Mennonite Church USA has posted the event schedule and an outline of what seminars will look like for the Follow Jesus ’25 convention on the convention website. Seminar proposals will be accepted until Dec. 6.
By Jessica Griggs for Mennonite Church USA
ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Church USA) — Mennonite Church USA convention planners have released the tentative event schedule and learning track descriptions for next year’s convention, Follow Jesus ’25, which will take place July 8-12, 2025, at Koury Convention Center, in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Follow Jesus ’25 website is now live and contains these and other details. More information, such as rates and registration, is expected to be released in early November.
“Follow Jesus ’25 will be more than just a convention; it will be a transformative experience,” said Shé Langley, MC USA’s director of event planning.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to engage deeply with Anabaptist values, connect with like-minded individuals and explore relevant topics, through curated learning tracks. We’ve designed the program to foster meaningful conversations and inspire action in our communities. I encourage everyone to come ready to learn, share and grow together in faith.”
The line-up of events for Follow Jesus ’25, MC USA’s leading faith formation event, is similar to that of previous conventions, with morning hymn sings, seminars, daily corporate worship sessions, various receptions and an exhibit hall to peruse, as well as plenty of time for participants to network and mingle with new and old friends. Children’s activities, convention daycare and youth recreational areas will also be available.
There will be a few notable differences in the convention schedule, as well:
- Women in Leadership summit: MC USA’s Women in Leadership will host an all-day event, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., prior to the first worship session, July 8.
- Learning tracks: During this convention, seminars will be grouped into curated learning tracks, which will help attendees participate in a series of seminars on related topics. While following the tracks is recommended, convention-goers will still be welcome to attend any seminars that pique their interest, even if it deviates from their learning track.
- Delegate assembly: The 2025 delegate assembly will run concurrently with the final full day of convention, July 11, making it easier for families and groups traveling together to be on the same travel schedule.
- Anabaptism at 500 party: At the conclusion of the Friday’s worship session, MennoMedia will host a closing reception and Anabaptism at 500 party to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first Anabaptists rebaptisms.
Seminars will be organized into these learning tracks:
- Mind track: Anabaptist theology and faith formation — Participants on this track will experience intellectually stimulating discussions related to Anabaptist theology and faith formation. This track is ideal for educators and all those interested in deepening their Anabaptist theological understanding.
- Heart track: peace, justice and belonging — The heart track is a call to action and seeks to encourage participants to actively engage in peace and justice work within their churches and communities. People looking to make a difference in the world, while providing an Anabaptist faith witness, should find this track inspiring.
- Body track: church structure and leadership skills — On this track, church leaders will experience practical workshops and engage in discussions about how to effectively navigate the various aspects of church governance and leadership. This track is intended for current and aspiring church leaders.
- Spirit track: worship and spiritual disciplines — The spirit track will engage participants in spiritual disciplines and offer space for renewal, reflection and connection with God. This track is ideal for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practices and worship experience.
- The conversation room: a space for meaningful dialogue and growth — The conversation room will be a place where participants can gather for small group discussions that bring Anabaptist faith values into perspective while considering the complexities of the modern world. This is a space of open-mindedness and respect for others’ viewpoints, allowing for personal reflection and collective action. Each conversation room will have a designated facilitator who will guide the discussion and ensure that all participants have an opportunity to contribute.
Convention planners are currently looking for individuals and Mennonite agencies, entities and institutions from across MC USA who are interested in leading seminar sessions. Seminars are typically 60 minutes long and can cover a wide range of topics. Proposals should include a proposed seminar title and description. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to submit a seminar proposal form by Dec. 6.
“We welcome seminar ideas from anyone who desires to plant seeds, leading to greater wellbeing and future ministry in and beyond our church community,” said Rod Hollinger-Janzen, MC USA’s administrative assistant for Church Vitality, who is organizing seminars for this convention.
“Seminars at the MC USA convention are unique opportunities to share out of the presenters’ wisdom, vision, experiences and gifts; to open conversation around important topics with others in the church; and to nurture healthy growth in our collective body for the sake of God’s kin-dom, so that in the middle of our daily realities, we look more and more like Jesus, whom we follow.”
For the latest information about Follow Jesus ‘25, visit the Follow Jesus ‘25 website and subscribe to MC USA’s weekly PeaceMail newsletter.
The theme for convention, Follow Jesus, is inspired by MC USA’s Renewed Commitments, which are to “follow Jesus, witness to God’s peace and experience the transformation of the Holy Spirit.
Mennonite Church USA is an Anabaptist Christian denomination, founded in 2002 by the merger of the Mennonite Church and the General Conference Mennonite Church. Members of this historic peace church seek to follow Jesus by rejecting violence and resisting injustice. MC USA’s Renewed Commitments state the following shared commitments among its diverse body of believers: to follow Jesus, witness to God’s peace and experience the transformation of the Holy Spirit. Mennoniteusa.org