Rise Up Together: Shaping the Church We’re Becoming
August 2–5 | Columbus, OH
In-person registration for SCD 2026 is now closed.
This is not just another conference announcement.
This is a call to rise.
Across the church, something is stirring. New communities are emerging. Fresh leaders are stepping forward. God is on the move—often beyond familiar walls, often through courageous experimentation. SCD 2026 is where those movements, questions, and hopes come together.
RISE UP: Love Boldly. Serve Joyfully. Lead Courageously.
For four days in Columbus, Ohio, lay and clergy leaders from across the connection will gather to reimagine the future of the church and prepare to live into it.
Expect more than inspiration. Expect formation, imagination, and activation.
At SCD 2026, you will:
- Be grounded in scripture and Wesleyan theology that speaks to today’s realities.
- Learn from practitioners who are planting, revitalizing, and innovating.
- Hear stories of courage, risk, failure, and fruit from the field.
- Worship deeply and rediscover joy in your calling.
- Build relationships that continue long after the conference ends.
Why SCD—and Why This Moment?
Our plenary speaker, Carey Nieuwhof stated, “If you care about the future of the church, this gathering is for you because we’re not just talking about what’s changing… we’re talking about how to lead through it. At SCD, we’re going to dig into what it looks like to see where God is already moving, create new pathways for people to meet Jesus, and disciple in ways that actually form lives, not just fill rooms."
The church is at a crossroads. Familiar models are no longer enough. Communities are shifting. Leaders are tired, but also hopeful. This moment doesn’t call for retreat. It calls for holy courage.
For the first-ever SCD Celebration, an evening to celebrate progress, elevate stories of fruitfulness, and ignite faith for what God can do next. Rev. Matt Miofsky will be our keynote speaker who will bring vision and encouragement to help us build momentum—and keep moving forward.
This inaugural gathering will recognize the leaders and churches embracing innovation, disciple-making, and missional impact across the United Methodist Church
Whether you are a pastor, layperson, developer, innovator, or discerner, SCD meets you where you are and helps you take your next faithful step.
SCD 2026 is designed to help you:
- Reclaim clarity around your call and purpose.
- Gain practical tools you can take home and use immediately.
- See how God is already at work across diverse contexts.
- Leave not just encouraged but equipped and sent.
This Is Your Moment to Lead.
Bring your team. Bring your desire to reach people who aren’t in the room yet.
The future of the church isn’t something we wait for.
It’s something we all rise up to build together with love, joy, and courage.
We can’t wait to see you at See. Create. Disciple.
August 2–5 in Columbus. Let’s rise up to build the future together.
In-person registration for SCD 2026 is now closed.
For any inquiries, contact Bener Baysa Agtarap at [email protected]
Contact Us for Help
Contact Discipleship Ministries staff for additional guidance.