We are putting a major emphasis on prayer at this convention, with intercessors present throughout the event. To get us focused in this matter, our evening speaker (for all of those who are here early) will be Phil Miglioratti, COO of the Mission America Coalition and national coordinator of Loving Our Communities to Christ. We will experience a cappella singing and then grasp anew the power of prayer.
Sponsor: Colonial Life
Time-management experts say that the overwhelming project you don't want to tackle or the big subject that you don't want to address is like an ugly frog. To avoid it, we elevate the priority of everyday tasks. Meanwhile, the frog sits on each of our desks, staring us down and occasionally croaking. Those same experts say that the best leaders among us are the ones who start each day by "eating the frog." So that's what we're going to do--figuratively speaking, of course.
NOTE: Even if you didn't pre-register for a workshop, we still might be able to get you in. Ask at the Registration/Tell Me Desk in the Majestic Foyer.
Here are the croakers:
The post-Christian culture of
today requires us to consider new approaches to sharing the timeless gospel.
Discover the creativity some
missions are employing to
teach about and practice
prayer, evangelism, and
discipleship, and how these ideas are making a positive impact on guests, staff, and volunteers.
Darryl Bartlett, Terry Pallas, David Treadwell
Gender confusion is confusing a good number
of our missions these days. And gay marriage, rapidly becoming the law of the land, is already bringing about policy changes in some ministries that have family shelters. Learn the facts about the changing legal landscape and determine appropriate responses for your ministry in light of both new regulations and Scripture.
John Ashmen, Jon Ruybalid
In a litigious society like ours, one absurd lawsuit can take away property and assets that took years to build and accumulate. Learn about campus preservation through the establishment of legacy funds and limited liability corporations. This seminar could be the most important class you'll attend this year.
Bob Brown
The current donor landscape requires that we concentrate much of our efforts on seeking bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and non-cash assets. Even if you don't have a large development office, this seminar will explain the terms and possibilities and give you the tools to immediately engage.
Joseph Padilla
If your rescue mission is just getting started--or if your mission has been around for a long time but you, as the CEO, are new to rescue mission ministry--this five-hour session is just what you need. We have four time-tested veterans from within the association who will help you not only get the right answers, but also learn what questions to ask.
Phil Altmeyer, Rick Alvis, Selena Hayle, Rex Whiteman
NOTE: Even if you didn't pre-register for this institute, we still might be able to get you in. Ask at the Registration/Tell Me Desk in the
Majestic Foyer.
Sponsor: AKA Direct
Gather by districts to learn what's in store for the week and who's here from your part of the continent.
Meet with people who do what you do at other missions in an informal setting. There are plenty of places along Washington Avenue to hide away and engage for an hour or so. (Don't forget to bring a few dollars for coffee or the beverage of your choice.)
Look for a sign with the name of the group (names below) that you're already involved with or interested in. After a reasonable amount of time for folks to gather, a pre-appointed group leader will suggest a meeting location and start walking that way.
Executive directors and presidents--the ultimate decision makers--you're invited to get the first glimpse of the Exhibit Hall. Don the hard hats and steel-toed shoes and be the first to see and hear everything that's happening in the business sector surrounding the association. In addition, this will be a great place to network with your counterparts in like ministries across the continent.
See exhibitor list
Platinum Sponsor: Grizzard Communications Group
A lot of people come to AGRM conventions just for the amazing
general sessions. At this first one we'll start with dinner and be
greeted and encouraged by Robert Loggins Sr. Later we'll be led in
worship by Dan and Sandy Adler and Heart of the City, plus have an
off-the-chart challenge from Lee Strobel. In between, we'll have our
famous from-the-floor networking, special presentations, and relevant
videos.
Cap off the evening by making new friends and getting new ideas in
the aisles of our always-enjoyable Exhibit Hall. In case you missed
dessert in the general session (as did everybody), this is where you will
find it!
See exhibitor list
Watch the YouTube movie @home that was shot and produced by homeless advocate Mark Horvath; then engage Mark about his work and his outlook on the issues that are shaping poverty in North America.
We will have eight small areas throughout the hotel where members who want to take the first-light prayer vigil can gather with peers to pray. Each prayer closet will have a different, specific prayer focus.
This morning's general session features another helping of networking and association announcements and honors, plus Dan and Sandy Adler and Heart of the City. In addition, Lynda Randle--whose distinctive alto voice will touch your soul-will spend the whole day with us. The always-engaging Jimmy Dodd will open God's Word and deliver challenging insights.
