Conference Workshops
Session 4
GENERAL
Room 56 – Church Finances & Budgets
Rob Summerfield, Trinity Baptist Church
What does your budget communicate about your church? How do you communicate your budget to your church? This workshop will help people think about how to spend their money and plan to spend their money.
Room 58 – How The Church Can Minister to the Divorcing
Kathey Batey, Divorce Support Anonymous
How do you handle those going through divorce and stay true to the Word of God? What does loving others mean in the context of divorce? How does God provide for and care for those going through divorce? We will discuss and answer these difficult questions.
Room 64 – How to Use Force on Force Scenarios at Your Church
Jim Barrett, Safety Team Training LLC
Learn how to construct force on force training opportunities where it matters most, in your own facilities. We will discuss why it is needed, what resources are important, and how to make it the best experience for all involved.
Room 66 – Right, Wrong, and Redeemed: Living Out a Biblical Worldview
Eric Strattan, Bridge Bible Church
This workshop explores how biblical content should shape our understanding of right and wrong, and how redemption through Christ transforms the way we live. Goals include understanding key components of a biblical worldview, comparing and contrasting them with those in culture, as well as examining how the Scriptures should practically influence moral reasoning and decision-making. (D, M, W)
Room 121 – Intentional Parenting
John Nixon, North Park Baptist Church
Parents need more than good intentions to be successful; they need a plan. Drawing on biblical wisdom and years of experience with young people and parenting, we will explore specific actions that will help you become a more effective parent. (M, W, Y)
DISCIPLESHIP
Room 30 – Me, Disciple?
Gil Thomas, Good Soil Evangelism & Discipleship / ABWE
“What is a disciple-maker?” and “How can I be one?” We will answer these questions by looking at the ‘Discipleship Pyramid’ in Titus and other passages. Practical tips and resources are suggested, and every attendee will take home one free discipleship resource.
LEADERSHIP
Room 31 – Leading Healthy Teams
Nate Wagner, Actuator Leadership Group
Develop the language, categories, and frameworks to help ministry teams build high-trust culture, successfully collaborate, and optimize their potential for gospel driven impact.
Room 38 – Leading Through Transition
Doug Crawford, Executive Director Bridge Fellowship
Leadership requires a vision for where you’re going AND a plan for getting there. This workshop will focus on developing the necessary strategy for leading into and through the transitions in a way that encourages faith and produces unity.
Room 52 – Quest for Virtuous Leadership
Tom Lothamer, Beautiful Feet International: A Ministry of ABWE
The virtues of integrity and ethics are the necessary building blocks for women and men who desire to be a godly and effective leader. We’ll engage in a discussion of the characteristics of a leader who embraces a life that exemplifies integrity, morality, and ethical behavior.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Room 122 – 5 Things a New Ministry to Men Needs to Know
Matt Haviland, Alpha Grand Rapids
Based on seventeen years of ministry to men, these are five foundational principles I have learned along the way. While each ministry is different, this will help lay the groundwork for someone beginning in men’s ministry. (D)
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Room 32 – Women’s Ministry Q&A Session
Marya Jones, Calvary Baptist Church, Greenville
Join an open discussion on the real challenges of women’s ministry. Find encouragement, practical ideas, and connection with others who share the joys and struggles of leading a Christ-centered ministry well. Questions may be submitted in advance to thisfitstoo@gmail.com.
STUDENT MINISTRY
Room 128 – Youth Ministry (Gen Z and Alpha): The Church of Today
Robert Tahtinen, Calvary Baptist Church, Greenville
Youth ministry should be looked at as a training ground for raising ministry leaders of today. We should create opportunities for the youth of today to serve now, not wait until they are a “magical” age. So, how do we reach/train Gen Z and Alpha to serve the church today?
Room 129 – Out With the New and in With the Old
Wes Crawford, West Cannon Baptist Church
In the ever-changing landscape of student ministries, it can be overwhelming to keep up! Every other youth group seems to have a new idea, strategy, or participate in a strange social media trend that you weren’t even aware of! This can tempt us away from the basics that God has given us in scripture for helping young people grow into the image of their Creator. This workshop aims at reorienting our minds and our definition of success back to what God would have for us!
