TPIRC Education Summit 2024

September 13 and 14th

Working Together with God

“We know that all things work together for the good for those who love God,

who are called according to God’s purpose!”  

Romans 8:28 NRSVUE 

Agenda

Friday, September 13, 2024

Faranda’s
302 Grove St, DeKalb, IL 60115

  • 3:00 - 5:00 PM | Registration & Cocktail Hour

  • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Dinner and Activities

Saturday, September 14, 2024

Federated Church of Sycamore
612 W State St, Sycamore, IL 60178

  • 8:00 - 9:00 AM | Registration

  • 8:45 - 8:50 AM | Greetings and Housekeeping

  • 8:50 - 9:00 AM | Opening Prayer

  • 9:00 - 9:40 AM | Keynote Speaker

  • 9:40 - 9:55 AM | Q&A

  • 10:00 - 11:00 AM | Workshops (Block A)

  • 11:05 - 12:05 PM | Workshops (Block B)

  • 12:10 - 12:55 PM | Lunch

  • 1:00 - 2:00 PM | Workshops (Block A)

  • 2:05 - 3:05 PM | Workshops (Block B)

  • 3:10 - 4:00 PM | Closing Worship

Get to know our Keynote Speaker

Dr. Barbara Trautlein

“Change Intelligence”

You Know Your IQ, But What’s Your CQ®? Develop Your Change Intelligence® to Lead Organizational Change  

Keynote Description:

Are you frustrated that no matter what you try, your change initiatives seem to either fail outright or produce gains that don’t last?  The reality is that most changes fall woefully short of expectations.  Yet, your organization’s ability to compete in this time of massive disruption across industries around the world - and your own career progress - hinges on your ability to lead successful and sustainable change.  In this highly interactive keynote/workshop, you’ll get introduced to how to get beyond the buzzwords and leverage a proven formula for change.  The CQ® System for Developing Change Intelligence® is based on decades of change leadership in the workplace, years of conducting global research on managing change, and study into the psychology and neuroscience of change.  Through real-life examples you’ll learn how to: 

  • Engage Hearts, enlighten Heads, and equip Hands to get people moving in positive, new directions so change sticks 

  • Diagnose your own Change Intelligence®, appreciate the strengths and blind spots of your Change Leadership Style, and obtain targeted developmental coaching for improvement   

  • Reframe resistance from enemy to ally, and learn how to use resistance as a powerful source of information to engage for change up, down, and across your organization   

  • Learn how to coach others to build their CQ®, build Change Intelligent teams®, and enhance your organization’s collective change capabilities  

  • Emerge as a more competent and confident – and less stressed and frustrated – leader of change   

Bio:

Barbara A. Trautlein, PhD is author of the best-selling book Change Intelligence:  Use the Power of CQ to Lead Change that Sticks, principal and founder of Change Catalysts, and originator of the CQ® System for Developing Change Intelligence®. For over 30 years, Barbara has coached executives, trained leaders at all levels, certified change agents, and facilitated mission-critical change management initiatives - achieving bottom-line business and powerful leadership results for clients.  In 2015 she had the honor of being awarded Change Management Consultant of the Year by the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP) Midwest Chapter.  She is gifted at sharing strategies and tactics that are accessible, actionable, and immediately applicable.  Her blend of research and real-world expertise makes her an in-demand speaker at conferences in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.  Barbara has a unique ability to connect with her audiences, from C-level executives in Fortune 50 organizations to front line employees, and across industries, from steel mills to sales teams, refineries to retail outlets, and healthcare to high tech.  Clients served include Abbot Laboratories, BP, Cisco, Ford, the NYPD, and Northwestern University.  Barbara holds a doctorate in Organizational Psychology from the University of Michigan.  

