Breakouts - Midwest Leadership Summit 2024

2024 Speakers and Breakouts

AMS Track

Helping Our Pastors Start and Finish Well

Mark Dance
Wednesday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza I (130)
Most of us who start in ministry will finish in ministry, but is that bar high enough? We will learn how to set the trajectory of our lives, families, and ministries to finish strong instead of merely limping across the finish line by living Great Commandment lives and leading Great Commission ministries.

Mark Dance (D.Min.) was a pastor/planter for 27 years before launching Lifeway Pastors and the Care4Pastors Network. He currently leads Pastoral Wellness initiatives for GuideStone Financial Resources and is the author of Start To Finish.

Developing Partnerships to Fulfill the Great Commission

Mark Millman
Wednesday, 9:30 -10:45 a.m.
Plaza D (80)
This workshop shares the biblical basis of partnership based on Philippians 1:3, “I thank my God always for our partnership in the Gospel.” We will also share practical ways you can develop partners to help fulfill the Great Commission in your church and your local community. Based on years of experience you will receive helpful tools to develop new partners and enhance existing partnerships.

Mark Millman has served as the Church Planting Catalyst in Wisconsin since September 2005. The Southern Wisconsin Baptist Association has grown from 13 to 40 churches during that time. Partnership development has played a key role in starting new churches and strengthening existing churches across the association.

How to Revitalize an Association

Mark Snowden
Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Plaza D (80)
Hey, associational leaders--Learn why churches should be part of your Baptist association this year. Learn the secret of One Thing, build your own Value Map, and re-write your association’s Vision Frame to build trust, engage inactive pastors, and help churches go to the next level.

Mark’s written Truth That Sticks with Avery Willis and has worked with churches to make disciple-makers. Mark served the IMB for 18 years, NAMB for 9 years, and in the Kentucky and Missouri state conventions. He currently serves as the AMS (Associational Missions Strategist) for the Cincinnati Area Baptist Association.

Matching Matters: Helping Your Church Through an Effective Pastor Search Process

Mark Emerson
Wednesday, 2:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Illinois (80)
Choosing a pastor is the most important decision a church may make in a decade. This breakout will present training tools, strategies, and best practices to help churches make a better match with a potential candidate. Participants will leave encouraged and equipped to help a church navigate the search process.

Mark Emerson is an Associate Executive Director at the Illinois Baptist State Association. Mark has earned a DMIN at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where he focused his project on Pastor Search Processes. Mark is happily married to Tammie and together they enjoy living life near their daughters, sons in law and three granddaughters.

The Big Idea: What You Need to Know to Increase Partnership and Engagement in Your Association

Chris Kellermeyer
Wednesday, 3:45-5 p.m.
Governor (80)
This is for Associational leaders that are looking for ideas to encourage churches to partner together and get involved. You will walk away with biblical reasons for every church to partner and at least three new ideas.

Chris is a Hoosier native. He loves Jesus, his wife, kids, grandkids and the church. He’s been in ministry for 30 years as a pastor, church planter, NAMB missionary and AMS for the last 6 years.

Keys to Leading Associations with Vision

Gary Mathes
Thursday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza D (80)
The key to leadership is leading with vision. Leading an association is no different. In a time where it is critical to communicate the value and relevance of the association, understanding its mission and developing a vision that captures the heart of your churches is a necessary endeavor. This session will help DOM/AMS's learn important steps needed to develop a vision and implement it well.

Dr. Gary Mathes serves as the Director of Mission for Clay Platte Baptist Association in Kansas City, Missouri. He has been in that role since January 2019. Prior to leading CPBA he served with the Developing Leaders team of Missouri Baptist Convention focusing on church revitalization and Transitional Pastor ministry, and currently is a zone leader with the MBC Resound Network. Before denominational work he has served as pastor in Missouri churches for 24 years. He is a graduate of The College of the Ozarks (B.A.) in Branson Missouri, and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.; D. Min.), in Kansas City.

Church Planting Track

Residency Builder

Ryan Johnston
Wednesday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza G (165)
Building out pathways in your church to give away what God has given you and leverage your churches full potential in order for you to own the lostness of your region, raise up laborers, and send them into the harvest. We will explore the depths of a robust system that prays for laborers and raises them up for the harvest.

Dr. Ryan Johnston serves as the Send Network's church planting leader in Kansas and Nebraska. During 24 years of ministry, he has served in multiple roles within the local church. As a pastor, he has spent the greater part of his ministry investing in and raising up pastors, church planters, and leaders. Recently he has focused on using residency builder events to help pastors develop pastoral residencies that are unique to them. Ryan is passionate about personal discipleship, kingdom expansion, and pastoral health. He has been married to his wife, Debby, for 21 years and they have five children.

Rural Multisite Principles to Advance the Church and Protect the Pastor

Andy Addis
Wednesday, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Plaza G (165)
Both big and small churches have 52 Sundays a year, daily pastoral needs and staff with families. But, in the small rural church, there are fewer resources, less help and yet all the demands. On top of that, being a pastor is often only one of the job titles that leader holds. What if there was a way to do church, family, and life without sacrificing one or more of those on the altar of ministry? There is a way when you start Doing More Together. Hear the story of a dying neighborhood church that transformed into a rural multisite and learn how you can get your life back and enjoy the ministry.

Pastor Andy Addis (andyaddis.com) is the Lead Teaching and Vision Pastor for CrossPoint Church (CrossPointNow.net), a rural multisite network of churches. Andy also hosts The Rural Pastor Podcast (TheRuralPastor.com) and helps support ministers and ministries across the country through theReplantHub.com. Andy has a master’s degree in communication and Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages.

