WORST CASE SCENARIO: Ten Ways A Parent Congregation Can Kill Their Church Plant - Drawing on the experience of 45 new starts here are some mistakes you do not want to repeat!

Session: 1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Ben Ingebretson

Organization: RCA Synod of the Great Lakes

Website:  http://www.rca.org/Page.aspx?pid=2714

BreakOut Categories: Church Multiplication

Strategic Outreach in Church Planting - Hear from Ed Stetzer about strategic ways to focus on outreach in church planting from his own experience, research, and best practices.

Session: 10:30am-noon

Presenter(s):  Dr. Ed Stetzer

Organization: LifeWay Research

Website: http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/ | Twitter: edstetzer

BreakOut Categories: Church Multiplication; Missions/ Outreach

Open Forum on Church Multiplication - Spend some time in question, answer, and discussion with Dr. Ed Stetzer on Church Multiplication and what he's seeing around the country in a variety of settings.

Session:  4-5pm

Presenter(s): Dr. Ed Stetzer

Organization: LifeWay Research

Website:  http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/ | Twitter: edstetzer

BreakOut Categories: Church Multiplication; Missions/ Outreach

Change Your Community with Your Community cancelled- An introduction to the principles and practices of ABCD (Asset Based Community Development )

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Carlos Avrard

Organization: Community enCompass / Kingdom Causes of West Michigan

BreakOut Categories: Urban Ministry; Missions/ Outreach

Urban Ministry Round-Table - Join us for this open-forum discussion hosted by Deb Borst and Doug McClintic to talk about trends, struggles, successes, and questions arising from urban church ministry.

Session: 4-5pm

Presenter(s):  Deb Borst & Doug McClintic

Organization: The Other Way Ministries & Fair Haven Ministries

BreakOut Categories: Urban Ministry; Leadership

Growing Mission Focused Leaders and Ministries “Calling Your Next Pastor…and Other HR Issues” - Pastors and Churches today face the challenge of navigating change while unifying their leadership and congregation behind their vision. Change is happening more rapidly than at any time in the past. Those changes are necessitating the need for: Well equipped and strong leadership, A clear vision & plan for the future, Effective Decision Making based on your vision and mission, A process to engage your congregation and create ownership. Based on your vision and plan for the future, we will show you how to call your next senior pastor, equip the leadership of your church, resolve conflicts, and address issues with your staff members. These are difficult issues that if handled correctly can build the strength of your ministry and church. We will apply Biblical leadership and Human Resource principles that will make a dramatic difference in your church!

Session:  1-2:30pm

Presenter(s): Rhoda Kreuzer

Organization: K & N Consulting

BreakOut Categories: Leadership

What's a Deacon to Do? - The deacon represents the most fundamental quality of the Christian life; and when leading the congregation into diaconal ministry, teaches the meaning of the gospel no less than the minister of Word and sacrament and the elder. This workshop will help you to understand the distinct role of the deacon and provide resources and encouragement to support your ministry.

Session:  1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Ellen Ratmeyer

Organization: Coordinator of Consistory Training and Ministry Services, Reformed Church in America

BreakOut Categories: Leadership

Reimagining Your Church: Mission, Vision, and Values cancelled

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Tom DeVries

Organization: Fair Haven Ministries

Website: http://www.fhmin.org 

BreakOut Categories: Leadership

Commissioned Pastors - intense leaders and learners - Commissioned Pastors are individuals who have demonstrated spiritual giftedness and church leadership. Their calling and competencies have been confirmed so that they are credentialed as pastoral leaders in churches and church-related ministries. This session provides an overview of the Commissioned Pastor category of leadership and steps for becoming one. In addition, an overview is provided of courses in the training program that can be taken by anyone interested in the challenge of intentional and intense learning for faith development and ministry.

