Equip Conference Recordings

Tim and Shawna live in Nashville, TN where Shawna serves as pastor at Trevecca Community Church (TCC) and Tim as Professor of Theology and Ethics at Trevecca Nazarene University and on the pastoral team at TCC. Together, they have written several books and are frequent speakers at camps, conferences, and retreats. Most recently, Tim has published Walking the Theological Life (IVP, 2024), and Shawna’s forthcoming book, Pastor as Midwife, will be released in June.

Holiness isn’t only a doctrine we teach, it’s also a life-giving gift we can offer in a secularizing world. We’ll explore why holiness is alluring, how our personal holiness can be evangelistic, and how our churches can help people take steps toward a holy God.

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)

ADHD affects more of the population than is actually diagnosed. This is why it has become a catch phrase. It has been being studied since 1798; however, many of the discoveries about the physical difference in the brain have only become known in the last 50 years with the help of imaging. ADHD affects emotional regulation, perception of the world, and interactions with those around us. This session will include defining of the condition, information on the science, but will help you understand how to engage these students in a positive way that helps you see their strengths but also to help them see their strengths and how God can and will use them too.

(Sponsored by NYI)

Jesus was the Man of Sorrows, deeply acquainted with suffering and grief. Yet most of us intentionally, or unintentionally, avoid grief and sadness. We too often rush to hope and skip lament. We invite you to learn practical ways to reframe grief as a way to connect deeper with God and deeper with others.

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

(Sponsored by NMI)

Jesus tells Nicodemus he must be “born again.” Paul says that all creation is groaning in the pains of child birth. If we want to see our churches and loved ones experience this kind of new birth, we would do well to learn from the wisdom of midwives. I have studied with midwives, OBGYN’s and doulas to learn more about how to lead toward new life. They have so much to teach us! I hope you’ll join and learn!

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)

Pastor Kaylha and Pastor Melissa will meet with sponsors, students, and their parents to discuss the finer details of NYC. These will include departure times, locations, what to pack, where we will stay, guidelines for behavior, and more. They will also meet with Nurse Emily to discuss any medicine or other medical needs during the trip so that we can be prepared to meet each student’s needs.

(Sponsored by NYI)

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.

Do the people in your local church know the Nazarene family has almost 3,000,000 members 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)

In this session, we’ll explore the personhood of Jesus as the Prince of Peace, our peacemaking responsibility as children of God, and approaches for holistic engagement in the work of biblical reconciliation.

Every church is as unique and different as the children that they are blessed to serve, love, and minister to. While some churches have an effective children’s ministry team in place, others are trying to do the best that they can with what they’ve got. Every children’s ministry must deal with obstacles and challenges as they steward well what God has entrusted to them. Join us for this panel discussion with those who are currently serving in this vital area of children’s ministry and what has helped them to overcome some of those similar challenges.

(Sponsored by NDI)

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.

This workshop will explore the purpose of Nazarene Missions Projects on the field and why an approved project status is essential. We will clarify the differences between Nazarene Missions Projects and Nazarene Missions Teams Projects, helping you understand how each functions within global missions. Finally, we will walk through what a Team Leader needs to know when preparing to participate in a Nazarene Missions Teams Project, equipping you to confidently lead and engage your church.

(Sponsored by NMI)

As humans, we naturally seek purpose, longing to be part of something greater than ourselves. This sermon calls us to embrace a life of self-giving, modeled after Jesus, who emptied Himself for the sake of the world. Too often, we are drawn into lesser narratives—materialism, nationalism, or personal comfort. But the true, compelling story worth giving our lives for is the Kingdom of God. We are called to pour ourselves out in service, embodying Christ’s love so others may come to know Him. Rather than being passive consumers of church life, we are invited to actively participate in God’s redemptive work. Like a starfish that regenerates and thrives through shared strength, we as a church must function together—each using our unique gifts to further God’s mission.

Rev. Stephanie Lobdell is an author, speaker, and ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene. She has served in pastoral ministry for over 15 years, partnering with the Holy Spirit in drawing all God’s children to Jesus through preaching, teaching, and spiritual formation. She currently lives in Ohio with her husband Tommy, two kids JoJo and Jack, and two Boston Terriers: Phinehas and Phoebe.

