Forefront  Seminars

A New Model 
Since 1998 the Community of Christ Forefront Ministries Office has provided unique training workshops for children, youth, family, and congregational ministries under the umbrella of Forefront Conferences. Beginning in 2002 our offerings for field training will broaden and will no longer hold the Forefront Conference name.  Forefront Seminars will be the new name, followed by the axiom “...Leading the Way,” to better reflect the mission of Forefront Ministries and the missional goals of the church.

While seemingly a small change, the new identity allows much modification in the way Forefront can offer and present training.  The new model will provide more flexibility to local areas by allowing them complete customization of their training event based on area need and interest.

The following is a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forefront Seminars.  

 
What are Forefront Seminars?
Forefront Seminars are workshops produced and sponsored by the Forefront Children and Youth Ministries Office of the Community of Christ.  Each workshop is designed with a different theme and specific focus; however, all Forefront Seminars address issues and directions for children, youth, family, and congregational ministry.  
 

Who can sponsor a Forefront Seminar? 
In the past, Forefront Ministries, with the assistance of the Council of Twelve Apostles, has pre-selected locations for the training events.  The decision for a particular location was largely based on church population density and area need.  While effective in many ways, this model left out many areas from receiving training for that particular season. 

The new model will allow any group meeting the requirements below to sponsor a Forefront Seminar.  Local congregations can now sponsor a seminar, as well as districts, regions, stakes, and mission centers.     
 

What are the requirements for sponsoring a Forefront Seminar?

• $500 (for a one day workshop) or $750 (for a two day workshop)*

• $200 non-refundable deposit (applied toward total fee)**

• A minimum of 20 participants

• Training facility (congregation, community building, etc.) and child-care must be provided

• Lunch must be provided for one-day or two-day event

• Microphone, screen, and flipchart

*Up to 50 participants.  Add $10 for each additional participant for extra training materials.  

**Forefront Ministries provides own travel and accommodations. $200 deposit is non-refundable due to airline change fees.
  

What types of courses will Forefront Seminars offer?
Currently, Forefront Ministries is offering three full-day courses.  We will also have several half-day courses (approx. 3-4 hours) and quarter-day courses (90 minutes-2 hours) available as well.  Look for further information soon. The full-day courses are:

Tools to Transform: Building New Ministries for Children & Youth
Based on the concepts in Doug Fields’ book, Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry, this workshop utilizes the metaphor of building trades for designing new ministry.  Purpose-Driven Youth Ministry was a best seller in children and youth ministry circles and has since become the new textbook in youth ministry at many seminaries throughout North America.  Tools to Transform is designed as a direct response to the call to Transformation 2000.

KidLife: It’s Not Just a Game!
In recognition of Search Institute’s initiative on youth development, KidLife is a workshop designed to create an awareness and acknowledgment of the importance of children and youth in the lives of families, communities, and congregations.  Based on the book Building Assets in Congregations: A Practical Guide for Helping Youth Grow Up Healthy by Eugene C. Roehlkepartain (Search Institute), KidLife upholds Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets and recognizes them as vital building blocks for kids’ success.  KidLife combines solid theory about healthy youth development with practical strategies and approaches to ministry.

Beyond Water’s Edge: Leadership Arts for Navigating Children, Youth, Families, and Congregations in Today’s Fluid Culture
Based on the best-selling book AquaChurch: Essential Leadership Arts for Piloting Your Church in Today’s Fluid Culture by Leonard Sweet (Group Publishing), Beyond Water’s Edge is specifically designed to help ministries thrive in this ever-changing world while still embracing the importance of our past.  The workshop presents all participants with “Leadership Arts,” timeless leadership principles and practical applications that allow ministers to evaluate, re-evaluate, and continue to be effective leaders and ministers for years to come.  Additionally, references of Doctrine and Covenants Section 161 are woven throughout to connect the challenges presented at the conference to the current life of the church.
 

How can my organization (congregation, mission center, region, stake, etc.) register for a Forefront Seminar?
Be looking for various promotional materials soon.  Brochures will be sent out to all regional administrators, pastors, and registered youth workers.  On the brochure and included on the Forefront Ministries website (www.forefrontministries.org) will be available dates when Forefront Seminars can be sponsored as well as available training courses offered.  Registration can be completed via the Forefront website or by mailing, faxing, or e-mailing the registration portion of the brochure into Forefront Ministries and paying the $200 deposit.
 

$500 seems expensive. Why so much?
$500 is the entire fee for a one-day workshop or $750 for a two-day workshop up to 50 participants. A $10 fee will be charged for each additional participant).  Much professional training today can cost upwards of $300/day per person!   Besides, $500 or $750 is merely a subsidy to offset costs incurred to Forefront Ministries.

How your organization originates the fee is your decision.  Many groups have funds specifically allotted for this type of event, while others will charge each participant a set fee.  Charging $10-$50 per participant is certainly not unreasonable for a one or two day event.  This can even make money for your organization.
 

What happens upon registering and paying the $200 deposit?
By registering and paying the $200 deposit you have made a full commitment to sponsoring a Forefront Seminar.  After receiving your registration and deposit, Forefront Ministries will send you a promotional/marketing packet that includes a poster, custom postcards, bulletin inserts, additional brochures, a sample letter, and a sample registration sheet . . . nearly everything you need to promote your event!
 

How can I get further information about Forefront Seminars?
Contact Chad Godfrey, Forefront Ministries Webmaster and Training Specialist at (800) 825-2806 ext. 1355 or via email at cgodfrey@CofChrist.org.