The Launching Change Collective

What if evangelism wasn’t a recruitment strategy to boost membership numbers or a co-opted word to mask fire-and-brimstone conversion tactics? What if diversity wasn’t a well-intentioned corporate tactic to reach the folks our congregations are still struggling to build authentic relationships with? What if voices of lived experience and success met research, and a path forward emerged? Teaching, preaching, and voices of healing are coming together from across the country to unite in a call to action that inhabits the entire body. From “Building Multicultural Communities of Belonging” to “Cultural Transformation: The 5 Seeds of Deep Peace”, leaders in ministry among diverse cultures are sharing their victories. The common thread? Embodied practice, peacebuilding, and authentic belonging practices. Featuring live group coaching, group spiritual direction, and “live your practice” rooms with interactive body or doodle prayers, we are here to practice and to preach! Together, we are moving through division into healing and wholeness.

Come as you are; a sacred commonwealth is waiting.

Featuring wisdom and experience from Rev. Dr. Moses Barrios, Rev. Dr. Elle Dowd, Dr. Jon Pahl, David Shearer/Agape, Rev. Christina Montgomery, Rev. Nicolette Faison, and many more!

---

Schedule

Wednesday, January 6, 2027

Time	Session	Presenter(s)
10:00 AM	Welcome and Devotion	Rev. Carla Christopher & Rev. Lauren Applegate (Free to Be)
10:30 AM	Experience the Scripture	David Shearer / Agape
11:15 AM	Movement Break	Rev. Dr. Elle Dowd
11:30 AM	Art Tells Our Story	Rev. Dr. Albert Starr & Rev. Nicolette Faison
12:15 PM	Lunch
12:45 PM	Lutheran Yoga	Rev. Charles Frederickson (Embodied Grace)
1:00 PM	Building Communities of Belonging	Rev. Dr. Moses Barrios, DEM of Metro DC & special guest Rev. Erich Kussman
2:15 PM	Movement Break	Rev. Dr. Elle Dowd
2:30 PM	Telling Our Stories	Rev. Tita Valeriano & Rev. Jake Jacobson
3:45 PM	Movement Break	Rev. Dr. Elle Dowd
4:00 PM	Healing Through Creative Expression	Rev. Christina Montgomery
4:40 PM	Embracing Discipleship	Rev. Ed Kay

Thursday, January 7, 2027

Time	Session	Presenter(s)
10:00 AM	Welcome and Devotion	Rev. Carla Christopher & Rev. Seven O’Riordan (New Beginnings Community)
10:30 AM	Experience the Scripture	Rev. Secretary CeCee Mills
11:15 AM	Art & Music Break	Rev. Kelle Shepherd
11:30 AM	Singing Justice	Diana Wagner
12:15 PM	Lunch
12:45 PM	Lutheran Yoga	Rev. Charles Frederickson (Embodied Grace)
1:00 PM	Called to Accompaniment	Sonja Ware & Rev. Dr. Dave Daubert
2:15 PM	Art & Music Break	Rev. Kelle Shepherd
2:30 PM	Healing On Purpose	Rev. Sueellen Spotts & Rev. Linda Manson
3:45 PM	Art & Music Break	Rev. Kelle Shepherd
4:00 PM	The 5 Seeds of Deep Peace	Dr. Jon Pahl
4:40 PM	Reenvisioning Evangelism	Rev. Anna-Kari Johnson

---