In January 2007, God brought a layman from Texas with an unusual hobby together with a local Nazarene pastor from Zimbabwe all because of TWO WORDS. Join Les Thomson, the Texas layman, as he shares how he and Rev. Noah Sibanda, the pastor in Africa, came together for 18 years to build, plant, drill, and provide education opportunities in Zimbabwe. The story of Noah’s FARM will inspire and challenge you to listen as God may be speaking those TWO WORDS to you!

(Sponsored by NMI)

This seminar will explore how technology promises us that we can share in God’s divine attributes. The question is, can technology deliver on those promises?

Have you ever wondered how other leaders run or build their youth group? This workshop will be an opportunity for those attending to pick up best practices from others in their same ministry context but also to hear other practices that may be used to further their own ministry. We will open the floor to questions as we desire to educate and equip others to take a fresh look at their own ministry.

(Sponsored by NYI)

St. Patrick’s mission to Ireland was not about imposing Roman culture but about creating authentic Christian communities where people could belong before they believed. Rather than demanding immediate conversion, Patrick and his followers lived out the Gospel—modeling peace, generosity, and faith in the midst of a violent and divided culture. Their communities reflected key Kingdom values: Radical Hospitality, Authentic Living, Cultural Redemption, Imaginative Faith. This incarnational approach led to an unprecedented movement of Christianity in Ireland. Patrick’s model challenges today’s church: Are we creating communities where people can belong, wrestle with faith, and experience transformation?

It seems every author, every conference, and even every church has a little different take on the meaning of discipleship. This workshop will offer a scriptural, universal, and timeless definition of discipleship taken from the words and life of Jesus. In addition, this definition is organic and achievable for everyday Nazarenes.

(Sponsored by NDI)

God is moving in Australia, especially through the ministry of Jongil Kim who has been a missionary in Australia for 28 years serving the 1st Nations People. Hear how the Norths are coming alongside this ministry in the remote areas of Western Australia. And what big plans are in store for the work in places like Kununara and Broome.

(Sponsored by NMI)

Scripture calls for each of us to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. This kind of love compels us to do whatever it takes to give our neighbors and colleagues a fighting chance of making it to heaven by speaking Jesus into their lives. We do this with our words, with our actions and with our attitudes. In this workshop we’ll explore how Cactus Nazarene Ministry Center is passionately building relationships, deepening its roots in the community, and actively becoming a significant part of the Cactus community. We desire to be better together by working and serving with our community to love our neighbor through our actions and our words.

Have you ever had the desire to take on a critical problem in the world but thought it was far too large for you to conquer? Come learn about how a few men, some vegetable peelers and a garage began the work on reducing/ending child morbidity due to communicable diseases. What’s even better than that is you will get to make some hygiene kits and learn about how you can help them succeed and have an impact in your youth group at home.

(Sponsored by NYI)

We are all given a true identity as the beloved sons and daughters of God. However, we often find ourselves attempting to earn God’s love. In this workshop, we will explore observations of how we try to earn identity through our own efforts. With this awareness, we will go into more depth of ways we may instead live in freedom and obedience rooted in love.

This workshop will explore and demonstrate the Godly Play curriculum and its imaginative approach to childhood Christian formation in the classroom setting. It will also discuss Godly Play’s use of discovery, story, belief, play, and community.

(Sponsored by NDI)

Throughout our modern world, the response to the Gospel message seems to have become more resistant. What we have to recognize is that, as believers and proclaimers of the Gospel, we must earn the right to be heard before the world will listen. We “earn” that right through the 4 P’s of Evangelism- Presence (in our world and culture), Proximity (not just “present,” but close to those who need salvation, caring about what’s important to them), Passion (being an agent of restoration and demonstrating the compassion of Christ) and, finally, Proclamation (having shown we care as Christ cares, we truly “earn” that right to share the promise of salvation and a life changed). While Christ preached to thousands, more often than not His ministry focused on personal relationships with people who came to recognize His love for them was genuine. It’s a timeless form of evangelism that is not complicated, but requires us to be intentional and willing to give others something that seems to be in short supply in our time.