How to Reach the Next Generation in the Most Progressive Cities of the Midwest

Davd Livingston
Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Plaza H (165)
Listen as David explains the strategies used in outreach. He describes the posture they take with this new generation. David reveals how they raise disciples and release them as young leaders with a passion to reach their peers. Hear clearly from David, how they boldly preach the Word of the Lord while addressing the cultural issues of the day.

David is the founding church planter and lead pastor of Treeline Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. TreelineAnnArbor.com is a new multi-generational church reaching students at the University of Michigan through their college ministry, The Salt Company, while simultaneously reaching families in the Greater Ann Arbor area. David and his wife Steffi both found Christ at Iowa State University in a gym full of college students at the edge of town. Since coming to know Jesus, they have been helping lead college students within The Salt Network, which has planted 24 churches in university towns throughout North America. David, Steffi and their three kids live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where they share life with church members and the new friends they make on a daily basis.

Reproducible Principles for a Church Planting Movement

Omar Segovia
Wednesday, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Governor (80)
- A church planting movement is the work of the Holy Spirit, through His faithful servants who multiplied disciples and churches in the past and continues today. From the mentorship of faithful missionaries, this seminar will examine the Biblical principles that when applied have led to the multiplication of churches.

Thursday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Principios reproducibles para un movimiento de plantación de iglesias -
Governor (80)
Un movimiento de plantación de iglesias es la obra del Espíritu Santo, a través de sus fieles servidores que multiplicaron discípulos y iglesias en el pasado y continúa hoy. Gracias a los fieles misioneros, este taller examinará los principios bíblicos que, cuando se aplican, han resultado en la multiplicación de iglesias. El Señor Jesús compartió parábolas relacionadas con esto, y en Marcos 4 aprendemos lo que ahora se considera los Cuatro Campos. Esta es una rúbrica útil que puede guiarnos de cómo podemos entrar en un nuevo campo, sembrar la semilla del Evangelio, hacer discípulos, agruparlos como iglesia y multiplicar líderes que continuarán el proceso.

Omar Segovia was born in Chile and immigrated to Toronto, Canada at 6 years old. At 9 years old Omar surrendered to Jesus as his Lord, and at 11 sensed the call for missions. Years later he served as an IMB missionary in the Arab world where he met his wife Janna. Omar graduated from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2012 with a Master of Divinity. During his time as a student he became the pastor and church planter at Central Baptist (CBC), an inner Kansas City church. God started a second church plant through CBC during this time, which is now the African Baptist Church of Kansas City, that Omar led until an African leader was raised up. Since 2013 Omar has been working as a Church Planting Missionary with the Missouri Baptist Convention. Recently in 2017, he planted a new hispanic church in Columbia, MO and lead them to appoint a permanent pastor. After the Lord, his greatest blessing is to be married to Janna, and father to five wonderful energetic children (Keziah, Elijah, Titus, Eliyana, and Jaikan).

Church Planting Multiplication

Kurt Owens
Wednesday, 3:45-5:00 p.m.
Plaza D(80)
An in depth look at one of the most impactful ways of multiplication. There is no better way at making new disciples than being part of a church planting movement. Sit in and learn about the advantages while also learning how to navigate the challenges of planting gospel centered churches.

Dr Kurt Owens holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and has personally planted three churches during his time in ministry. He serves as founder and president of Central City Church Planters where he teams with other church planting pastors in raising up and equipping the next generation of planters. Dr. Owens currently serves as senior pastor of Uflourish church, his latest plant.

Discipleship Track

Creating a Contagious Culture

Ben Mandrell
Wednesday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza E/F (300)
Peter Drucker said, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast". As a ministry leader, your most important job is to create a healthy culture and, in this session, Ben will share what he's learned through leading a traditional church, planting a church in Denver, and transitioning into his role as President at Lifeway.

Ben Mandrell was elected the 10th president of Lifeway Christian Resources on June 28, 2019. As president and CEO, Mandrell provides vision and strategic leadership to the nonprofit organization headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Prior to joining Lifeway, he pastored churches in Colorado and Tennessee. A native of Illinois, Mandrell graduated from Anderson (Indiana) University in 1998. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Mandrell and his wife, Lynley, have been married since 2001. The couple has four children: Ava, Max, Miles and Jack.

Meeting the Challenge of Discipleship in a "You Be You" Culture

Trevin Wax
Wednesday, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Plaza H (165)
In this session, we explore expressive individualism, the mindset that sees the purpose of life as finding and expressing oneself. We will look in greater detail at this—the predominant worldview of our society, and how the gospel provides a better vision for humanity.

Trevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Cedarville University. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin is a regular columnist at The Gospel Coalition and has contributed to The Washington Post, Religion News Service, World, and Christianity Today, which named him one of 33 millennials shaping the next generation of evangelicals. He has taught courses on mission and ministry at Wheaton College and has lectured on Christianity and culture at Oxford University. He is a founding editor of The Gospel Project, and the author of multiple books, including The Thrill of Orthodoxy, The Multi-Directional Leader, Rethink Your Self, This Is Our Time, and Gospel Centered Teaching. He and his wife Corina have three children. You can follow him on Twitter, Facebook, or receive his columns via email.

Follow: A Guided, Social, Habit-Tracker

Michael Nave
Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Plaza A (80)
Transform the device in your pocket into a priceless tool for making disciples. The Follow App delivers self-reflection inventories, the 3 Directions and 9 Core Expressions of following Jesus, direct access to curated resources, support from your social network, and real-time habit-tracking. Use ours for free or feel free to take our ideas and create something better!