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Room 124 – The Mission Field Across the Street
Keith Buffinga, MI Bible Clubs
In today’s growing post-Christian culture, fewer families are walking into local churches to learn about Christ. To fulfill the Great Commission, we must bring the Gospel into our own neighborhoods. Many churches and individuals struggle to know how to do this effectively. After-school Bible Clubs offer a powerful way to share Christ’s love with children, parents, and school staff—right in public schools. Remarkably, 70% of the children reached come from unsaved families. Discover how these Bible Clubs are being revitalized to reach today’s families—and how clubs achieved over 30% annual growth for three consecutive years. Let Bible Clubs help your church take the Gospel into public schools, build lasting relationships, and invite families into your church for continued discipleship. (M/E)
Room 126 – Traveling Together: Guiding Children on the Journey to Lifelong Ministry
Ruth Kimmel, Bibles International
As we teach children about missions and ministry, how do we really foster within them a desire for lifelong ministry? Join me as we discuss ways to walk this road with them and guide them to serve the Lord in missions and other types of Christian service, whether full-time or not.
MISSIONS & EVANGELISM
Room 34 – Heart, Mind & Soul: LGBTQ Building Grace and Truth Relationships
Jim Childs, ABWE EveryEthne
This workshop is designed to give the participant an overview of our full seminar that equips the Christ Follower to build Grace and Truth relationships with their unbelieving LGBTQ friend, neighbor, co-worker or family member. The participant will leave with an understanding of how God wants to use them in bringing an LGBTQ person to Christ. (M, W)
Room 54 – How Your Church Can Encourage Missionaries on the Field
Kelly McMaster, Baptist Mid-Missions
Encouraging missionaries is important because cross-cultural ministry is challenging, and spiritual and practical support combats isolation and the spiritual opposition they face. Your encouragement is a vital part of the “missionary team,” as it enables them to continue their work by showing that you are a partner in their mission and believe in their calling. Come to a workshop that not only gives you ideas but where you can share your ideas with others! (D, S)
WORSHIP
Room 50 – How to Have a Singing Church by Sunday: Reclaiming Congregational Worship
Nathan Pierpont, Northeastern Baptist Church & ShepherdsFriend.org
Worship is something you do, not something you watch. In this workshop, we will provide church musicians with biblical reasons and proven methods to encourage worshippers to sing their theology together on the Lord’s Day.
GENERAL
Room 31 – Today’s Transgender Movement vs.
God’s Good Design
Nate Archer, First Baptist Church of Middleville / Bridge Fellowship
The transgender ideology being promoted today is very new, unscientific, and harmful to vulnerable people. This is both a challenge as well as an opportunity for Christian workers to show that God’s design for gender is good, beautiful, and true to reality. The Christian worldview helps people to better interpret their experiences and gives hope.
Room 32 – We Are Them: Humility, Truth, and Grace in Vulnerable Conversations
Carolyn Doyle & Tonya Delnay, Life Matters Worldwide
The reality is that truth and grace often collide. Learn how to have vulnerable conversations about how to walk humbly, understand truth, and exercise grace in a way that allows our broken story to be told so that wholeness and healing can occur.
Room 58 – Marriage & Family: The Heart of Discipleship
Ray Brandon & Cassandra Bates, EveryEthne / ABWE
Discover how marriage and family units serve as foundational elements for discipleship in this engaging workshop. Drawing on the theological insights of Herman Bavinck, we will explore how the family is not just a social institution but a divine covenant central to nurturing faith and spiritual growth. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the role of family in discipleship dynamics and practical strategies to foster a Christ-centered home. Join us to examine how your family can become a sanctuary where Christian values flourish, and every member’s role and calling is supported.
Room 64 – Using a Shooting Simulator to Train Your Safety Team
Jim Barrett, Founder of Safety Team Training LLC & Co-founder of Scenario Trainer INC.
This is a hands-on workshop where attendees can try their skills and decision-making abilities using a shooting simulator! It will be fun, challenging, and a bit stressful! Come on in and give it a try!
DISCIPLESHIP
Room 34 – The Art of Asking Good Questions
Gary Heim, Magnify Church
God asks us questions – “Adam, where are you? Cain, why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?” Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say I am? Who do you say I am?” Learning to ask good questions is essential to forming deep relationships and disciple making. Whether you’re leading a small group, teaching a Bible class, or mentoring individuals, learn the art of asking questions that invite people to open their hearts so they can be transformed by truth and love.
Room 50 – The Sermon on the Mount: A Guide to Life and Ministry
Bart Bouman, Calvary Baptist Church of Greenville
In our time together, we plan to take a refreshing look at the central message of Jesus. Doing so will help us focus on the goal of discipleship, identify the obstacles to discipleship, and get equipped with tools to serve the Church effectively.
Pod C – Six Simple Methods to Supercharge Your Church
Doug Burrier, Sustainable Discipleship
What do hexagons have to do with disciple making and strong, growing churches? Come discover the second step in the Hexagon Solution to making disciples who do the right things for the right reasons and make disciples on their own. Learn six methods proven in the USA and on seven other continents to make well-made disciples. This interactive talk will change everything and is sure to supercharge you as you reach the world.
