Pre-conference and in-conference workshops are designed for real ministry challenges and real churches.
Workshops That Meet the Moment
Workshops Topics Include:
- Leadership development and pastoral transitions
- Church vitality and revitalization
- Preaching in the power of the Spirit
- Men’s and women’s ministry
- Evangelism and redemptive conversations
- International student ministry and cross-cultural outreach
- Church planting and residency pathways
- Equipping churches for long-term faithfulness
Workshops Speakers
Wednesday, July 1 • 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The median age of senior pastors is 54 and rising, yet many churches have given little thought to the day their pastor retires or steps down for other reasons. These pastoral transitions are pivotal moments in a church’s life.
The median age of senior pastors is 54 and rising, yet many churches have given little thought to the day their pastor retires or steps down for other reasons. These pastoral transitions are pivotal moments in a church’s life.
In this workshop, Bill Abernathy will share how he and his congregation navigated the transition from Bill to a new lead pastor, and drawing on that experience, he will offer practical insights, lessons, and key considerations to help pastors and church leaders prepare well and lead wisely.
Establishing an Equipping Church | Wednesday, July 1 • 3:00–4:15 p.m.
Built to Multiply: Church revitalization and planting continue to be a hot topic among church leaders. Have you ever wondered what it takes to get your church in the right position for a ministry like this? The Equipping Church Blueprint will help pastors lead their churches toward a culture of equipping, sending, and multiplication. Grounded in the biblical vision of leaders equipping the saints in Ephesians 4:11–12 and reproducing disciples in 2 Timothy 2:2, this workshop provides a clear framework for developing leadership pipelines and positioning a church to be ready for multiplication.
Built to Multiply: Church revitalization and planting continue to be a hot topic among church leaders. Have you ever wondered what it takes to get your church in the right position for a ministry like this? The Equipping Church Blueprint will help pastors lead their churches toward a culture of equipping, sending, and multiplication. Grounded in the biblical vision of leaders equipping the saints in Ephesians 4:11–12 and reproducing disciples in 2 Timothy 2:2, this workshop provides a clear framework for developing leadership pipelines and positioning a church to be ready for multiplication.
Tuesday, June 30 • 11:10 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Ethnic Church Planting: Lessons Learned By Trial and Error
Tuesday, June 30 • 3:15–4:30 p.m.
Discover how God can use the relationships you already have to make an eternal impact. In this breakout, you’ll learn a simple, practical framework that helps every believer, regardless of personality or gifting, to build meaningful relationships that naturally lead to gospel conversations. Leave equipped to help your church live on mission every day and see real evangelistic fruit in your community.
The Elder Qualification No One Talks About: Why Emotional Maturity Determines Church Multiplication Success | Wednesday, July 1 • 1:30–2:45 p.m.
This workshop explores why emotional maturity is one of the most overlooked—but essential—qualities for pastors and church leaders. This interactive workshop examines how the “alone at the top” leadership model undermines both pastoral health and church multiplication, while offering a healthier biblical vision of interdependent leadership. Participants will discover how emotionally mature leadership cultures strengthen pastors, mobilize the church for disciple-making, and fuel sustainable church multiplication.
Wednesday, July 1 • 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 1 • 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Have you ever asked yourself any of the following questions? How can we get our young men more involved? How can we train up the next generation of potential leaders? How can we encourage our church family to look to our younger men? Where would we start? In this workshop, we will be explaining how our church started, explored, and continues to refine our High School ministry internship program over the past four years.
Have you ever asked yourself any of the following questions? How can we get our young men more involved? How can we train up the next generation of potential leaders? How can we encourage our church family to look to our younger men? Where would we start? In this workshop, we will be explaining how our church started, explored, and continues to refine our High School ministry internship program over the past four years.