(Sponsored by NMI)

Do you have a small church and ever wonder what kind of impact you can make in your community? Good news, God is always at work and you’re invited! In this workshop we will talk about assessing the needs in your community and finding how your church can join where God is at work, no matter the size of your budget.

Do you feel the urge to participate in the activities of your church but don’t know where to start? Have you wondered if teens like you could even really make an impact? Come hear from other teens like you about how God is using them in their churches and learn ways that you could get involved, too.

(Sponsored by NYI)

https://youtu.be/0ivDmpdIwMA

Dr. Jeff Stark

In 2022, Dr. James Hicks was commissioned by Nazarene Discipleship International to write a book comprising lessons on the Five Core Principles of NDI.  These Core Principles are vital keys from the new Bylaws recently adopted by NDI.  This workshop will introduce the book and give insights in teaching these Five Core Principles in different settings.  The Five Core Principles are: Fervent Prayer, Compassionate Outreach, Comprehensive Biblical Learning, Intentional Mentoring and Equipping, and Authentic Relationships.

The book entitled “Five Core Principles of the Discipleship Journey: Twenty-One Lessons for Small Groups” has been tested across the USA/Canada Region by Sunday School classes and small groups, as well as, through individual mentoring.

(Sponsored by NDI)

Dr. James R. Hicks has been involved in mentoring and teaching small groups in church settings for 40 plus years.  He graduated from Trevecca Nazarene College (University) followed by a M.Div. at Nazarene Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Christian Theological Seminary.  His doctoral dissertation emphasized teaching theology through the dynamics of small groups.  His ministry in the last church he pastored extended over thirty-two years.  The church was in a large university setting with various ages including graduate students.  It was always a special joy for him to minister to those with no church background as well as those who had grown up in the church.

Now after thirty-two years, most of those disciples, especially from the early years, are ministering in other parts of the country.  Prayerfully ministering through discipleship, mentoring, and equipping has certainly been his greatest passion down through the years.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey as a worship leader or you’re a seasoned leader looking for a fresh strategy, you are invited to “Worship Leading 101.” Join us as we dig into the art and heart of worship leadership!

Rev. Jade Kravat has served on staff at Harvester Church of the Nazarene in St. Peters, MO since the fall of 2020 as the Worship Pastor. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (2017, Worship Arts) and a Master of Organizational Leadership (2022), both from Trevecca Nazarene University, and she is currently pursuing ordination in the Church of the Nazarene. Prior to moving to Missouri, she served at various churches in the Nashville area in both staff and volunteer capacities. She is passionate about using music, Scripture, and liturgy to encourage the development of a relationship with Jesus.  

Jade is engaged to Chance, and they are busy planning their wedding, which is happening this summer! Her free time is usually occupied by reading a book, hunting for iced coffee, or looking at puppies on the Internet. 

Sarah Alvord de Salinas will share about what life is like in Peru, the challenges and joys one faces living in a different country and culture, and what God is doing through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Child Sponsorship, and the local Church in Peru.

(Sponsored by NMI)

Sarah Alvord de Salinas currently serves as the national coordinator for the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Child Sponsorship Program in Peru.

Sarah met her husband, Pedro Salinas Huaches, while she was studying Spanish in Quito, Ecuador, and they were married a few years later in Peru. While living in the United States, Sarah served as an English as a Second Language teacher for Cactus Nazarene Ministries Center and as the patient care coordinator for The Well Health Center in Cactus, TX. She also taught ESL in a public school in Illinois and continues teaching ESL online from Peru.

Sarah’s husband, Pedro, is currently a youth pastor in Tarapoto, Peru. Sarah and Pedro both enjoy music, playing sports, and eating Peruvian foods; but most importantly, they are both blessed by a loving Heavenly Father whom they want to serve with their lives.

There are lessons we all learn in becoming a skilled leader for various kinds of small groups.  This workshop is for both experienced and novice leaders.  Dr. James Hicks has taught small groups for over 40 years comprising of those with a church background and those who are entirely new to following God and being part of His Church.  He will share his experiences of how he was drawn into developing small groups,  how to start new groups, and will distinguish different types of groups.  He will also share some of the changes that take place as both leaders and groups grow, bond, and mature.

