During the Dakotas Annual Conference, held in Mitchell, South Dakota, Lunch-n-Learn Workshop sessions were held on both days of the event. On Saturday, Rev. Kori Lehrkamp and Rev. Cory Thrall, members of the Equipping Missional Congregations Link, led a workshop entitled "Dream Forward." 

The idea for "Dream Forward" originated as Link members discussed ways to support local churches in fulfilling their mission. Earlier this year, Lehrkamp and Thrall invited clergy to participate in a pilot "Dream Forward" cohort. The cohort was created to help clergy think about unique ways they can mobilize their congregations to engage with their surrounding community.  

Lehrkamp described what she believes is the call for churches by saying, "I believe every church has a unique calling to be a little slice of heaven in their community, bringing people to a greater understanding of God and God's love." 

The Lunch-n-Learn began with three questions that participants were invited to discuss at their tables: Why did you choose this Lunch-n-Learn? What is an area that you think your church glows? What are the growing edges of your church? 

As participants reported back from their table conversations, one of the major themes that emerged was how to respond to what is happening in one's community. Other participants emphasized the importance of being intentional and mindful about the programs or ideas you develop so that they meet the needs of your community.  

"This is all contextual," explained Thrall. "We are trying to help you and encourage you to listen to your community and respond to the community. There are tools that we give you that everyone will use, but you will all use them contextually in your community." 

After the initial discussion, Thrall and Lehrkamp invited three participants from the pilot cohort to answer some questions and share their experiences. The panelists were Pastors Jordan Minnich Kjesbo from Vermillion (SD) UMC, Kimberly Hastings from Salem (SD) Unite, and Dayne Zachrison, Devils Lake (ND) UMC. 

Zachrison was drawn to the cohort because his church needed to think about "what was next." He also enjoyed being able to tell his congregation that he was part of a cohort that cared and was intentionally thinking about the next steps for the church. 

The framework that drove Hastings to take part in the cohort was the idea of dreaming. "How can we think outside of what already exists?" Pastor Kim shared. "To me, dreams are something that's not there currently. If you're just re-imagining what already exists, how can we refocus and dream up something new?" 

MissionInsite is one of the tools that the Conference provides for churches to better understand their communities.

Minnich Kjesbo enjoyed the cohort format. 

"I connected with the idea of dreaming together," said Pastor Jordan. "As United Methodists, we are naturally connectional, and those relationships with each other are foundational to who we are." 

"I was able to connect with my colleagues and get external feedback and process all these things together," he added. 

After hearing from the panelists, Thrall recentered the group with a question that focused on the purpose of this work. 

"What if you were to dream with the team in your church to the point that, if you moved and the next pastor came in, everything wouldn't fall apart because you left, but rather, when the pastor came in and sat down with your congregation, they could say 'this is our dream'?" asked Pastor Cory. 

"The goal for us is to help you find ways to help your congregations create a mission and vision that is theirs," he emphasized. 

Lehrkamp concluded the Lunch-n-Learn with time for questions and encouraging words for those looking to dream forward.  

"Engage with the greater community," shared Pastor Kori. "Find ministry partners that are already engaging in your community and figure out how to do ministry with them." 

The Dream Forward Cohort is planning to launch its second 6-month cohort, focused on moving your congregation forward in a healthy and strategic way. This cohort will launch this fall and is open to all Dakotas clergy. Learn more and apply here.  

View resources from this Lunch-n-Learn.