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Seattle's Union Gospel Mission
Innovation & Impact Lab

April 14 – 17, 2026 | Seattle, Washington

Discover Kingdom-centered best practices up close–and leave equipped to apply them to your ministry with confidence.

Citygate Network’s Innovation & Impact Labs are immersive, hands-on experiences designed for ministries ready to grow, innovate, and lead with excellence.

Over three focused days, your team will collaborate with peer ministries, explore proven practices, and develop a tailored 90-day action plan. No matter your size, if you're ready to adapt and elevate your impact, this is for you.

After the Lab, a Citygate Network Regional Coordinator will walk with your team—offering support, accountability, and tools to turn ideas into results.

About our Host

  • Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, nestled in the heart of Seattle, Washington, is devoted to loving and caring for their neighbors experiencing homelessness throughout the greater Seattle area. Founded in 1932 during the Great Depression with nothing more than a borrowed soup kettle, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of homeless and hurting people each day.

Recognized as a thought leader among North American ministries, the organization addresses the root causes of homelessness by meeting urgent physical needs, building meaningful relationships, and providing comprehensive, long-term recovery programs. The leaders of Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission will host teams at the event, sharing insights and resources to help inspire growth and development of those in this transformative event.

  • Lab location: Seattle's Union Gospel Mission, Administrative Offices
    Triton Towers II, 700 S. Renton Village Place, Renton, Washington 98057
  • Hotel: We’re finalizing details—stay tuned for more information!

Focus Areas

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Focus Areas

During your time at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, you’ll explore practical strategies and mission-aligned tools that strengthen organizational health, enhance team unity, and deepen frontline impact.

 

General Sessions:

  • Leadership – Reflect on your leadership approach and discover ways to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion
  • Resource Generation – Explore sustainable funding models and strategies to fuel long-term ministry growth
  • Night Out with Search and Rescue Team – Join the outreach team for a powerful experience engaging individuals living unsheltered in the community

Breakouts:

  • Beyond Mission and Vision – Move from aspirational statements to actionable alignment throughout your organization
  • One Ministry, One Team – Discover strategies to foster unity, collaboration, and cross-departmental effectiveness
  • Program Services – Examine best practices for designing and delivering holistic, client-centered programming
  • Case Management University – Dive into a structured approach to equipping staff for high-impact, trauma-informed casework
  • Enhanced Shelter – Explore models that move beyond basic shelter to provide stabilized, service-rich environments that promote life transformation

Next Steps
  • Step 1 – Apply
    Select the Lab that aligns with your ministry’s current challenges, complete the Ministry Assessment Form, and submit a short online application.
  • Step 2 – Selection
    Applications are reviewed and ministries will be selected for mission‑fit, demonstrated need, and readiness to implement change.
  • Step 3 – Register
    Invited teams receive a private registration link. Thanks to generous grant funding, the investment is just $99 per person. Each attending ministry commits to sending four to five senior leaders. Recommended participants include:

    • CEO/Executive Director
    • Department directors and team leads aligned with the Lab’s focus area
    • Board member (optional, for governance-level insight and support)
  • Step 4 – We’ve got you covered, just get here
    Your registration fee provides:

    • Three nights of hotel accommodation for up to five team members
    • All instruction, facilitation, and on‑site resources and materials
    • Most meals
    • Please note: Travel to and from the Lab city, along with ground transportation, is the ministry’s responsibility.
  • Step 5 – Immerse
    Over three energizing days, work side‑by‑side with peer ministries and subject‑matter experts to diagnose challenges, prototype solutions, and craft a 90‑day action plan.
  • Step 6 – Activate & accelerate
    For the next 90 days, your Regional Coordinator walks with you—providing check‑ins, coaching, and resource connections—to ensure momentum and measure impact.
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Seattle's Union Gospel Mission
Innovation & Impact Lab is now FULL

Questions? Contact Lisa Miller, Director of Meetings and Events, at lmiller@citygatenetwork.org or (719) 266-8300.