(Sponsored by NDI)

Dr. James R. Hicks has been involved in mentoring and teaching small groups in church settings for 40 plus years.  He graduated from Trevecca Nazarene College (University) followed by a M.Div. at Nazarene Theological Seminary and a D.Min. from Christian Theological Seminary.  His doctoral dissertation emphasized teaching theology through the dynamics of small groups.  His ministry in the last church he pastored extended over thirty-two years.  The church was in a large university setting with various ages including graduate students.  It was always a special joy for him to minister to those with no church background as well as those who had grown up in the church.  

Now after thirty-two years, most of those disciples, especially from the early years, are ministering in other parts of the country.  Prayerfully ministering through discipleship, mentoring, and equipping has certainly been his greatest passion down through the years.

Do you feel complacent? Are you feeling stuck? In this session, we will discuss how to reignite a hunger for the things of God, knowing that only He can satisfy.

(Sponsored by NYI)

Shane Lima is the Lead Pastor of Ambassadors Church of the Nazarene in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Shane is passionate about connecting people of all ages to the transforming power of the Gospel. He and his wife Alynne have been married for 8 years, and have one son. Shane is a fourth generation pastor, a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The Boston Celtics, a cup of coffee, The Office reruns, and time with family are a few of his favorite things.

In this session Hugh Halter will share what it looks and feels like to develop and deploy your children into mission instead of just providing and protecting them from the world.  Hugh will share four ways to disciple your children to stand against the cultural tides while they stand for the king and his kingdom.

Hugh Halter has been a consistent missional voice having authored such books as The Tangible Kingdom, AND..the gathered and scattered church, FLESH and this year he released The Righteous Brood and Brave Cities. Hugh loves to help churches move consumers into missionaries and he lives locally in Alton Illinois leading his third church plant. 

Extreme Love Ministries (ELM) is working in Cambodia to prevent and end human trafficking in a variety of ways. Come and hear how relationships and education are the first step in keeping children safe and establishing thriving families!

(Sponsored by NMI)

Emma Wright is serving as an English teacher for Extreme Love Ministries (ELM) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. ELM works to end human trafficking in a variety of ways, including preventing it before it can start. Emma teaches students in the Education Empowerment Program, which sponsors children in poor communities to attend school so they can get an education. English classes are one way to prepare these students to get a good job in the future, so they won’t be at risk!

After graduating from university, Emma moved to Cambodia, where she has lived and worked for six years (previously teaching at a university and then at a children’s home). She loves being able to teach English, as well as about Jesus Christ, through English classes. Her hope is for these students to not only have a brighter future but also know the One who created them and loves them!

(Sponsored by NDI)

Nanette Ward is a 2008 founding member of the Stop Human Trafficking Coalition of Central Missouri. She has been an active volunteer for the past 15+ years, several of those serving on the board of directors. As a day-to-day volunteer, Nanette conducts community presentations and trainings, engages in advocacy for and provides direct support to victims and survivors, and collaborates with service providers, law enforcement, and many other entities in the fight against human trafficking.

What gifts  do you have? What situations have you encountered in life?  What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the table?Let’s imagine what God can do with the cards you’ve been dealt.

(Sponsored by NYI)

Shane Lima is the Lead Pastor of Ambassadors Church of the Nazarene in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Shane is passionate about connecting people of all ages to the transforming power of the Gospel. He and his wife Alynne have been married for 8 years, and have one son. Shane is a fourth generation pastor, a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The Boston Celtics, a cup of coffee, The Office reruns, and time with family are a few of his favorite things.

In this session, we will explore what it means to see the church as a city we build within the cities we live in or what we call Brave Cities. This session will include equipping for the following:

• The Theology of church as a city on a hill
• The opportunity apostolic and prophetic enterprise avails a new economy and new mission
• The 6 elements required to build a kingdom ecosystem
• The new church rhythms and structures that hold the kingdom ecosystem together

Hugh Halter has been a consistent missional voice having authored such books as The Tangible Kingdom, AND..the gathered and scattered church, FLESH and this year he released The Righteous Brood and Brave Cities. Hugh loves to help churches move consumers into missionaries and he lives locally in Alton Illinois leading his third church plant. 

