The descriptions for each are below. Please refer to this section when picking your time slots.

Just as the risen Christ draws near to the travelers on the road, this workshop explores how churches can intentionally notice, welcome, and accompany visitors. Participants will reflect upon first impressions, radical hospitality, and creating spaces where strangers are invited to stay and become companions on the journey. Leader: Rev. Jimmy Byrd, pastor, Clarksville CPC, TN, member of Nashville Presbytery OR Rev. Isaac Gray, pastor, Smithville CPC, TN, member of Murfreesboro Presbytery, member Symposium Planning Team

This workshop focuses on moving beyond a warm greeting to meaningful connection and belonging. Drawing from the Emmaus story, leaders will consider how invitation, shared experience, and relationship help newcomers recognize Christ at work in the life of the congregation. Leader: Rev. Jimmy Byrd, pastor, Clarksville CPC, TN, member of Nashville Presbytery OR Rev. Isaac Gray, pastor, Smithville CPC, TN, member of Murfreesboro Presbytery, member Symposium Planning Team

Jesus meets the disciples where they are, listens to their story, and walks alongside them - offering a model for faithful community outreach. This workshop invites leaders to reimagine outreach as presence, partnership, and invitation into relationships rather than programs alone. Leader: Rev. Dr. Michael Qualls, Director of the Program of Alternate Studies, member of Mid-south Presbytery

Rooted in Jesus’ opening of the scriptures on the road to Emmaus, this workshop explores sermon preparation as an act of invitation. Participants will reflect on preaching that listens deeply, interprets faithfully, and invites congregations to encounter Christ in Word and life. Leader: Rev. Duawn Mearns, pastor of Covenant CPC, Ada, OK, member of Red River Presbytery

Leadership flourishes when it is shared and relational. This workshop focuses on cultivating strong partnerships between pastors and elders, grounded in trust, communication, and a shared invitation to discern where Christ is leading the congregation. Leader: Elder Gwen Roddye, elder, former General Assembly Moderator, member of Beaver Creek CP Church

Together, we will gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual, relational, and administrative roles of elders, including leadership within the session, care for the congregation, and support of the church’s mission. We will reflect on the importance of trust, accountability, and partnership between elders and congregations, while equipping leaders to serve with confidence, humility, and a Christ-centered vision. Leader: Rev. Becky Zahrte, Director of Ministry with Women, Co-Author of Formed By the Spirit, and facilitator of More Than A Mustard Seed.

This workshop explores faithful approaches to church growth that emphasize authentic relationships and community building with Christ’s mission rather than numbers alone. NOTE: This is a two-part workshop. Leaders: Rev. Dr. Chris Fleming, Director of ENGAGE, member of Covenant Presbytery and Rev. TJ Malinoski, Director of Evangelism, New Church Development, and Intercultural Ministries, member of Presbytery of East Tennessee.

Prayer opens our eyes to where Christ is already at work. This workshop invites leaders to cultivate prayer practices that shape vision, deepen trust in God’s presence, and root church growth in discernment rather than strategy alone. Leader: Rev. Dr. Pam Phillips-Burk, Pastoral Development Ministry Team Leader, member of Robert Donnell Presbytery

Just as hearts burned when Jesus opened the scriptures, this workshop focuses on crafting camp experiences that invite children and youth into transformative encounters with Christ. Participants will explore how story, scripture, and creativity foster discipleship and spiritual growth. Leader: Ms. Brenna Truitt, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Director of Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference

Worship is a place where Christ is recognized not only in the breaking of bread, but potentially in every aspect of a church service. This workshop invites leaders to prepare for worship by considering several worship practices through the eyes of children to explore simple child-friendly adjustments that will thoughtfully engage worshipers of all ages. Free resources that accompany these ideas will also be shared. Leaders: Ms. Jodi Rush, Worship Adventure Program Director, Coordinator of Family and Children’s Ministry; Ms. Renee Brown, Worship Adventure Program Assistant, Elected member of DMT, member of Robert Donnell Presbytery

Discipleship does not end at the table - it continues on the road. This workshop explores everyday spiritual practices that help individuals recognize Christ’s presence in daily life and respond to the ongoing invitation to follow. Leader: Rev. Patrick Wilkerson, pastor, Beaver Creek CPC, Knoxville, TN, member of East Tennessee Presbytery, member of Symposium Planning Team

The Emmaus journey reminds us of that encounter with Christ can happen in unexpected ways. This workshop invites participants to experience prayer through visual art, movement, and interactive stations, creating space for reflection, wonder, and holy invitation. Leader: Elder Carla Bellis, member of Orange CPC, Aurora, MO, Missouri Presbytery

Registration Fee: $125 per person (includes fee, dinner Thursday night, and lunch Friday). Dinner on Friday night is on your own. Registration will close on October 15 to allow adequate planning. Spouses/travel partners attending must pay the full registration fee. Refunds: Canceling before October 4th will result in a full refund. Individuals who cancel their registration on or after October 5th will receive a 50% refund. If you cancel on or after November 1, you will not receive a refund.