About 35 people gathered at St. Timothy, Houston, on October 2 for the first-ever Exponential Learning Community Summit. The Summit was designed for those who have been, are, or soon will be participants in Exponential Learning Communities sponsored by the Texas District.

The Exponential Learning Communities process is designed to help professional church workers and lay leaders multiply disciples and congregations in their ministry contexts. The impetus for the gathering came from the participants themselves. Focus groups conducted by district staff indicated that past participants felt a strong need to gather to share best practices, be mutually accountable, and encourage one another.

Summit attendees heard presentations from Rev. Brad Jurischk, St. Timothy’s senior pastor, Rev. Aaron Lytle, pastor of Oikos, Houston, and Rev. Dan Schepmann, senior pastor of Gloria Dei, Nassau Bay. The presentations focused on each congregation’s best practices in their respective contexts and the challenges they faced. Summiteers also had the opportunity to dialog with the presenters.

Discussion groups led by Revs. Brady Blasdel (Zion, Pasadena) and Rob Bailey (Southlake, League City), along with DCEs Nathan Engman (Memorial, Katy) and Jason Phelps (Gloria Dei, Nassau Bay), allowed participants to share their personal ministry experiences and engage in peer-to-peer coaching.

The formal content of the day, the side conversations, and, of course, Rudy’s Barbeque (!) recharged attendees for ministry in their local congregations.

By Jon Braunersreuther, D. Min.
Director of Districtwide Strategy
Mission Strategist—Area D