"Faithful and Flexible: Empowering Church Leaders for Emerging Possibilities" is a two-day conference designed to equip church leaders for faithful and adaptive leadership in today’s rapidly changing ministry contexts. This year’s Henderson Lectures will be given by the Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger, an influential voice on adaptive leadership in the church. Bring a team of leaders—lay and clergy, paid and volunteer—to gain tools and insights to navigate disruption, build resilient teams, and lead transformative change in your congregation with both conviction and creativity. Workshop topics will explore relational, technical, and spiritual adaptations necessary for today’s church.
Lecture, reception, and book signing (Sept. 19, 6:30-9:00 p.m.) – FREE in person or online
Henderson Leadership Conference (Sept. 19, 1:00 p.m. to Sept. 20, 4:15 p.m., including Friday’s lecture, reception, and book signing)
*Purchase 4 registrations and get the 5th free! All 5 must be within the same transaction to be eligible at checkout.*
Click here to register for Henderson Lecture Only - In-Person or Online
Click here to register for Full Henderson Conference - In-Person (register by Sept. 9 to guarantee any needed dietary accommodations)
Click here to register for Full Henderson Conference - Online
The Rev. Dr. Tod Bolsinger is the co-founder and principal of AE Sloan Leadership Inc., an executive coaching and consulting firm that works with church, non-profit, university, and marketplace leaders in leading change. He is also the executive director of the DePree Center Church Leadership Institute, a senior fellow of the De Pree Center for Leadership, associate professor of leadership formation at Fuller Theological Seminary, was the founder of the Fuller Leadership Platform, and served as a vice president at Fuller Seminary for six years. Prior to his educational career, he served as a pastor for 27 years. Dr. Bolsinger has written several books about leadership, including Canoeing the Mountains, Tempered Resilience, and the Practicing Change Series consisting of four succinct and actionable leadership books.
The Rev. Ross Pryor, Connellsville and Washington Districts Superintendent of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church
Sister Maria Clara Kreis, CDP, PhD., L.P., Psychologist, Consultant, and Presenter, Sisters of Divine Providence
Erica Rushing, Communications and Publications Director, The Fellowship of Worship Artists
The Rev. Anthony Hita '13, Principal, Archway Preservation, Ordained United Methodist Minister
Lisa Hosack, Assistant Dean and Professor of Social Work, Grove City College
The Rev. Karie Charlton '08, PCUSA Minister of Word and Sacrament, Pittsburgh Presbytery, Leader of Pittsburgh Chapter of Days for Girls
Hunter Steinitz '22, Co-Moderator, Presbyterians for Disability Concerns
(LS): Livestreaming as webinar available for registered participants
(Rec.): Recording available 3-5 weeks after the Conference for registered participants
12:00-1:00 p.m. | Check in / Registration | Knox Room |
1:00-2:15 p.m. |
Session 1 with Tod Bolsinger How Not To Waste a Crisis: Leadership in an Age of Disruption |
Knox Room (LS) (Rec.) |
2:15-2:45 p.m. | Break | |
2:45-4:00 p.m. |
Session 2 with Tod Bolsinger From Trust to Transformation: Building a Team to Go Off the Map |
Knox Room (LS) (Rec.) |
4:00-5:00 p.m. | Kelso Museum and Barbour Library Open | Long Hall Ground Floor, Barbour Library |
5:00-6:30 p.m. | Dinner (for full conference registrants) | Knox Room |
6:15-6:30 p.m. | Gathering Praise Music |
Chapel Sanctuary (LS) (Rec.) |
6:30-8:00 p.m. |
Henderson Lecture with Tod Bolsinger The (Unexpected) and Most Important Aspect of Leadership |
Chapel Sanctuary (LS) (Rec.) |
8:00-9:00 p.m. | Reception and Book Signing | Chapel lounge |
8:00-9:00 a.m. | Breakfast | Knox Room |
9:00-9:45 a.m. |
Opening Worship Preaching: The Rev. Ross Pryor, Connellsville and Washington Districts Superintendent, WPAUMC |
Knox Room (LS) |
9:45-10:00 a.m. | Break | |
10:00-11:30 a.m. | Workshops A |
Long Hall, McNaugher Hall (LS subject to presenters’ approvals) |
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Lunch | Kadel Dining Room |
12:30-2:00 p.m. | Workshops B |
Long Hall, McNaugher Hall (LS subject to presenters’ approvals) |
2:00-2:15 p.m. | Break | |
2:15-3:45 p.m. | Workshops C |
Long Hall, McNaugher Hall (LS subject to presenters’ approvals) |
3:45-4:15 p.m. | Closing Worship |
Knox Room (LS) |
Campus Housing at PTS: $66/night
More info and availability: www.pts.edu/Guest_Housing
Hotel Indigo East Liberty: $149/night (discounted conference rate)
To make your reservation, call 1-800-BRAND, or the property directly at 412-665-0555, and identify yourself as a member of the PTS Conference group when making the reservation. All reservations must be received by Aug. 20, 2025. Reservations made after the cut-off date will be subject to availability and the best available rate.
Please contact or call 412-924-1345.