Post-pandemic youth ministry is hard. So hard, in fact, that the leadership of EPA&GNJ Next Gen Ministries recognized the folly of going about it alone. The United Methodist Church of West Chester in EPA became a hub of inspiration on …

Leadership Academy Preaching Institute hires director, coordinator
The EPA&GNJ Leadership Academy’s new Lilly Endowment-funded Preaching Institute (LAPI) hired a new director and coordinator January 1. The Rev. Darryl Stephens, who chairs the Order of Deacons in the Eastern PA Conference and teaches at Lancaster Theological Seminary, will serve as director. …

Denman Evangelism Award nominations extended to Jan. 19
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. (1 Thessalonians 5:12) The deadline to submit nominations for the 2024 Harry Denman Evangelism Awards is extended to January 19. The Eastern PA Conference Cabinet and …

2024 Breakthrough Worship Series is here!
The EPA&GNJ 2024 Breakthrough Worship Series outlines are now available online and ready for you to explore at www.breakthroughseries.org/2024. This free, creative and comprehensive resource will help you plan six faith-inspiring worship series throughout the year. The series relate to …

Sarah B. Drummond: The dynamic nature of change in ministry leadership
The Uncovered Dish Christian Leadership Podcast Dig into the Uncovered Dish Christian Leadership Podcast for another enlightening episode, featuring the Rev. Sarah B. Drummond, Founding Dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School. She shares invaluable insights into the …

Empowering Leaders: Tools to Change Church Culture
If nothing seems to change in your congregation despite your best efforts and great strategies, chances are a “stay-the-course” mentality or an unhealthy culture is to blame. While usually taken for granted and often misunderstood, the culture of a local …

Pathways to Transformation: Creating Wholeness and Fruitfulness
The church as a living, dynamic spiritual body is constantly evolving and seeking to adapt to the changing needs of its members and society. Recent upheavals in our world have accelerated changes in our churches that were already underway, thrusting …

EPA, seminaries explore cultivating a Culture of Call
The number of young elders in The United Methodist Church reached a record low number in 2023, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary, reported in October. (The center also published in May, “Who will be God’s …

EPA’s North-West Region plans 2024 Korea pilgrimage
The Eastern PA Conference’s North-West Region will explore Korean Methodism’s roots during a 10-day pilgrimage to Incheon and Seoul, South Korea, June 17-27, 2024. The Rev. Hun Ju Lee, North District Superintendent, is inviting clergy, laity and youth members on …

Breakthrough creative worship resources impact churches near and far
Breakthrough, the increasingly popular worship resource, is breaking through our over-reliance on ordinary worship themes and patterns, as many churches now enjoy its extraordinary approaches to preaching, teaching, learning and celebrating our faith. The easy-to-use, time-saving worship resources include liturgies, sermon …