Published Resources: 

  • Book – Change Intelligence:  Use the Power of CQ to Lead Change that Sticks 

  • Website – for video, research reports, case studies and tools – www.ChangeCatalysts.com 

Social Media: 

Get to know our Presenters

Rev. Dr. Jeff Hale – “Lectio Divino” 

Workshop Description:

Praying Together; Working with God 

Discover the transformative power of communal prayer in "Praying Together; Working with God." Experience firsthand how a simple monthly gathering centered on meditating on Scripture, listening attentively to God, and discerning His nudges can foster hope and ignite change in your church family. Join us as Pastor Jeff Hale shares how this practice helped his congregation navigate the post-pandemic landscape and learn how to implement this powerful form of prayer in your own context.

Bio:

Jeff Hale is an experienced pastor, executive leader, and coach who helps individuals and congregations find purpose and growth opportunities amid life's challenges. With over 30 years of ministry experience, Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as Pastor at Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church in Sauk Village, IL. His thoughtful Christian faith, paired with his background in leadership development, music ministry, and cross-cultural missions, allows him to offer a unique perspective on navigating change and uncertainty.

Jeff holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and has conducted research on leading organizations in chaotic environments and servant leadership. He helps people thrive by drawing on biblical principles and their real-world experience to uncover opportunities for growth. With warmth, wisdom, and care, Jeff partners with individuals and congregations to find meaning and act in alignment with God's call in their lives. His aim is to inspire and equip others to experience greater joy as they serve God's purpose "to reconcile to himself all things" (Colossians 1:20).

Mariann Jordan – “Grant Writing 101: The Basics for Church Leaders” 

Workshop Description:

Who isn’t looking for new sources of funding for their mission and ministry? Have we overlooked a source that might be closer than you think, maybe right in your own community? Have you looked at the community needs assessment to see what the people are really in need of? If you want to write a grant this is the workshop you need to attend.  Dr. Mariann Jordan, Joint Owner of J & P Consulting Group and Chief Executive Officer of J & P National Youth Empowerment Network, NFP will share the basics of how to write a grant applications that get attention, that can help your church access funds which may be available to your church! Together we will discuss how developing these skills can work for your church to better engage your community and start new ministries! Many take-aways, resources and tools will be provided for attendees.   

Bio:

Dr. Mariann Jordan is a dedicated member of Covenant United Church of Christ in South Holland Illinois. She is the Joint Owner, and Principal Consultant of J & P Consulting Group LLC. She is also the Chief Executive Officer and Board Advisor of J & P National Youth Empowerment Network, NFP. Although many companies were folding due to the economy, J & P was able to level up by securing 1.8 million dollars in funding for coaching and supporting other small businesses in their growth. J & P Consulting Group support small business development, nonprofits, organizational structuring/ restructuring, strategic planning, grant development, staff training, coaching and much more. With a proven track record of finding solutions to increase the top line and decrease expenses, J & P Consulting Group finds solutions to move businesses forward. 

Dr. Mariann Jordan is known in the business world for being aggressive, innovative, creative, and having the ability to produce well under pressure when faced with complex challenges. She operates from the premise, that Black and Brown women and men need to have the same access to community resources, capital, and capacity building to meet their business visions and it is J & P’s responsibility to support and guide those opportunities. Dr. Jordan has held several appointments including being selected to participate on the advisory committee for the Chicago Housing Authority Jobs Plus Advisory Committee and being selected to the City of Chicago Healthy Chicago 2.0 Planning Committee for Access to Care. Dr. Jordan is a recognized leader in the small-business community and was recently named to the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council. NSBA is the nation’s oldest small-business advocacy organization and operates on a staunchly nonpartisan basis. She works alongside other small-business advocates from across the country as they work to promote the interests of small business to policymakers in Washington, D.C. “I am proud to have Dr. Jordan as part of our Leadership Council,” stated NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken. “ Dr. Mariann Jordan came to us highly recommended, and I look forward to our coordinated efforts for years to come.” 