LEADERSHIP
Room 124 – Legal Aspects of Governance, Stewardship, and Accountability
Sally Wagenmaker, Wagenmarker & Oberly
What top-priority legal areas are of concern to your church leadership? Churches of all sizes and types need to promote effective governance, mindful of applicable fiduciary responsibilities, how bylaws affect their leadership, key governance and operational policies, how best to address employee and volunteer issues, and potential legal pitfalls affecting such areas. This workshop helps equip leaders to effectively serve their churches with accountability and stewardship, for God’s glory throughout their efforts.
Room 56 – Wisdom in Numbers: The Value of Plurality in Leadership
Doug Crawford, Bridge Fellowship
Ultimately, we want to seek wisdom from the Lord. One of the ways He provides wisdom is through the godly counsel of others. This workshop will look at the biblical background and practical help of plurality in leadership.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Room 52 – Impactful Men’s Retreats
Andy Donaldson, Ada Bible Church
There are few events that can lead to more impact for men in the church than a well-planned and executed Men’s Retreat. In this workshop, we will discuss logistics, planning, preparation, content, and location of Men’s Retreats and how they can be leveraged to grow men into Christ-centered leaders in the church.
Room 126 – Father to the Fatherless Generation
Keith Buffinga, MI Bible Clubs
1 out of 3 children in the USA grow up without a father. God calls Christian men to show the Father’s love to these fatherless children, but are we answering that call? Learn more about opportunities to fill this need in the hearts of children in our community and have an eternal impact on their lives.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Room 66 – Building An Effective Women’s Bible Study Ministry
Lisa Heim, Magnify Church / True North Ministries
Building an effective Women’s Bible Study Ministry is more than just inviting ladies to gather to fellowship and study. It is a place where the Word of God, the People of God, and the Spirit of God can come together for powerful life transformation. This workshop covers all the aspects of planning and carrying out an effective program that facilitates important spiritual growth and relational connection.
STUDENT MINISTRY
Room 128 – Volunteers
Rob Tahtinen, Calvary Baptist of Greenville / Bridge Fellowship
This workshop is designed to encourage the front-line workers in youth ministry, share what has worked in ministry, and answer questions.
CHILDREN
Room 129 – Intentional Stations, Stories, and Songs in the Preschool Classroom
Ashley Setaputri, West Cannon Baptist Church
Teaching preschool-aged children about Jesus is more than singing the “B-I-B-L-E” and “Jesus Loves Me.” Come learn how to be intentional in teaching the Gospel through fun and engaging teaching strategies.
Room 122 – Jesus & The Children: Four Stories that Shape our Children’s Ministry at a Small Church
Becki Watson, Wyoming Park Bible Fellowship
This workshop encourages leaders from small churches by exploring the unique opportunities in children’s ministry, despite challenges like limited resources. Using four stories of Jesus’ interactions with children, we will draw out key principles to guide us in what is essential for a thriving ministry. Participants will leave with a fresh vision for how God can use their small church to have a lasting spiritual impact on children when they recalibrate their focus on what is truly important.
MISSIONS & EVANGELISM
Room 30 – The Importance of Bible Translation with the Great Commission
Subash Muthyala, Bibles International
The Word of God is the ultimate authority for the Great Commission. Its transformative power is essential for global missions and church planting. This workshop will delve into the biblical foundations of missions, emphasizing the importance of providing reliable, accurate Bible translations to equip national believers and churches to reach unreached people groups.
Room 54 – Comedy & Community: Harnessing Hospitality Outreach in a Digital World
Matthew Sharpe, Hope & Wholeness Psychology Center
As the world around us becomes increasingly connected to technology and disconnected from each other, the church has a tremendous resource at its fingertips. In this workshop, participants will learn a biblical foundation for a simple and surprising outreach tool. Additionally, they will learn from real-life examples and be challenged to develop new and creative ways to connect to people around them.
WORSHIP
Room 38 – Unleashing the Church’s Voice Part 2: The Tech Behind Creating Powerful Social Media Content
Justin Edmonds, Enhance AVL
This workshop goes behind the scenes to explore the practical side of producing engaging content for your church’s social media platforms. We’ll cover the essential gear for various budgets, from cameras and lighting to audio and editing software, along with tips for creating high-quality videos that resonate. Learn step-by-step techniques for capturing, editing, and posting content, and gain insights into maximizing reach and engagement. Whether you’re a tech novice or have some experience, this session equips you with the knowledge to share your church’s message online confidently.