Growing in Grace Symposium 2026

We're gathering.

Growing in Grace exists to help churches form all children as anti-ableist disciples through worship—learning and believing together that all of God's creation is God's good creation. This September, we're bringing people together for our first-ever symposium: practitioners and academics, pastors and lay leaders, educators and artists, young adults and seasoned church workers—anyone who's curious about anti-ableist faith formation and ready to learn what it looks like to put it into practice in their own communities.

Over three days, we'll explore what it means to build worshiping communities where all people of all embodiments truly belong. Through keynotes, panels, learning labs, and plenty of time to connect, we'll dig into storytelling, singing, preaching, the arts, and the everyday practices that shape us in worship to become anti-ableist disciples.

Reserve your spot for September—we'd love to have you there.

When you register, you'll also find links to book your hotel room. The Residence Inn is half a mile from Duke Memorial UMC, and the Hilton is farther away—but we'll be providing all-day, wheelchair-accessible shuttle service between the Hilton and Duke Memorial UMC. ADA accommodations are available at both hotels, but if you have any questions or need assistance with accessibility, please contact us at [email protected]—we're here to help.

We're committed to making the Symposium accessible to everyone! A limited number of scholarships are available to offset up to $750 in travel and lodging expenses — our team reviews applications on a rolling basis and will follow up with you directly.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the schedule for Symposium 2026?
Click here to access the event schedule!

Where is Symposium 2026?
Growing in Grace Symposium 2026 will be held at Duke Memorial UMC located at 504 W Chapel Hill St. in Durham, North Carolina. Parking is available for local attendees and those who drove. Participants staying at the Marriott are within walking and rolling distance of the church, and we will provide a wheelchair-accessible shuttle to and from the church each day of the gathering for participants staying at the Hilton.

When and where do I check in to the event?
The two main times to check in will be at Duke Memorial UMC on Monday, September 21, from 6:30-7:30 pm, and Tuesday, September 22, from 8:00-9:00 am. During both times, our team will be ready to welcome you, answer questions, and help you get oriented. Arriving later? No problem! We will have volunteers ready to check you in and get you settled.

We look forward to gathering with you! If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please contact us at [email protected].