The Kingdom Network Leadership Summit 2023
- Tuesday 14 Nov. 2023 - Thursday 16 Nov. 2023
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM EST
- Kingdom Fellowship AME Church
- 11710 Beltsville Drive Calverton MD 20705
Summit Live
Summit Live
Day One Presentations
Compelling Preaching Intensive
The Black preaching tradition is rich, storied, and, unfortunately, often too monolithic. Substantively and stylistically, sermons can sometimes feel too formulaic, outdated, or ill-fitting for the preacher who has not explored the full breadth of homiletical approaches available to her or him. Bishop Dale Bronner is an exemplar of mold-breaking ministry. His preaching is effective because it is authentic to his personality and unique perspective on the gospel. In this session, Bishop Bronner will empower us to find our voices and push the boundaries of our preaching comfort zones.
The Black preaching tradition is rich, storied, and, unfortunately, often too monolithic. Substantively and stylistically, sermons can sometimes feel too formulaic, outdated, or ill-fitting for the preacher who has not explored the full breadth of homiletical approaches available to her or him. Bishop Dale Bronner is an exemplar of mold-breaking ministry. His preaching is effective because it is authentic to his personality and unique perspective on the gospel. In this session, Bishop Bronner will empower us to find our voices and push the boundaries of our preaching comfort zones.
One of the most effective tools in pastoral preaching is the sermon series. A Series of sermons creates a framework for preparation rather than starting from scratch. It allows for greater promotional preparation to raise interest within the congregation, enabling the congregation to go deeper into a subject matter, amongst many other benefits. The Rev. Dr. Lance Watson, Senior Pastor of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, has been given a gift in preaching and series preparation. The depth of his preaching is based on solid biblical exegesis. It adds deep research, engaging illustrations, and literary artistry in a manner that leads to spiritual maturity among those who hear him regularly. Today, he will share tips and tools to aid anyone serious about developing disciples of Jesus through a sermon series.
One of the most effective tools in pastoral preaching is the sermon series. A Series of sermons creates a framework for preparation rather than starting from scratch. It allows for greater promotional preparation to raise interest within the congregation, enabling the congregation to go deeper into a subject matter, amongst many other benefits. The Rev. Dr. Lance Watson, Senior Pastor of Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, has been given a gift in preaching and series preparation. The depth of his preaching is based on solid biblical exegesis. It adds deep research, engaging illustrations, and literary artistry in a manner that leads to spiritual maturity among those who hear him regularly. Today, he will share tips and tools to aid anyone serious about developing disciples of Jesus through a sermon series.
Gospel preaching must begin with complete confidence in the word of God to save and sanctify the sin-sick soul. The Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates is a gospel preacher. As Senior Pastor of Salem Baptist Church and Progressive Baptist Church, both in Chicago, Illinois, his preaching is effective because it is focused on allowing the word to be made flesh and dwell within the mind and heart of the believer. In a world where preaching may be full of rich oratory and pop culture references that center on emotionalism and or socio-political causes but lack gospel truth – Dr. Dates’ preaching remains true to the faith and the cause of winning souls and developing disciples without feeling stale or out of touch. While there are many instances of extemporaneous preaching, scripture itself is the result of technical writing, extensive research, employing secondary and tertiary texts, and editing, beginning with Spirit-led inspiration. In this session, we will learn why effective preaching must employ any number of tools to connect with the hearer and how these tools are used toward one end – allowing the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ to transform the souls of those with ears to hear.
Gospel preaching must begin with complete confidence in the word of God to save and sanctify the sin-sick soul. The Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates is a gospel preacher. As Senior Pastor of Salem Baptist Church and Progressive Baptist Church, both in Chicago, Illinois, his preaching is effective because it is focused on allowing the word to be made flesh and dwell within the mind and heart of the believer. In a world where preaching may be full of rich oratory and pop culture references that center on emotionalism and or socio-political causes but lack gospel truth – Dr. Dates’ preaching remains true to the faith and the cause of winning souls and developing disciples without feeling stale or out of touch. While there are many instances of extemporaneous preaching, scripture itself is the result of technical writing, extensive research, employing secondary and tertiary texts, and editing, beginning with Spirit-led inspiration. In this session, we will learn why effective preaching must employ any number of tools to connect with the hearer and how these tools are used toward one end – allowing the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ to transform the souls of those with ears to hear.
