July 6, 2026
Join us this August in Green Lake, Wisconsin for a unique Kairos Gathering. Whether you’re a current Kairos student, mentor, faculty, or a part of the wider Kairos network, we invite you to join us August 17-21, 2026 at Green Lake Conference Center. Participate in Reflection in Community sessions, learn about alternative approaches to preaching, and meet other Kairos students and faculty.
This gathering is also part of the Creativity in Preaching project led by Green Lake Conference Center (GLCC). The project is part of the Compelling Preaching Initiative funded by the Lilly Endowment. Kairos University is one of GLCC’s lead partners in the project and the director of the project is Rev. Dr. Heather Henson, Kairos University Affiliate Professor and Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Ministries and Preaching.
Trista, a Kairos Master of Divinity student, attended last year’s Creativity in Preaching Gathering. We asked her to reflect on her experience in Green Lake and what made the gathering meaningful to her. From discovering the value of in-person community to finding encouragement for ministry, here’s what she shared:
Why did you decide to participate in the Creative Preaching gathering?
I want to gather with other Kairos students as much as I can! I had the privilege of attending a gathering two weeks into starting with Kairos, and it was so vital to my success as a new student. I quickly learned the importance of being connected to other students in person. I traveled quite a way to come to the gathering in Green Lake, from Edmonton, Canada, and it was so worth it!
What was one especially meaningful conversation, session, or moment for you during the gathering?
I had two really meaningful conversations over meals. One with a Kairos professor about being a woman in ministry, with both belly laughs and tears. And then I had the privilege of being taught by her in the fall semester. It was really nice to already have a personal connection when sitting in a class over Zoom! And another meaningful conversation about deaf ministry, which became an important connection and resource, as my home church is in the beginning stages of building a thriving deaf ministry. These connections went way beyond the few days in Wisconsin!
What was your favorite part of the gathering and why?
My favourite part will always be the people! I loved hearing their stories and hearts for ministry (even if they made fun of my Canadian accent and asked me to say “bag” repeatedly).
How did this gathering expand your understanding of preaching?
We defined preaching early in the workshop as “truth through personality,” and this has been so helpful in my ministry. I feel like it permitted me to let my personality shine when I teach the bible – through stories, jokes, and illustrations I can (and should) be myself.
How did you experience community during your time in Wisconsin last summer?
There is so much opportunity to get to know people both inside and outside of the workshop settings. Sharing meals, playing cards in downtime, and spending time on the lake together were such precious times of community.
In what ways did the gathering encourage you personally, spiritually, or vocationally?
Whenever I meet people who are also just doing their best to follow Jesus, to love and disciple people, I am encouraged. Sometimes ministry can feel so isolating. So to have a space to share all the challenges and victories with other faithful people who aren’t so intricately woven into your day-to-day ministry is always refreshing and encouraging.
Why would you encourage other students to attend this summer’s Creativity in Preaching Gathering?
It will breathe life into the program for you! Meet as many other Kairos students in person as you can. It makes it all feel so much more connected to have other students to stay in touch with!
Interested in Coming to Green Lake?
We invite you to join us this August and experience the relationships, learning, and encouragement that make this gathering so meaningful.
Creativity in Preaching Lab
August 17-21, 2026
The gathering will begin on Monday, August 17, at 5:00 PM and conclude on Friday, August 21, at 10:00 AM. Details and instructions to register can be found within the August 2026 Regional Gathering (WI) path on Pathwright.
Stay for just $200 in hotel-style lodging or $50 in dorm-style housing, both of which include meals and all program fees. Spouses and kids are welcome, with free childcare provided for little ones. Read more about the gathering here.