Tuesday, June 30 • 11:10 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
This brief presentation will introduce Beacon of Hope Family Care Center, a ministry of First Baptist Church in St Johns, Michigan. This community outreach ministry focuses on compassionate, whole-person care as we walk with individuals and families in both their spiritual and physical realities, demonstrating Christ’s love in tangible ways. Our aim is that through this relational ministry, the gospel would be clearly displayed, faithfully proclaimed, and—by the Spirit’s power—embraced by the people we serve.
Women: Generational Impact | Tuesday, June 30 • 11:10 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Gen Z is the least religious generation according to Pew Research, and it’s no mystery as to why. Today, only 4% of Christians have a biblical worldview, and those who do follow Christ struggle to know how to disciple the next generation. It’s time to take back ground for the Kingdom. This session is where the theological rubber meets the road. Here we will learn God’s design for discipleship and how it’s practical for women in every life stage. We will then shift into discipleship strategies that will build up weaknesses, harness strengths, teach those around you, and equip you to lift up the prodigals within your family.
What to Do When Kids Say They Don’t Believe | Tuesday, June 30 • 3:15 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Proverbs 22:6 says that if we train up our children in the way they should go, then they shall not depart, but what happens when a child walks away after a parent’s diligent shepherding? In this talk, attendees will learn the top reasons why children walk away from the faith as adults, how to recognize the lies of the enemy, and practical steps you can take in the midst of your prodigal’s wandering.
Apologetics 101: An Act of Worship and Defense of the Faith | Wednesday, July 1 • 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Apologetics is an important tool of the faith that every believer needs to wield well. So why have so few heard of it? In this session, we’ll take a crash course on the nature of apologetics, see which field might suit your learning style best, while equipping attendees with tactical questions to help nurture fruitful conversation when asked why they are a Christian. Practical, accessible, and relevant to every believer, attendees will leave empowered to be bold in the faith.
Apologetics is an important tool of the faith that every believer needs to wield well. So why have so few heard of it? In this session, we’ll take a crash course on the nature of apologetics, see which field might suit your learning style best, while equipping attendees with tactical questions to help nurture fruitful conversation when asked why they are a Christian. Practical, accessible, and relevant to every believer, attendees will leave empowered to be bold in the faith.
Top Cultural Challenges to the Faith & How to Respond | Wednesday, July 1 • 1:30–2:45 p.m.
Culture is ever-shifting, and this session is meant to face it head-on. Here, attendees will see the top cultural challenges raging across college campuses. We’ll evaluate the arguments behind feminism, social justice, the war on biblical identity, manhood, and more. Attendees will then be equipped with the biblical response and tactics on how to navigate tough conversations with friends and family. From teens to grandparents, this session will equip the believer to stand firm against the cultural tide.
Conversation Partners: A Simple Ministry That Mobilizes Your Whole Church for the Great Commission | Tuesday, June 30 • 3:15–4:30 p.m.
This workshop introduces a simple and scalable ministry that mobilizes everyday church members to engage the Great Commission by befriending international students, immigrants, and refugees in their own communities. Participants will discover the powerful strategy of “the nations coming to the church,” learning how hospitality and conversational English sessions using the Bible can open doors for cross-cultural friendships and gospel conversations. Through the English With Friends framework, leaders will gain a practical tool to equip their entire church to reach the world at their doorstep.
This workshop introduces a simple and scalable ministry that mobilizes everyday church members to engage the Great Commission by befriending international students, immigrants, and refugees in their own communities. Participants will discover the powerful strategy of “the nations coming to the church,” learning how hospitality and conversational English sessions using the Bible can open doors for cross-cultural friendships and gospel conversations. Through the English With Friends framework, leaders will gain a practical tool to equip their entire church to reach the world at their doorstep.
Tough Questions: Helping Your Church Answer The Questions That Keep Them from Sharing Their Faith. | Wednesday, July 1 • 1:30–2:45 p.m.
This workshop equips church members to confidently navigate the tough questions that often keep them from sharing their faith. Participants will learn practical tools—such as the Curated Resource Library—to handle difficult questions with humility, authenticity, and thoughtful follow-up. Rather than fearing hard conversations, attendees will discover how to welcome them as opportunities for deeper exploration and meaningful spiritual dialogue.
