We regret to announce the cancellation of the 2025 New & Renew Conference, scheduled on May 14-16, 2025, at the Church of the Brethren office in Elgin, IL. We will share more information about this church planting and revitalization event in the future and keep you updated.
Those who registered for the hybrid Conference will receive a full refund. Your registration reimbursement will be processed in the next few business days. Thank you for understanding.
Blessings,
Stan Dueck and the New & Renew Advisory Team
Date: May 14-16, 2025
Location: Elgin, IL
Theme: God Is Doing a New Thing – Isaiah 43:19
New & Renew is a vibrant hybrid gathering focused on church planting and church renewal that is rooted in worship and prayer that equips, nurtures, and stimulates creative, practical ministry.
Equipping you with:
- 6 tailored Workshops filled with practical tools to help you to invigorate your churches and deepen your understanding of church planting and current cultural trends.
- 2 Main Sessions designed to inspire and provide insights for your ministry.
- Storytelling and sharing opportunities will revitalize your calling and passion for ministry.
Click above to download a PDF of the flyer
Sponsored by: Church of the Brethren through the Office of Discipleship and Leadership Formation and the New & Renew Advisory Team
Jonathan Brooks
“Pastah J”
Keynote Speaker
Jonathan Brooks is a lifelong resident of Chicago, IL and currently serves as Lead Pastor at Lawndale Christian Community Church, as well as the Chief Inspiration Officer for Lawndale Christian Ministries which includes Lawndale Christian Health Center, Lawndale Christian Development Corporation and Lawndale Christian Legal Center.
Pastah J, as he is affectionately called, is a sought-after speaker, writer, artist, organizer and community developer. He has contributed to numerous blogs, articles and books and is the author of the book Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods published by Intervarsity Press.
Jonathan has a Bachelor of Architecture from Tuskegee University, Master of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University, as well as a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Northern Seminary with an emphasis in Christian Community Development. He is married to Micheál Newman-Brooks, has two beautiful children and lives in the North Lawndale neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago.
You can learn more at www.pastahj.com.
Conference Schedule
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
5:30 – Registration
7:00 – Opening Worship
Thursday, May 15, 2025
7:30 – Registration
8:55 – Gathering Music
9:00 – Worship
10:05 – Break / Transition
10:15 – Keynote – Pastah J – Jonathan Brooks
11:15 – Break / Transition
11:30 – Workshops – 1 hour
12:30 – Lunch – served on-site, included in registration
1:30 – Workshops – 1 hour
2:30 – Break / Transition
2:45 – Workshops – 1 hour
3:45 – Break / Transition
4:00 – Worship – 1 hour
5:15 – Dinner – served on-site, included in registration
Friday, May 16, 2025
8:55 – Gathering Music
9:00 – Worship
10:05 – Break / Transition
10:15 – Keynote – Pastah J – Jonathan Brooks
11:15 – Break / Transition
11:30 – Workshops – 1 hour
12:30 – Lunch – served on-site, included in registration
1:30 – Workshops – 1 hour
2:30 – Break / Transition
2:45 – Workshops – 1 hour
3:45 – Break / Transition
4:00 – Worship– 1 hour
5:15 – Dinner on your own
For further information contact Randi Rowan at churchplanting@brethren.org
New & Renew Advisory Team
Ryan Braught – Veritas Community, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Don Mitchell – Director of Church Development & Evangelism, Atlantic Northeast District
Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Arlyn Morales – Iglesia Berith, Oasis De Esperanza Church of the Brethren, Lebanon, Pennsylvania and Coordinator of Spanish Language Ministry Training Program, Brethren Academy
Gilbert Romero – Restoration Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
Cesia Salcedo – Renacer Church of the Brethren, Floyd, Virginia, and Buen Pastor Church of the Brethren, Blacksburg, Virginia
Gina Wright-Hawkins – The Way and Monte Vista Church of the Brethren, Roanoke, Virginia
Discipleship & Leadership Formation staff: Randi Rowan, Stan Dueck
2023 New & Renew information
Matthew 28.16-20; Ephesians 4.11-16; John 20.19-20
Event Date: Wed.-Fri., May 17-19, 2023
Location: Onsite at the Church of the Brethren General Offices and livestreamed virtually. This hybrid event will be recorded for all those registered. CEUs will be offered both for live sessions and recordings.
