Christen Sanders, Junior High & Young Adult Pastor (Breakout Session 2 only)

Fifty percent of the world is made up of women, yet their gifts continue to be the most under-utilized and over looked, especially in the church. When Jesus talked about the parable of the talents, he wasn’t just referring to men and their gifts. What would the church look like if women were better empowered to use their gifts as God intended instead of feeling like an imposter in a “man’s world?” This breakout session is for every male leader to begin to see and empower the gifts of women and for women to be encouraged by knowing that they too are valued and important in fulfilling the mission of Christ.

Danaka Bulthuis, Business Manager & Local Missions Pastor (Breakout Session 1 only)

Do you control the budget and bills or do they control you? Give it all to God and let Him use your finances to bless your church family. Learn steps to create a budget, easy bookkeeping, and how to use your talents to multiply God’s gifts.

This session explores ways that lay people and the spouses of pastors can support their pastor in difficult and trying times

D1 Kids Ministry Team (Ryan Lutz, Children & Family Pastor, Erech Pierson, Karen Weikle & Holly Urquhart)

Join us to discuss how to spread the vision and “put boots on the ground” with children and volunteers in your church.

As leaders, one item that must be done is to define reality and offer hope.  Sometimes, the ministry the local church is offering doesn’t match their community nor does it make any kind of impact for the present or future of the church.  Taking a look at your surroundings and then modeling your ministry to fit your community is essential to growing a congregation.

Acts 12:5 says, “While Peter was in prison, the church was fervently praying for him.”  There is nothing more powerful than a praying church.  Of all the items on our To Do lists each week, prayer is without question the most important task we have to do ourselves and to lead others to do as well.  Linda will share how to create opportunities to make your church a praying church!

Aaron Lynn, Lead Pastor, Belleville First

In this session we will explore the ways in which we can foster a deeper sense of community in our churches and connect with others.

Danaka Bulthuis, Local Missions Pastor & Business Manager (Breakout Session 2 only)

“Missionaries go where the church does not reach.” What area comes to mind when you read that statement? Africa or the Middle East? What about “that” part of town? What about the bar down the road? What about the public school? What about your neighbor’s house? What about your basement where the group of teens come to hang out? Mission trips do not have to be overseas. They can be across town or down the road. How do you start? Come learn some ideas and hear some stories that might work in your local area.

Approaching the LGBT+ community can be daunting and confusing. However, it is possible to honor your beliefs while presenting the authentic love of Jesus Christ to those around you. Come hear a biblical basis for loving through belief differences.

Pastor, if you feel that you have to do everything in your church, things need to change.  Leadership in the local church is more about developing leaders around you than about micromanaging to validate your employment.  Learn to delegate, grow leaders, and multiply the effectiveness of your ministry.

This session will focus on the sermon-writing process including what practices are best to effectively communicate each week, how to plan ahead, and how to choose the right time to use content.

This will train participants how to use “The Path” videos to help those new to the faith or the church get a good start in their discipleship journey. Participants will also be given discipleship resources to help their people grow in the faith.

Christen Sanders, Jr. High & Young Adult Pastor at D1Naz & Tyler Ross, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at Millikin University in Decatur (Breakout Session 1 only)

Are they college age? Are they singles? Are they young marrieds? Are they even millennials? What is the age range? There are so many unknowns in young adult ministry, but one thing we do know is that there is a startling rate of decline regarding involvement of young adults in our churches. Ready to reach them?! “How do I even get started?” And “What should I expect?” We hope to offer you some navigation tips into these seemingly uncharted waters to reach the future of our church.

(Breakout Session 1 only)

Enseñe a nuestra iglesia a amar a Dios con todo su corazón y cumplir con la Gran Comisión.

(Breakout Session 2 only)

Aprendiendo a usar los recursos de la iglesia para llegar a aquellos que aún no están en la iglesia.