2026 THEME : “ THE POWER OF US THE STORY OF YOU “
The well-being and effectiveness of pastors and ministry leaders matters now more than ever! The church is facing unprecedented challenges and shifts that cannot be ignored. The effects of COVID-19, the changing demographics of the U.S., and generational differences are just a few examples. AAMA Peer Mentoring is an opportunity for you to move from surviving to thriving in your calling. This 2-day gathering will connect you to other Black leaders from across the country and the denomination, encourage you in your calling, and equip you with practical skills that can be applied to your unique context. If you desire to be a healthy leader and build a healthy church, Peer Mentoring is for you!
Conference Schedule
ALL TIMES SHOWN ARE IN THE CENTRAL TIME ZONE
MAIN CONFERENCE LOCATION
Hope Covenant Church
14401 West Ave
Orland Park, IL 60462
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14
WELCOME HOME | CHECK IN & KICK BACK
5:30–8:00 PM | AAMA Family Dinner
Fogo de Chão
15407 South La Grange Road, Orland Park
Presidential welcome and relaxed fellowship.
At the Tables | The Story Behind Your Name
1.Who named you?
2.What does your name mean?
3.What do the people who really know you call you?
4.What story does your name carry?
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
THE STORY OF YOU | MORNING
8:00 AM | Registration, Coffee, Snacks & Music
9:30 AM | Worship
9:45 AM | Welcome & Setting Up the Day
10:00 AM | The Train Ride
Where has your story taken you? Reflect on the people and moments that shaped your journey.
10:15 AM | JAMALx — Four Stories
Joy. Authenticity. Meaning. Agency. Legacy.
Four 12-minute personal stories.
THE FOUR JAMALx STORIES
IDENTITY | William Mack
Who am I? Discovering, reclaiming and understanding oneself.
RESILIENCE | Georgia Hill
What have I survived and learned? What life and ministry demanded and what was discovered.
BELONGING | Anthony Thomas
Where am I seen? Community, friendship, Blackness, ministry and finding one's people.
POWER | Nilwona Nowlin
What do I carry? Discovering voice, gifts, agency, influence and calling.
11:15 AM | Break
11:30 AM | The Story Behind the Story
Live panel conversation
12:30 PM | Lunch
THURSDAY AFTERNOON
WHAT ARE YOU CARRYING?
You care for everybody else. Who cares for you?
1:30 PM | Generations: Tell the Truth
Conversations among Boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z. Facilitators include Anthony Thomas, Ieisha, Dani Kilgore and Jeff Colen. Each group selects a representative.
2:30 PM | What We Carry
Whole-room conversation across generations about burdens, wisdom, and supporting one another.
3:30 PM | Receive
Care, prayer & release.
3:30–6:30 PM | Open Space
Rest, reflection, personal care and connection.
THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 15
THE JOY IN US | PRESIDENT'S DINNER: SHADES OF US
Attire: Come dressed in any shade of brown.
An evening of beauty, history, celebration and joy.
6:30 PM | Arrival
Mocktails, music & photos.
6:45 PM | Welcome, Acknowledgments & Blessing of Food
MCs: Will Kilgore and Ieisha Raymond
7:00 PM | Greetings
Superintendent Danny Martinez and ECC President Tammy Swanson-Draheim.
7:15 PM | Dinner
7:45 PM | President's Address
Rev. Dani Kilgore
8:00 PM | The Story of Us
8:30 PM | RELEASE: Comedy & Improv
Featuring Jelani Greenidge.
A dedicated experience for African American clergy and ministry leaders.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
THE POWER IN US
9:00 AM | Hour of Power
Worship & prayer.
9:40 AM | The Power in Us: Closing Word
Kimberly Wright Reagan
10:25 AM | The Next Chapter
Communion & commissioning.
Benediction — Pastor Anthony Thomas.
12:15–12:30 PM | Grab-and-Go Lunch
SESSION TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE