We are gearing up for a special event - People Like Me - a two-day immersive retreat focused on building intercultural competency, strengthening inclusive leadership, and helping churches reflect the rich diversity of their communities. Led by our very own, Rev. Katrena King, our Conference’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist, the retreat offers tools like the Intercultural Development Inventory, also known as the IDI - it will also include space for authentic storytelling, which will be done in a very unique way – and workshops on everything from tough conversations to vision casting.

And that brings us to our guest.

Samuel Rodriguez is the Director of Congregational Development for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. For over 27 years, he’s been helping churches plant, grow, and thrive—especially in multicultural and multi-ethnic contexts. He will be the special guest at People Like Me. Join us for a conversation about why events like People Like Me matter—and how the future of the Church depends on the kind of work he and Katrena will be doing in Woodworth.