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Rob Holland & Burt Braunius, PHD

Organization: Water of Life Church, Commissioned Pastor "guru"

Website: http://www.wateroflifemi.org/; http://www.commissionedpastor.org/elgg/

BreakOut Categories: Leadership

Mission, Vision, Values: Bringing Leaders on Board  - cancelled

Session:  1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Tom DeVries

Organization: Fair Haven Ministries

Website:  http://www.fhmin.org  

BreakOut Categories: Leadership

Today's House of Prayer - Growing and Developing a Prayer Ministry -  Kingdom momentum is not a human creation.  It's setting our sails to the wind of the Holy Spirit.  Momentum begins with seeking, trusting and listening to God in prayer.  The various facets of  developing a powerful and passionate prayer ministry in your church will be explored in this workshop.  Presenters and participants will share practical ways to develop your prayer ministry.

Session:  1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Sherwin Weener & Tony De La Rosa

Organization: Synod of the Great Lakes Prayer Team

BreakOut Categories: Leadership

Facing Finances - Money may not be the bottom line of ministry, but it is a weekly reality whether we are in smaller, larger, or medium size churches. The last couple of years have been particularly difficult for many churches due to the down-turn economy. Here practical insights and stories from Mike as he shares his personal experience in a variety of settings and a variety of challenges.

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Mike Pitsenberger

Organization: Christ Memorial Church

Website:http://www.christmemorial.org/ 

BreakOut Categories: Leadership

MegaTrends in the Church - the next 10 years? - Hear from Ed during this breakfast discussion about the megatrends in the church today and what the next 10 years might hold.

Session: 7:30-8:30am

Presenter(s): Ed Stetzer

Organization: LifeWay Research

Website: http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/ | Twitter: edstetzer

BreakOut Categories: Leadership;

Asssessing Your Church - It's always helpful to see where your strengths are and how you can grow. Find out in this workshop about ways to assess your church's health in a number of areas, and how to design a process of evaluating, understanding results, and developing an action plan. Find out about assessments like Natural Church Development, the Reveal Spiritual Survey, the Discipleship Strengths Assessment and others.

Session: 1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Kirsty DePree

Organization: Reformed Church In America

Website:  http://www.rca.org/discipleship | Twitter: sumph

BreakOut Categories: Leadership; Discipleship/ Evangelism

Urban Ministry Round-Table - Join us for this open-forum discussion hosted by Db Borst and Doug McClintic to talk about trends, struggles, successes, and questions arising from urban church ministry.

Session: 4-5pm

Presenter(s): Deb Borst & Doug McClintic

Organization: The Other Way Ministries & Fair Haven Ministries

BreakOut Categories: Leadership; Urban Ministry

Volunteering in the Youth Ministry: Are you kidding me? - Afraid of not having what it takes? Convinced you can't handle a jr high retreat? Uncertain your efforts will make a difference? These fears and many more keep many volunteers from investing in the lives of our young people. Join us as we address some of the issues that keep potential volunteers from joining your leadership team.

Session:  1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Les Wiseman

Organization: Faith Reformed Church, Traverse City, Michigan

Website: http://www.faithreformedchurchtc.org

BreakOut Categories: Leadership; Student Ministry

"'That all of them may be one,' Jesus said. " Strength Lies in Unity - Jesus prayed that his church would be one.  He made it very clear that he wants leaders to be one as he and the Father are one.  So, how are we doing?  How can we as followers of Christ set aside our own wills and desires and find unity within the ministries that we serve?  

Session:  1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Brian Telzerow

Organization: Kuyper College

BreakOut Categories: Leadership

Consumers or Creators - #1 We will explore what Paul meant in Romans 12:2 when he called us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed. What are the challenges of living in a fallen culture and how has the Church dealt with these challenges throughout history?

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Adam Barr

Organization: Corinth Reformed Church & Borderlands Worldview Ministry

Website: http://www.borderlandsweb.com/ | Twitter: adamtbarr

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism;

The Discipleship Pathway - Many churches are discovering the importance of having a journey, or pathway to help people develop and transform as disciples. Hear about several churches that are making strides to assess the spiritual maturity of their congregation, creating pathways to growth for various stages of maturity, and helping individuals to develop a plan for growth.