WATCH: Fall Revival Service Night #1
Day Two Presentations
Every structure that is built to last starts with a strong foundation. In a growing church, the foundation is crucial because it provides stability, a clear mission, culture, and a sense of community. Getting the foundation right helps attract and retain members, fosters trust and credibility, and ensures the church can weather challenges and changes. The Rev. Dr. Matthew L. Watley, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Fellowship AME Church and Founder of The Kingdom Network, has intentionally created a foundation for his ministry that’s trusted and can be built upon. He is a strategic thinker, and he is system-oriented. Today, he will share insight into how to strengthen the foundation while building on top of it simultaneously.
Every structure that is built to last starts with a strong foundation. In a growing church, the foundation is crucial because it provides stability, a clear mission, culture, and a sense of community. Getting the foundation right helps attract and retain members, fosters trust and credibility, and ensures the church can weather challenges and changes. The Rev. Dr. Matthew L. Watley, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Fellowship AME Church and Founder of The Kingdom Network, has intentionally created a foundation for his ministry that’s trusted and can be built upon. He is a strategic thinker, and he is system-oriented. Today, he will share insight into how to strengthen the foundation while building on top of it simultaneously.
We all see from where we sit. A football game looks different on the field than from the top of the stadium, so professional teams deploy coaches in both places. Pastor Smokie Norful sits in two different positions, allowing him to see the church like most of us can’t. As the Founding Pastor of Victory Cathedral in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and Atlanta, Georgia, he has cast a vision to develop healthy culture and ministry systems. As a multiplatinum recording artist, he knows worship and the music industry and sees trends in the church from his national and international travel. Pastor Norful will help us understand where worship is today in the culture and church. As a pastor and musician, he’ll help translate both parties’ frustrations in trying to be more effective in ministry, but often coming from very different perspectives. Whether your church is in the north, south, east, or west, it will grow with good preaching and music. Pastor Smokie Norful is going to help us with both.
We all see from where we sit. A football game looks different on the field than from the top of the stadium, so professional teams deploy coaches in both places. Pastor Smokie Norful sits in two different positions, allowing him to see the church like most of us can’t. As the Founding Pastor of Victory Cathedral in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and Atlanta, Georgia, he has cast a vision to develop healthy culture and ministry systems. As a multiplatinum recording artist, he knows worship and the music industry and sees trends in the church from his national and international travel. Pastor Norful will help us understand where worship is today in the culture and church. As a pastor and musician, he’ll help translate both parties’ frustrations in trying to be more effective in ministry, but often coming from very different perspectives. Whether your church is in the north, south, east, or west, it will grow with good preaching and music. Pastor Smokie Norful is going to help us with both.
There is an old phrase: “It’s easier to birth the young than raise the dead.” The point is that founders and fresh starts enjoy the luxury of setting their own organizational culture and enjoy a much stronger locus of authority versus, say, a pastor appointed or called to a 100-year-old church. They walk in on day one, having to contend with 100 years of tradition, customs, power brokers, politics, and deeply held sentiments and relationships they must navigate. The supermajority of pastors find themselves in this position. But all is not lost. Dr. Herman Felton has served successfully as President of three HBCUs and has cracked the code for navigating legacy culture and turning the ship toward progress and innovation.
There is an old phrase: “It’s easier to birth the young than raise the dead.” The point is that founders and fresh starts enjoy the luxury of setting their own organizational culture and enjoy a much stronger locus of authority versus, say, a pastor appointed or called to a 100-year-old church. They walk in on day one, having to contend with 100 years of tradition, customs, power brokers, politics, and deeply held sentiments and relationships they must navigate. The supermajority of pastors find themselves in this position. But all is not lost. Dr. Herman Felton has served successfully as President of three HBCUs and has cracked the code for navigating legacy culture and turning the ship toward progress and innovation.
