Re:Imagine
Re:Church is honored to host an annual conference that gathers like-minded leaders, congregations, and followers of Jesus. Each year, we come together to learn, share, and lean into the question of how we can live out our calling as the church—together, better. It’s a time of connection, inspiration, and equipping for the work God is doing in and through us.
For too long, the narrative surrounding ministry - and the church itself - has been one of decline, scarcity, and survival. But what if that’s not the whole story? What if God is calling a few of us to something new and vibrant? What if God is quietly writing a new narrative? Re:Church Conference is a gathering for leaders and congregations who believe God can rewrite the story, bringing life where others only see wilderness. During our time together leaders will be invited to imagine God’s “new thing” in their own contexts. To think differently, lead boldly, experience a hope-filled room of leaders and return home ready to breathe new life into the church.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” - Isaiah 43:18–19
Dr. Michael Chan
Dr. Michael Chan joined the Concordia College community in June 2022 as the executive director for faith and learning. Prior to that, he was associate professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He joined Luther Seminary after completing his Ph.D. at Emory University and a year of research and teaching at the University of Helsinki. He is a graduate of Luther Seminary (M.A. in biblical theology) and Pacific Lutheran University (B.A. in elementary education). Dr. Chan provides leadership and support for the Campus Ministry team; the Dovre Center for Faith and Learning; and the Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work. Dr. Michael Chan specializes in the Old Testament, dedicating his teaching, writing, and research to exploring Hebrew poetry, prophetic literature, and elucidating the Old Testament's profound influence and relevance for the modern church.
Dr. Kara Powell
Dr. Kara Powell is the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute, the founder of the TENx10 Collaboration, the Chief of Leadership of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary, and serves as a faculty member at Fuller Seminary. Prior to that, Kara was an Assistant Professor of Youth Ministry and Practical Theology at Azusa Pacific University. Named by Christianity Today as one of “50 Women You Should Know,” Kara is the author or co-author of multiple books including Faith Beyond Youth Group, 3 Big Questions that Change Every Teenager, Faith in an Anxious World, Growing With, Growing Young, The Sticky Faith Service Guide, Can I Ask That? 2: More Hard Questions about God and Faith, and The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family. Kara is also a sought-after speaker at national parenting and leadership conferences. Kara lives in Pasadena, CA, with her husband, Dave, and their teenage and young adult children, Nathan, Krista, and Jessica.
Check out the recap from our last conference!