Session:  1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Tom Elenbaas

Organization: Fair Haven Ministries

Website: http://www.fhmin.org; http://www.tomelenbaas.org | Twitter: tomelenbaas

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism;

Restored - “Your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts” --Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life. What was once an awkward and difficult place for the church to serve has now become a wellspring of opportunity to see God at work bringing hope and transformation to people who experience loss, brokenness, and pain. This breakout will talk about how Hope Harbor of Fair Haven Ministries serves over 125 people each week through several ministries of restoration such as: DivorceCare, GriefShare, Financial Peace, Rekindled, and more. Hearing inspiring stories of life change and gain practical insights of how God can use your life experiences to influence others and give them hope.

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Mical Pugh

Organization: Fair Haven Ministries

Website: http://www.fhmin.org

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism;

Doable Evangelism - What do you do if you don't have the gift of evangelism? Discover practical and "doable" ways of relating to non-Christians and influencing them for Jesus.

Session: 1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Brian N. Smilde

Organization: Immanuel Reformed Church

Website: http://www.immanuelreformedchurch.org/

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism; Missions/ Outreach

Senior’s Ministry Workshop -

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Joel Bengelink and Peggy Byland

Organization: Third Reformed and WTS Student

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism;

Becoming a Second Chance Church - Understanding, Finding and Welcoming the Lost Around You - Becoming a Second Chance Church will equip participants with a new understanding and vocabulary for reaching the dechurched and lost in their communities. This breakout is key for churches and plants who are strengthening outreach and evangelism efforts. The session is based on Pastor Christopher's book, Giving Faith a Second Chance: Restarts, Mulligans and Do-Overs (FaithWalk 2007)

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Pastor Christopher B. Wolf

Organization: First Reformed Church in Grandville, MI

Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Christopher-B-Wolf/17378287393

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism

Triads- the power of threes - DISCOVER THE POWER OF TRIADS BY LEARNING HOW TO IMPLEMENT THEM IN YOUR CONGREGATION AND HOW THEY CAN TRANSFORM DISCIPLE-MAKING RELATIONSHIPS -

Session: 10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Kirsty DePree

Organization: Reformed Church In America

Website:  http://www.rca.org/discipleship| Twitter: sumph

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism

Assessing Your Church - It's always helpful to see where your strengths are and how you can grow. Find out in this workshop about ways to assess your church's health in a number of areas, and how to design a process of evaluating, understanding results, and developing an action plan. Find out about assessments like Natural Church Development, the Reveal Spiritual Survey, the Discipleship Strengths Assessment and others.

Session: 1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Kirsty DePree

Organization: Reformed Church In America

Website: http://www.rca.org/discipleship| Twitter: sumph

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism; Leadership

Growth Communities: Easy Access - Growth Communities have provided an easily identifiable and easily accessible means for members and friends to find community within the church. In the context of Growth Communities, members and friends care for one another, grow in faith, and serve in the church and beyond, even to the ends of the world. Now in our sixth year of this paradigm, we are more convinced than ever about the value of

Session: 1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Sally Hoekstra and Bill Boersma

Organization: Christ Memorial Reformed Church

Website: http://www.christmemorial.org/ 

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism; Small Groups

Small Group 911 | Emergency Response - What happens when the phone rings and the person on the line lets you know they've had an emerency or life-crisis? What's the role of the small group leader? What's the role of the small group?

Session: 10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Phil Niekerk and Chuck Unseld

Organization: Ada Bible Church

Website: http://www.adabible.org/

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism; Small Groups

How to Reach the Next Generation: It's Easier and Harder Than You think - Too many people think the secret to effective ministry lies in our styles and cultural relevance. But the secret is there is no secret. Fruitful ministry is more about our character and passion for God than any gimmicks or tricks of the trade.