This workshop shares all about Nazarene missions. It focuses on Nazarene missions’ opportunities, where missionaries serve, qualities of a missionary, and how to become a missionary. This workshop also discusses the wide variety of ways God calls people to missions, and the wide variety of ways people serve in missions. Nazarene missionaries can serve as graphic designers, doctors, teachers, finance managers, pastors, and even in ministries like badminton! In attending this workshop you’ll be invited to imagine how God is moving in Nazarene missions!

(Sponsored by NMI)

Rachel Best currently serves as the Young Adult Mobilization Coordinator for Global Missions, the Church of the Nazarene. Rachel grew up very involved in missions, with her family moving to Alaska in late high school to do ministry. Through college she served with a global organization that fought human trafficking, and spent her summers abroad, most notably in Ukraine. After college she became a urban church planter in the US until she became a coordinator with Global Missions. Rachel creates research, events, resources, and relationships to help young adults, and any interested Nazarene, develop and pursue a call to missions in the Nazarene church. Rachel loves Jesus, coffee, and the Kansas City Chiefs.”

Jesus has called us friends.  In fact, he makes a really big deal about that in Scripture.  And yet… in the church we don’t seem to recognize friendship as a fundamental model for how to do ministry.  This workshop seeks to renew the commitment to authentic friendship as fundamental to how we preach salvation, do ministry, and model the church.

Pastors Brett & Tara Smith have been in ministry for 20 years in various capacities, and have served churches in Arizona, California, Indiana, Tennessee, Illinois, and Papua New Guinea. They have two great teenagers, Miles and Macey.  Tara loves playing games, reading, and generally engaging in shenanigans and hijinks.  Brett’s favorite place to be is outside in the woods or on a mountain, but preferably both.  Together, they love serving the church through the lens that Jesus offered:  as the people of God, we are to become genuine friends to one another, caring in ways that can’t help but overflow into the lives of our neighbors.  This culture of hospitality creates disciples of boundless love who reach into every corner of the world.

The whole Church carries the Blessing of discipling children.  Can we stand out — for Good at home, school, and in our community of faith? Yes!

There’s no denying the world is vastly different than the way we grew up,, but we are not without hope.  We need each other as our children face a culture desperately trying to influence them down an unhealthy path regarding their faith and identity.

Teaching children Christian values that encourage and equip them to stand up and stand out as uniquely different and divinely called in today’s world is the calling of all Christians.  Parents and local church leaders, let’s gather and discuss how we can intentionally equip, encourage, and spiritually invest in our children, so they stand out for Good in the world around them.

(Sponsored by NDI)

Ms. Kalyn Vogelmann resides in West Chester, OH (suburb of Cincinnati).  She attended Mt. Vernon Nazarene University and majored in Elementary Education.  It was there where she met her husband Robb and, upon graduation, began fulfilling her call as a first-grade teacher.  They have four children, Claire 21-a junior at MVNU, Robby 20-a sophomore at MVNU, Andy 17, and Abby 13.

Currently, Kalyn serves as the volunteer leader for the Southwest Ohio District Women’s Discipleship Ministry called THRiVE.  Kalyn is also the director for Nazarene Women’s Discipleship & Ministry for NDI in USA/Canada. She has led women’s conferences in Haiti & Guatamala, speaks at various retreats, and serves as the junior high girl’s connection group leader on Sunday mornings at her church.  Kalyn and her husband also facilitate a small group in the home for friends in their community. Over the last several years in these lay ministry roles, she has sensed God calling her to more ministry. In May 2023 she will graduate with a Masters of Divinity in Missional Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University.

Kalyn desires all women to THRiVE in their journey with the Lord and to share with them the ‘secret’ to thriving. “And the secret is this: Chfrist in you, the hope of Glory.” Colossians 1:27

How do I fit into the mission of God and spreading his Word?  What do I have to offer? I wasn’t called to preach, how could God possibly use me? Come discover how you too play a vital role in the mission of God where you are and exactly how you are today.

