Wednesday - 12:45PM-1:45PM
Three Ways a Small Church Can Be an Effective Church - Karl Vaters
(This break-out session is also being offered at 3:40PM)
Small and effective? Is it possible? According to the Bible, church history, and the latest research, the answer is a resounding yes! Small churches not only can be effective, but when they see their size, not as a problem to fix, but as part of a strategy Jesus is using to build his church, they become some of the most effective congregations in the world. In this session, Karl Vaters will walk through the three essential shifts pastors need to make to help the congregation you lead become healthier and more effective at the size it is right now.
Biblical Transformation, Spiritual Formation, and Means of Grace - Greg Strand (This break-out session is also being offered at 3:40PM)
In this breakout, we will consider the following questions: How do we grow into the likeness of the Son? What are obstacles to spiritual growth? What are the means of grace God uses in our spiritual growth? What is lacking in the normal means of grace that something more is needed or pursued? What is “spiritual formation”? What is its history? Why is there increased interest in spiritual formation? How is the recent iteration of spiritual formation assessed, and what are its strengths and weaknesses?
Church Security: Know Your Enemy and What to Do About Them - Wil Moore
Who is the true enemy when it comes to church security? When you think of this through a biblical approach, the foundation of your church security program must change. This workshop will cover a variety of topics to include justification of building a team, training, discipleship, structure, responsibilities, and most importantly, the foundation of the team. The goal is for you to walk away with a road map to building your own security ministry that walks God’s path and protects the mission of the church.
Using AI Without Losing Your Calling - Brandon Early
(This break-out session is also being offered at 3:40PM)
A lot of us are asking the same questions: Is it okay to use AI? And if it is... where do I start? In this workshop, we'll address the ethical tensions and walk step-by-step through how AI can streamline your workload, spark fresh ideas, and shorten the gap between vision and execution, giving you more time to focus on what matters most. No hype, no fear, just practical help, real examples, and tools you can start using right away.
Navigating Immigration Law and the Immigrant in Our Churches and Communities - Karla Can & Alex Rivero
We are a nation of immigrants with a significant ethnic diversity and sometimes challenging immigration status. Our District has the largest amount of immigrant congregations in the EFCA, including the largest Hispanic congregation. How are you (and your Elders) navigating the immigration tension in your own congregation?
Navegando el Ministerio Pastoral Bajo los Actuales Desafíos Polarizadores. (Navigating pastoral ministry under the current political polarizing challenges) (Spanish Only) - Hugo Concha
La creciente ideología política y el nacionalismo han afectado a nuestra cultura. ¿Cómo podemos navegar los actuales desafíos en una cultura que está afectando nuestra cosmovisión cristiana y el continuo desarrollo de la Gran Comisión? (The increasing political and nationalism ideology has been affecting our culture. How can we navigate the current political polarizing culture influencing our Christian worldview and the continue development of the Great Commission)
Wednesday - 3:40PM-4:40PM
Three Ways a Small Church Can Be an Effective Church - Karl Vaters
(This break-out session is also being offered at 12:45PM)
Small and effective? Is it possible? According to the Bible, church history, and the latest research, the answer is a resounding yes! Small churches not only can be effective, but when they see their size, not as a problem to fix, but as part of a strategy Jesus is using to build his church, they become some of the most effective congregations in the world. In this session, Karl Vaters will walk through the three essential shifts pastors need to make to help the congregation you lead become healthier and more effective at the size it is right now.
Biblical Transformation, Spiritual Formation, and Means of Grace - Greg Strand
(This break-out session is also being offered at 12:45PM)
In this breakout, we will consider the following questions: How do we grow into the likeness of the Son? What are obstacles to spiritual growth? What are the means of grace God uses in our spiritual growth? What is lacking in the normal means of grace that something more is needed or pursued? What is “spiritual formation”? What is its history? Why is there increased interest in spiritual formation? How is the recent iteration of spiritual formation assessed, and what are its strengths and weaknesses?
Youth Worker Round Table - Jennifer Kvamme, Mike Szoradi, Travis Sybert
Do you work with middle school or high school students? Three seasoned youth workers will share a few encouragements from their combined 70+ years in youth ministry, but much of this hour will be collaborative. Come to connect with others who share your passion and your challenges in reaching the next generation. We’ll discuss best practices, address practical questions, pray together, and be reminded of why we’re in this ministry in the first place.
Navigating Cultural Currents in Children's Ministry - Beth Toscano
Matthew 19:14 shows us that Jesus welcomed children as true members of His kingdom. This session will help your team shift from simply keeping kids occupied to intentionally discipling them through Scripture, relationships, and purposeful structure. You’ll learn how to strengthen systems, empower volunteers as ministry leaders, and reframe your children’s spaces as holy ground where real spiritual formation happens.