Michael is current IBSA President and lead pastor of one of the largest SBC churches in Illinois, and his greatest ministry passion is making disciples! Since 2005, Michael has been analyzing our struggle to effectively disciple believers to the lifestyle of Jesus. Go to www.michaelnave.com to see how he is strategically using technology for making disciples.

Discipling Developing Leaders

Tim LeFluer
Wednesday, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Plaza I (130)
One of the greatest privileges someone can have is to disciple or mentor emerging leaders who feel they’ve been called to vocational ministry. And yet, few pastors and church leaders take advantage of that wonderful opportunity.

Tim LaFleur served as campus minister for 20 years on the campus of Nichols State University in Thibodeaux, LA. In addition to mentoring and discipling students at Nichols, Tim pastored various sized churches in the bayou region of South Louisiana. Tim serves on the board of Replicate Ministries, where he helps equip pastors and church leaders to develop a disciple making strategy for their context. Tim currently serves as the Equipping Pastor at Long Hollow. Through Replicate, Tim is available to train local churches, speak at association and regional conferences, and facilitate staff coaching calls.

How to Cultivate a Culture of Disciple Making

Brent Longenecker
Wednesday, 3:45-5 p.m.
Plaza C (80)
Do you envision a day when all who come to Christ will be discipled by healthy followers of Christ along an intentional pathway focused on His work of calling, conforming, and commissioning us? Then join us as we evaluate our current church culture and the needed pathway for cultivating a disciple-making culture.

Brent Longenecker grew up as a missionary kid on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation in Browning, Montana. It was there on the mission field he gave his life to Christ and grew under the discipleship of godly parents. In 2010, after several years of traveling as an evangelist in the United States, he and his wife Amanda moved to the Philippines to serve as church-planting missionaries in the city of Manila. In 2020, the Lord called them back to the States to serve at the Missouri Baptist Convention in the area of Making Disciples, along with their two daughters, Rhian (10), and Iris (8).

Let Jesus Lead

Jim Misloski
Thursday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza G (165)
A progressive increase in the ability to do gospel ministry through people and not just to people is necessary to shepherd God’s people to effectively fulfill the Great Commission. Learn how to become a multiplying leader by letting others be the smartest people in the room.

Jim Misloski is the Developing Leaders Director for the Missouri Baptist Convention. He is responsible for equipping and strengthening today’s churches and church leaders. His group provides disaster relief through the Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief network, catalyzes church revitalization through the Resound Network, and connects church leaders to systems of care and refreshment through the MBC Leader Care Network.

Evangelism

The Gospel in a World of Pseudo-Religions

Trevin Wax
Wednesday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza H (165)
In this session, we'll explore the rise of the unaffiliated and the various pseudo-religions and intuitional spiritualities people are turning to as traditional religious adherence falls away, along with opportunities to bear gospel witness in a world of "do-it-yourself" spirituality.

Creating a Culture of Evangelism in Your Church

J.J. Washington, Catherine Renfro, Tim Dowdy
Wednesday, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Plaza I (130)
Evangelism. It’s the mission of the Church and should be the passion of every Christian. Join Tim Dowdy, JJ Washington, and Catherine Renfro as we discuss a four-phase process to help ignite the flame of evangelism or make it burn brighter in your church as you consider how to build a culture of evangelism—one ingrained in the DNA of your church.

Tim Dowdy serves as the Vice President of Evangelism for the North American Mission Board. He graduated from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity (1985) and Doctorate of Ministry (1991). Previously he served as the Lead Pastor of Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church, McDonough, Georgia for 31 years (1989-2020), and as the President of Eagle's Landing Christian Academy. During that time the church averaged 132 baptisms per year, helped plant 31 churches and sent out 89 short term mission teams. The church also sent out 25 church pastors, 17 missionaries and church planters and over 40 others serving churches as staff members. In January of 2020 he began the transition from being Senior Pastor to serving as the Pastor Wellness Lead Strategist for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. In November of 2020 he celebrated 31 years as Lead Pastor and completed the transition passing the baton to a new Lead Pastor. He transitioned to ministry with the North American Mission Board in December 2021. As Vice President of Evangelism, he provides oversight and direction to Personal Evangelism, Leadership, Pastor Wellness and GenSend (Student Evangelism).

JJ Washington grew up in Clearwater, FL, and Stone Mountain, graduating from Stone Mountain High School in 1999. JJ earned a football scholarship to play cornerback for the North Carolina State Wolfpack from 1999–2003. During the Fall of 2000, against their rivals, the University of North Carolina, he tore his ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) in his left knee, which ended his season. During the rehabilitation period following surgery, JJ was introduced to a local pastor at a campus Bible study in the summer of 2001. JJ, seeking someone to pray over his knee, ended up having a life changing experience when Rev. David Cameron shared the Gospel with him. On that night, JJ repented of his sin and personally accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior & Lord and the rest is history! JJ quickly got involved with several campus ministries, and within one year (2002) he began to preach the Gospel on the campus and led devotionals and Bible studies on a weekly basis. In 2003, with one year of eligibility remaining, JJ decided to forgo his last year of football, graduate with his B.A. in Communications, and enter the ministry. JJ began his ministerial career as a youth pastor before eventually serving as a children’s pastor also, and he played a strategic role in two church plants. JJ later joined the staff at First Baptist Church Woodstock as a mentee first and then later as a member of their pastoral staff before transitioning to lead their sister church Woodstock Church-Austell thru 2019. JJ was eventually recruited to join the church strengthening team for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board (GBMB) in January 2020. JJ began his service at the GBMB as the Missions Consultant for the West Central Region and eventually became the Evangelism Catalyst for the state of Georgia. Additionally, during this same period, JJ became an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Luther Rice Seminary & University, where he taught pastoral ministry courses thru 2022. In the summer of 2022, JJ transitioned from the GBMB to the North American Mission Board (NAMB) where he currently serves as the National Director of Personal Evangelism. JJ is a licensed and ordained minister, and he holds a Master of Arts Degree in Leadership (Luther Rice Seminary), a Master of Divinity Degree (Luther Rice Seminary), and a Doctor of Ministry Degree (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary). JJ has been married to his wife, Tamara B. Washington, for 19 years and they have two children, Jairus age 15, and Jayla age 11.