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Kevin DeYoung

Organization: University Reformed Church

Website: http://www.urc-msu.org

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism; Student Ministry

The Pivot Point: Transitioning Young Adults from Life at Home to Life on their Own - In this session, we will explore the call to impact and empower young adults. Combining sociology, theology and biography, we will navigate our way through common myths, critical convictions and hopeful signals in the world of ministry to this generation of emerging leaders. As someone who not only addresses the topic around the country, but also ministers "in the trenches" as a pastor of teaching and young adult ministries every week, Adam will combine theory with practicality in a session designed for ministry leaders who are concerned about how to reach young people in transition.

Session: 1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Adam Barr

Organization: Corinth Reformed Church & Borderlands Worldview Ministry

Website: http://www.borderlandsweb.com/ | Twitter: adamtbarr

BreakOut Categories: Discipleship/ Evangelism; Student Ministry

Growth Communities: Easy Access - Growth Communities have provided an easily identifiable and easily accessible means for members and friends to find community within the church. In the context of Growth Communities, members and friends care for one another, grow in faith, and serve in the church and beyond, even to the ends of the world. Now in our sixth year of this paradigm, we are more convinced than ever about the value of

Session: 1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Sally Hoekstra and Bill Boersma

Organization: Christ Memorial Reformed Church

Website: http://www.christmemorial.org/ 

BreakOut Categories: Small Groups; Discipleship/ Evangelism

Small Group 911 | Emergency Response - What happens when the phone rings and the person on the line lets you know they've had an emerency or life-crisis? What's the role of the small group leader? What's the role of the small group?

Session: 10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Phil Niekerk and Chuck Unseld

Organization: Ada Bible Church

Website: http://www.adabible.org/

BreakOut Categories: Small Groups; Discipleship/ Evangelism

Essential Skills Training for the Small Group Leader - Fair Haven' LifeGroup Team has been working with 75 to over 100 small groups for the past 4 years. In this break-out you will receive ideas, tools, training for the small group leader. This is ideal for both ministry leaders and small group leaders.

Session: 1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): LifeGroups Lead Team

Organization: Fair Haven Ministries

Website: http://www.fhmin.org/lifegroups

BreakOut Categories: Small Groups;

Don't Reinvent the Wheel - You aren’t alone in Children’s Ministry, so stop acting like it! Learn how effective ministry is being done in churches around the country to help you take your ministry to the next level.

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Kristin Englund

Organization: Fair Haven Ministries

Website: http://www.fhmin.org/ | Twitter: englundk

BreakOut Categories:Children's Ministry;

Children's Ministry in Church Planting - Learn from people who've been there about the unique challenges and joys of children's ministry in church planting.

Session:  1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Nancy Boersen& Jazelle Steenhoek

Organization: Spring Valley; Voice of Hope

Website: http://www.spring-valley-church.org/; http://www.voiceofhopechurch.org/

BreakOut Categories:Children's Ministry; Church Planting

The Pivot Point: Transitioning Young Adults from Life at Home to Life on their Own - In this session, we will explore the call to impact and empower young adults. Combining sociology, theology and biography, we will navigate our way through common myths, critical convictions and hopeful signals in the world of ministry to this generation of emerging leaders. As someone who not only addresses the topic around the country, but also ministers "in the trenches" as a pastor of teaching and young adult ministries every week, Adam will combine theory with practicality in a session designed for ministry leaders who are concerned about how to reach young people in transition.

Session: 1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Adam Barr

Organization: Corinth Reformed Church & Borderlands Worldview Ministry

Website: http://www.borderlandsweb.com/ | Twitter: adamtbarr

BreakOut Categories: Student Ministry; Discipleship/ Evangelism

Volunteering in the Youth Ministry: Are you kidding me? - Afraid of not having what it takes? Convinced you can't handle a jr high retreat? Uncertain your efforts will make a difference? These fears and many more keep many people from investing in the lives of our young people. Join us as we address some of the issues that keep potential volunteers from joining your leadership team.

