amount of equipment available to borrow, and feel free to bring your own yoga mat.

Nancy Beach

Nancy is known for her pioneering work in integrating the arts into church ministry and leading artists with wisdom and grace. She spent over 20 years as Programming Director at Willow Creek Community Church, fostering a creative community for impactful services. Nancy also served as a Teaching Pastor and was part of the Willow Creek Association leadership, inspiring church leaders globally. She has shared her passion in over 26 countries. Now, she coaches individuals and teams through Slingshot Group and Ascent Leader, helping them thrive in life and ministry. Learn more…

Samantha Beach Kiley

Samantha Beach Kiley is a writer, performer, and the creative arts pastor at Austin New Church in Texas. Her work has been featured in theaters, churches, and non-profit settings. Samantha has also taught at Northwestern’s National High School Institute and Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, where she co-directs the education program with her husband, Will. She is co-author, with Nancy Beach, of the book, Next Sunday: An Honest Dialogue About the Future of the Church. Learn more…

Aleze Fulbright

Aleze is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church, dedicated to empowering people to live with purpose. A Tulsa, Oklahoma native, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership. Currently serving as Conference Superintendent for the Indiana Annual Conference, Dr. Fulbright has held various leadership roles in ministry. She is a certified coach, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and is active in civic and community service. Before ministry, she worked as Assistant Controller for United Way in Dallas. Learn more…

Nadia Bolz-Weber

Nadia Bolz-Weber is an ordained Lutheran pastor, founder of House for All Sinners & Saints in Denver, and host of The Confessional podcast. She’s the author of three New York Times bestselling memoirs: Pastrix (2013, re-released 2021), Accidental Saints (2015), and Shameless (2019). Nadia writes and speaks on topics like personal struggles, recovery, grace, and faith, with her characteristic humor and honesty. Known for embracing outcasts, she invites readers to subscribe to The Corners, her weekly newsletter where she shares her latest thoughts and reflections. Learn more…

Nicole Caldwell-Gross

Nicole is Senior Pastor of Noblesville First United Methodist Church in Indiana. She is an ordained elder, passionate preacher, and millennial ministry leader. Her journey began at her grandparents’ church in Detroit and led to Mount Holyoke College and Princeton Theological Seminary. Nicole has served in various leadership roles, including Director of Mission and Community Development for the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey, where she launched impactful outreach programs. As Pastor of Mission and Mobilization at St. Luke’s UMC in Indianapolis, she led initiatives in justice, education, and food security. Nicole also co-hosts The Well Unfiltered podcast and co-authored Justice or Just Us. Learn more…

Frequently Asked Questions

We do not provide transportation. The easiest mode of transportation, once you arrive in KC, will be a rental car or ride sharing service like Uber or Lyft.

You may cancel at any time through April 4. Cancellations through April 4 are subject to a $30 cancellation fee. We are unable to refund any registration fees after April 4, 2025. Please understand that by this date we have prepared for your arrival with printed materials, catering and other provisions. You may transfer your registration to another person at any time. For cancellations or transfers, please contact us at ShareChurchConferences@cor.org.

Credit card is the preferred method of payment. Please email us at ShareChurchConferences@cor.org, if you need to discuss other options.

No. While children are a high priority at Resurrection, this is an adult training event and childcare is not available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) will be available for full participation. Blank certificates will be available for pick up at the Information Booth during the event. Certificates are issued by Resurrection, A United Methodist Church, and they are accepted for United Methodist clergy and full-time local pastors.  

Yes. Simply log back in to your registration and make your new selections. Keep in mind, most breakout sessions have limited capacity, so they may not all be available as the event approaches.

Yes. However, we encourage you to attend the entire event. There are no reduced registration rates for partial attendance.

Yes! Lead(HER) is designed to strengthen churches by strengthening and encouraging female clergy. Such an important event comes with exposure and recognition for the sponsors who have helped make it happen. Our sponsor registration site (coming soon) provides a detailed description of the benefits and allows you to sign on immediately. Sponsorships are available on a first come, first served basis, and the sponsorship fee is payable by credit card or check, for your convenience.