Workshop Title Coming Soon | Dr. Tim Gaines & Dr. Shawna Songer Gaines

Workshop description coming soon.

Anxiety: Fear vs. Faith | Kyle McClain, MA, LPC

Anxiety has a way of sneaking into all of our lives. Many times anxiety is our body’s way of telling us to be alert, something might be wrong. When it is ignored or not managed well it can at times take over or consume our lives leaving us to feel paralyzed. How do we navigate through life in such a way that we don’t allow our anxieties to get the best of us or rule the day? Kyle McClain, MA, LPC has helped many individuals and couples learn how to navigate through this reality in a much healthier way that keeps our eyes, mind and heart tethered to the One who promises to remain with us through the storms of life that come our way. Join us for this insightful and intentional conversation together.

(Sponsored by NDI)

Kyle McClain is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. For the past six years, he has maintained a private practice in the Chesterfield, Missouri area, specializing in individual adult therapy and marriage counseling.  Kyle grew up in the Nazarene Missouri District and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, KS. He later completed his Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling at Lindenwood University St Charles, MO.  His extensive background includes working with severe and persistent mental illness, geriatrics, psychiatric outpatient programs, and inpatient hospital settings. He also previously managed the Behavioral Health unit for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. This depth of clinical experience, combined with his pastoral insight, allows him to bring a rare blend of professional expertise, practical wisdom, and faith-based discernment to his clients.  Kyle serves in a pastoral leadership role at Joshua House Community Church and is the Vice President of the Faithful Few Motorcycle Ministry. He has been married to his wife Gina for 34 years and is the proud father of three adult children: Ian (28), Duncan (25), and his special needs daughter Natalie (25).

How to Lead ADHD | Rev. Melissa Jones

(Sponsored by NYI)

Pastor Melissa Jones became a certified ADHD advocate while working as a Special Education Paraprofessional with a local school district.  She was diagnosed with ADD in 1986 before they had learned as much as they know now. She also serves as the Associate Pastor of Families with Children for Rolla Church of the Nazarene, District NYI President and certainly not least, Mom to ADHD children.

The Gift of Grief | Revs. Mario & Makenzie Flores

Blessing Your Community | Scott Collier – Church Engagement Director, Convoy of Hope

Look at different ways to engage your community to develop relationships that will lead to an eternal impact.

(Sponsored by NMI)

Scott Collier serves as Church Engagement Director with Convoy of Hope, where he now ministers as a U.S. missionary—mobilizing and inspiring the local church to bring hope to communities in need. Having pastored faithfully for 21 years in Michigan and Iowa, Scott carries a deep, firsthand understanding of the power of the local church and a lifelong passion for discipleship, outreach, and sharing the love of Jesus in practical ways.
In 1992, Scott experienced a miraculous salvation and deliverance by God’s grace—an encounter that continues to fuel his calling today. He has been married to his wife, Charlene, for 37 years, and together they are blessed with six children and nine grandchildren. Scott’s life and ministry reflect a steadfast devotion to God’s Church and an unwavering desire to see lives transformed through the hope of the Gospel.

Workshop Title Coming Soon | Dr. Tim Gaines & Dr. Shawna Songer Gaines

Workshop description coming soon.

How to Develop a Thriving Men’s Ministry in Your Church | Panel Discussion

Are you looking for creative ways to help the men in your local church to become better connected and more integrated into the life of the church? If you’re trying to break through the apathy and build a community where men grow in faith, share life, and serve together then join us for this panel discussion as we hear from some of the men who are making that happen, and what that might look like for you.

(Sponsored by NDI)

Slate Rogers is currently serving as the Men’s Ministry Coordinator at CoMo Naz church in Columbia, MO, as well as on the NDI counsel, and as technology support person. Prior to retirement, he worked as a field engineer, then a service support engineer in the health care industry. This gave him the opportunity to interface with people from many life situations. His goal in men’s ministry is to create an environment where men can connect and build bonds of friendship and accountability.

All Things NYC | Rev. Kaylha McGee & Rev. Melissa Jones

(Sponsored by NYI)

Pastor Kaylha McGee serves as the Youth Pastor for Harvester Church of the Nazarene, District NYI Secretary and Event Co-coordinator. She has amazing event planning skills and works diligently to keep NYC participants on time with deadlines and in the know of all the necessary info.

Ministry on the Spectrum | Rev. Dr. Dean Blevins

This workshop provides an overview on the complex world of autism and other neurological conditions often overlooked, particularly in the lives of children, with implications for their parents. The workshop will include practical explorations in providing a caring environment that opens the door to gospel centered practices with people on the spectrum.