Using AI without losing your calling - Brandon Early
(This break-out session is also being offered at 12:45PM)
A lot of us are asking the same questions: Is it okay to use AI? And if it is... where do I start? In this workshop, we'll address the ethical tensions and walk step-by-step through how AI can streamline your workload, spark fresh ideas, and shorten the gap between vision and execution, giving you more time to focus on what matters most. No hype, no fear, just practical help, real examples, and tools you can start using right away.
Navegando el Ministerio Pastoral Cuando Una Tragedia Personal Ocurre. (Navigating the Pastoral Ministry When a Personal Tragic Event Happens) (Spanish Only)
Cuando una tragedia personal ocurre, la vida se para. Para un pastor, algunas veces ese evento pudiera también terminar su ministerio pastoral. ¿Cómo podemos navegar ese tipo de evento que cambia la vida y continuar un ministerio pastoral significativo y autorreflexivo? (When a personal tragedy happens, life stops. For a pastor, sometimes a personal tragic event could lead to an ending pastoral ministry. How can we navigate this type of life-changing event and continue to have a meaningful and self-reflective church ministry?)
Thursday - 10:05AM-11:05AM
Navigating Gender Confusion with Biblical and Practical Wisdom - Jennifer Kvamme
There is a lot of confusion in our world when it comes to understanding gender--and for increasing numbers of young people, significant pain in their experience of their own gender. How do we practically, compassionately, and truthfully come alongside young people around us who might be struggling with their own gender identity? In this training session, we will think through these complex questions and offer biblical clarity, compassion, and wisdom for church leaders who want to care well for those struggling with gender dysphoria.
Storm-Proofing with Play: Building Resilience Through Joyful Connection - Beth Toscano
Kids will always want to play, and that desire is God-designed. In this session, we’ll explore how play isn’t a break from discipleship but a powerful pathway to wonder, curiosity, connection, and deeper spiritual growth. Discover practical ways to integrate meaningful, joyful play into your ministry so kids can engage God’s truth naturally and wholeheartedly. Grounded in Proverbs 22:6, we’ll reimagine ministry with less “sit still” and more intentional spaces where faith and play come alive together.
The Church Board’s Role in Tough Times - Bob Osborne
Most church boards experience fairly smooth sailing with only occasional brief turbulence. But when things get really tough, most of us need some guidance in navigating the tough seas. Pulling from his experience in command roles during his policing career and decades of experience in church leadership, Bob Osborne will share some helpful insights about the role of church boards and board members as they lead and care for the church they serve.
Church Multiplication: No One Plants Alone - Dean Mayeda
Thinking of becoming a church planter? Come and learn about how the ReachNetwork process ensures that planters are equipped and supported for their planting journey.
From Chaos to Cohesion – How Implementing Systems Can Bring Clarity and Energy to Your Team - Laura Behnke
If you’ve been in ministry long enough, you’ve experienced chaos—or you know it’s coming. Whether you’re navigating turbulence now or preparing for what’s ahead, this class offers practical systems and tactical steps to help your team move from uncertainty to unity, clarity, and renewed energy to stay on mission.
Laura Behnke, Director of Operations at Mountain Life Church in Park City, Utah, shares hard-earned wisdom from leading through a senior pastor transition, moral failure, and a season where staff were walking on eggshells. Through intentional systems and healthy leadership practices, Mountain Life emerged stronger—and is now experiencing a new challenge: growth. With a 34% increase in weekly attendance year over year, the church has been able to scale effectively because of a thriving, aligned, and mission-focused team.
Gain insight, encouragement, and practical tools you can implement immediately to lead your team through chaos—and into cohesion.
Navegando el Ministerio Pastoral Bajo la Constante Influencia de Falsas Doctrinas en la Cultura Religiosa y Cultural Que Nos Rodean. (Navigating the Pastoral Ministry Under the Constant Influence of False Doctrines in your Surrounding Religious and Secular Culture) (Spanish only) - José Manuel Hernández
Nueva Era, Secularismo, Evangelio de la Prosperidad, Redes Sociales. Solo unos pocos “influyentes” que están haciendo nuestro ministerio pastoral menos efectivo cada día. Continuamos siendo desafiados y en peligro de perder a nuestra próxima generación de discípulos en Jesucristo. ¿Cómo podemos navegar esta constante cosmovisión influyendo nuestro ministerio pastoral? (New Age, Secularism, Prosperity Gospel, Social Media. Just a few “influencers” that are making our pastoral ministry less effective every day. We continue to be challenged and in danger of losing our next generation of disciples in Jesus Christ. How can we navigate this constant world view influencing our pastoral ministry?)
Schedule and/or topics are subject to change.