(Sponsored by NYI)

Brad Cluff  is the Youth and College Age Pastor at Connection Pointe Church of the Nazarene in Lincoln, Nebraska.  He and his wife, Karlie, have been married for five years and have a Siberian Husky named Luka.  Brad is passionate about building God’s Kingdom and raising up the next generation of leaders.  In his free time he enjoys watching and playing sports, especially basketball and golf.

We will look at how we can approach missions as equitable partners, learners, and teamwork.  We will also share a sneak peek at what is new and where Work & Witness is going for the next 50 years!

(Sponsored by NMI)

Stephen and Anne Sickle have served with Global Missions in the Church of the Nazarene since 2009.  They started the adventure on the Mesoamerica Region as Work and Witness coordinators, living first in Costa Rica and then in Mexico.  They returned to the USA in 2019 to join the Global Missions team at the Global Ministry Center.  Now Stephen is the Work and Witness and Partnerships coordinator while Anne serves in the Global Missions Administration.

The Sickels have seen firsthand how God uses his beautiful Church to save a hurting world.  It has has been their joy and privilege to have a small part in mobilizing Nazarenes from many cultures and backgrounds to serve their God shoulder to shoulder.

The Sickel crew includes three ornery kids: Micah (10), Elizabeth (8), and Levi (8). They spend a lot of their time together, reading, fishing, making s’mores, and discussing weather, planes, and princesses.

This workshop will equip ministry leaders with how to prepare for the future using planned giving. Churches, schools, and other organizations often overlook ways of giving that can create sustainable structure. An entire generation of faithful Nazarenes will pass away in the coming decade, and they want to invest their resources in the Church. In this workshop, you’ll explore new ways to fund the future of your church’s ministry.

Mark Lail, President of the Church of the Nazarene Foundation, has served at the Nazarene Foundation since March 2012. He previously served as the Director of Stewardship Ministries for the Church of the Nazarene, Inc. He is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary and also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Mark also served as a pastor for over 22 years, leading Nazarene churches in New York and Ohio. Under Mark’s leadership the Foundation stewards over $140 million in assets and distributes over $10 million to ministry every year. Mark and his wife Ruth live in Ottawa, Kansas, and have five daughters and six grandchildren.

Contemporary models for evangelism most churches use come to us from Baptist and Non-denominational churches.  But what if the Church of the Nazarene is being called to offer a unique mode of evangelism that flows naturally from our theology of prevenient grace?  This workshop teaches a distinctly Wesleyan model of evangelism in which love is both the strategy and the goal.

Pastor Brett and Tara have been in ministry for 20 years in various capacities, and have served churches in Arizona, California, Indiana, Tennessee, Illinois, and Papua New Guinea. They have two great teenagers, Miles and Macey.  Tara loves playing games, reading, and generally engaging in shenanigans and hijinks.  Brett’s favorite place to be is outside in the woods or on a mountain, but preferably both.  Together, they love serving the church through the lens that Jesus offered:  as the people of God, we are to become genuine friends to one another, caring in ways that can’t help but overflow into the lives of our neighbors.  This culture of hospitality creates disciples of boundless love who reach into every corner of the world.

In this workshop we will talk about modern day hurdles to discipleship and how the Spark Discipleship Process has worked to help churches create paths to overcome many of those obstacles. Several churches of various sizes have implemented Spark successfully over the last decade and are seeing a fresh movement of discipleship in their local setting.

(Sponsored by NDI)

Rev. Michael Downs, the founder of Spark, will be sharing in-person encouragement and practical tools to help you create a church-wide discipleship movement.

Discover how your life experiences are relevant and useful to the mission of God. Each experience in our life can and will be used by God to reach others. Dive into the ways that God has worked in your life and how expressing this to others is important.  Develop your personal testimony story.

(Sponsored by NYI)

Brad Cluff  is the Youth and College Age Pastor at Connection Pointe Church of the Nazarene in Lincoln, Nebraska.  He and his wife, Karlie, have been married for five years and have a Siberian Husky named Luka.  Brad is passionate about building God’s Kingdom and raising up the next generation of leaders.  In his free time he enjoys watching and playing sports, especially basketball and golf.

