CHHSM Invites Workshop Proposals for 2027 Annual Gathering in Houston

CHHSM is inviting proposals for workshops for the 2027 Annual Gathering, to be held March 16-18, 2027, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Houston-Greenway Plaza. 

Moving forward with courage and hope is the emphasis of the gathering, based on its theme, “To the Stars through Difficulties.” The theme recalls not only Houston’s nickname—Space City— but the human spirit and inspiration necessary in the space program. The Johnson Space Center is housed in Houston, and all space program astronauts live and train in Houston. 

“This year’s theme dovetails with the work of CHHSM agencies,” said Jamar Doyle, president and CEO of CHHSM. “It evokes the hope and courage our CHHSM agencies embody, while acknowledging the challenges they face. In spite of increasingly difficult circumstances, our people serve with passion, compassion, and resilience.”

The focus scripture of the Annual Gathering is Isaiah 58. “Our hope is that presenters will choose from the whole of Isaiah in terms of where they draw inspiration,” said Matt Bishop, CHHSM vice president.

Indeed, keynoters, workshop leaders, and worship leaders will focus on their favorite passages of Isaiah 58 in their presentations. Captivating keynotes, engaging workshops, immersive experiences, meaningful worship, and valuable networking opportunities await participants. The 2027 Annual Gathering will ignite fresh ideas and new partnerships for ministry, as participants witness firsthand how CHHSM members are pioneering new ideas and collaborative projects to move forward in faith and love.

Call for Workshops

Annual Gathering workshops will help attendees explore the theme and build professional skills. To submit a workshop proposal, complete the online form. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 15, 2026. Submitters will be notified of their session status by Oct. 5, 2026.

Workshops should be 75 minutes in length. They should be interactive and allow time for a Q&A session. Deliverables of the workshop should be clear and should include a call to action if possible. Due to the limited number of workshop slots at the Annual Gathering, some submissions may not be chosen to lead a workshop. However, CHHSM may contact presenters not chosen to see if they are interested in providing content for other educational events or formats.

“If the story of your agency’s courage, inspiration, and community collaboration has helped you to move forward with innovations in your ministry, we hope you will consider submitting a proposal for a workshop as a way to jumpstart new ideas for other attendees,” said Bishop.

Features of the 2027 Annual Gathering

As in the past, The Annual Gathering will include worship, inspiring keynotes and worship experiences, plus CHHSM Affinity Group meetings, reflection time, and opportunities for social gatherings and fellowship.

Throughout the Annual Gathering, the capstone projects of the current Nollau Leadership Institute class will be on display, and members of the class will be available to discuss their projects and answer questions. The CHHSM Board also will meet during the Annual Gathering.

The Annual Gathering is sure to create new hope and courage for your ministries. “Come to Houston,” said Doyle, “to be inspired, enlightened, and energized as, together, we reach to the stars through difficulties and move forward, together.”

Registration for the 2027 Annual Gathering opens this fall. 

Learn more about the Annual Gathering and workshop submission process.