Catherine Renfro is a church planter’s wife, a mom, and serves as the Director of Evangelism at the North American Mission Board. Catherine graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2010 with a Masters in Christian Education and Biblical Counseling after being called to ministry at the age of 22, and has been serving in full time ministry ever since. She has a passion for seeing lost people come to know Jesus and for saved people to live out their purpose of making Jesus known.

Strategic Youth Ministry

Jonathan Meyer
Wednesday, 2:15-3:45 p.m.
Plaza B (80)
Jesus didn’t just do ministry with his disciples, He had a strategy. As we look at the life of Jesus, everything seemed to have purpose and intentionality behind it. Stop doing youth ministry, start preparing disciples. (Warning: This could keep students from graduating from church when they graduate high school….jus’ sayin’)

Jonathan is the Founder of Ignite Youth Leadership Conference and Youth Pastor at Grace Church. He graduated from Clark’s Summit University in PA and has two master’s degrees in Christian Education (Dallas Theological Seminary & Faith Baptist Theological Seminary). His passion is disciple-making and sharing the gospel with the lost. He loves, God, his family, and all kinds of other things like dirt bikes, pickleball, and tacos. He also loves equipping parents and students to fulfill the Great Commission.

Churchwide Strategies for Evangelism, Discipleship and Missions

Bobby Pell
Wednesday, 3:45-5 p.m.
Plaza A (80)
This breakout will address the importance of evangelism in the local church while the other biblical mandates the local church have been given such as discipleship and missions are addressed. For pastors, ministry feels as if you are spinning plates without letting them fall and crash to the floor. How do we make sure the most essential plates continue to move forward?

Bobby has been married to Amy for 32 years and they have two sons Garrett and Ryan. He planted two congregations in Indiana. He was the church planter/pastor of New Life Baptist Church in Greencastle, Indiana from 1993-2002. In 2002, he and his family moved to Evansville, Indiana to be the church planter/pastor of NorthWoods Church. He also served three years as the Church Planting Team Leader for the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana. The churches he pastored have been the Sending Church for 9 church plants. Bobby earned his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

How to Plan and Implement Effective Evangelism Strategies for Reaching the Lost

Brad Bennett
Thursday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza A (80)
- Does your church have an intentional evangelism strategy for outreach? Do your current evangelism structures support the goal of equipping the church for the work of the ministry? Join us as we look at the LIFE Outreach initiative as a holistic approach to evangelism and reaching those who do not yet know Christ.

Brad Bennett is the Making Disciples Director for the Missouri Baptist Convention. His responsibilities include evangelism; strategies for church leaders and families to multiply disciples; and age-graded training events and conferences to equip Missouri Baptists to transform lives and communities with the gospel. Bennett has been equipping individuals and churches in relational evangelism for more than 20 years. He has served as student pastor at MBC churches in Salem and Neosho, and more recently he served as pastor of evangelism at Second Baptist Church and Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield, MO. Saved at the age of 19 while racing professional motocross, Bennett soon answered a call from the Lord to full-time ministry. He is the founder of Real Encounter Outreach, which blends action sports with an anointed message of the gospel to introduce people from all walks of life to the person of Jesus Christ. Bennett and his wife, Janet, have three children and three grandchildren.

Leadership Track

12 Things I Learned After Seminary

Doug Munton
Wednesday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza C (80)
Some lessons of effective ministry are learned beyond the classroom. This breakout conference will look at principles every ministry leader needs to know but might not have learned in seminary. Practical and personal and based in real life, these principles can help us have effective, meaningful, and enriching ministry for the long term.

Doug Munton is the Senior Pastor of FBC O’Fallon, IL where he has served for more than 28 years. He has written several books and teaches preaching and evangelism with Liberty Seminary and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He likes sports, the outdoors and eating ice cream!

Leading from Your Knees

Steve Hopkins
Wednesday, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Plaza B (80)
Using the example of Daniel, we will explore the relationship between prayer and a leader's effectiveness—including practical suggestions for leading with a culture of prayer in the church.

Steve Hopkins came to serve with the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio after 22 years of pastoral experience. Steve and his wife Denise have two married daughters and seven fantastic grandchildren. Steve's responsibilities include leader development with pastors and church leaders, the PrayFirst! initiative, and associational relations. He also serves on the leadership team for PrayerLink and is a 6:4 Fellowship Regional Leader.

Standing Firm

Dana James
Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Governor (80)
Leaders often get discouraged or feel defeated or paralyzed when people or circumstances or trials or temptations or traumas try to knock us down! Using Psalm 40, we will see that God sets our feet upon the Rock and makes our footsteps firm and secure so that we not only can stand firm but also walk powerfully in faith!

Dana's heart is to connect people to God's heart through the teaching of His Word. She has spoken at conferences, retreats, and events as far away as Africa and as close as her own hometown. After being a college professor and directing a corporate training center she currently loves to mentor, disciple, and teach women to know God and glorify Him with their lives. Dana was not raised in a Christian home yet is a pastor's wife, a pastor's mother, and a pastor's mother-in-law...a testament to the grace and mercy of God!

