Presented by Ken Hockenberry, Stated Clerk, Chicago Presbytery
A primer in Presbyterian polity, including recent updates in Book of Order changes, to help COM and CPM members as they work with inquirerers, candidates, and ministers seeking ordination and/or installation.

Jeopardy game

Scruple Notes for Polity Potpourri

Presented by Jennifer Burns Lewis, Visioning and Connecting Leader, Presbytery of Wabash Valley
This workshop is for anyone who wants to put their best foot forward or coach someone as they discern a new call.  

Presented by Beunghoon Choi, Executive Presbytery, Midwest Korean American Presbytery
Appreciative Inquiry is a powerful approach to promoting positive change and maintaining healthy spirituality in church ministry.  In the context of church ministry, fostering healthy spirituality involves creating an environment that supports and nurtures the spiritual growth and well-being of the congregation. By focusing on the mission of the church and building on the strengths of the church amid diverse communities of faith, Appreciative Inquiry can help maintain a healthy and vibrant spiritual life within the ministry.

Presentation slides: The healthy Spirituality and AI

Presented by Erin McGee, Transitional Lead Presbyter, Whitewater Valley Presbytery
How can your COM spend less time on “how we’ve always done it” and more time on “what are we contending with today”? We will consider both how to change and brainstorm/share ideas of how your presbytery’s COM is responding to needs identified.

Presentation: SOLT 2025

Presented by Craig Howard, Executive Presbytery, Chicago Presbytery
In addition to CREs, how do we work with ministers from other denominations who are called to lead Presbyterian congregations? Where are the spaces in our polity for such leadership? What benefits can the Board of Pensions provide? Should we pursue these opportunities through CPM, COM, or other presbytery entities? What pathways do we provide sessions and PNCs who are seeking leadership beyond Ministers of Word and Sacrament?

Class handout: The Outsiders

Presented by Rebecca Blair, Lead Presbyter for Transformation and Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois

Presentation slides: SOLT 2025 Future Is Shared

Current research indicates that as many as 100,000 church properties are expected to be sold or repurposed by 2030.  While some of these congregations have reached the end of their ministries having exhausted their financial and human resources, many others have simply expended their capacities to imagine life-giving forms of ministry outside their church walls as disciples serving the community.  We will explore ecumenical, hybrid, and small group models of shared ministry as catalysts for deep discipleship, congregational revitalization, and meaningful servant leadership in the communities we serve.

Presented by Sara Dingman-Kibler, Synod Executive, Synod of Lincoln Trails
Commissioned Pastors (CPs) are shaping the church in powerful ways — bringing creativity, commitment, and a deep sense of call. But what does the future hold for CPs and the churches they serve? How can the broader church better understand, support, and collaborate with them?

This interactive conversation is for CPs, church leaders, and anyone curious about the evolving landscape of pastoral leadership. Together, we’ll imagine new possibilities, listen to real stories, and explore ways the Synod of Lincoln Trails can walk alongside CPs in meaningful ways. Bring your questions, your insights, and your imagination as we dream about what’s next in SOLT!