Breakout Sessions

Loving the Flock that Jesus Gave You

Jeremy Hartley

This session will focus on four key areas of pastoral ministry that keep shepherds faithful and fruitful. Drawing from selected biblical passages, the session will offer practical wisdom, real-life examples, and encouragement for pastors to embrace their God-given role as under shepherds, faithfully caring for and delighting in the people entrusted to them.

When Ministry Seems Meaningless

Shay Thomason

This session will draw from the book of Ecclesiastes to address the seasons when the work of ministry feels futile or unfruitful. Like the Preacher who declared, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,” pastors and ministry leaders can wrestle with the sense that their labor is chasing the wind. Sermons seem to fall flat, disciples drift, and fruit appears slow to grow. Yet Ecclesiastes reminds us that life and ministry gain meaning not from visible results alone, but from fearing God, keeping His commands, and finding joy in the work He has given us for His glory. Together, we will explore how to anchor our hearts in the eternal purposes of God, trust His unseen work, and embrace ministry as a gift to be received with gratitude, even when it feels like the harvest is far away.

Stewardship (Church Finances)

Danny Gardner & Tony Herrera

This session will focus on stewarding church finances wisely with the goal of building the resources necessary to help reclaim and revitalize struggling congregations. Drawing from biblical principles of stewardship and generosity, we will explore how faithful budgeting, intentional saving, and strategic giving can position a healthy church to be a lifeline for others in need. Just as the early church pooled resources to support gospel work beyond their own walls, we will discuss practical ways to cultivate a culture that sees financial health not as an end in itself, but as a means to invest in the Kingdom for the purpose of rescuing churches, restoring ministries, and ensuring the gospel continues to be proclaimed in places that might otherwise go dark.

Nuts and Bolts

Christian Powers & Dean Spoelstra

This session will focus on the nuts and bolts of reclaiming sacred spaces so that gospel ministry can continue in communities at risk of losing their witness. We will look at the practical steps involved from assessing the condition and potential of a church property, to navigating legal and financial considerations, to mobilizing people and resources for renewal. Using real-life examples, we’ll explore how to honor the legacy of those who came before while adapting spaces for current and future ministry needs. The goal is to equip leaders with the vision, tools, and strategies to breathe new life into struggling or abandoned church facilities, ensuring they remain vibrant outposts for worship, discipleship, and mission.

Half-Timers (Vocationally Retired)

Brian Schoonmaker

This session will encourage those who are vocationally retired to see this season of life as a fresh opportunity for meaningful Kingdom work. Far from being “finished,” retirement can free you to use the skills, wisdom, and experiences gained in your career to serve the church in powerful ways whether by mentoring younger believers, applying professional expertise to ministry needs, or stepping into new areas of service you never had time for before. We will explore practical ways to repurpose your past vocation as a ministry platform, and how to launch into new ministry endeavors now that your schedule is no longer bound by full-time employment.

Bezalel (Crafted to Serve)

Mark Lewis & Rich McWilliams 

This session will highlight Bezalel, the craftsman in Exodus whom God filled with His Spirit, wisdom, understanding, and skill to build the tabernacle, as a model for how God uniquely equips His people for His work. The church reclamation process requires individuals with diverse gifts such as visionaries, planners, builders, administrators, encouragers that are each crafted by God for a purpose. We will explore how your abilities, experiences, and passions are not random, but intentionally designed to play a role in restoring sacred spaces and reviving gospel ministry.

Theological Education in the Church

Brad Hayen

This session will focus on the vital role of theological education in equipping the next generation of church leaders. A healthy church is built on a solid foundation of sound doctrine, and intentional training ensures that future pastors, teachers, and ministry leaders are grounded in biblical truth and able to faithfully handle God’s Word. By investing in theological training now, the church secures faithful leadership for years to come, ensuring the mission of Christ continues with clarity, conviction, and courage.

The Pastor’s Personal Touch

Will Wilson

This session will focus on the importance of a pastor’s personal touch in shepherding God’s people. In an age of programs, technology, and large-scale ministry strategies, nothing can replace the relational ministry of a shepherd who knows his flock by name, walks with them through life’s joys and sorrows, and models the love of Christ in personal, tangible ways. A pastor’s personal touch is not an optional extra.It is a reflection of the Chief Shepherd’s own care, and it leaves an eternal imprint on the lives of those he serves.