Starting a Ministry Residency in Your Church

Jared Wilson
Wednesday, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Plaza G (165)
In this conference, we’ll look at the ins and outs of strong ministry residencies — what they are, what they do, and how to begin building a culture of pastoral training in your church. Time for Q&A will be included.

Jared C. Wilson is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Author in Residence at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Director of the Pastoral Training Center and a pastor at Liberty Baptist Church in Liberty, Missouri. He is the author of over twenty books, including The Gospel-Driven Church and The Pastor’s Justification.

Execute with Excellence

Mark Croston
Wednesday, 3:45-5 p.m.
Plaza H (165)
Nehemiah built the walls of Jerusalem amid great opposition. All of us have dreams, not all of us achieve them. Learn how to focus your efforts to achieve big results.

Mark Croston served as pastor to an urban congregation in Virginia for 26 years; earned a Doctor of Ministry concentrating in Christian Education; and traveled, been on mission or preached in almost 40 countries -- Mark Croston now serves as National Director of Black Church Ministries at Lifeway Christian Resources. He is General Editor of the YOU Urban Bible Study Curriculum, Executive Editor of Deacon Magazine, and author of his latest book is Big Results Leadership. Follow him at @CrostonMin on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, TikTok and Twitter.

Who, Me, a Control Freak?

Dana James
Thursday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza B (80)
- Often leaders want to control outcomes, people and circumstances! Even when we know that Jesus is perfectly able and willing to hold all things together; it’s not always done in the way or in the timing we think it should be done so we “help” (control)! There is a fine line between wanting things done well and with excellence and done “right” (in my eyes)! If you tend to want to control ... then this breakout is for you!

Dana’s heart is to connect people to God’s heart through the teaching of His Word. She has spoken at conferences, retreats, and events as far away as Africa and as close as her own hometown. After being a college professor and directing a corporate training center she currently loves to mentor, disciple, and teach women to know God and glorify Him with their lives. Dana was not raised in a Christian home yet is a pastor’s wife, a pastor’s mother, and a pastor’s mother-in-law…a testament to the grace and mercy of God!

Leadership Development Track

Raising Your Team’s Performance

Mark Croston
Wednesday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza D (80)
Jesus took average men and used them to change the world. Not all teams are achievers. If your team is giving you average performance come learn how to raise their performance for big results.

The Heart of a Leader

Ben Mandrell
Wednesday, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Plaza E/F (300)
Scripture says guard your heart about all things. Strategy and management are important, but nothing is more important than keeping a clean heart. IN this session, Ben will walk through practical steps for staying heart healthy.

Leading Major Change in Your Ministry

Jeff Iorg
Wednesday, 11 a.m-12:15 p.m.
Plaza E/F (300)
Leaders initiate change, but when to take on a major change and how to lead it successfully can be difficult choices. This seminar will include practical tools on making those decisions, as well as insight on how to lead people through the inevitable challenges associated with major change.

Spiritual Vitality in Cultural Chaos

Wednesday, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Plaza E/F (300)
Our ministry milieu today is chaotic. It seems like one crisis follows another, compounding the negative impact on leaders. This two-part seminar will include practice help on maintain personal and organizational spiritual vitality in the midst of the chaos.

Dr. Jeff Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary. Prior to his service at the Seminary, Dr. Iorg was the Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention for almost ten years. He was also the founding pastor of Greater Gresham Baptist Church (now Pathway Church) in Gresham, Oregon and has served as a pastor in Missouri and a staff pastor in Texas. Dr. Iorg teaches leadership, preaching, and church ministry courses at Gateway Seminary. He speaks frequently on these subjects in conferences and other venues, including college campuses and leadership seminars. His publications include nine books: The Painful Side of Leadership, The Character of Leadership, Is God Calling Me?, The Case for Antioch, Seasons of a Leader’s Life, Unscripted, Ministry in the New Marriage Culture, Leading Major Change in Your Ministry, and his latest, Shadow Christians. Iorg has also written dozens of articles and curriculum materials. He maintains a leadership blog and podcast at JeffIorg.com. Iorg is a graduate of Hardin Simmons University (B.A.), Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He is married to Ann, has three adult children, and five grandchildren. His hobbies include reading fiction, cheering on the Oregon Ducks, and searching for the world’s best barbeque restaurant. To contact the president directly, send him an email at JeffIorg@gs.edu.

Christian Women’s Leadership Skills

Stephanie Newton
Wednesday, 3:45-5 p.m.
Illinois (80)
Great leaders work on improving communication, relationships, and time management both in and out of their missions group. Join Stephanie Newton of national WMU for an encouraging discussion and practical tips to improve your leadership in missions groups and other areas of church life.

Stephanie Newton is the Lead Strategist for Adults and Multicultural Audiences at National WMU. She encourages and equips adult missions leaders as they make disciples who live on mission. Stephanie is responsible for the expansion of missions involvement among adults and also serves as the liaison to multicultural audiences.

Developing Leaders That Develop Others

Chris Martin
Thursday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza I (130)
Many ministries lack effective leaders. As you serve others, especially as an executive leader, this conference provides insights and ideas for focusing leadership into discipleship… with the ultimate goal of developing leaders that instinctively multiply themselves.

Chris Martin serves in the Mobilization Team of the IMB as the Director of Convention, Association, and Network Partnerships. He previously served as Executive Director/Treasurer of the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention for over nine years, seeking to develop and resource ministries and ministry leaders across the Pacific and Asia.

