In a time of rising fascism, White Supremacy, and Christian Nationalism, the Gospel calls us to bold, liberative action. This conference equips attendees to embody liberative theology, build transformative relationships, and take concrete actions toward justice.
Through skill-building, deep reflection, and collaborative organizing, we will strengthen our capacity to protect the lives and well-being of targeted communities—within our congregations, across faith traditions, and in solidarity with broader movements for justice. Together, we will sync up, skill up, and speak out.
Our Purpose
To embody a mission of vitality, theological imagination, and dismantling structural inequities with the wider Church through:
- Training faith leaders in the teaching and preaching of the Bible by reimagining the text through the experience of marginalized voices
- Cultivating theological imagination with an eye toward local and contextual implementation
- Building relationships to cocreate inclusive communities through relational discernment and organizing
- Engaging the practice of ministry through new ways of experiencing and being in the world
- Showcasing new ministries through the expertise of their leadership
Participants Will:
Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Commitments
- For lay and ordained church leaders + community leaders + students
- Low registration fees thanks to our sponsors
- Translation services in Spanish and other languages
- Onsite and online registration options
- Ramps and elevators on site
- Conference accessible by public transportation and parking included in onsite registration
- Planned by and for neurodiverse people
- LGBTQIA+ celebrating space
- Gender inclusive bathrooms
- Need-based scholarships
- Financial support for workshop leaders
We're partnering with Captional to provide transcription and translation services for onsite and online conference participants.
Building Capacity for Teaching and Preaching
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney
The Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney, Ph.D. is a biblical scholar whose work focuses on translation of the scriptures for congregations and lay readers, womanist and feminist biblical interpretation, and women who prophesied in ancient Israel and the ancient Afro-Asiatic world. She is the Right Rev. Sam B. Hulsey Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas.
Dr. Gafney is an Episcopal priest canonically resident in the Diocese of Pennsylvania and licensed in the Diocese of Texas and, a former Army chaplain and congregational pastor in the AME Zion Church. She is the author of A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church and translator of its biblical selections.
Relational Discernment & Practice
Building Relationships
The conference begins by teaching and practicing the art of relational discernment through one-to-one meetings.
Practicing During Breaks
Participants will be encouraged to practice what’s being preached about relational meetings during breaks and meals.
Strengthening Imagination
Relational meetings strengthen our imagination for what is possible and where there is potential for growth. Focusing on this early and often helps participants exercise their imaginations and create openness and awareness to the Spirit.
Developing Leaders
Relational meetings help identify potential leaders and partners in ministry settings. Our practices at the conference translate into ministry settings in local contexts.
Registration is Closed
Invitations to Prophetically Reimagine the Church
Cultivating Theological Imagination
Proposed breakout Sessions led by faith leaders:
- Gender & Sexuality
- Relational Discernment & Organizing
- Mental Health
- Environment/Ecology
- Church Building Transitions
- Public/Community Chaplaincy
- Antiracism
- Reproductive Health
- Theological Imagination
- Christian Nationalism
- Deconstruction
Showcases for new worshiping communities, ministries, and church plants
We’re offering spaces for faith leaders to share their ministries, aspirations, and ideas to highlight the new ways the Spirit is speaking to the Church. This will be a chance to explore together how our ministries can support one another and imagine together.
Financial Contributions
We’re approaching as many local and regional denominational bodies and individuals seeking financial support. We can’t do this without your participation in the conference and behind the scenes.
Grants
We’re applying for several grants to help fund the conference. If you know of, or have contacts with granting organizations, we’d appreciate your support by connecting us.
Volunteers
We know that when we work and imagine together good things happen. By joining forces with passionate individuals who share our vision, we can create a conference that truly reflects a collaborative spirit and leaves a lasting impact on all participants.
In-Kind Support
We will be posting a list of non-financial resources needed for the conference. Let us know if you are able to share.
Prayer and Participation
Pray for us and for this conference. Participate with us as we prophetically reimagine the church together.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Supporter Sponsor
- Sponsor name recognized on the conference website
- Verbal acknowledgement and gratitude during conference
- Name listed in the conference program advertisement designed by Juniper Formation staff
- 2 Free Conference Tickets
Empowerment Sponsor
- Sponsor name recognized on the conference website
- Prominent logo placements on conference materials with linkbacks (website, social media, conference promotions, in-conference materials)
- Verbal acknowledgement and gratitude during conference
- Display table space
- Quarter page advertisement in the conference program designed by Juniper Formation staff
- 3 Free Conference Tickets
Transformation Sponsor
- Sponsor name recognized on the conference website
- Prominent logo placements on conference materials with linkbacks (website, social media, conference promotions, in-conference materials)
- Verbal acknowledgement and gratitude during conference
- Display table space
- Half page advertisement in the conference program designed by Juniper Formation staff
- 6 Free Conference Tickets
Catalyst Sponsor
- Sponsor name recognized on the conference website
- Prominent logo placements on conference materials with linkbacks (website, social media, conference promotions, in-conference materials)
- Verbal acknowledgement and gratitude during conference
- Social media shoutouts
- Display table space
- Full page advertisement in the conference program designed by Juniper Formation staff
- 10 Free Conference Tickets
Visionary Sponsor
- Sponsor name recognized on the conference website
- Prominent logo placements on conference materials with linkbacks (website, social media, conference promotions, in-conference materials)
- Verbal acknowledgement and gratitude during conference
- Social media shoutouts
- Display table space
- Full page advertisement in the conference program designed by Juniper Formation staff
- 12 Free Conference Tickets
Our Current Sponsors
Registration is Closed
Conference Organizers
Rev. Javon Bracy (she/her)
javon@juniperformation.org
Rev. Dr. Jenny Whitcher (she/her)
jenny@juniperformation.org
Rev. Dr. Jason Whitehead (he/him)
jason@juniperformation.org
Amanda Creek (she/her)
amanda@juniperformation.org
Bry Brannan (they/them)
bry@juniperformation.org