This workshop equips church members to confidently navigate the tough questions that often keep them from sharing their faith. Participants will learn practical tools—such as the Curated Resource Library—to handle difficult questions with humility, authenticity, and thoughtful follow-up. Rather than fearing hard conversations, attendees will discover how to welcome them as opportunities for deeper exploration and meaningful spiritual dialogue.
Wednesday, July 1 • 3:00–4:15 p.m.
Bibles International is passionately advancing the Great Commission by empowering local churches worldwide with reliable, heart-transforming Bible translations in unreached languages—supported by dynamic literacy training, equipping, and publishing. Through meaningful partnerships with like-minded believers and churches, we’re boldly pursuing a reliable Bible translation in every language and a Bible in every hand. Join Tim Fink in this workshop to discover how these vital ministries spark eternal change, advancing the Great Commission through the ministry of the local churches—one transformed heart at a time!
Bibles International is passionately advancing the Great Commission by empowering local churches worldwide with reliable, heart-transforming Bible translations in unreached languages—supported by dynamic literacy training, equipping, and publishing. Through meaningful partnerships with like-minded believers and churches, we’re boldly pursuing a reliable Bible translation in every language and a Bible in every hand. Join Tim Fink in this workshop to discover how these vital ministries spark eternal change, advancing the Great Commission through the ministry of the local churches—one transformed heart at a time!
Tuesday, June 30 • 11:10 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
…and now something for the rest of us. Fresh ideas, lots of encouragement, and ministry camaraderie for the average church and pastor.
Becoming a Multiplying Church | Tuesday, June 30 • 3:15–4:30 p.m.
Most leaders agree that church multiplication is a great idea, but the thought of all that is involved can be overwhelming. In this workshop, Tom Haines will share a church planting strategy that is realistic and doable. This strategy has proven to be effective and adaptable to churches of all sizes. You will come away with the basics of a realistic plan to help you get started.
Most leaders agree that church multiplication is a great idea, but the thought of all that is involved can be overwhelming. In this workshop, Tom Haines will share a church planting strategy that is realistic and doable. This strategy has proven to be effective and adaptable to churches of all sizes. You will come away with the basics of a realistic plan to help you get started.
Creating a Culture of Leadership Development | Wednesday, July 1 • 1:30–2:45 p.m.
Every church needs leaders, but where do they come from? In this workshop, Tom Haines will help you shape a culture of leadership development in your church. You will come away with practical steps that you can take to help nurture a culture that identifies and equips the leaders for your future ministry and beyond.
Every church needs leaders, but where do they come from? In this workshop, Tom Haines will help you shape a culture of leadership development in your church. You will come away with practical steps that you can take to help nurture a culture that identifies and equips the leaders for your future ministry and beyond.
Leading Your Church in Healthy Multiplication | Monday, June 29 • 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Over the past twenty years, the Lord has moved FEB Central from a time of plateau and decline to a season of growth and multiplication. Come learn from the experience and practice of two Canadian church leaders who have led church multiplication in a secular Canadian culture with an emphasis on church planting, leadership development and church vitality. This workshop will share heartwarming stories and practical principles that you can apply in your church right away.
Over the past twenty years, the Lord has moved FEB Central from a time of plateau and decline to a season of growth and multiplication. Come learn from the experience and practice of two Canadian church leaders who have led church multiplication in a secular Canadian culture with an emphasis on church planting, leadership development and church vitality. This workshop will share heartwarming stories and practical principles that you can apply in your church right away.
Creating a Culture of Leadership Development | Wednesday, July 1 • 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 1 • 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Consider the lessons learned from how Paul comforts a church after a challenging church discipline situation. We’ll consider how Paul bears his own heart, comforts his church, redirects their focus and challenges them to see where God is leading them. The lessons learned apply not only to church discipline but also to many difficult situations a church might face. Walk out with a sermon series and a plan for walking alongside church members during difficult times.