Most church communities are much more Latino than 30 and 40 years ago. And while our brown brothers and sisters have a similar experience in this country and have suffered the oppression and exploitation that is uniquely American and reserved mainly for racial minorities – our two communities have remained amazingly separated. While it would be easy to explain this away with issues like language barriers, the most significant problems of racism, class, and cultural insularity are much more at fault. However, not only are we given a biblical mandate for unity in the body of Christ, as many of our churches are in decline, find themselves landlocked, and aging – it is no longer aspirational. We must develop meaningful relationships with our Latino brothers and sisters who worship like us and have a lived experience very similar to ours. Dr. Gabriel Salguero is uniquely gifted to lead this effort. He is the President and Founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, but he also studied liberation theology at Union Seminary under James Cone. His commitments to evangelism, social justice, and advocacy cause him to be a singular resource in the quest to bring the black and brown members of the body of Christ into the unity of the faith.
Most church communities are much more Latino than 30 and 40 years ago. And while our brown brothers and sisters have a similar experience in this country and have suffered the oppression and exploitation that is uniquely American and reserved mainly for racial minorities – our two communities have remained amazingly separated. While it would be easy to explain this away with issues like language barriers, the most significant problems of racism, class, and cultural insularity are much more at fault. However, not only are we given a biblical mandate for unity in the body of Christ, as many of our churches are in decline, find themselves landlocked, and aging – it is no longer aspirational. We must develop meaningful relationships with our Latino brothers and sisters who worship like us and have a lived experience very similar to ours. Dr. Gabriel Salguero is uniquely gifted to lead this effort. He is the President and Founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, but he also studied liberation theology at Union Seminary under James Cone. His commitments to evangelism, social justice, and advocacy cause him to be a singular resource in the quest to bring the black and brown members of the body of Christ into the unity of the faith.
One of the significant reasons millennials give for their lack of interest in the church is that it appears to have been copied by the political forces of today. Go into most churches, and the sermon will likely portray a deeply partisan position. While the preacher will, in most instances, make some biblical references, the actual substance of the address will lead to talking points written by political operatives of the liberal or conservative movements. Yet the power of the pulpit lies in the authority and love of the word of God. This is something the black church has always understood and historically has always embodied. The black church has been socially progressive and theologically conservative, not unlike the ministry of Jesus, who critiqued institutional sins of oppression, corruption, and discrimination while also standing against individual issues of sin. Justin Giboney, minister, attorney, political strategist, And Campaign co-founder, has been at the center of this conversation, bridging these two worlds.
One of the significant reasons millennials give for their lack of interest in the church is that it appears to have been copied by the political forces of today. Go into most churches, and the sermon will likely portray a deeply partisan position. While the preacher will, in most instances, make some biblical references, the actual substance of the address will lead to talking points written by political operatives of the liberal or conservative movements. Yet the power of the pulpit lies in the authority and love of the word of God. This is something the black church has always understood and historically has always embodied. The black church has been socially progressive and theologically conservative, not unlike the ministry of Jesus, who critiqued institutional sins of oppression, corruption, and discrimination while also standing against individual issues of sin. Justin Giboney, minister, attorney, political strategist, And Campaign co-founder, has been at the center of this conversation, bridging these two worlds.
WATCH Fall Revival Day 2
Day Three Presentations
At some point, in every ministry, ministry shifts. There are seasons when a leader and/or ministry must re-evaluate their mission, revise their purpose, and rechannel their efforts. Whether it comes from burnout, self-reflection, changing congregations, spiritual growth, or spiritual outgrowth, a ministry midlife crisis can happen to us all. Rev. Dr. Darryl Griffin, Senior Pastor of Oakdale Covenant Church, is no stranger to reinvention and re-evaluation. Through his leadership, his ministry has experienced tremendous growth, expansion, and impact. Today, he will share insights on re-evaluating, reimagining, and restructuring when your ministry is experiencing a midlife crisis.
At some point, in every ministry, ministry shifts. There are seasons when a leader and/or ministry must re-evaluate their mission, revise their purpose, and rechannel their efforts. Whether it comes from burnout, self-reflection, changing congregations, spiritual growth, or spiritual outgrowth, a ministry midlife crisis can happen to us all. Rev. Dr. Darryl Griffin, Senior Pastor of Oakdale Covenant Church, is no stranger to reinvention and re-evaluation. Through his leadership, his ministry has experienced tremendous growth, expansion, and impact. Today, he will share insights on re-evaluating, reimagining, and restructuring when your ministry is experiencing a midlife crisis.
