God gifts and calls His Church in diverse ways for Kingdom work. This workshop explores how we faithfully respond to His call by engaging the increasingly diverse communities around us. Participants will gain practical ministry tools to cultivate cross-cultural insights, relational outreach, and a faithful presence rooted in the gospel.

Many of us are walking with students, family members, church attendees or friends who identify as LGBTQ. These relationships naturally raise important questions about gender, sexuality, discipleship, and pastoral care all while holding to a traditional sexual ethic. As leaders, we not only carry our own questions—we’re also helping others process theirs. How do we do that faithfully? How do we reflect the heart of Jesus in conversations that can feel complex, emotional, or tense? In this seminar, we’ll take an honest and practical look at how Jesus engaged with people, what His posture teaches us, and how we can embody His love and truth as we walk alongside the people entrusted to us.

Your staff is a key asset of the church. Is your church leadership addressing their needs so staff can minister without financial stress. We will share the importance of compensation fundamentals like (salary, housing allowance, tax considerations and retirement). We will touch on investment opportunities and strategies for the future.

By God’s divine design, the beautiful body of Christ is intended to include children and adults of all types of abilities.  And yet, our modern church environments and culture are often inaccessible for individuals with neurodiversity or other types of disabilities.  Come and hear stories and strategies for how to connect the Gospel with all types of learners by removing one barrier at a time and transforming your church culture one step at a time.

“I was in prison and you came to me.” Jesus gives a beautiful description of the kind of people who will inherit the kingdom, yet many Christians and churches feel overwhelmed by prison ministry.  But our churches are filled with people who have been incarcerated or who have loved ones who have been incarcerated.  Obeying Jesus in this vital (and non-optional) area is less intimidating and more fruitful than you might imagine, and you likely have highly motivated saints in your church who will catch the vision quickly. Jamie Thompson currently teaches a bible class at a medium security state prison, currently has a best friend incarcerated, and previously lived with recently released prisoners as they integrated back into life on the outside.  And he’s still trying to figure out prison ministry at the local church level.  Come learn together from those who gather for this conversation.

Many churches feel pressure to be the best church IN the community, but Jesus calls us to be the best church FOR the community. Discover ten practical shifts that help churches move from comparison to compassion — doing good works, becoming good neighbors, building good will, and sharing the good news naturally. Discover how meeting relational, practical, and spiritual needs can reposition your church at the heart of your community and mobilize your people for everyday mission.

How is your church having an impact on your local community? Has your church lost its focus on the great commission? Come and hear how to help your church develop strategies of WHY, WHAT & HOW to make a true impact on your church and the community.

At MinistryDefender, our mission is to help you protect the children and youth in your care so your church can stay focused on its mission. This practical, action-oriented workshop highlights the top policies and safety guardrails every ministry should have in place. You’ll be guided to evaluate your current standards of care and identify at least one policy or operational rhythm you can immediately strengthen. Walk away with a clear, actionable step that increases safety, builds trust with families, and supports the long-term health of your ministry.

Ready to stretch yourself to use your God given talents beyond the church, maybe even beyond your comfort zone? Then this workshop is for you! Together, we will explore how public schools, microcosms of our society and hubs of our communities, are incredible places to show Jesus' love and be his hands and feet. You will learn how to determine the unique needs of your community and together generate practical ways to partner with public schools as an avenue to serve our community well. Leaders, consider how you can create an environment where extending care & resources to our neighborhood schools is fully embraced.

Panel - Joseph Short (Military Families), Jeremy Thompson (State Representatives) Randy Quade (School Board), Brian Whitaker (Law Enforcement Chaplain) & David Bratlie (Law Enforcement Chaplain) This panel discussion will share how ministry leaders can leverage their relationships with various local and state officials in hopes of making key connections and serving well in our local communities.