Exploring Ministry Events

Looking for ways to explore how God is calling you? Know of an individual who might be called to ministry? The Virginia Annual Conference is passionate around cultivating a sense of call and nurturing call among leaders. Check out some of the events and resources below around vocational discernment, learning, experience as well as clarifying your call. For more questions or resources, contact the Rev. Lindsey M. Baynham lindseybaynham@vaumc.org or (804) 521-1160

Becoming a Certified Candidate (pdf) 
www.explorecalling.org
VAUMC Candidacy Summits 
VAUMC Calling 21 Program 

Coming spring 2019!

Are you struggling to answer where God is leading you next?
Consider joining us at our inaugural "Cross-Roads Discernment and Empowerment Retreat" Saturday March 16, Virginia Conference Center, 9:30 am-5 pm
This event is geared towards women in their 20's and 30's, who are entering into a time of transition or exploration in their life. We hope that this time together will be inspiring and empower you to discern where God is leading you next!    
 
The day will be spent in worship, networking with others, learning about your gifts and how to utilize them with your passions. Come, hear stories of wisdom and experience from a panel of female trail-blazers; participate in focused dialogue together in break-out sessions and learn more about ministerial entrepreneurship, non-profit and extension missionary work, and ministry beyond the walls of the church.
Total Registration Cost: $25.00 (Includes Lunch, Materials, Refreshments)
Link to register:  https://www.eiseverywhere.com/397052

Coming summer 2019!

Youth Theology Institute at Shenandoah University:
Shenandoah University’s Youth Theology Institute is an intensive two-week program from July 14th-27th , designed to help rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors become better leaders through deep and thought-provoking experiences. During the course of the two weeks, daily rhythms of academic study and religious reflection will be balanced with immersive experiences. Students will be exposed to different faith traditions, service opportunities and a mixture of rural, wilderness and urban contexts at Shenandoah’s Winchester campus, its Shenandoah River Campus at Cool Spring and the Wesley Theological Seminary campus in Washington, D.C.
Follow the link below for more information and how to apply: www.su.edu/youththeology

Convergence at Randolph-Macon College:
All too often, young people are taught there are no connections between what they read in the Bible and what they study in science class. From June 22nd -June 30th, Randolph-Macon College and Union Presbyterian Seminary faculty will lead high school youth (freshmen, sophomores and juniors) in exploring topics such as The Origin of the Universe, Stewardship of the Earth, and Non-Western Religious Voices on Science. Follow the link below for more information and how to apply: convergence.rmc.edu

Coming fall 2019!

Exploration November 1st – 3rd in Orlando, Florida
 Exploration creates sacred space for young adults, ages 18-26, to be in meaningful fellowship, passionate worship, theological reflection, and practical workshops as they discern whether God’s call on their life is to ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church and what faithful steps they can take in response. http://www.explorecalling.org/exploration/