Reverend Dean G. Blevins, Ph.D. serves as Director of the Nurturing Care initiative, Professor of Practical Theology and Christian Discipleship, and Director of the Masters of Arts in Christian Formation and Discipleship at Nazarene Theological Seminary. Prior to NTS, Dr. Blevins served eleven years at Trevecca Nazarene University as Professor of Christian Education and served as the inaugural J. B. Elizer Chair of Christian Ministry.

Local Involvement – Global Impact | Cheryl Crouch

Do the people in your local church know the Nazarene family has almost 3,000,000 members in worshipping in 164 world areas? Invite them to join the exciting global mission of the Church of the Nazarene! This workshop will provide inspiration as well as practical tips for pastors, NMI volunteers, or anyone who thinks this movement of God through the people of God is worth celebrating.

(Sponsored by NMI)

Cheryl Chamberlain Crouch became the Global Director of Nazarene Missions International (NMI) June 1, 2025.  In her role as NMI Global Director, Cheryl seeks to inspire and equip NMI volunteers worldwide who serve as advocates for global missions in over 30,000 local congregations located in 165 world areas.

Early in their marriage, Cheryl and her husband Jeff served as Nazarene missionaries in Papua New Guinea. After returning from the field, Cheryl continued to support missions as a local and district NMI president.
Cheryl has spoken for numerous children’s camps, missions conventions, and women’s retreats. She has authored over 40 books published with Zondervan, Beacon Hill, and The Foundry, as well as many teaching and curriculum projects.
Cheryl has served as Chair of the Global Education and Clergy Development Committee, as a member of the Church of the Nazarene General Board Executive Committee, and as Secretary of the Southern Nazarene University Board of Trustees.
Jeff and Cheryl have four children: Byron, Bradley, Brookelyn, and Bethany, two daughters-in-law and one son-in-law, and five adorable grandchildren with one on the way!

For All the Saints: A Theological Reflection on Neurodivergence | Rev. Dr. Dean Blevins

Worship rests at the center of the life of the church. Unfortunately, the gathering of the people of God can also include “normal” practices that exclude people on the spectrum. While congregations often wrestle knowing how to respond to neurodiverse people, perhaps the answer rests with learning how to recognize the saints in our midst including neurodivergent people. When neurodiverse people are allowed to “unmask” their differences, congregations can graciously respond.

Reverend Dean G. Blevins, Ph.D. serves as Director of the Nurturing Care initiative, Professor of Practical Theology and Christian Discipleship, and Director of the Masters of Arts in Christian Formation and Discipleship at Nazarene Theological Seminary. Prior to NTS, Dr. Blevins served eleven years at Trevecca Nazarene University as Professor of Christian Education and served as the inaugural J. B. Elizer Chair of Christian Ministry.

Effective Children’s Ministry in the Local Church | Panel Discussion

(Sponsored by NDI)

Dr. Gail Anderson has served as a public-school teacher for 30+ years. In addition to this she also serves as the NDI President for Gateway Church. While serving at Gateway she has taught Junior Church and Caravans for 30+ years. She has been the Assistant Director for Girls camp for 20+ years and been involved in Children’s ministry for 35+ years.

Dawn Vaught has served as the Children’s Director at Gateway Nazarene for over 37 years. In addition to this, she once served as the District Caravan Director and continues to serve as the District Children’s Director (20+ years), as well as the Girls’ Camp Director (20+ years).

Interacting Well With the Salt Lake Community | Rev. Dr. Tim Brewer

(Sponsored by NYI)

Blessed are the Peacemakers: Faithfulness and Shalom in an Age of increasing Conflict | Jonathan Tremaine Thomas

Jonathan Tremaine Thomas was raised in the southern foothills of western North Carolina. He represents a unique blending of artistic history with missional calling as a fifth-generation “preacher’s kid” and the grand-nephew of the late Civil Rights activist and musical legend Dr. Nina Simone. After earning a B.S. in Communications at East Carolina University in 2003 and pursuing an M.A. in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary; Jonathan was commissioned by Bethel World Outreach Center as a missionary and youth minister to the most violent neighborhoods in America. With a passion for the next generation, he has pastored and mentored young adults in various contexts; most recently serving Destiny Church St. Louis and Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon. As a movement mobilizer, Jonathan has spearheaded several extensive strategic prayer and mission initiatives, including Azusa Now LA, Awaken The Dawn, OneRace Stone Mountain, The Send, and Pray On MLK. Today, he pioneers prayer-fueled holy activism, reconciliation, and community transformation initiatives in cities around the world as the Executive Director of the Civil Righteousness Movement. He also serves as the Senior Advisor of Justice and Reconciliation for New Room. Carrying an uncompromising message of heavenly identity and radical devotion to Jesus, he currently resides in Ferguson, Missouri, with his wife Mollie and their teenage daughter.

Workshop Title Coming Soon | Casey & Jamie McDorman

Workshop description coming soon.

(Sponsored by NMI)

Casey & Jamie McDorman bio coming soon.