Our annual conference is a signature event for EFCA East. We look forward to gathering as the body of Christ in a larger group setting to celebrate what God is doing around our district, encourage each other in the work that is yet to be done and exchange ideas for being and growing better disciples of Jesus. Breakout sessions are a key way in which we accomplish the latter.
We are so pleased that you are considering being part of ONE Voice by leading a breakout session! The information below will give you a picture of what our expectations are for breakout leaders.
Please reach out to Josh (josh.ott@efca.org) or Emily (emily.gardner@efca.org) if you have any questions!
2024 BREAKOUTS
It's important to us to be helping ALL leaders, live well, lead well and multiply. We want to make sure leaders like elders, volunteers, and support staff feel like the vital part of EFCA East that they actually are. Last year we chose to have all our breakouts on the same day in order to make it easier for lay leaders and non-pastoral staff to attend. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive about this change so we following that model again this year.
1. All breakout sessions on one day. All three breakout session time slots will be on Wednesday. This allows leaders who can't take two days off to come on one day full of specific, practical learning opportunities.
2. We're doing breakout session tracks. We're offering 9 different tracks covering a diverse cross-section of ministry. Each track will have three different breakouts. This year's tracks are:
- Small(er) Town Pastors
- Church Operations
- Equipping Women For Ministry
- Elders & Boards
- Kids Ministry
- Next Gen
- Worship & Production
- Theology Refresh
- Preaching
ANATOMY OF A BREAKOUT SESSION
The culture we are shooting for in our breakouts is reflective of what frames our EFCA distinctives: "In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, charity. In all things, Jesus Christ." Keep in mind that you'll be teaching theologically diverse leaders from different church contexts.
All breakout session will be held Wednesday, October 16th.
- Session 1: 9 - 9:50 am
- Session 2: 11:55 am - 12:45 pm
- Session 3: 1 - 1:50 pm
Fifty minutes will go by in a flash so be prepared!
There are always exceptions, but we've found that a good breakout session usually has these elements:
- Brief intro of speaker.
- Presentation of topic.
- Attendee participation.
- Time for Q & A.
Here are some ways to make your breakout session stand out:
- Be on time! (And we are going to do our best to keep the schedule on track...)
- Utilize tech or a handout to keep people engaged.
- Share a way attendees can contact you with further questions.
- Make sure you are adding value with your content.
- Help your attendees to apply the content you are providing in their unique setting.
