September 26 – 28, 2024, Friends University, Wichita, KS

A 3-day conference for Christians desiring a deeper relationship with God through learning and engaging in the teachings of Jesus.

About The Apprentice Gathering

Join us September 26-28, 2024 for our 13th Apprentice Gathering!

aTalks

Throughout the gathering, a diverse presenter line-up including Emily P. Freeman, Syke Jethani, Heather Thompson Day, Brian Zahnd, and Ken Shigematsu will speak to conference attendees.  These five sessions, held in the historic Alumni Auditorium at Friends University, are designed to inform and challenge attendees in the area of Christian Spiritual Formation.  Seasoned worship leaders will help participants prepare their hearts and minds to hear each message, and each talk will be followed by a Q&A interview with James Bryan Smith.

Thursday Intensives

Two half-day, small group intensive sessions are held on Thursday from 9:00-12:00 and 1:30-4:30 with 90 minutes for lunch.  Attendees are invited to select one topic of interest for the morning and one topic of interest for the afternoon.  Because not everyone can attend the two half-day intensives, it is an add-on to the general registration. Enrollment is capped at a specific number to allow participant interaction.

Friday Workshops

Included in general registration are two (2) Friday workshops, both held in the afternoon.  These 75 minute sessions allow for smaller group, interactive sessions with the presenters.  Attendees register for desired workshops on a first-come basis, and sessions are capped to ensure that informal participation can occur.

Meet our Speakers

James Bryan Smith
Biography

Dr. James Bryan Smith is the Dallas Willard Professor of Christian Spiritual Formation at Friends University, in Wichita, Kansas.  Jim received his B.A. in Religion and Philosophy at Friends University, his M.Div. at Yale Divinity School, and his D.Min. at Fuller Theological Seminary.  Jim has taught at Friends University for over 30 years, teaching primarily in the area of Christian spiritual formation.  He is also the Executive Director of The Apprentice Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. In addition, Jim is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and co-founding pastor of Chapel Hill UMC, in Wichita, Kansas, and is currently a teaching pastor at that church.  He is also a best-selling author of twelve books, most notably The Apprentice Series (InterVarsity Press), which includes The Good and Beautiful God.  He is also one of the original founders, alongside Richard J. Foster and Dallas Willard, of the spiritual renewal ministry, Renovare.

Tish Harrison Warren
Emily P. Freeman
Biography

Bio Coming Soon

Rich Villodas
Brian Zahnd
Biography

Bio Coming Soon

Heather Thompson Day
Biography

Bio Coming Soon

Ken Shigematsu
Biography

Bio Coming Soon

Skye Jethani
Biography

Bio Coming Soon

Watch our video

Pricing & Registration

Thursday Intensives begin at 9:00 AM and end at 4:30 PM with an hour-and-a-half break for lunch at 12:00 PM. The Gathering officially begins Thursday at 6:30 PM. General Registration provides access to the entire conference, which includes access to all five “aTalk” sessions (main stage plenary talks) and your choice of two seventy-five-minute workshops on Friday. *Full Refunds are available until April 1st 2024*

Our Partners

Book a room at our conference hotel, The Drury. Use the button below to book a room at our reduced rate!

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