AM21 2026
Authorizing Ministry in the 21st Century (AM21) is a triennial gathering of Conference and Association staff, select national staff, affiliated ministry partners, and ecumenical guests Hosted by the Ministerial Excellence, Support, and Authorization (MESA) ministry team in the national setting.
AM21 2026 will be held in New Orleans in early December.
Before the start of the core event, the Alliance of Associate Conference Ministers will gather on Monday, December 7, and Tuesday, December 8. All our meetings will be at the hotel, the Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter. Please see below for the agenda and some helpful tips.
Agenda
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7
2:00PM - 6:00PM
Gathering | Worship | Workshop facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Diane Weible
Workshop Topic: Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
6:30PM
Dinner sponsored by The Pension Boards - United Church of Christ
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8
8:30AM - 11:45AM
Gathering | Workshop facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund | Sending
Workshop Topic: Blessed Hope by Sarah Griffith Lund and Chad Abbott
Beverages sponsored by the Cornerstone Fund
Helpful Tips
BOOKS
Two books will help guide our discussions:
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
Blessed Hope by Sarah Griffith Lund and Chad Abbott
If you would like a copy of Slow Productivity to read before our gathering, please email Kelly Gallagher at kellyg@uccmn.org. You will receive a printed copy of Blessed Hope at our gathering.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
If you would like a certificate of your participation in either or both workshops, please let us know when you sign in on Monday and Tuesday.
BEVERAGES
Please consider your hydration and caffeination needs.
Monday, 3:00pm to 4:30pm: Pepsi's collection of soft drinks, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Bubly sparkling water, and bottled water
Monday Dinner: freshly brewed regular and decaffeinated coffee, a selection of specialty teas and iced tea
Tuesday, 8:30am to 10:00am: freshly brewed regular and decaffeinated coffee and a selection of specialty teas
Tuesday’s beverages sponsored by the Cornerstone fund
DINNER
Monday’s dinner sponsored by the Pension Boards - United Church of Christ
“On the Bayou”
Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo
Astor House Salad | Baby Field Greens, Cherry Tomato, English Cucumber, Shredded Carrots, Shaved Red Onion, Champagne Vinaigrette and Cajun Ranch Dressing (VE, GF)
Smoked Cajun Potato Salad | Bacon, Scallions, Creole Mustard, Herb Vinaigrette
Herb De Provincial Crusted Chicken Breast | Garlic Butter Broth
Crawfish Étouffée
Blackened Pork Loin | Pepper Jelly Sugarcane Glaze
Fluffy Rice
Roasted Squash, Tomatoes and Onion (VE)
Corn Bread | Whipped Butter
Chef’s Signature Bread Pudding | Rum Caramel Sauce
Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie