Ministry leaders from the Dakotas Conference at the 2023 Leadership Institute. Photos by Rev. Amber Laffey.

Thirteen people from the Dakotas Conference attended Leadership Institute at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, September 27-29. 

Leadership Institute is designed to equip, encourage, and inspire ministry leaders from across the country and around the globe. This year's theme, "Ignite," inspired the idea that "In a flicker of a single idea, we find the potential to ignite change." Those in attendance left feeling ignited for ministry and hope for the future.

The three-day event includes workshops, worship, keynote speakers, and time for connection with other ministry leaders. The workshops focused on church finances, prayer, leadership, rural ministry, generosity, and marketing. 

The worship at Leadership Institute features a variety of types of music. The Church of the Resurrection has several musical groups, and the attendees experienced contemporary music, African gospel music, and traditional hymns led by the choir and orchestra. 

The worship and workshops were a favorite for Rev. Sara Nelson, Sioux Falls First UMC. She said, "The speakers were inspiring, and the worship services were spirit-filled. I particularly enjoyed the breakout sessions this year. I came home renewed and uplifted!"

The Senior Pastor of the Church of the Resurrection, Rev. Adam Hamilton, is always a keynote speaker that many look forward to hearing. The highlight for many attendees is the United Methodist Family meeting held Thursday evening. This year, Rev. Hamilton invited three United Methodist bishops to share about the current state of the church. The panel shared so much hope and excitement for the denomination's future. Listen and view the discussion.

Rev.Katie Ricke, right, connects with Rev. Olu Brown at Leadership Institute.

Rev. Katie Rickie, First UMC, in Yankton, South Dakota, has attended Leadership Institute for several years. She shared, "Every year, I prioritize attending Leadership Institute because I come away from the experience with a fresh vision and ideas for the future. This year, I came away from the Institute with greater hope for the future of The United Methodist Church as a whole, as well as practical steps for my local congregation. A highlight for me was listening to the United Methodist bishops and the session Friday morning with Olu Brown.

Other keynote speakers were Olu Brown, Jacqui Lewis, and Carey Nieuwhof. Olu Brown was a favorite for Rev. Rodney Knock, Hilltop United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who said, "The atmosphere of hope at Leadership Institute was palpable from the start. I particularly enjoyed Olu Brown's session and am so excited to get back and implement some of these ideas at our church. The best thing overall is that I was just really ignited for ministry."

Rev. Clay Lundberg, left, connects with Rev. Carey Nieuwhof, one of the featured speakers at Leadership Institute.

For Rev. Clay Lundberg, who serves at the United Methodist Church in Canton, South Dakota, the highlight was hearing Carey Nieuwhof speak and meeting him following his presentation. "Carey Nieuwhof's book At Your Best has been a game-changer for me. I have read it and listened to him read the audio version, but to hear him talk about it live brought such a different weight. As one who has burned out and recovered, he speaks to pastors and other church leaders with the authority of one who has been there before and knows the way to the other side. Through his book and breakout session, he reminded me that his strategy is to leverage his most productive hours to accomplish his most important tasks. It sounds so easy, but it can be hard to apply when other people impose their expectations and wants on us. It is up to us to set boundaries, take control of our calendars, and do what we are best at when we are at our best," Lundberg said. 

Rev. Amber Laffey, left, visits with Rev. Jacqui Lewis about here book, Free Love, at Leadership Institute.

This is Rev. Amber Laffey's third year attending Leadership Institute. Laffey, who serves at the United Methodist Church in Alexandria, South Dakota, said, "It was a particularly inspiring experience for me. For me, it is the perfect amount of learning and time for connection to other ministry leaders and God. The highlight for me was Jacqui Lewis' workshop, where I was incredibly inspired. She was funny, spoke some hard truths, and urged us to love. The icing on the cake was winning a giveaway to be the first to meet her and have my book signed by her. "

Learn more about  Leadership Institute at https://leadership.sharechurch.com.