Missions Track

Multiplying Hope

Cindy Bradley
Wednesday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Governor (80)
Unaddressed trauma creates barriers to hearing, understanding, and accepting the love of God. In other words, trauma can keep someone from truly hearing the gospel and creates barriers to spiritual growth. This course will introduce you to trauma informed Bible storying that helps walk a person from hurt to healing. Learn how to equip and empower those who have received comfort from God to comfort others with the comfort they have received.

Cindy Bradley is the Women’s Missions and Ministries/Missions Education Catalyst for the Florida Baptist Convention. She loves to help women know the importance of personally engaging with God’s Word and loves to take women out of their comfort zone on mission trips to tell others about the love of Jesus. Cindy and her niece, Shayna, make their home in Jacksonville.

What is a Worldview?

Chris Rhodes
Wednesday, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Plaza C (80)
Everyone has a worldview, but only some understand what that means. Learn the components of a worldview, the questions we need to ask to understand our worldview, and how to apply these questions to the ethical challenges we face every day.

Chris Rhodes is in his 24th year as the pastor of the Dover Baptist Temple in Dover, Ohio. He and his wife, Trisha, have two children, Hannah (21) and Christopher (17). Chris is active in the Muskingum Valley Baptist Association and serves as the co-parliamentarian for the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio. Additionally, Chris coaches high school debate and serves as the chair of the Ohio Speech and Debate Association’s Ethics Committee.

Infusing Missions in the DNA of Your Church

Stephanie Newton
Wednesday, 11 a.m. -12:15 p.m.
Illinois (80)
The design for every church is to be missional. Missions is more than an emphasis or a trip, missions is life-giving to the church. Come discover 4 essentials for a church that makes disciples who live on mission and ways to implement missions in your church.

Discipling the Diaspora: Reaching Immigrants and Peoples Near Me

Mark Snowden
Wednesday, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Plaza D (80)
Learn how to make disciples and start churches among people who are not like you. Learn from People Teams that plan, evangelize, start new groups, develop leaders, and continually mobilize.

Shaping Cross-Cultural Mission Strategies for a Changing World

Chris Martin
Wednesday, 3:45-5 p.m.
Plaza I (130)
In our world today, strategies must adapt along with the ever-shifting ministry landscape. This conference assists leaders in navigating cultural changes while maintaining ministry effectiveness and fulfilling vision.

Your Workplace as Your Mission Field

Courtney Moore
Thursday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza C (80)
God has called you to be on mission for Him, but have you ever considered how He could use you for His glory among your co-workers? Just like the rest of your life, those 40 hours a week at your job are meant to ultimately be lived for Him. Come learn the biblical reasons and practical ways you can live “sent” even in your workplace.

Courtney Moore is the founder and president of the nonprofit organization, Women & Work, as well as general editor of Women & Work: Bearing God's Image and Joining in His Mission through our Work (B&H Publishing, 2023). She holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Mobile and an M.A. in Biblical Counseling from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Courtney is passionate about seeing Jesus Christ honored by women as they steward their gifts and leverage their unique potential for His glory. She and her husband, Brent, parent their three kids in El Paso, Texas, where Brent pastors. Find Courtney on Instagram at @courtneyl.moore or @womenwork_net.

Revitalization Track

A Strategy for Church Revitalization

Terry Thompson
Wednesday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza A (80)
Have you ever thought, “Our church is stuck, status quo, plateaued, or in decline and I don’t know what to do next.” If so, you may feel helpless and discouraged. But be encouraged, you are not alone and there is help. Join us as we look at a practical, simple, strategic pathway forward that will fit any church regardless of size.

Terry is a high energy leader who loves life and is always on the lookout for a good adventure. He led Rock Point Church in Crawfordsville, Indiana for 24-years. Under his leadership Rock Point was transformed from an unhealthy, struggling church revitalization project of 20 people, to a thriving church of over 1,000 in Sunday morning worship. He is the founder of Small Church USA, a vibrant revitalization ministry that helps churches across the nation.

Where Do We Go from Here?

Leo Endel
Wednesday, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Plaza A (80)
Leo Endel draws from his decades of experience as a pastor and denominational leader to offer a simple yet comprehensive guide for strategic planning in the smaller church.

Dr. Leo Endel is the Executive Director of the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention based in Rochester, Minnesota and Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Rochester, MN. Leo also teaches Doctor of Ministry students as an adjunct professor at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Mapping Out Your Church's Revitalization Journey

Scott Foshie
Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Plaza C (80)
This session will talk about the three main components every pastor needs as they embark on the journey of revitalizing their church. This will be an interactive session that will include good discussion about successes and challenges being discovered as churches work to enjoy a new season of health. Those attending this session will leave with concrete steps they can take to begin or continue along their revitalization journey.

Dr. Scott Foshie serves Church Health Team Leader for the Illinois Baptist State Association. Originally from East Tennessee, Scott has been in ministry for over twenty years and has served as an associate pastor, senior pastor, associational mission strategist, and state convention missionary. He has been married to his wife, Audra, for 21 years, and they have been blessed with three kids, Lydia, Levi, and Liz.

Developing the Principles and Practices of a Revitalization Leader

Brandon Moore
Wednesday, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Plaza C (80)
This session will focus on the head, heart, and hands of a revitalization leader. Through this workshop-style session, participants will not only learn how to cultivate these principles and practices but will also receive resources and identify next steps for their growth as a revitalization leader.

While serving in church planting in NYC and then church revitalization in Southeast MO, Brandon Moore earned his Ph.D. from SBTS focused on church revitalization. Since January 2020, he has served with the Missouri Baptist Convention as the Director of the Resound Network, the revitalization, and replanting efforts of Missouri Baptists. He serves as a lay pastor in Columbia, MO where he lives with his wife, Becca, and their four boys.