In times of uncertainty, we need to understand the power and value of leverage. How do we mobilize people of faith to do his will? Partner with schools differently, partner with people differently, and partner with our communities differently. What are those small actions that will yield great results? A single seed can multiply and bring forth fruit, so the question is, “What giant stone is standing in your way?” In this workshop, participants will learn the value and importance of leverage and how to apply it to your life and ministry areas.

Ms. Pam Harris is a champion for God’s Kingdom. She believes in the power of encouragement and believes that everyone was created for God’s purpose.

She is a consultant with the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative which is a 15-month leadership initiative that equips Urban Youth Leaders with state-of-the-art faith-based leadership training. She is a City Liaison and Coach. She currently serves on the Board of UniteKC, a racial healing and racial reconciliation movement that seeks to bring unity to the Greater Metropolitan area of Kansas City.

She has spoken and facilitated on a variety of different platforms including national women’s conferences, minister wives conferences, lady day programs and women’s leadership programs.  She loves uplifting, inspiring and encouraging the people of God to be the best they can be for the glory of God.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, a master’s degree from Avila University, a college advising certification, and most recently received a Certified Public Manager certification. She hopes to one day pursue a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership and Management to better serve her church and greater community.

She is the wife of Dr. Artrell Harris, minister of the Roswell Church in Kansas City, KS, and together they have one daughter. Pam is passionate about the community and helping individuals achieve spiritual and emotional wholeness and wellness. Both in word and deed, she pushes individuals to be naturally and spiritually healthy and inspires them to fulfill the call that God has on their lives.

Pam’s favorite saying is simple: Your LIFE has Impact, Your STORY is Important, Your DREAMS Count, Your VOICE Matters because you were born to make a difference and impact the world for the cause of Christ.

One in three women will experience sexual assault or domestic violence at some point in their lives.  How can we as Christians respond to this growing concern?  Our Nazarene Manual states that the church should refrain from and advocate against sexual violence and marital abuse.  In this session, we will discuss the warning signs of abusive relationships and the challenges victims encounter, and learn how effectively to support and minister to survivors, both within our congregations and within our communities.

(Sponsored by NMI)

Jessica Hill is the Executive Director of the Safe House of Southeast Missouri, a non-profit domestic violence services agency located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  She is also a member of the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence Board of Directors.  Since joining the Missouri District in 2010, she has served as the chair of the District Women’s Council and as secretary of the SDMI (now NDI) Council.  Jessica has a bachelor’s degree from Truman State University and a master’s degree in non-profit management from Oral Roberts University.  She and her husband Jason, who is Senior Pastor of Cape Church of the Nazarene, have two children: Jacob and Caitlin.

Worship is all about presenting our gifts to the Lord, the very best of our possessions. When it comes to giving in the local church, many generous Nazarenes miss out on the creative ways that they can offer their resources back to the Lord. Learn how your ministry can receive non‐cash gifts such as stock, real estate, cybercurrency, collectibles,  businesses, precious metals and gifts from retirement accounts.

Mark Lail, President of the Church of the Nazarene Foundation, has served at the Nazarene Foundation since March 2012. He previously served as the Director of Stewardship Ministries for the Church of the Nazarene, Inc. He is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary and also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Mark also served as a pastor for over 22 years, leading Nazarene churches in New York and Ohio. Under Mark’s leadership the Foundation stewards over $140 million in assets and distributes over $10 million to ministry every year. Mark and his wife Ruth live in Ottawa, Kansas, and have five daughters and six grandchildren.

Unfortunately, safety and security are becoming more and more of an issue in our society.  It is important to keep your congregation as safe as possible.  This seminar will share valuable information on starting and developing a safety team at your local church.

Rev. Jim Chapman is the lead pastor at O’Fallon New Life.  He is a graduate of St. Louis Christian College. Jim has been in ministry for over 20 years, with a portion of that time being his own speaking ministry.  Jim and his wife, Jennifer, have two boys, Tyler and Hunter.  He is a fan of the Cardinals, Quicktrip, and the Florida Gators football.