Session:  1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Les Wiseman

Organization: Faith Reformed Church, Traverse City, Michigan

Website: http://www.faithreformedchurchtc.org 

BreakOut Categories: Student Ministry; Leadership

Ten Key Components To Creating Sustainable Youth Ministry - Based on research from several Lily grant funded studies, this break out will present the findings of this research, specifically how to create systems fo sustaining long term effective youth ministry.

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Duane Smith

Organization: Great Lakes Region / RCA

Website: http://rcayouthgl.org/

BreakOut Categories: Student Ministry

Now to Reach the Next Generation: It's Easier and Harder Than You think - Too many people think the secret to effective ministry lies in our styles and cultural relevance. But the secret is there is no secret. Fruitful ministry is more about our character and passion for God than any gimmicks or tricks of the trade.

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Kevin DeYoung

Organization: University Reformed Church

Website: http://www.urc-msu.org

BreakOut Categories: Student Ministry; Discipleship/ Evangelism

The 5 Keys to Engaging Worship - Is worship leading an art or a science? Are there guiding principles that will help any worship leader become more effective? How do you get your congregation engaged in worship? In this session, John Chisum will share with you effective ways to become an engaging leader of people regardless of your experience or expertise. It's never too late to grow in your ability to connect people with God through authentic worship!

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): John Chisum

Organization: Fair Haven Ministries

Website: 

BreakOut Categories: Worship;

Equipping Your Congregation for Global Outreach - A crash course on developing an effective global mission program in your local church.

Session:  10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Doug McClintic

Organization: Fair Haven

Website: http://www.fhmin.org | Twitter: HarborNetwork

BreakOut Categories: Missions/ Outreach

Strategic Outreach in Church Planting - Hear from Ed Stetzer about strategic ways to focus on outreach in church planting from his own experience, research, and best practices.

Session: 10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Dr. Ed Stetzer

Organization: LifeWay Research

Website: http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/ | Twitter: edstetzer

BreakOut Categories: Missions/ Outreach; Church Planting

B.A.S.I.C. Training for Missional Leaders and Volunteers - B.A.S.I.C. Church Planting Systems - This breakout will focus on the church planting systems for assessing, coaching, training and strategic development of church planters and church plants. Using the B.A.S.I.C. model Biblical Content, Apostolic Vision, Spiritual Passion, Integrity, and Catalytic Leadership we will explore the development of church planters and church plants using a holistic and systemic approach.

Session:  1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Doug McClintic

Organization: Fair Haven Ministries/ The Harbor Network

Website: http://www.fhmin.org | Twitter: HarborNetwork

BreakOut Categories: Missions/ Outreach; Church Planting

Doable Evangelism - What do you do if you don't have the gift of evangelism? Discover practical and "doable" ways of relating to non-Christians and influencing them for Jesus.

Session: 1-2:15pm

Presenter(s): Brian N. Smilde

Organization: Immanuel Reformed Church

Website: http://www.immanuelreformedchurch.org/

BreakOut Categories: Missions/ Outreach; Discipleship/ Evangelism

Change Your Community with Your Community - An introduction to the principles and practices of ABCD (Asset Based Community Development ) - cancelled

Session:   10:30am-noon

Presenter(s): Carlos Avrard

Organization: Community enCompass / Kingdom Causes of West Michigan

BreakOut Categories: Missions/ Outreach; Urban Ministry

TheCommon.org University - An experience in the what, why, and how of TheCommon.org - A web tool designed to help people in communities help each other.

Session:  1-2:30pm

Presenter(s): Jay Kroll

Organization: TheCommon.org

Website: http://thecommon.org | Twitter: thecommon

BreakOut Categories: Missions/ Outreach;

Building Good Samaritan Culture in Your Church - In response to the Gospel, discover how to develop a Good Samaritan Culture in your church, and learn about start>, a movement to help Christians love others and change the world.

Session:  1-2:30pm

Presenter(s): Jared Yaple & Michael Seaton

Organization: start>

Website: http://www.juststart.org | Twitter: letusbegin

BreakOut Categories: Missions/ Outreach;