Dr. Jordan has an Associate Degree in Human Services from Kendall College, a dual Bachelor’s/Master’s in Counseling from Logo’s College and Graduate School and a Master’s degree in Human Services Administration from Spertus College and a Leadership Certification in Management from Loyola University. Her most recent accolades include, receiving the Chicago Defender Women Of Excellence Award and receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism for her countless contributions to society by way of community service, advocacy, and philanthropic work. She is a proud wife, mother, and grandmother and attributes her success to family, and her adult son Hakeem and granddaughter Mila Rose who serves as the head of her cheering squad.

Rev. Dr. Anna Hall – “Thriving in an Age of Reformation” 

Workshop Description:

The numbers of people who are leaving or have left religious congregations continue to rise. Churches shrink, merge, and close every day. Yet God still calls us toward communal lives of purpose and faith. Join Rev. Dr. Anna Hall as she shares on the trends in church and society these days and how congregations can find their vitality and joy even in our changing times.  

Bio:

Rev. Dr. Anna Mitchell Hall is an author, consultant, coach, and ordained Baptist pastor who has coordinated programs and conducted research in churches, nonprofits, and universities. In her work as Director of Research and Development for ConvergenceUS.org, she draws on the latest research from across the fields of religious practice, organizational development, and adult learning to inform product development and implementation that supports the needs of pastors and churches. She holds a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, Emory University, a Master of Public Administration from Valdosta State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, where her research focused on congregations experiencing a change in pastors.

Connect with Anna:

Maryanne Kyle Di-Pietropaolo and Henrieta Ribeiro - “Compassionate Communication”

Workshop Description:

Effective and compassionate communication is key in your ability to care for others and yourself. As a leader, teacher, and role model, the way you communicate profoundly impacts your relationships and environments. 

In this workshop, you will delve into practical techniques for fostering empathy, active listening, and staying authentic while considering the needs and feelings of others and yourself. You will explore strategies for navigating difficult conversations with grace and understanding, enhancing collaboration, and building trust in teams and communities. 

Bio:

At Intentional Energy 3, we create experiences that connect, educate, and inspire individuals, teams, and organizations. We focus on leadership, team and ministry development, community conversations, and women’s ministry. 

Maryanne Kyle Di-Pietropaolo (left) is a national speaker, facilitator, trainer, and writer with over 35 years of experience in leadership, facilitation skills development, and team building. Her lively and interactive workshops are custom designed to educate and inspire. 

Henrieta Ribeiro (right) is a couples and family therapist, and a national trainer for Stephen Ministry and Restorative Justice peacemaking circles. She brings her family systems perspective to help individuals, teams, and organizations find inspiration and connection. 

Felicia Houston – “Sacred Rest” 

Workshop Description:

We live in a confusing and conflicted world, particularly when it comes to the idea of self-care. 

During this session, attendees will learn techniques to:

  • Connect spiritual, mental, social, and physical health.

  • Understand how servant leadership involves self-care.

  • Learn stress management techniques, including saying "NO".

  • Create a self-care covenant with an accountability plan.

Bio:

Poet Audre Lorde wrote, “caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” 

Felicia Houston is dedicated to helping individuals prioritize self-care through her inspiring and informative workshops and presentations. With a focus on mental health, faith, wellness, and Stress Less Living, she provides her audiences with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their overall quality of life.

Felicia is currently a Mental Health Specialist for the Faith & Health Partnership Department at Advocate Aurora Health. She is a Mental Health First Aid trainer, a Companionship trainer, and a Trauma, Faith, & Resiliency trainer. Felicia holds a Masters degree in Human Development Counseling with more than 20 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Consumer Wellness Advocate (CWA). 

Felicia also believes in the value of volunteerism. She is a proud member of several community and national organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD), Professional Women’s Network, Jack & Jill of America, Board member for South Holland School District 150, and Board Trustee for South Holland Library.

Felicia resides in the Chicagoland with her husband Chris and their 2 teenagers. 

