Have you ever wondered if you could start something to reach new people in new ways?  What kinds of gifts do we need to be able to innovate for good?  How has God uniquely gifted you, as clergy or laity, for such a time as this? The Innovation Discernment Academy will help you recognize how God has been forming you, in this time, among these people, for the sake of the world — and then respond faithfully, together. 

Join us April 27-28 at Faith UMC Torrance for the Innovation Discernment Academy. 

Through a combination of validated assessments, a one-on-one leadership interview, and guided reflection, participants develop a personalized leadership profile and growth plan. The academy emphasizes both self-discovery and practical application, equipping leaders to engage in ministry, build teams, and innovate in today’s changing church landscape.

Our facilitator will be Rev. Rachel Gilmore, Director of New Faith & Vital Faith Communities in the Desert Southwest Conference. Rev. Rachel Gilmore brings years of experience as a practitioner, trainer, and conference staff person mobilizing innovative ministries in various settings with a diverse group of individuals and teams.

Schedule: Highlights from schedule is as below. Please plan to participate in the entire event. 

• Monday, April 27th:  10:00 AM – 4:45 PM. Lunch included.
• Tuesday, April 28th:  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Participants will be asked to do some pre-work assessments before the event, and they will debrief their assessments before or after the event with our facilitator. When we gather for the Discernment Academy, participants will be invited to slow down and reflect on who God is forming them to be and to listen to their life to find patterns that can help them plan for the future. There will also be an emphasis on the team they need around them in order to start new things, because we are called to curate new things in the context of beloved community. We will be sending the pre-gathering assignments to participants after you register.

• Teams: Churches are encouraged to bring a team of participants. However, each person should register and the fee applies per person. While teams are encouraged, there are no team rates. The Congregational Vitality EMT has subsidized the cost for all already.
• Requirement for CV EMT Grant Funding: This Innovation Discernment Academy is a requirement for those who are interested in applying for a Congregational Vitality EMT Innovation Grant. The IDA (Innovation Discernment Academy) is the second step in the overall process of discernment and training provided by the CV EMT to prepare individuals and church teams to apply for and launch a new ministry. For further details about this process, please refer to the CV EMT website, https://calpacumc.org/vitality, or contact Rev. Sione Finau, nmchair@calpacumc.org, or Rev. Ken Suhr, ksuhr@calpacumc.org
• Hotel Information: Hotel reservations can be made at the Sonesta Select Los Angeles Torrance South Bay. Click here for the direct link to reserve. Please make your reservations by Monday, April 6, 2026. While participants are expected to pay for their own lodging, the CV EMT is providing reimbursement scholarships. Indicate in the registration below if you are requesting a scholarship.

For more information, email Rev. Ken Suhr at ksuhr@calpacumc.org.