So, I have a story, but what do I say?  How do I tell it?  I’m so shy!  I’ve never done this before.  Come practice compiling and sharing your story to become a stronger witness for the Lord. Gain confidence in knowing what to say and how to reach others for the Lord.

(Sponsored by NYI)

Brad Cluff  is the Youth and College Age Pastor at Connection Pointe Church of the Nazarene in Lincoln, Nebraska.  He and his wife, Karlie, have been married for five years and have a Siberian Husky named Luka.  Brad is passionate about building God’s Kingdom and raising up the next generation of leaders.  In his free time he enjoys watching and playing sports, especially basketball and golf.

The church’s gathered worship service, when constructed with intentionality, can be an encounter of grace in faith that forms participants in discipleship and empowers them for mission in their communities. This roundtable conversation will feature pastors, worship leaders, and lay leaders from across the district and will cover topics like corporate prayer and scripture reading, preaching and sermon planning, music and organizing music teams, administering the sacraments, and more!

Rev. Jason Hill has been the senior pastor of Cape Church of the Nazarene for the past 13 years and has served in pastoral ministry for 23 years.  Jason is currently finishing a Doctor of Ministry at Nazarene Theological Seminary with an emphasis on transformational discipleship in the small church. Jason currently serves the Missouri District on the Advisory Board, Credentials Board, and the Values Conference Team. He has been the Missouri District Clergy Representative to the Board of Trustees of MidAmerica Nazarene University since 2021. Jason and his wife, Jessica, have two kids – Jacob (19) and Caitlin (16). In his free time, he writes columns on the St. Louis Cardinals for Viva El Birdos.

Learn about JESUS Film Harvest Partners’ role in the Church of the Nazarene’s efforts in Evangelism, Discipleship and Church Planting and how you can get involved and help prepare the way alongside more than 5,000 Nazarene evangelists.

(Sponsored by NMI)

Daniel was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. He spent his childhood in Costa Rica, Mexico City, Mexico, and South Carolina, Unites States, and his family settled in Mexico for his teenage years.  It was there that he met his future wife, Julie. Daniel and Julie were married in 2009 and began residing in Oklahoma City.  The following year, Daniel began to work as a volunteer with the Evangelism and JESUS Film ministry in the Mesoamerica Region.  In 2012 God opened the doors for Daniel to serve as a missionary for the Church of the Nazarene assigned to the JESUS Film Harvest Partners global office in Olathe, Kansas.  For the past 10 years, he has helped to facilitate the work of over 1,190 teams of nationals around the world who work to share God’s love with the lost.  Daniel and Julie have three children: Abigail (6) and Samuel (2).

Gifts you would never consider could provide a sustainable future for your church’s ministry. Learn why it’s spiritually important and practical to ask for out-of-the-ordinary gifts from your congregation, as well as how the Nazarene Foundation can help you receive these gifts for ministry. Learn how to ask for legacy gifts and tap into available services through the Church of the Nazarene Foundation.

Mark Lail, President of the Church of the Nazarene Foundation, has served at the Nazarene Foundation since March 2012. He previously served as the Director of Stewardship Ministries for the Church of the Nazarene, Inc. He is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Nazarene Theological Seminary and also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Mark also served as a pastor for over 22 years, leading Nazarene churches in New York and Ohio. Under Mark’s leadership the Foundation stewards over $140 million in assets and distributes over $10 million to ministry every year. Mark and his wife Ruth live in Ottawa, Kansas, and have five daughters and six grandchildren.

Pastor Brett and Pastor Tara have been in ministry for 20 years in various capacities, and have served churches in Arizona, California, Indiana, Tennessee, Illinois, and Papua New Guinea. They have two great teenagers, Miles and Macey.  Tara loves playing games, reading, and generally engaging in shenanigans and hijinks.  Brett’s favorite place to be is outside in the woods or on a mountain, but preferably both.  Together, they love serving the church through the lens that Jesus offered:  as the people of God, we are to become genuine friends to one another, caring in ways that can’t help but overflow into the lives of our neighbors.  This culture of hospitality creates disciples of boundless love who reach into every corner of the world.