Tending the Vineyard

Come get refreshed in thinking and planning theologically, realistically, and hopefully about church growth and health in the Episcopal Church. Speakers will include top thinkers and pastoral voices in leadership, mentoring, evangelism, and spiritual nurture. Topics will include growth and decline, leadership development, global perspectives, and agrarian and monastic wisdom on work, place, and community.

The conference includes an optional lunch to discuss recent Episcopal Church restructuring plans with the Rev. Steve Pankey (VP, House of Deputies).

Whether you are seeking parish renewal or personal refreshment, you'll enjoy stimulating keynotes, conversations, great food, quality time with colleagues, and Q&A with experts and mentors.

The conference is in-person only, but select portions of the talks will be available post-conference through online content. To stay up to date on those offerings, join the Living Church email list.

Hosted by The Living Church and St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church, Louisville.

Our speakers suggest the following brief readings to enrich your time at the conference:

A Native Hill by Wendell Berry

Good-Faith Springs Up from the Earth by Ellen Davis

The nearest airport is the Lousville International Airport.

We recommend staying at the Hilton Garden Inn Northeast, or the Drury Inn & Suites Louisville North, which is right next door to the Hilton Garden Inn.

We will provide free van transport between the Hilton Garden Inn and the church each morning and evening. If you know you would like free van transport, please check "yes" on the transportation question in your registration.

If you decide not to book at the Hilton or Drury Inn, other hotels, as well as AirBnB accommodations, can easily be booked in the area. For ease of daily travel, we recommend booking accommodations on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River (rather than the Indiana side), as Ohio River bridge tolls can get expensive.

We are delighted to provide free childcare for small children throughout the conference. If you need care, please check "yes" on the childcare question in your registration, and we will be in touch for further details from you.

For questions about on-site event details, contact Caroline Eager at [email protected].

For questions about tickets or registration, contact Amber Noel at [email protected].

If you're not sure who to send a question to, try one of us, and we'll happily get it to the right person.

Download the full schedule

You can also view the Agenda section above.

Info: Light refreshments available

Info: Refreshments, heavy hors d’oeuvres

Info: Light breakfast available

Info: *Please RSVP for this lunch when you register.

Info: Enjoy lunch, rest, and free time

Info: Work Worth Doing: Coming Up Under What’s Coming Apart
/ “Truth Springs Up from the Earth”: Grounding in Scripture and Community

Info: Appetizers served at 6 PM. Dinner served at 6:30. BBQ and live Bluegrass on the lawn.

Info: Led by Amber Noel (The Living Church)

Info: After dismissal, we encourage you to enjoy lunch in Louisville with someone you met at the conference.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

St. Francis in the Fields, 6710 Wolf Pen Branch Road, Louisville, United States