Leading ministry is both an art and a science. When most of us think of leadership, we think of budget decisions and contentious meetings with officers and leaders. While these are symbols of leadership, the substance of leadership is often much smaller and seemingly informal. Leadership comes down to one-on-one conversations with key stakeholders, organizing opportunities for congregants with limited ministerial perspectives to be exposed to new models, and gaining small wins that build momentum for significant victories. Bishop Charley Hames Jr. developed one of the leading churches in the CME denomination in the Bay Area as the former pastor of BeeBee Memorial Cathedral CME Church. His church recognized his leadership and elected him a Bishop, where he now helps primarily small and mid-sized churches to be more impactful in fulfilling their missions.
Leading ministry is both an art and a science. When most of us think of leadership, we think of budget decisions and contentious meetings with officers and leaders. While these are symbols of leadership, the substance of leadership is often much smaller and seemingly informal. Leadership comes down to one-on-one conversations with key stakeholders, organizing opportunities for congregants with limited ministerial perspectives to be exposed to new models, and gaining small wins that build momentum for significant victories. Bishop Charley Hames Jr. developed one of the leading churches in the CME denomination in the Bay Area as the former pastor of BeeBee Memorial Cathedral CME Church. His church recognized his leadership and elected him a Bishop, where he now helps primarily small and mid-sized churches to be more impactful in fulfilling their missions.
Parachurch organizations play a vital role in extending the reach and impact of Christian principles and values beyond the boundaries of individual congregations. The Rev. Dr. Nicole Martin has become one of the American church’s most valuable assets because of her depth of experience in the post-modern Christian movement. She has served as an executive minister of a megachurch, a seminary professor, and VP of the world’s largest Bible society. Dr. Martin is now the Chief Impact Officer of the largest Christian publication in America. The places and spaces she has occupied have allowed her to recognize trends in church decline and growth. Her education and experience show that, more than anything, effective ministry comes down to powerfully and responsibly preaching and teaching the bible.
Parachurch organizations play a vital role in extending the reach and impact of Christian principles and values beyond the boundaries of individual congregations. The Rev. Dr. Nicole Martin has become one of the American church’s most valuable assets because of her depth of experience in the post-modern Christian movement. She has served as an executive minister of a megachurch, a seminary professor, and VP of the world’s largest Bible society. Dr. Martin is now the Chief Impact Officer of the largest Christian publication in America. The places and spaces she has occupied have allowed her to recognize trends in church decline and growth. Her education and experience show that, more than anything, effective ministry comes down to powerfully and responsibly preaching and teaching the bible.
Here are three interesting facts.
- Most megachurches are not growing vertically; they’re growing horizontally through multisite.
- Multisite is no longer a megachurch thing – but smaller churches have found great success going multisite.
- Multisite has various models. One of them is with campus pastors, in-person worship, and video sermons from the senior pastor. It was assumed that this wouldn’t work for black churches for decades. Today, we know that this is not true.
That’s why I was so excited to bring Pastor Keith Battle. He is showing the church in real time what it looks like to embrace multisite ministry through technology, and today, he will share insights into how to grow a horizontally healthy church.
Here are three interesting facts.
- Most megachurches are not growing vertically; they’re growing horizontally through multisite.
- Multisite is no longer a megachurch thing – but smaller churches have found great success going multisite.
- Multisite has various models. One of them is with campus pastors, in-person worship, and video sermons from the senior pastor. It was assumed that this wouldn’t work for black churches for decades. Today, we know that this is not true.
That’s why I was so excited to bring Pastor Keith Battle. He is showing the church in real time what it looks like to embrace multisite ministry through technology, and today, he will share insights into how to grow a horizontally healthy church.
Never before in human history has there been a more significant influence on ideas than right now. When I was younger, I had to seek opinions through reading, watching TV, or listening to music. Now, ideas find me. My phone, computer, and smartwatch are constantly feeding me information, videos, and values that supercomputers have curated to capture my attention and shape my thinking without me realizing it. Consequently, younger generations who are natives of this media-saturated world come at the notions of faith, church, and God with a different lens. They are less beholden to institutions; they’re openly suspicious, less communally concerned, and unapologetically interested in advancing their wellbeing and views. They are statistically less churched than any American generation yet incredibly open to spiritual development. In her Jude 3 project, Lisa Fields has developed a platform for understanding and engaging the millennial Gen Y and Z generations. She has helped to create space that validates questions, theological wrestling, and exploration within a sound Christian framework. Today, she will help us to bridge our traditions with the mindset of the millennial.