Consider the lessons learned from how Paul comforts a church after a challenging church discipline situation. We’ll consider how Paul bears his own heart, comforts his church, redirects their focus and challenges them to see where God is leading them. The lessons learned apply not only to church discipline but also to many difficult situations a church might face. Walk out with a sermon series and a plan for walking alongside church members during difficult times.
Wednesday, July 1 • 3:00–4:15 p.m.
Healthy churches require spiritual people, spiritual processes, and spiritual training with God as the grand initiator. As God intentionally grows people until the day of Jesus Christ, so too is His design for churches to be healthy and growing. Come work at your definition of a healthy church. Begin to examine your church’s current state and consider processes and training that might foster your next healthy step.
Healthy churches require spiritual people, spiritual processes, and spiritual training with God as the grand initiator. As God intentionally grows people until the day of Jesus Christ, so too is His design for churches to be healthy and growing. Come work at your definition of a healthy church. Begin to examine your church’s current state and consider processes and training that might foster your next healthy step.
Ministry to Men in Our Churches | Tuesday, June 30 • 11:10 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 3:15 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Men serve as leaders, protectors, and providers in the home, church, and society. If we want to see lasting change in these arenas, we need to help our men pursue godliness and take initiative to influence others toward God and His purposes. This discussion group will focus on how we can engage men in our church and equip them to be men of God.
Educating Your People for Joy-Filled, Sound Doctrine | Wednesday, July 1 • 3:00–4:15 p.m.
Every two years, thestateoftheology.com polls people in America to see how churches are doing in terms of biblical literacy and doctrinal health. While there are encouraging trends, there are also alarming answers given that show we need to educate our people in sound doctrine. This workshop will state why education is so vital for every Christian and talk through some paths forward on how it can be done effectively within the local church context.
Redemptive Conversations | Tuesday, June 30 • 11:10 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Effective ministry to international students requires more than just kindness; it requires the skill of “redemptive listening” and culturally-aware dialogue. This discussion group focuses on navigating diverse worldviews and cultural nuances to move conversations from casual acquaintance to spiritual depth. Participants will discuss practical ways to ask “bridge questions” that honor a student’s heritage while pointing them toward the universal truth of Scripture.
Effective ministry to international students requires more than just kindness; it requires the skill of “redemptive listening” and culturally-aware dialogue. This discussion group focuses on navigating diverse worldviews and cultural nuances to move conversations from casual acquaintance to spiritual depth. Participants will discuss practical ways to ask “bridge questions” that honor a student’s heritage while pointing them toward the universal truth of Scripture.
Reach International Students | Tuesday, June 30 • 3:15 p.m.–4:30 p.m. & Wednesday, July 1 • 1:30–2:45 p.m.
God is bringing the nations to the doorsteps of our local churches, creating a strategic “backyard” mission field. This session provides a clear, data-driven picture of the current international student landscape in the USA, with a specific focus on the massive influx of students from the majority world. We will analyze key campus trends and enrollment shifts to help your church identify the specific windows of opportunity for global impact right in your own community.
God is bringing the nations to the doorsteps of our local churches, creating a strategic “backyard” mission field. This session provides a clear, data-driven picture of the current international student landscape in the USA, with a specific focus on the massive influx of students from the majority world. We will analyze key campus trends and enrollment shifts to help your church identify the specific windows of opportunity for global impact right in your own community.
Women: Measure What Counts: Discover How to Measure the Impact of Your Ministry | Wednesday, July 1 • 1:30–2:45 p.m.
This session examines how churches can evaluate ministry effectiveness while recognizing that true impact cannot be measured by numbers alone. Participants will explore ways to identify meaningful signs of spiritual growth, engagement, and life change within their congregations. Through discussion and practical tools, leaders will gain guidance for assessing what truly matters in their ministry.
