Upper Midwest Global Methodist Church

06/05/2026

As we get closer to the 2026 Annual Conference, we’re excited to continue sharing breakout sessions you can look forward to this year!

✨ A Fundamental Shift: From Churches That Support Small Groups to Small Groups That Support the Church ✨
📅 Friday, June 19 & Saturday, June 20 • 1:30 PM

What if disciple making wasn’t just another church program, but the foundation for how the church grows?

In this breakout, participants will explore a simple and reproducible approach to relational, Scripture-centered discipleship that moves beyond attendance and toward multiplication. Learn practical tools for developing leaders, launching discipleship groups, and creating a culture where small groups become a driving force for mission and growth.

Led by Rev. Jake Schadel, Pastor of Valentine Church in Valentine, NE.

Annual Conference is only 2 weeks away — register today:
https://www.uppermidwestgmc.org/registration

06/03/2026

Another great breakout scheduled for Annual Conference 2026.

✨ Restaurant Church ✨
📅 Friday, June 19 • 1:30 PM

What can the Church learn from great restaurants?

In this fun and practical workshop, participants will explore ideas like advertising, atmosphere, service, and hospitality — and consider how some of the best practices of successful restaurants might help churches think differently about the way they “do church” each week.

Led by Rev. Tom Shinkle, Pastor of Grand View and Center Grove Churches in Dubuque, IA, and Wesley Church in East Dubuque, IL.

Explore everything Annual Conference related:
https://www.uppermidwestgmc.org/annual-conference-home

06/01/2026

05/30/2026

As we get closer to the 2026 Annual Conference, we’re excited to continue sharing breakout sessions you can look forward to this year!

✨ AI and The Church ✨
📅 Saturday, June 20 • 1:30 PM

Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we work, communicate, and create — but what does that mean for the Church?

Join Dr. Andrew Gustafson, faculty at Creighton University’s Business School, for a practical discussion on what AI is, how churches can begin using it in ministry, and where thoughtful limits may be needed. Whether you’re completely new to AI or already experimenting with it, this session will explore opportunities, challenges, and faithful questions for the Church.

Register today:
https://www.uppermidwestgmc.org/registration

05/27/2026

As we get closer to the 2026 Annual Conference, we’re excited to continue sharing breakout sessions you can look forward to this year!

✨ GuideStone Benefit Overview ✨
📅 Friday, June 19 • 1:30 PM

Join GuideStone for an overview of life and health benefits available to clergy, including programs designed to enhance the benefit experience and help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Led by Cody Gonzales, this session is a great opportunity to better understand resources available to support clergy and their families.

Check out all of this year’s breakout sessions:
https://www.uppermidwestgmc.org/breakout-sessions

05/16/2026

As we get closer to the 2026 Annual Conference, we’re excited to continue sharing breakout sessions you can look forward to this year!

✨ The Community Church: Growth Through Radical Presence ✨

Methodism has always been built on connection — but thriving churches go beyond their walls to become deeply present in their communities. In this breakout session, participants will explore practical ways churches can grow in vitality and visibility through partnerships with schools, youth events, and local organizations.

Learn how to identify the “pulse” of your community and help your church become more than a landmark — a heartbeat in the community.

Led by Mike Jones, Pastor of Calvary Church in Walcott, Iowa.

Register today: https://www.uppermidwestgmc.org/registration

05/13/2026

As we get closer to the 2026 Annual Conference, we’re excited to begin sharing a few breakout sessions you can look forward to this year!

✨ Bands: Becoming Like Jesus in Micro-Community ✨

A “band” is a group of 3–5 people who meet weekly around five transformational questions, creating a safe and honest space for growth, healing, and discipleship. In this breakout session, participants will learn more about the Bands model from Seedbed and how it can be implemented personally and within local churches and communities.

Led by Nick Perreault, producer/director of the Wake-Up Call and longtime creative leader with Seedbed and New Room.

Register today: https://www.uppermidwestgmc.org/registration

05/08/2026

Have you registered yet for this year's Annual Conference? We will be gathering in Sioux City, IA from June 19-21 to celebrate the ways God is moving in our conference and you're invited.

Learn more and register at

The Upper Midwest Conference of the GMC Annual Conference Home Page.

05/04/2026

Who in your church needs someone to say, “I see in you…”?
ICNU conversations matter because many people might never step into their calling simply because no one has helped them recognize the gifts God has already placed within them.

When churches regularly speak life, call out potential, and affirm spiritual gifts, disciples grow in confidence, leaders begin to rise, and people become more willing to step into mission.

In this teaser from this month’s Multiplication Minute, two students from The Call retreat in Iowa share how receiving ICNU letters impacted them and why these conversations are so powerful.

🎥 Watch the teaser below, then catch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/FF1vZYg0CAs

When we intentionally raise up and send out leaders, we move closer to becoming a Conference where Every Church Plants.