Never before in human history has there been a more significant influence on ideas than right now. When I was younger, I had to seek opinions through reading, watching TV, or listening to music. Now, ideas find me. My phone, computer, and smartwatch are constantly feeding me information, videos, and values that supercomputers have curated to capture my attention and shape my thinking without me realizing it. Consequently, younger generations who are natives of this media-saturated world come at the notions of faith, church, and God with a different lens. They are less beholden to institutions; they’re openly suspicious, less communally concerned, and unapologetically interested in advancing their wellbeing and views. They are statistically less churched than any American generation yet incredibly open to spiritual development. In her Jude 3 project, Lisa Fields has developed a platform for understanding and engaging the millennial Gen Y and Z generations. She has helped to create space that validates questions, theological wrestling, and exploration within a sound Christian framework. Today, she will help us to bridge our traditions with the mindset of the millennial.
WATCH Fall Revival Service Night #3
Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids
For more than 25 years, the Campaign for Tobacco–Free Kids has fought to protect children and save lives from the #1 cause of preventable death: tobacco use. The Campaign for Tobacco–FreeKids is the leading advocacy organization working to reduce tobacco use and its deadly consequences in the United States and around the world. Through strategic communications and policy advocacy campaigns, the Campaign for Tobacco–Free Kidsworks to change public attitudes about tobacco and promote proven policies that are most effective at reducing tobacco use and save the most lives. Our vision is a future free of the death and disease caused by tobacco.
RightNow MEDIA
RightNow Media is the world’s largest library of video-driven Bible study resources, used by more than 20,000 churches, schools, and organizations to inspire individuals, families, and small groups to love others before self and Christ above all. Discover a better way to make disciples by giving your entire ministry access to over 25,000 inspirational videos—available anytime, anywhere, from any device.
Social Media Handles
Facebook: https://facebook.com/RightNowMedia
Twitter: @RightNowMedia (or https://twitter.com/rightnowmedia)
Instagram: @rightnowmedia (or https://www.instagram.com/rightnowmedia/)
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/rightnow-ministries
YouTube: https:// youtube.com/user/RightnowMediaInsider
Wesley Theological Seminary
Seminary located in the Nation’s Capital offering masters and doctor of ministry degrees, non-degree options, and certificates in divinity and theological studies.
Social Media Handles
Facebook: Wesley Theological Seminary
Instagram: wesleyseminary
Twitter: @WesleyTheoSem
Givelify
Givelify is a trusted online and mobile giving platform. Along with its powerful donation management system, it’s the fastest-growing technology for advancing generosity in the world. We instantly connect people to their heart’s impulse to do good with award-winning products and experiences. A global community of more than 1.3 million generous people support their favorite churches, places of worship, nonprofits, and causes with nearly $6 billion in processed donations across more than 60,000 organizations. Learn more at Givelify.com.
Social Media Handles
- https://www.givelify.com https://facebook.com/givelify
- https://instagram.com/givelify
- https://linkedin.com/company/givelify
- https://youtube.com/givelify
Ministry Brands
Ministry Brands helps nearly 90,000 purpose-driven organizations grow and increase their impact on the world. We provide community and organizational leaders with integrated solutions covering people and donor management, digital giving, websites, communications, media, event planning, employee and volunteer background screenings, and more. Together, our nearly 700 associates help clients transform how they operate and create positive ripple effects that drive the real human impact for which we all strive.
Social Media Handles
Instagram = @ministrybrandsofficial
Twitter = @MinistryBrands
Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/MinistryBrands
LinkedIn= https://www.linkedin.com/company/ministry-brands
Second Episcopal District
Bishop James Levert Davis is the Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Second Episcopal District comprises the states of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Western, North Carolina and the District of Columbia.
The Second Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church (SED) has received a grant of $999,726.00 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the Second District Rural Churches Revitalization Program (RCRP).The program is funded through Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative. The aim of the national initiative is to strengthen Christian congregations so they can help people deepen their relationships with God, build strong relationships with each other and contribute to the flourishing of local communities and the world. Using funds received from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., Bishop Davis has offered a registration fee scholarship to AME2 Clergy and their teams to attend the TKN Leadership Summit for two consecutive years (2022 & 2023).