Exploration 2026

Name: Exploration 2026
Start: 2026-11-06T00:00:00-06:00
End: 2026-11-08T23:59:59-06:00
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando

November 6 - November 8

Exploration 2026, set for November 6–8 in Orlando, Florida, creates sacred space for young adults ages 18 and older to gather in meaningful fellowship, passionate worship, theological reflection and practical workshops. Participants are invited to discern whether God’s call on their life is to ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church and what faithful steps they can take in response.

Through worship, workshops, community, and guided reflection, gain clarity, confidence, and connection as you explore pathways in ministry and service.

Friday, November 6

3 p.m. – Registration and Sacred Space Opens

3-4 p.m. – Small Group Leader Orientation

5-6 p.m. – Dinner (seated by Annual Conference)

6-8 p.m. – Opening Session

8-9 p.m. – Small Groups I

9-10 p.m. – Panel with Special Guests

Midnight – Sacred Space Closes

Saturday, November 7

7 a.m. – Sunrise Yoga

8 a.m. – Sacred Space Opens

9-10 a.m. – Session II

10-11:15 a.m. – Workshop I

11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. – Workshop II

1-2 p.m. – Lunch

2-3:15 p.m. – Workshop III

3-4:45 p.m. – Workshop IV

5-6 p.m. – Dinner

6-8 p.m. – Conn-etwork

8-9 p.m. – Session III

9-10 p.m. – Small Groups II

10-10:30 p.m. – Snack

10:30-11:30 p.m. – Affinity Groups

Midnight – Sacred Space Closes

Sunday, November 8

8 a.m. – Sacred Space Opens

9-10 a.m. – Small Group III

10-11 a.m. – Room Checkout

11 a.m.-Noon – Session IV

Through a mix of panels and focused sessions, you’ll hear directly from elders, deacons, lay leaders, chaplains, missionaries, and seminary staff as they share their journeys and practical advice.

Serving in Extension Ministry

What does it look like to serve as a clergyperson beyond the local church? Learn about how elders and deacons serve beyond the local church, including as campus ministers, military and medical chaplains, and with other organizations. This workshop also includes information about endorsement, an additional credential useful or required for certain extension ministry settings.

Ministry as an Elder or Local Licensed Pastor (LLP)

Elders are ordained to Word, Order, Sacrament and Service. Learn about how elders serve within the local church and in extension ministry.

Ministry as a Deacon

Deacons are ordained to Word, Service, Compassion and Justice. Learn how deacons serve within local churches and beyond the local church in a variety of settings, and how deacons serve differently than laity.

Ministry as a Lay Person

Join us for a panel discussion about lay and ordained ministry, and the similarities and differences between both pathways. Learn about how we equip laity into ministry across the denomination.

Serving in Endorsement

Ministry happens in a variety of settings – not just within a local church congregation! United Methodist elders and deacons can be ordained to serve in the chaplaincy (ex. hospice, military, hospital) as a pastoral caregiver or spiritual director, or in campus ministry. If you feel a calling to serve God, but aren’t drawn to ministry within a local church, come to this workshop to explore opportunities beyond the church walls.

Serving as a Missionary

Is your call to ministry rooted in social justice? People of faith are called to transform the world, to ensure all people’s needs are met and to live into God’s promise of abundant life. Learn about some of the pathways the UMC has for young adults called to mission and justice work, including the Global Mission Fellows program, and internships with Church and Society.

What to Expect in Seminary

Hear from seminary staff about what to expect in seminary and theological school, including areas of study, spiritual development, academic expectations, field/contextual education expectations, diversity and community.

Fresh Expressions & Creative Faith Communities

Learn about innovative approaches to building new faith communities in changing contexts.

Self-Care and Spiritual Disciplines in Ministry (New!)

Discover practices to sustain your spiritual health and well-being in ministry.

How to Afford Seminary

Join us for a panel discussion led by seminary and theological school staff entrusted with helping students pay for graduate theological studies. Learn about options available for scholarships, denominational and other funding sources.

Navigating the Ordination Process

The United Methodist Church’s candidacy process is the application and discernment process for ordination. This workshop will address questions related to the candidacy process. We will explain the process, give an overview of the steps to take, and give suggestions on how to work through the process, beginning with your local church or collegiate ministry, your district committee on ordained ministry (dCOM), and your annual conference board of ordained ministry (BOM). Learn how you can become a better person by going through the candidacy process.