Reflections from Discipleship and Leadership Formation
Young Adult Conference – May 23-25, 2025
38 young adults
Anabaptism began 500 years ago when a group of young adults gathered and prayed for ways to follow Jesus in their rapidly changing world, and it continues today as 38 young adults from 9 states and the District of Columbia converged over Memorial Day weekend for the Church of the Brethren’s annual Young Adult Conference, hosted at Brethren Woods Camp and Retreat Center near Harrisonburg, Va.
From Friday evening to Sunday morning, through sermons, small groups, service, and social activities, we unfolded the wisdom of Jeremiah 17:7-8, exploring how strong and well-nourished roots can fortify us in times of drought and heat, nurturing our growth and renewing the hope God gifts us.
Attendees cherish the space to share their struggles, hopes, and talents with Christians of similar age and values, and also to simply have fun together.
~Luke Haldeman, 2025 attendee and member of the Young Adult Steering Committee
Christian Citizenship Seminar – April 5-9, 2025
24 students, advisors, and staff
CCS is a wonderful opportunity—not only to meet new people and explore Washington, D.C.—but also to learn about yourself, your voice, and how to use it. This trip offered many chances to discover ways to advocate and make our voices heard. As youth, it’s important for us to recognize the power in our voices, and CCS helped me do just that.
~Kaia Pfeiff, 2025 participant
Clergywomen’s Retreat – February 10-13, 2025
More than 70 clergywomen
I am deeply grateful to all who made the Clergywomen’s Retreat 2025 such a meaningful experience. The way Rev. Meghan Good guided us through various scenarios of love— showing how Jesus modeled and encouraged us to love in a way that benefits us and blesses others—was truly inspiring. The small group discussions were especially valuable, allowing us to connect as sisters in Christ, listen to each other’s concerns, and recognize that we may be facing similar challenges in our ministries. We were able to share wisdom and hope, strengthening our faith as we continue our journeys.
~Mayra Calix, 2025 attendee
L.E.A.D Conference – November 15-17, 2024
Around 100 participants and staff
The very first Church of the Brethren L.E.A.D. (Listen – Equip – Adapt – Disciple) Conference took place at Ephrata (Pa.) Church of the Brethren in November of 2024. The event was sponsored by Discipleship and Leadership Formation. Through worship, keynote messages, and breakout sessions, the gathering encouraged, inspired, and equipped leaders to adapt and serve effectively in their ministry contexts. Our next L.E.A.D. Conference will be back at Ephrata on May 1-3, 2026. Church leaders of all positions (board members, treasurers, Sunday school teachers, pastors, deacons, etc.) are all welcome to come learn and grow with us so we can all be more effective in the congregations we serve.
~Nathan Polzin, executive director of Discipleship and Leadership Formation
Update from Intercultural Ministries
The deportation defense response team—a partnership between Intercultural Ministries, On Earth Peace, districts, and many others—has answered prayers for many reasons. It includes many hands and brains for what is needed to help our churches, our brethren, and ourselves. Together we are able to discover the needs and navigate the sensitive issues collectively with compassion and understanding. Serving with this group of people doing this great work is immeasurable but incredible.
Addressing matters related to immigration has broadened the scope of Intercultural Ministries. We have not only been offered the opportunity to serve well but to be Jesus in the neighborhood for our brothers and sisters with knowledge, empathy, compassion, love, and respect.
~Founa Badet, director of Intercultural Ministries