Great things happen when God's people
unite around Kingdom causes!

Pastor Ty DesEnfants

Rural America is unique.  It is simultaneously better and worse than we think...and this is exactly what gives it so much potential! If your heart beats fast for ministry in a small place, join us for a discussion on how to love a small town like Jesus does and discover a new way of viewing your small town and engaging it with the Gospel.

Laurel Bunker, Associate VP, Christian Formation & Church Relations, Bethel University

Why understanding and ministering effectively to the next generation matters for the future of the church.

Rebecca Jacobson

Rapid technological developments have changed our lives for better, and for worse. We can quickly access information, connect with loved ones, and simplify daily tasks. But social media can also breed addiction, destructive comparisons, bullying and complicate many facets of life. In this breakout, we'll discuss the current online reality families face and uncover tools that can equip parents and caregivers to navigate raising families in a high-tech world.

Dr. Robin Holland

Living Hope Bible Church was planted in 1992. This predominantly African American congregation, now has a successful Spanish expression reaching hundreds of Hispanic residents in the neighborhood. Dr. Holland will tell the Living Hope story and give you practical coaching on how you can become a healthy multi-cultural congregation.

Coletta Smith, Along Side Ministries

“Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” -1Thessalonians 2:8
We all long for our families to know Jesus and walk with Him, not just on the outside but from their hearts. How we navigate being a family in ministry can either help them embrace what God wants to do through them or become an obstacle to it. During our time together, we’ll talk about raising families that are Kingdom-focused and on a mission with Jesus.  We’ll talk about cultivating that in our own lives, in our marriages, in our children (and our grandchildren!) And we’ll dig into some of the obstacles that make it a little more complicated when your family is in the public eye. We’ll have time for a little teaching, discussion, and some activities to help us take the next step in this journey of being a family in ministry.

Coletta Smith, Along Side Ministries

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  -3 John 4
This breakout intensive will dive into raising kids in a ministry family.  All too often, being in ministry means that our kiddos see the church as something that takes away from our family instead of adds to it.  It doesn’t have to be this way. We’ll talk with a panel of ministry moms, all in different seasons with different experiences to get some tools to raise families that embrace the calling to be Jesus-followers, Kingdom-minded and others-centered.  This will be full of practical, fun ideas for helping your family be on mission, embracing this life together.

Joel MacFarland, MDiv, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Southwest Counseling Associates

The Rocky Mountain West records some of the highest suicide rates in the country.  This epidemic creates a unique challenge and opportunity for the local church to be a light in the darkness.  This session will examine how the local church can facilitate an environment open to discussing this difficult topic.  In addition, we will discuss specific strategies those in ministry can use to better determine a person's need when they are struggling with suicidality and how to provide different forms of suicidal presentations with the proper type of assistance.

Jimmy Smith, Church Mobilization Specialist

Funding missionaries is important but not nearly as rewarding as having your whole church join them in the mission to which God has called them.  Churches across the country are realizing that their missions partnerships are often little more than check-writing endeavors — and many are saying it is time for that to change.  What if instead, a church united around a common missions endeavor and backed that endeavor with the full might of its resources, people, and unique skills?  In this breakout, you’ll discover how a church of any size can experience the powerful impact of uniting around a common missions focus that works with missionaries and national partners to achieve the important global work God has prepared in advance for them to do. (Eph. 2:10)