SAVE THE DATE
Preaching Conference – November 17, 2025
Bethany United Methodist Church | Austin, TX

Pastors and laity from across Rio Texas, the Texas Annual Conference, and the Horizon Texas Conference — you're invited to a one-day preaching conference designed to refresh, recharge, and refocus your preaching ministry.

Featuring:

• Bishop Will Willimon, author of Listener’s Dare, will preach opening worship and offer a keynote on preaching that truly engages your listeners and draws them into a life-changing encounter with the Gospel.

• Dr. Ryan Tinetti, author of Preaching by Heart, will teach us how to preach without notes — with greater freedom, authenticity, and connection from the pulpit.

Plus: Practical breakout sessions, lunch together, and time to connect with others who share your calling to preach boldly and faithfully.

Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
Location: Bethany United Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, TX
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Cost: $90 per person (includes lunch)

Register: https://bethany-umc.org/preaching-conference/

Conference Schedule:

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration & Fellowship
Enjoy coffee, light breakfast, and conversation as you check in.

9:00 AM – 9:45 AM | Opening Worship (Worship Center)
Bishop Will Willimon preaching

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Keynote #1 – Ryan Tinetti (Worship Center)
Preaching by Heart: Finding Freedom Without Notes
Learn how to internalize your sermon and preach without notes to transform your preaching and your listeners' experience.

11:30 AM – 12:10 PM | Breakout Sessions

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)
Enjoy a meal and meaningful conversation with colleagues in ministry.

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Breakout Sessions

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Keynote #2 – Bishop Will Willimon (Worship Center)
The Listener’s Dare: Preaching That Engages
Discover the art of preaching that listens deeply and speaks directly to the hearer’s heart.

3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Closing Ceremony (Worship Center)
We conclude with a short prayer, sending, and song of thanksgiving. Go forward renewed in your calling.

Nearby Hotels:

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Austin, Arboretum
  9505 Stonelake Boulevard, Austin, TX, 78759

• Hilton Garden Inn Austin NW, Arboretum
  11617 Research Blvd, Austin, TX, 78759

• Aloft Austin Northwest
  14020 US Highway 183, Austin, TX, 78717

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin NW
  Lakeline by IHG -10911 Pecan Park Blvd, Austin, TX, 78750

• Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Cedar Park, Lakeline
  10811 Pecan Park Blvd, Austin, TX, 78750