GALAX REGION: International Leadership Institute (ILI) Leadership Training

Join one of the eight leadership training events across the MidSouth Annual Conference to equip both laity and clergy to serve as transformational leaders who can influence their churches and communities with clarity, conviction, and courage. These training sessions are intended to support the mission of the Global Methodist Church as a movement called to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.

The International Leadership Institute (ILI) History Makers trainings are designed to inspire and equip leaders to live and lead with passion for the Great Commission. These events provide practical and spiritual tools for leadership development, discipleship, and multiplication across generations.

Each ILI event will feature two simultaneous training tracks:

• History Makers I – Introduction to Biblical and Transformational Leadership
• History Makers II – Advanced Training for Returning Participants

Both History Makers I & II are 3-day leadership experiences designed for clergy, laity, and community leaders. Participants will engage in sessions on:

• The Eight Core Values of ILI: Intimacy with God, Passion for the Harvest, Visionary Leadership, Culturally Relevant Evangelism, Multiplication of Leaders, Family Priority, Faithful Stewardship, and Integrity
• Transformational leadership principles applicable in church and community contexts.
• Personal spiritual formation and missional living.

Trainings will be conducted by Dr. Benjamin Bowman, an ILI certified trainer and expert in Organizational Leadership and Christian Mission. There will be sessions led by other ILI certified leaders. Group discussions will focus on vision, mission, and goals for both personal growth and leadership development as well as multiplying leaders within the local church.

Expected Outcomes:

• Empowerment of clergy and laity with biblical leadership skills.
• Strengthened disciple-making and church revitalization efforts.
• Increased collaboration and connection across the MidSouth Conference.
• A sustainable model for ongoing leadership development in the GMC context.

8 Training Events Across the MidSouth (January through August):

1. GALAX REGIONAL EVENT | Jan. 12-14th – Jordan’s Chapel, Pulaski, VA
2. ASHLAND REGIONAL EVENT | Feb. 26–28th – Cornerstone Methodist, Ashland, KY

Stay tuned as we release the remaining six training event dates & locations!

Registration Details & Fees: Register online here. Last day to register is January 6, 2026. History Makers I is $175, plus hotel housing identified by the participant or other housing arranged by the participant. History Makers II is $150, plus housing.

The cost of the lunches and dinners is included in the registration fee. Breakfast will be included in your hotel booking when available. Lunch and dinner will be provided on Monday and Tuesday, and lunch on Wednesday by the host church. The cost is included in the registration fee.

GALAX REGIONAL EVENT Hotel Accommodations: To book a room at a discounted rate, contact the Hampton Inn Dublin, VA, at 540-674-5700 and ask for a room in the “Bowman block” to receive the discounted rate. Please book a 2-Queen bed room. If you are coming as a married couple or as a facilitator, please book the 1-King bedrooms. We invite you to consider sharing a room to make the event cost-effective for everyone.

Weather Contingency Plan: In the event of inclement weather during the colder months, training will be held via Zoom. The cost of the food included in the registration fee will be reimbursed to the participants.

Questions? Benjamin Bowman at nominations@midsouthgmc.org