Registration to Open this Week for Ecumenical Gathering of Health and Human Service Ministries

Registration opens later this week for The Gathering, the conference of faith-based human service organizations taking place March 24-26, 2026, in Indianapolis. The Gathering’s soon-to-be-launched event website will include the registration page.

Centered on the theme “Many Gifts, One Spirit,” The Gathering brings together health and human service leaders from five faith traditions: Methodist, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Quaker, and United Church of Christ. The three-day event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis.

The early bird rate of $650 for members of agencies in the five faith traditions is available through Feb. 9, 2026. A guest/spouse ticket for all the meals is available for $275. (Guest tickets cannot be used by anyone employed by a member or vendor.)

A limited number of scholarships will be available for first-time attendees and smaller CHHSM agencies. CHHSM will send out additional information, including the registration website address and information about scholarships, as soon as it’s available.

“We are excited to roll out registration on the event website later this week. It will include descriptions of all the workshops and keynote speakers, plus information about the venue,” said Jamar Doyle, president and CEO of CHHSM. “There will be so many opportunities at The Gathering to engage with others, learn from experts, and be in community with like-minded people from across our health and human service ministries. I know that everyone who attends will have a life-changing experience.”

Keynote Address Each Day

Each day will include an inspirational keynote address to the full plenary.

Tuesday, March 24 (12-1:30 p.m.
The Table of Curiosity: Exploring Our Cultures and Callings
Speaker: Nikki Rineer, senior consultant, MHS Consulting

Every organization has a culture. Every leader carries one. And when we gather—around board tables, leadership teams, or communities of care—those cultures connect. What happens next depends on curiosity. This keynote explores how faith, story, gifts, and service shape the “cultures we bring to the table.” It looks at how curiosity, not certainty, opens the door to deeper respect, better decisions, and stronger collaboration.

Wednesday, March 25 (8:30-10 a.m.)
Hope for Years to Come: Faith Calling Us Forward Together
Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO, Children’s Defense Fund

In difficult times we are united by God’s call to witness, teach, and heal humankind. In this keynote, Wilson will invite participants from across the spectrum of health and human service professions to live out this call in a time of deep need, social strife, and economic uncertainty in America, as a ministry to succeeding generations. 

The keynote will explore the power of God’s Spirit to inform, inspire and sustain a shared vision of care, wholeness, and community. It will consider how diverse gifts, rooted in different traditions, guided by one Spirit, can deepen our nation’s trust in God’s promise for a flourishing future through our service and action.

Prior to Wilson’s address, Lisa Carr, director of government relations for Service Coordination, Inc., will speak briefly about key trends in health and human services. Prior to coming to her present position, Carr spent several years in various health and human service positions for the federal government. Until July 2025, she served as senior public health advisor for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Thursday, March 26 (10:30-1130 a.m.)
Purpose as a Source of Renewal: Lifting the Human Spirit in Work and Services 
Speaker: Stan Phelps, best-selling author, global speaking fellow, virtual master presenter

Each of us carries unique gifts, experiences, talents, and skills — given by God’s spirit — to bring light into our work and service. Yet in the sacred calling of caring and serving others, fatigue and burnout can dim that light. How do we reignite our passion? How do we ensure our purpose fuels us, rather than drains us? Using insights from his motivational books Red Goldfish and Green Goldfish, Phelps will offer fresh ideas, innovative approaches, and best practices for creating workplaces that uplift employees and the people they serve. He will explore how mission-driven leadership and small, intentional actions can restore energy, renew vision and rekindle joy in serving others.

Download the App to Connect

The Gathering app will help participants have a more productive experience. The app will be available through the logistics page on the event website. Through the app, Gathering attendees can:

• Navigate the event agenda and logistics, even without Wi-Fi or data. Access useful information like ridesharing and local attractions through the Community Board
• Network effectively. Plan whom to meet by exploring attendee profiles and sending out messages
• Participate in event activities through session likes, comments, ratings, live polling, tweeting, and more.

The Gathering promises to be a unique, one-of-a-kind experience for all participants. Look for more information this week.