2021 Conference Messages

The IMPACT Conference is a conference for leaders and emerging leaders in WGM's International Ministries.

Formerly known as the Field Director's Retreat (FDR), a decision was made to expand the conference to include the next generation of WGM leaders.

Because of the international nature of our staff, not all are able to attend, and attendence is by invitation of the regional director.

Dates & Venue

The retreat will be held from June 4 through 16, 2017.

Part 1: June 4 through 8: Huntington University

The first few days will be at Huntington University in Huntington, Indiana.   Our two speakers for this first part of the retreat are Dr. Stan Key, President of the Francis Asbury Foundation, and Mrs. Alene Berguert, the WGM Kenya Country Director.

Stan will be our devotional speaker, and Alene will lead us through "DIscerning the Will of God Together," teaching us a discernment process that has served many organizations like ours very well to facilitate productive and effective conversations for teams as they try to figure out what God is saying and where God is leading.

Part 2:  June 9 through 16: Indiana Wesleyan University

For the second part of the conference we will move to Indiana Wesleyan University.  We will continue to apply the insights from "Discerning God's Will Together" as we consider a number of topics. In particular, we will discuss the difference between WGM's "heritage" and WGM's "traditions" and an appropriate response to each.

In the second week we will use a series of "TED" style talks as the catalyst for learning and discussion.  Some of our discussions will be in small groups by region or ministry type or by generation.

And there will be a lot of "fun and games" as well planned throughout the week.

Accomodation

For both conferences we will stay in the dorms at Huntington and IWU and taking most (but not all) of our meals in the schools' dining commons.

Dress

Dress is casual / business casual.

 

Pursuing God's Will Together

We will spend significant time in the conference exploring this theme, based on the book "Pursuing God's Will Together" by Ruth Haley Barton.

Conversations between Pauls and Timothys

WGM leadership recognizes there is a quantum shift in our leadership coming in international ministries.  How will we navigate that?  Will we just "let" it happen, or will we be be more proactive in developing emerging leadership and building foundations of collaboration between the generations?

We'll use the discernment process from "Pursuing God's Will Together" to help facilitate these conversations.

In WGM, what is "Heritage" and what is "Tradition"

What is our heritage?  And how is that heritage expressed in our traditions?

While we want to refine and express more clearly our heritage, we recognize that our traditions (which may have served us well in the past) may be due for some serious updates to best express what God is calling us to do and how He is calling us to work.

This key distinction will be a part of our discussions as well during the conference.

Introducing IPSAT: The Identity Profile Self-Assessment Tool

WGM's International Ministries is launching a new tool during this year's IMPACT Conference.

The Identity Profile Self-Assessment Profile has been developed by NexLeader, and has already shown itself to be very, very helpful as staff and leaders get clearer on where their "sweet spot" of ministry is.  

This is found at the intersection of our personality, strengths, skills, spiritual gifts, and passions. This is informed by the use of online assessments and assisted by WGM coaches to help you clarify and express your unique identify profile.

You're going to like it!

The final copy of the IMPACT conference is available for download here (Updated May 30, 2017)

Impact 2017 Daily Schedule (revised May 31)

Subcategories

IMPACT 2017 Session Notes

Click on a session title / speaker name to get links to the speaker's notes, power points, videos, books or websites or blogs recommended here.

Speaker Profiles

To help you get to know our speakers this year, here is a bit about each one of them.

We've got a great line-up, and we think you'll enjoy and be challenged by what they have to say, and the conversations that they start with us.