Rev. Veronica Johnson - “Excited About Jesus! Revisit the Relevance of The Gospel in Your Context”

Workshop Description:

Are you excited about Jesus? Are you ever blown away by things Jesus said and did in his day, and how applicable it is in our day and in your context? 

This workshop will allow us all to spend time focused on Jesus in fun, exciting and relevant ways! It will help you draw connections to Jesus in ways that will aid your preaching, teaching, worship planning, pastoral care, ministries, and community engagement. You will hear how others view Jesus’ ministry as relevant to their context, and that will broaden not only your view of Jesus, but also your view of “your neighbor,” thereby allowing you to generate new ideas for ministry. Focusing on Jesus in this way truly provides a framework for “the Body of Christ!” We’ll use scripture, storytelling, current events and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to remind us of the works of Jesus and how they inform who we are as pastors and how to face the challenges before us. Join me to get excited about Jesus all over again, then go and share this excitement with your congregation! 


Bio:

Rev. Veronica M. Johnson is the Co-Pastor of Hyde Park Union Church in Chicago, the Outreach Director of Faith in Place, a multi-faith environmental justice organization, and the chairperson of the Anti-Violence Task Force of the Hyde Park & Kenwood Interfaith Council. Rev. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign, and a Master of Divinity Degree from McCormick Theological Seminary.  

Rev. Johnson has served in ministry in multiple denominations. She also previously served as Senior Director of Admissions and Enrollment of McCormick Theological Seminary for seven years, where she was instrumental in guiding persons of many nationalities, ages, and religious backgrounds to pursue theological education. She currently serves as a mentor in the iMentor Program within the Chicago Public Schools. Having once had her own mentoring program within CPS, she is committed to mentoring young people, for a lifetime. 

Central to her personal life, ministry, environmental and antiviolence work in the community is the scripture Micah 6:8 “… and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” 

Alan Guevarra – “Team Building” 

Workshop description:

Join Alan in a high-energy interactive workshop where fun and fellowship function as a means for team building and leadership training. In addition to playing games, we’ll discuss ways to adapt these activities to groups and congregations of all sizes, ages, and abilities.

Bio:

Alan Alvin Guevarra has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Chicago’s Philippine American Ecumenical Church for the past 4 years, and as a member since 2012. An owner of over 100 board games (featuring his favorite, Summoner Wars), he is constantly hosting gaming events at home, church, and work.

Alan is a graduate from the University of Illinois with a degree in Advertising, using his larger-than-life personality in sales, customer service, and presentations.

Outside of work, Alan loves exploring new restaurants across the Chicagoland area with his wife, always ready and willing to provide recommendations for any type of cuisine or craving. When he's not out to dinner, Alan's in the kitchen trying to recreate his favorite dishes.

Rev. Dr. Kris Hewitt –

“Change Intelligence” 

Workshop Description:

A Deeper Dive into Change Intelligence®.  Following the Keynote, this session will empower us all to become more competent and confident in leading the many changes we are facing as a church. Please complete the Change Intelligence®/CQ® Assessment, for which you will receive an email to complete in August, and you will obtain a customized report of your Change Leader Style, which we will explore during our highly interactive workshop.  

Bio:

The Rev. Dr. Kristopher Hewitt is a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ. He was baptized, confirmed, ordained, and has pastored churches within the Fox Valley Association of the Illinois Conference. Kris believes ministry is all about hope. He serves in a variety of community mission partnerships and programs. Kris became a  “Change Intelligence®/CQ® Certified Change Leader” in 2018. 

Rev. Terrill Murff & Rev. Melody L. Seaton – “Focus Group” 

The purpose is to allow participants to share their successes and hopes for sustainability.

TPIRC Education Summit 2024

  • Theme: Working together with God

  • Registration and Dinner: September 13th, 2024

    • Location: Faranda’s 302 Grove St, DeKalb, IL 60115

  • Workshops: September 14th, 2024

    • Location: Federated Church of Sycamore (612 West State Street, Sycamore, IL 60178)