Henderson Leadership Conference 2025

Session 1 with Tod Bolsinger

How Not To Waste a Crisis: Leadership in an Age of Disruption
This session introduces the concept and practices of adaptive leadership as a different approach and skill set that can be learned by leaders when their old best-practices no longer work. 

Knox Room

(LS)

(Rec.)

Session 2 with Tod Bolsinger

From Trust to Transformation: Building a Team to Go Off the Map
This session focuses on the adaptive change process that is needed by "Corps of Discovery" who continue the mission in the face of a changing landscape. 

Knox Room

(LS)

(Rec.)

Chapel Sanctuary

(LS)

(Rec.)

Henderson Lecture with Tod Bolsinger

The (Unexpected) and Most Important Aspect of Leadership
This session is both profoundly personal and unexpectedly universal--but very few leaders have ever been taught about it at all. In this lecture we will take a clear-eyed look at what Edwin Friedman called "The most important aspect of leadership," and how to prepare for it, and be ready to respond faithfully. Whether you are exercising leadership within your family, community, church, organization, or even corporation or nation, the key to effective leadership that unlocks deep transformation starts here. 

Chapel Sanctuary

(LS)

(Rec.)

Opening Worship

Preaching: The Rev. Ross Pryor, Connellsville and Washington Districts Superintendent, WPAUMC

Knox Room

(LS)

Long Hall, McNaugher Hall

(LS subject to presenters’ approvals)

Long Hall, McNaugher Hall

(LS subject to presenters’ approvals)

Long Hall, McNaugher Hall

(LS subject to presenters’ approvals)

Knox Room

(LS)

Title

Description

Presenter

Online Option?

Importance of Self-Care for Servant Leaders

At this workshop, we will reflect on our current commitment to self-care so that we can determine, if, where, and how we would like to strengthen and sustain and/or make realistic and concrete changes as we seek to implement and sustain authentic self-care strategies.

Sister Maria Clara Kreis, CDP, Ph.D., L.P., Sisters of Divine Providence

No

Period Positive Church

This session explores how the period positive workplace movement could inform the ways churches hold space for people with periods. Period positive practices provide ways churches can acknowledge that we are more than souls and brains. We can honor and recognize our real bodies, creating safe and welcoming space for our community.

Rev. Karie Charlton ’08, PCUSA Minister, USA Special Projects Coordinator for Days for Girls International

Yes

Ethical Decision Making for Christian Leaders

This workshop explores the intersection of Christian faith and ethical decision-making, specifically for leaders. It will cover biblical foundations for ethics, common ethical dilemmas faced by Christian leaders, and a framework for navigating these challenges with wisdom, integrity, and faith-based discernment.

Dr. Vannessa Bush, Lecturer and Social Work Field Placement Director, Grove City College

Yes

Programming at the Intersection of Innovation and Necessity

This workshop is designed to explore the assets and liabilities of Program/Ministry Development and Management. Often we recognize a community need or feel the leading of God to take programming/ministry in a certain direction. What we are left to then discern is How?, With who?, And with what resources? This workshop addresses the practical elements of Program/Ministry Development and Management that feed the ground of innovation.

Rev. Dr. Nichelle Nelson, Vice President of Programs at YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, Associate Minister at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church

Yes

Title

Description (short)

Presenter

Online Option?

Resetting the Circuit: Answering the Call to Lay Leadership

In this workshop, we will discuss the role of laity in our church systems; identify common obstacles to fully integrating laity into the life and leadership of the church; and brainstorm ways to help lay members discern their call to use their particular God-given gifts to worship God and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Erica Rushing, Communications and Publications Director, The Fellowship of Worship Artists

Yes

Leveraging Location: From Burden to Blessing in Historic Churches

Many historic churches are held by congregations rich in legacy but uncertain how to steward their space for the future. This interactive workshop helps church leaders reframe their spaces as assets rather than burdens. Through case studies, practical tools, and theological reflection, participants will explore how mindset, not money, is often the biggest barrier to renewal and will be equipped with exercises and tools to begin thinking practically on how to manage their aging properties.

Rev. Anthony Hita ’13, Principal, Archway Preservation, United Methodist Minister

Yes

Invitational Ministry in Small Places

This workshop will identify the opportunities and challenges in each context and build a network of other pastors and lay leaders who care about rural and small-town congregations.

Rev. Dr. Charles Cotherman ’06, Executive Director of the Center on Rural Ministry at Grove City College, Pastor at Oil City Vineyard Church

Yes

Leading with the Spirit: Transforming Church Leadership

This workshop is designed for current and emerging church leaders who yearn to infuse spiritual depth into their work. Together, we will explore how spiritual practices and intentional discernment can transform routine committee meetings into meaningful acts of worship and discipleship—weaving worship, reflection and discernment into the fabric of church leadership.

Dr. Joan Prentice, Pastor and Director of the Ephesus Project

Yes

Title

Description (short)

Presenter

Online Option?

Resetting the Circuit: Answering the Call to Lay Leadership

In this workshop, we will discuss the role of laity in our church systems; identify common obstacles to fully integrating laity into the life and leadership of the church; and brainstorm ways to help lay members discern their call to use their particular God-given gifts to worship God and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Erica Rushing, Communications and Publications Director, The Fellowship of Worship Artists

Yes

Inclusion IS Worship: Making Space for People with Disabilities

During this workshop, participants will explore the presence of disability within our Scriptures and consider how we interpret those narratives in our modern world. We will then share some strategies for making your congregation a disability friendly space for everyone to share their God-given talents with the Body of Christ.

Hunter Steinitz ’22, Co-Moderator, Presbyterians for Disability Concerns

Yes

The Anxious Perfectionist: Managing the Stress Within

Anxiety goes hand-in-hand with leadership. And at low levels, it’s a productive companion, leading to conscientiousness and focus. Yet often, leaders experience a level of anxiety — tethered to perfectionistic self-expectations — that paralyzes versus motivates. This workshop will explore the origins of maladaptive perfectionism and practical ways to cultivate the peace of Christ within.

Dr. Lisa Hosack, Assistant Dean, Professor of Social Work, Grove City College

Yes