Rhythms - Moving from Surviving To Thriving In Ministry

Andy Addis
Wednesday, 3:45-5 p.m.
Plaza E/F (300)
Ministry can kill the minister, but it doesn't have to. Biblical rhythms can preserve the minister and the ministry, moving you from surviving to thriving. After nearly succumbing to the weight of it all almost 15 years ago, we rediscovered this biblical pattern, and now we have testimony after testimony of healthy pastors who have found their rhythm. It's not just a story. This is a proven plan with workshop elements that will help you implement starting day one.

Rethinking Church Health

JimBo Stewart
Thursday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza H (165)
The traditional scorecards of ministry (attendance, budgets, and programs) are helpful markers, but their usefulness in defining successful ministry (alone) is waning. Strategy is an excellent servant but a horrible master. Focusing only on the metrics that are easiest to measure cand lead us to be far too easily distracted and miss the target. In this session we will talk about prioritizing the identity of who God has called us to be and how to rightly utilize infrastructure to promote healthy growth of the body.

JimBo Stewart is a follower of Jesus, Audrea's husband, and proud father of three Stewart Littles. Professionally, JimBo serves as the Associate Director of Replant at the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and as the Replanting and Revitalization Strategist for First Coast Churches in Jacksonville, FL. He is also the co-founder of replantbootcamp.com He holds a D.Min. in Church Revitalization and an M.Div. in Urban Missions, both earned at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. JimBo also loves exploring new places and playing disc golf with his kids.

Specialized Ministries Track

For the Sake of My Brothers: Native American Ministry

Paul Young
Wednesday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Illinois (80)
Native American ministry is some of the most challenging ministry to some of the most neglected peoples in North America, but it may also be one of the most promising areas of ministry in the coming years.

Paul Young has been the pastor of Dakota Baptist Church in Fort Totten, North Dakota on the Spirit Lake Reservation since 2006, and currently serves as a Church Relations Missionary with the Dakota Baptist Convention. He holds degrees from the University of Central Florida (BS – Civil Engineering) and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (MAR – Theological Studies). He has been married to Sarah for 19 years and they have four children.

A Day in the Life of a Pastor's Wife…Thriving in the Fishbowl

Kathy Addis
Wednesday, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Illinois (80)
Using scripture and real-life experiences, join us for a lighthearted, interactive look at family, friends and fun from a ministry perspective.

Kathy Addis is a pastor’s wife living in Hutchinson, Kansas. With nearly 30 years of ministry experience, she has a heart for ministry wives and a passion to encourage them along the journey.

Christian Unity in Divided Times

Dan Darling
Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Plaza G (165)
It's no secret we live thru one of the most divisive moments in modern American history. Pastors are worn out from the battles of the last few years. How can God's people work toward unity while also standing strong for the things that matter? How can we discern which issues are worth our fighting energy and which ones deserve an open hand?

Daniel Darling is an author, pastor and Christian leader. He currently serves as the the Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Assistant Professor of Faith and Culture at Texas Baptist College. He is the author of several books, including The Dignity Revolution, A Way With Words, and his latest, Agents of Grace. He is an opinion columnist for World and a contributor to USA Today. Prior to his leadership of the Land Center, Darling served as the Senior Vice President for Communications of the National Religious Broadcasters. He also has served the Southern Baptist Convention as the Vice President of Communications at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. He has also pastored churches in Illinois and Tennessee.

The Shocking Truth about Retirement Readiness and Health of Today’s Pastors

Art Tennille and Scott Charbonneau
Wednesday, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Plaza H (165)
Today’s pastors give of themselves in ministering and caring for their congregations, but how well are they caring for themselves, their families and their futures? In this session, we’ll unpack some surprising truths about the situations many pastors find themselves in as they age and approach their hopeful years of retirement. How well are they financially prepared for retirement? How do they handle their overall personal health and well-being? Learn how to make wise choices now and create better outcomes in the days ahead.

Art Tennille is GuideStone’s Director of Retirement Solutions for churches and other ministries. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Art joined GuideStone in 2020 after almost two decades of ministry to churches and individuals through various leadership roles at Lifeway Christian Resources. Several years previously, he also served as the administrative pastor for his church in the Atlanta, GA area before moving to Nashville. Art grew up in Georgia and earned his Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Georgia.

Scott Charbonneau leads efforts to develop and strengthen ministry partnerships across GuideStone. He seeks to understand your unique ministry context and then marshals GuideStone’s resources to develop new and innovative faith-aligned solutions. He leverages his broad financial services experience and diverse functional background to enhance the financial security and resilience of your ministry. Scott has served at GuideStone since 2002. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial distribution from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration from Baylor University. Scott has served in multiple capacities at GuideStone, giving him a vast knowledge of retirement, property and casualty, and insurance solutions for your ministry. Scott serves as a deacon and life connection teacher at First Baptist Church, Hurst, Texas, where his wife, Kellie, is the children’s minister. He is the past president of the Hurst Heritage Foundation and StrongMarriages. He has served on mission teams, supporting the work of the gospel in North Dakota, West Africa and Asia. Scott and his wife, Kellie, have two sons, Keeton and Kyle, and a daughter, Kendall.

What Every Christian Should Know About Same-Sex Attraction

Rob Phillips
Wednesday, 3:45-5 p.m.
Plaza G (165)
Christians are in the crosshairs of today’s culture, which celebrates unrestrained sexual expression and accuses those who stand on biblical convictions of engaging in a new brand of McCarthyism. But we should not despair. This is a God-ordained opportunity for followers of Jesus to love our LGBTQ+ friends, and for the church to minister to those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction. This breakout session offers an overview of the Bible’s clear teachings on same-sex attraction, and how we can express Christ-like love for our LGBTQ+ friends. A complimentary copy of Rob’s book What Every Christian Should Know About Same-Sex Attraction: A Biblical Primer for the Local Church will be provided to everyone who attends this breakout.

