2026 Bishop’s Conference
“Navigating Differences in a Polarized World”
with Dr. Shirley Mullen
This conference is intended for Pastors, Deacons, and Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs)
November 9–10, 2026
100 Shawnee Inn Dr, Shawnee On Delaware, PA 18356
In her book, Claiming the Courageous Middle, Dr. Shirley Mullen invites learners to claim the powerful, redemptive potential of the courageous middle. This is not a place of bland averaging, moral cowardice, wobbling indecisiveness, or lazy indifference, the courageous middle is a place where thoughtful individuals work with urgency to foster attentive rather than dismissive listening to garner what is true and praiseworthy even from those with whom they disagree. Our Christian faith uniquely equips us to call our communities to imagine a more hopeful, grace-filled future.
Dr. Mullen offers a Christian theological framework for the work of “middle space” drawn from the Old and New Testaments. She also gives practical advice on how to prepare for this work, examples of those who have called their communities to alternatives beyond binary options, and ways to engage with our congregations and communities.
Pricing
Full Event:
- $310 per person, single occupancy
- $235 per person, double occupancy (includes overnight housing, Bishop’s reception, breakfast and lunch on Tuesday)
Tuesday Only:
- $75 (includes lunch)
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Schedule
Monday, November 9
3:00pm Registration opens, check-in to room, dinner and free time on your own
7:00pm Bishop’s Reception
9:00pm Worship
Tuesday, November 10
7:30am Breakfast for overnight participants
9:00am Session 1
10:3am Break
11:00am Session 2
12:30pm Lunch
1:30pm Session 3
3:00pm Q&A
3:30pm Sending Worship
Media Notice
This event will be photographed. Images and video captured during the event may be used in future Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod communications, including the website, social media, and print or digital publications.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Mullen to further our work of inclusivity at the NEPA Synod Bishop’s Conference. She is thankful for our Reconciling in Christ (RIC) status as a synod and the work we are doing around LGBTQIA+ and Racial Justice!”
Deacon Chelle Huth, NEPA Director for Leaders
Shirley A. Mullen, Ph.D.
Shirley Mullen served 15 years as President of Houghton University, Houghton, N.Y., retiring in May 2021. She has spent four decades in the work of faith based liberal arts education. Prior to becoming Houghton’s president, she served at various times as a classroom professor, chief academic officer and residence life director. She is an avid life-long learner with earned doctorates in both history and philosophy, focusing in her studies on the Enlightenment period and its complex impact on the Modern World, on liberal learning, and on our understanding of the human condition.
As President Emerita, she continues to speak, write, and consult, as well as to encourage and develop the next generation of leaders through mentoring and serving on the boards of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Board Chair of Fuller Seminary, the National Association of Evangelicals, Fuller Seminary, and the First Amendment Partnership. Her book, Claiming the Courageous Middle: Daring to Live and Work Together for a More Hopeful Future, was recently published in April 2024.
Claiming the Courageous Middle
To help prepare for this year's conference, participants are encouraged to read Claiming the Courageous Middle: Daring to Live and Work Together for a More Hopeful Future by Dr. Shirley Mullens. While reading the book is not required, it provides valuable insight into the conference theme and can enrich your experience and conversations throughout the event.
Questions?
Contact Deacon Chelle Huth, NEPA Director for Leaders, at 610-266-5101 ext. 115 or by email.
