UNCHARTED: GENERAL CONFERENCE 2021
July 19-22, 2021 || Akron, Ohio
You don't need anyone to tell you the last year brought challenges in ministry you've never experienced. The gathered Church was scattered by a pandemic and by cultural, ideological and political divisions. These are new challenges. There's not a roadmap for this. There's not a textbook for this. Seminary didn't prepare us for this.
We are in uncharted territory.
COVID-19 Policy
We're looking forward to having a safe, enjoyable General Conference in-person with all of you! Part of the reason we have selected the John S. Knight Center is its capacity for social distancing. The John S. Knight center is adhering to all regulations set forth by the state of Ohio. While conditions on the ground change everyday, we will be following the protocols required by the John S. Knight Center. If masks are required by JSK at the time of conference, we will ask attendees to wear masks. If social distancing is required, we will gladly submit.
We are committed to being together this year, and we know that may bring a few inconveniences or challenges. However, we believe the benefit of worshipping and discerning together far outweighs any precautions we may have to take in the interest of loving our neighbors.
To view the current COVID regulations in the State of Ohio, visit this link
REGISTRATION
DATESJuly 19-22, 2021 |
COST$159 |
LOCATIONThe John S. Knight Center |
Registration is Now Closed
***Please note, General Conference will not offer childcare or kids conference in this year (2021). Unsupervised play space, as well as private nursing mothers and changing space will be available for families.
ADDITIONAL TICKETED EVENTS
During the week of the conference, there is an opportunity to attend some special events. These events are ticketed, have limited capacity, and require the advance purchase of tickets. This is to ensure a great experience for all in attendance.
EVENTWMS CELBRATION DINNER GLOBAL PARTNERS DESSERT |
COST$15.00 $12.00 |
LOCATION |
W O R S H I P W I T H
CHRIS & BETHANY SOLYNTJES
Chris & Bethany Solyntjes are husband and wife worship leaders out of Renew Communities in Cleveland, Ohio, a United Brethren church plant started by Andy Sikora in 2011. What started as writing and leading worship at Grace College in northern Indiana, turned into a marriage and lifelong commitment to show people the love and faithfulness of a God who is always near.
Chris and Bethany have recorded two worship albums, produced respectively by Robbie Seay and David Alan Leonard (All Sons and Daughters). When they're not leading at Renew or elsewhere, Chris and Bethany are proud parents to their four kids. We're thrilled to have the Solyntjes with us, and know you'll be blessed by their worship leading.
TOD BOLSINGER
PLENARY SPEAKER
Tod Bolsinger, MDiv, PhD, is a Senior Fellow of the De Pree Center for Leadership and Associate Professor of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary. Tod was the founder of the Fuller Leadership Platform, an innovative approach to online formation and leadership development, and served as a Vice President of Fuller Seminary for six years.
He is the author of four books, including the Outreach Magazine Resource of the Year in pastoral leadership, Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, Leadership for a Time of Pandemic: Practicing Resilience and Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change. He served as a pastor for 27 years. Bolsinger speaks, consults and is an executive coach for corporate, non-profit, educational and church organizations in transformational leadership. His blogs and other resources can be found at depree.org/uncharted.
Tod is married to Beth, an executive coach, consultant and professional artist. They have two adult children, Brooks and Ali, and a son-in-law, Ben. An avid outdoor lover, if he hadn’t taken biology after lunch in high school, Tod would have been a National Park Ranger. When he retires, he is going to be a ski host who makes sure there are four people on every quad chair lift.
He can be reached at Bolsinger@fuller.edu
STEVEN COLE
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Rev. Dr. Steven Cole is the Executive Director of The Brethren Church. Steven is a native of Texas and has spent time in New Mexico, Georgia, and most recently, northern California where he was the pastor of Northgate Community Brethren Church in Manteca. As the Executive Director of The Brethren Church, Steven works to communicate the vision and diverse story of our denomination. He is a graduate of Bethel Seminary with a Masters of Arts degree in Transformational Leadership and holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Ashland Theological Seminary. His wife Beth and he have been married since 2001 and are the parents of Maggie and Patrick. Steven is an avid golfer and rarely turns down an invitation to play.
D O W N T O W N A K R O N
DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Akron boasts a number of delicious eating and drinking options, all within an easy walk of the John S. Knight Center. Akron’s new Main Street Corridor project revamped 1.4 miles of downtown Akron and is only two blocks away from the convention center. Much of the dining and entertainment options Akron has to offer are along Main Street, including Canal Park (home of the Akron Rubber Ducks baseball team), LOCK3 (an outdoor, waterfront entertainment complex), and many restaurants.
DOWNLOAD OUR WALKING RESTAURANT GUIDE VIEW THE COMPLETE DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT LIST
There's quite a bit to do while you're in Akron. The Akron Rubber Ducks have home games Tuesday-Saturday (with fireworks on Friday & Saturday night), and we have discounted tickets available! Traveling to town early? Take the family to an outdoor screening of "Karate Kid" at LOCK3 Sunday evening, or return back for live music on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday (July 21-25).
View the LOCK3 Entertainment Schedule »
LOOKING FOR ENGAGE CONFERENCE INFO?
Info and Registration for Brethren Youth Conference can be found here
PARKING
There are ample parking options near the John S. Knight Center, with garage parking starting as low as $2/day at the convention center. Bus parking at the convention center is also available.
Courtyard Marriot - Akron Downtown
Located less than half a mile (an easy 10-15 minute walk) from the convention center, stay close to all the action! Rates at the Downtown Courtyard Marriot start at $129/night. Book using this link or the button below.
41 Furnace Street Akron, Ohio 44308
Courtyard by Marriot Akron/Fairlawn
Courtyard by Marriot Akron is offering a group rate of starting at $109/night. The hotel is 12 miles from the convention center and only 18 miles from Canton-Akron Airport. Space is limited, so reserve your room immediately. Mention that you're booking for Brethren General Conference. Book using this link, or the button below
100 Springside Drive Akron, Ohio 44333
Fairfield Inn & Suites Fairlawn/Akron
Rates at the Fairfield Inn & Suites start at $104/night. This includes a free breakfast and pool. The hotel is located conveniently 12.5 miles from the convention center. Book using this link or the button below.
208 Springside Drive Akron, Ohio 44333
Hampton Inn Fairlawn/Akron
While our discounted block rate is now sold out, rates at the Hampton Inn start at $129/night for remaining rooms. This includes a free continental breakfast and pool. The hotel is located conveniently 12.5 miles from the convention center. Book using this link or the button below.
80 Springside Drive Akron, Ohio 44333