Rob Phillips directs Ministry Support and Apologetics for the Missouri Baptist Convention. He also speaks in Missouri Baptist churches and leads conferences on Christian apologetics, and he directs the Missouri Baptist Apologetics Network. He is the author of 12 books, most recently What Every Christian Should Know About the Return of Jesus. He blogs at oncedelivered.net.

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God and Government

Greg Baker
Thursday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza E/F (300)
This breakout will challenge you to take off your American hat and view government through the lens of the Scriptures. We will explore how God instituted government, the purpose of government and countless biblical examples of interactions between the Lord's people and government leaders. We will explore how Christ is the chief shepherd of government and the consequences these biblical truths have on government today. This breakout will include practical ways to biblically engage government, as well as hear stories from on the ground ministry in capitals across our nation.

Greg Baker is the founding director of the Church Ambassador Network and the executive vice president of The Family Leader Foundation. Greg's passion is to connect pastors with government authorities with the purpose to develop intentional relationships where these two groups of shepherds build into each other as people, fellow shepherds, and partners to meet community needs. Under Greg's leadership, the Church Ambassador Network has connected over 2,200 evangelical churches in Iowa, facilitated over 8,000 pastor visits with governing authorities in all 3 branches of Iowa's government, and has now expanded that work into 17 other states through The Daniel Impact. Greg also serves on the local team at his church, Walnut Creek Church in Des Moines. Greg grew up in Earlham, Iowa and graduated with a degree in political science and history at the University of Iowa. He, his wife Ashley and son Brecken reside in the Drake Neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa.

Spiritual Renewal Track

Leading from Your Knees

Steve Hopkins
Wednesday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Plaza B (80)
Using the example of Daniel, we will explore the relationship between prayer and a leader's effectiveness—including practical suggestions for leading with a culture of prayer in the church.

The Leader Growing and Developing a Healthy Prayer Life

Gordon Fort
Wednesday, 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Governor (80)
Prayer isn’t just important, it is essential. As a leader, the vibrancy of our prayer life is in direct correlation to the quality of our relationship with God. Let’s look together at the scriptures to learn and apply prayer-life lessons and let’s ask together “Lord teach us to pray”.

Gordon is currently serving as the Sr. Ambassador for the President, IMB. He received the Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University, College Station, and the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX. Gordon grew up in Zimbabwe, one of 5 boys born to medical doctor missionary parents. Gordon, and his wife, Leigh Ann, have served with the IMB since their appointment in 1985. They began their mission’s career in Botswana, Africa, where he was a church planter. He has also served as Associate to the Area Director for Southern Africa, as Regional Leader for Southern Africa and as Vice President for the Office of Overseas Operations. As Sr. Vice President of Prayer Mobilization, he led initiatives to train and equip Believers in practicing focused intercessory prayer for the nations. Gordon and Leigh Ann have 4 children, and 5 grandchildren. His passion is to see the gospel proclaimed to every language, people, tribe, and nation.

Managing Leadership Anxiety

Clint Calvert
Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Plaza B (80)
Does anxiety get in the way of your ability to be an effective leader? Is your inability to notice when you and those around you are anxious keeping you "stuck" in chronic unhealthy patterns? This breakout will feature powerful tools from Steve Cuss’s Managing Leadership Anxiety, to help you move from being managed by anxiety to managing anxiety.

Clint Calvert is a Clinical Pastoral Educator and Church Leadership Catalyst for the Minnesota Wisconsin Baptist Convention. He has a D.Min. from Gateway Seminary and teaches as an adjunct professor for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Clint and his wife Tara live in Rochester, MN and have three adult children and two grandchildren.

Mental Health: The Church’s Response

Sandy Wisdom-Martin
Wednesday, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
Plaza A (80)
This conference will provide you with an understanding of mental health challenges and how they impact those around you. It will equip you with the knowledge to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and provide tools for you to walk alongside others with the hope and love of Jesus Christ.

Born and raised in southern Illinois, Sandy Wisdom-Martin serves as Executive Director-Treasurer for National WMU in Birmingham, Alabama. Prior to this post, she led WMU of Texas as executive director from 2010–2016. She also served nearly ten years with Illinois Baptist State Association and ten years with Arkansas Baptist State Convention.

Spare Parts

Jonathan Meyer
Wednesday, 3:45-5 p.m.
Plaza B (80)
From 30 years of mistakes, Jonathan puts all the parts together in this “can’t miss” seminar. The parts include: 12 topics every youth worker should teach; promotions that teenagers love & ingredients that make a great youth group meeting. So, if you are struggling with “reasons students don’t come back” and want to offer “messages that students remember” this session is for you.

Prayer Practicum

Cathy Pound
Thursday, 8-9:15 a.m.
Illinois (80)
Spiritual disciplines may sound like means to control, correct, or even chastise followers of Christ. We know they are powerful tools God uses to grow, transform, and set His children free to live in Him. This session is designed as a practicum experience to explore the spiritual discipline of prayer in context of Romans 12:12.

Cathy Pound, currently a resident of Columbus, Ohio, serves with the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio and as Ohio WMU State Executive Director. Previously, Pound taught elementary education, learning disabilities, founded Granville Christian Academy in Granville, Ohio, and served with IMB in the Philippines and East Africa. Cathy was married to the late Jeff Pound for forty-five years. Together they raised four children. To date, her sweetest blessings are her twelve grandchildren.