This session examines how churches can evaluate ministry effectiveness while recognizing that true impact cannot be measured by numbers alone. Participants will explore ways to identify meaningful signs of spiritual growth, engagement, and life change within their congregations. Through discussion and practical tools, leaders will gain guidance for assessing what truly matters in their ministry.
Women: Purpose Meets Position: Matching People to the Right Roles for Maximum Ministry Impact | Wednesday, July 1 • 3:00–4:15 p.m.
This workshop equips churches to go beyond identifying spiritual gifts by intentionally placing people in roles where those gifts can be used effectively. When individuals serve in areas that align with how God designed them, engagement grows, teams become stronger, and ministry becomes more impactful. In this session, participants will learn practical ways to build systems that connect people’s unique gifts with the real needs of the church.
Multiplying Teachers: Raising Up Lay Disciple-Makers | Tuesday, June 30 • 11:10 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
“Not many of you should become teachers” (James 3:1), yet teaching remains central to the church’s mission and a powerful avenue for making disciples who make disciples. We will explore how to intentionally identify, train, and develop lay teachers so the body is strengthened and built up (Ephesians 4:11–16).
Deconstruction: Shaping Long Faith and Shepherding Tough Struggles | Wednesday, July 1 • 11:15 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Why are so many young adults who grew up in the church walking away from the faith? We will examine the cultural and spiritual influences shaping this movement and consider how churches can shepherd those who are struggling as well as equip families to cultivate resilient faith in the next generation.
Why are so many young adults who grew up in the church walking away from the faith? We will examine the cultural and spiritual influences shaping this movement and consider how churches can shepherd those who are struggling as well as equip families to cultivate resilient faith in the next generation.
Wednesday, July 1 • 3:00–4:15 p.m.
In this workshop, we’ll explore how the power of God’s Word and His commands are truly for His glory and our good—and how even neuroscience affirms that we are wired for godly living. Together, we’ll uncover meaningful connections between biblical truth and brain science that strengthen our confidence in God’s design and equip us to share what we learn with the women in our churches. If you have the RBP women’s Bible study Designed, bring it along (copies will be available at the conference too), as it will highlight these connections.
In this workshop, we’ll explore how the power of God’s Word and His commands are truly for His glory and our good—and how even neuroscience affirms that we are wired for godly living. Together, we’ll uncover meaningful connections between biblical truth and brain science that strengthen our confidence in God’s design and equip us to share what we learn with the women in our churches. If you have the RBP women’s Bible study Designed, bring it along (copies will be available at the conference too), as it will highlight these connections.
Wednesday, July 1 • 3:00–4:15 p.m.
Many churches assume they are too small or too limited to help plant another church. This workshop challenges that assumption by presenting a simple, biblical approach to church planting that smaller congregations can embrace. Attendees will leave encouraged and equipped to think about multiplication in attainable ways.
Many churches assume they are too small or too limited to help plant another church. This workshop challenges that assumption by presenting a simple, biblical approach to church planting that smaller congregations can embrace. Attendees will leave encouraged and equipped to think about multiplication in attainable ways.
How to Lead Church Revitalization | Tuesday, June 30 • 3:15–4:30 p.m.
Many church leaders know their church needs revitalization, but the task seems overwhelming as they try to keep up with the ongoing demands of ministry. This workshop provides a simple framework and practical steps for leading your church in revitalization.
Many church leaders know their church needs revitalization, but the task seems overwhelming as they try to keep up with the ongoing demands of ministry. This workshop provides a simple framework and practical steps for leading your church in revitalization.
Leadership Development: Understanding your Leadership Gifts | Wednesday, July 1 • 1:30–2:45 p.m.
The Lord has given every church leader unique gifts and skills to be used in his service, yet many leaders lack a clear understanding of how God has wired them to lead. This workshop will help you identify the leadership gifts that God has given you and learn how to use those gifts in your ministry.
The Lord has given every church leader unique gifts and skills to be used in his service, yet many leaders lack a clear understanding of how God has wired them to lead. This workshop will help you identify the leadership gifts that God has given you and learn how to use those gifts in your ministry.