Category: News
Central Announces the Launch of the Antioch Center
Central Seminary Launches Antioch Center to Equip Congregations, Empower Leaders, and Strengthen Communities
Central Seminary announces the launch of the Antioch Center, a new initiative dedicated to strengthening congregational vitality by equipping lay leaders, pastors, and congregations for faithful, sustainable ministry in a changing world. Located near the intersection of Antioch Road and 110th Street in Overland Park, the Center intentionally draws its name and purpose from the biblical city of Antioch—the church’s first great crossroads—where diverse believers were formed and sent into the world. In this shared sense of place and purpose, the Antioch Center brings formation and mission together, welcoming diverse voices and preparing congregations to respond creatively and courageously to emerging challenges.
The Antioch Center will offer practical, accessible educational opportunities, including webinars, certificate programs, and customized resources tailored especially for small, rural, and multilingual congregations across the Midwest. Existing certificate programs will be integrated into the Center’s work, with new programs developed in response to emerging needs.
The Center will also provide expert coaching and guidance for lay leaders and clergy addressing critical issues facing congregations today, including church finances, stewardship of aging facilities, mental health concerns, accessibility and inclusion, and innovative approaches to engaging youth and young adults. Programming will be supported by adaptive, multilingual learning platforms that foster coached learning communities.
Serving as a hub for lay leadership formation, the Antioch Center will support and expand existing programs at Central Seminary—including the Hispanic Lay Institute, Judson Communities Certificate Program, and Ola Hanson Bible Institute—while launching new English-language lay leadership training and Lay Leader Communities of Practice.
Committed to collaboration, the Antioch Center will deepen partnerships with denominations through shared content development, recruitment support, and regional gatherings, ensuring its work remains responsive to the lived realities of congregations.
The Antioch Center will begin its work in spring 2026 with a three-part Congregational Learning Series and will expand in September 2026 with comprehensive lay leader training and continuing education opportunities for pastors.
The Antioch Center is co-directed by Rev. Rhonda Hetzel and is funded in part by generous grants from Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Pathways for Tomorrow and Thriving Congregations Initiative.
Sign-up to receive Antioch Center updates and opportunities by completing this form or you can text ANTIOCH to (913) 270-3062