Workshop descriptions
[A] CHURCH REVITALIZATION
Jill Ver Steeg and Andy Bossardet
An interactive seminar on church revitalization: moving from discernment to action. Participants will reflect on God’s faithfulness in their congregations while also following the Spirit’s leading toward the future. Topics will include: discerning vision as a group, spiritual disciplines to keep you grounded in the midst of change and starting teams to accomplish change.
[B] ELDER & DEACON TRAINING: THE INTERSECTION OF LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
Eddy Aleman
Leadership is crucial for the effectiveness of ministry in every church and in every community. There is a difference when consistories function as management boards or as leadership teams. This workshop will focus on the importance of elders and deacons becoming leaders in the church. We will be looking at the biblical foundations for leadership found in the New Testament in relation to elders and deacons and their role as leaders working alongside with the pastor leading a thriving church.
[C] FROM FEAR TO HOPE: CONFLICT AS OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCIPLESHIP
Chris DeVos
Too often we struggle to find our way through complex issues and we end up fighting with or splitting apart from each other. The church seems to be as embattled as the culture around us. At the same time, these contentious issues offer an opportunity for Christian spiritual formation and discipleship. Could this moment actually be a time to grow our love for each other and for God, to move from fear to hope? This workshop will offer a framework and practice for Christians to do just that.
[D] SMALL CHURCHES WITH BIG HEARTS
Randy Weener
Join us to hear stories of small churches with big impact, discuss the vital future of small churches, learn sustainability strategies, and consider small church multiplication.
[E] CHURCHES PLANT CHURCHES
Tim Vink
This workshop will present a biblical theology of multiplication, as well as practical steps to share the gospel in your church’s context and see the harvest come in through disciple-makers following Jesus' example.
[F] NEXT GENERATION MINISTRIES
Bob Cleveringa
According to statistics, churches are losing both members and vitality as increasing numbers of young people disengage. This workshop will explore how churches can help young people discover and love the church. We will hear first-hand stories, discuss best practices, and consider resources like Growing Young, which provides strategies any church can use to involve and retain teenagers and young adults. We will discuss innovative churches that are engaging 15- to 29-year-olds and as a result are growing -- spiritually, emotionally, missionally, and numerically.
[G] NEIGHBOURHOOD ENGAGEMENT
Eliza Bast
This workshop will focus on how churches can engage with their neighbourhoods: living the good news of the Gospel as individuals and families wherever we are. We will discuss the importance of orienting our lives and homes around being missional, with practical tips and resources on how to do that individually and collectively.
Jill Ver Steeg and Andy Bossardet
An interactive seminar on church revitalization: moving from discernment to action. Participants will reflect on God’s faithfulness in their congregations while also following the Spirit’s leading toward the future. Topics will include: discerning vision as a group, spiritual disciplines to keep you grounded in the midst of change and starting teams to accomplish change.
[B] ELDER & DEACON TRAINING: THE INTERSECTION OF LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT
Eddy Aleman
Leadership is crucial for the effectiveness of ministry in every church and in every community. There is a difference when consistories function as management boards or as leadership teams. This workshop will focus on the importance of elders and deacons becoming leaders in the church. We will be looking at the biblical foundations for leadership found in the New Testament in relation to elders and deacons and their role as leaders working alongside with the pastor leading a thriving church.
[C] FROM FEAR TO HOPE: CONFLICT AS OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCIPLESHIP
Chris DeVos
Too often we struggle to find our way through complex issues and we end up fighting with or splitting apart from each other. The church seems to be as embattled as the culture around us. At the same time, these contentious issues offer an opportunity for Christian spiritual formation and discipleship. Could this moment actually be a time to grow our love for each other and for God, to move from fear to hope? This workshop will offer a framework and practice for Christians to do just that.
[D] SMALL CHURCHES WITH BIG HEARTS
Randy Weener
Join us to hear stories of small churches with big impact, discuss the vital future of small churches, learn sustainability strategies, and consider small church multiplication.
[E] CHURCHES PLANT CHURCHES
Tim Vink
This workshop will present a biblical theology of multiplication, as well as practical steps to share the gospel in your church’s context and see the harvest come in through disciple-makers following Jesus' example.
[F] NEXT GENERATION MINISTRIES
Bob Cleveringa
According to statistics, churches are losing both members and vitality as increasing numbers of young people disengage. This workshop will explore how churches can help young people discover and love the church. We will hear first-hand stories, discuss best practices, and consider resources like Growing Young, which provides strategies any church can use to involve and retain teenagers and young adults. We will discuss innovative churches that are engaging 15- to 29-year-olds and as a result are growing -- spiritually, emotionally, missionally, and numerically.
[G] NEIGHBOURHOOD ENGAGEMENT
Eliza Bast
This workshop will focus on how churches can engage with their neighbourhoods: living the good news of the Gospel as individuals and families wherever we are. We will discuss the importance of orienting our lives and homes around being missional, with practical tips and resources on how to do that individually and collectively.