Pastors and church leaders are invited to be part of “Telling Our Story — A Leadership Luncheon Seminar for Church Leaders,” on Friday, July 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. This event is sponsored by Olivet Nazarene University and hosted by College Church of the Nazarene at its main campus, 200 University Ave., Bourbonnais, Illinois.

Designed to help pastors, staff and lay leaders communicate the gospel more effectively within their communities, this interdenominational leadership training seminar focuses on telling faith stories. As churches seek to reach more people, especially teens through early 30s, leaders need to hone and refine their interpersonal communication skills.

Led by a cohort in Olivet’s Doctor of Education: Ethical Leadership Program under the direction of Jay Martinson, communication department chair, participants will focus on:

• Using personal storytelling to form genuine connections with others
• Listening to what others say and don’t say
• Telling faith stories in ways that connect to each listener’s needs
• Encouraging others with the stories of grace from personal experiences

“Leaders in the marketplace want to share insights on how pastors and church leaders can more effectively communicate the goals and mission of a local church to their constituents, and I want to be there,” said Michael A. Taylor, pastor of Vincennes, Indiana, First Church of the Nazarene. “Olivet’s learning programs attract quality people from many walks of life. The Olivet community of ethical leaders will give me information I can trust. This event will provide pastors and leaders greater understanding of some ‘best practices’ for engaging our culture.”

The cost is $15 per person for the seminar and lunch. Childcare will not be provided. To register online, go to olivetstore.com/teourst.html. The registration deadline is Monday, July 2.

For more information, contact Jay Martinson at 815-263-5114 or email jmartin@olivet.edu.
--Olivet Nazarene University