There definitely won't be an after-lunch lull today. Everybody is invited to this plenary session that will feature brief addresses by Nan Roman, CEO of the National Association to End Homelessness, and homeless advocate Mark Horvath. You will then have the opportunity to ask questions of a panel of special guests from every facet of government and the faith-based community. If some of the aspects of Housing First have you confused, then you need to be in this session. Also, AGRM will present its position paper on Housing First and homelessness.
Gold Sponsor: Brewer Direct
We'll lead off this jam-packed evening event with dinner and then
some rapid-fire networking. Lynda Randle will be back, as will Dan and
Sandy Adler and Heart of the City. Our speaker is one of the most-requested-to-return platform guests from the past seven years, Matt
Heard. This will be an evening to remember.
During this session, AGRM President John Ashmen will give a state-of-the-association presentation. Members will be asked to contribute to
AGRM's future in a number of ways.
There's more activity in the Exhibit Hall for those who didn't get enough networking in the general session. Come by for dessert and connections.
See exhibitor listingBecause of AGRM's unique partnership with Prison Fellowship, we're repeating this exciting seminar. Learn how to establish a post-incarceration program at your mission.
Tonight we will be showing the movie Where God Left His Shoes. Frank, Angela, and their children are asked to vacate their apartment in New York because they do not have enough income to pay the rent. They move into a homeless shelter. After a few months, good news comes as they learn there is an apartment available--but it requires Frank to have a job.
Our "prayer closets" are open again for those small-group, specific-focus gatherings. Start the day by meeting with friends in the throne room of God.
Silver Sponsor: Douglas Shaw & Associates
Jimmy Dodd and Matt Heard are splitting the time this morning,
bringing follow-up thoughts to their messages of yesterday. You will
certainly get a double blessing. Dan and Sandy Adler and Heart of the
City will again lead us in worship.
Following our general session, we'll reconvene in our Exhibit Hall for a final chance to network, swap ideas, and enjoy fellowship over lunch.
See exhibitor listingPick up your tickets at the Registration/Tell Me Desk for one of three venues where you will enjoy a walk-around reception of heavy hors d'oeuvres in a distinct St. Louis atmosphere with live music. You can choose:
Our "prayer closets" are open again for those small-group, specific-focus gatherings. Start the day by meeting with friends in the throne room of God.
This is your last chance to get great resources from the convention! And if you've spent $150 or more in the convention bookstore, be sure to come by the bookstore after the morning general session for the iPad Mini prize drawing.
AGRM's annual convention is packed with inspiration and ideas, but applying those ideas after you get home can be challenging. Since we're in the "Show Me" State, we thought it would be helpful for someone to show you, in practical terms, how to implement an idea or improve your processes.
Pick a session from the four options, then bring your pertinent documents and pressing questions, because your needs will drive these Q&A gatherings. We've assembled expert panels with no agenda but helping you. After a time of Q&A, we'll break into small groups where each panelist can show you the way through more intimate consultation. You'll not only get answers to your questions, but you'll also benefit from hearing what your peers want to know.
Bronze Sponsor: Russ Reid
There's one more go-round with networking and whole-group
interaction. Come cap off your convention experience with a one-hour
general session. Giving our final exhortation will be Terry Robinson,
someone who knows all sides of city ministry. To prepare us for his
challenge, Randy Shaw will be behind the baby grand.
For those who like the mechanics of governance and are interested in back-of-the-house details on the association, this final convention gathering will be right up your alley. Board members, district presidents, and staff will detail financials from last year; talk about past, current, and future member services; give expansion updates; and more. This is a great session for those who are interested in association leadership in the future.
Sponsor: CharisNP Management
The AGRM member in St. Louis is Sunshine Ministries, offering family services, men's services, and youth services. Sunshine is actually just a few blocks from the Renaissance Hotel, but we'll provide the transportation for this afternoon of exploration that starts at 1:00 p.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. One of the features of the tour will be the brand new Family C.A.R.E. Center. Learn more about Sunshine in advance at www.sunshineministries.org.
Since every person is created in the image of Christ, each individual has gifts and should have opportunities to use their gifts in service. This session will unwrap the concept of reciprocity and how to engage the talents of others in ways that foster dignity and healthy independence.
Reesheda Graham-Washington, executive director, and Brandon Allen, director of strategic implementation, Communities First Association
Ephesians 4:11 says Jesus gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. What do these "governance" gifts have to do with the leadership of your mission? A great deal! We'll dive into how the stewardship of these gifts in your team can build up the body of Christ and accomplish all God has for you to do.
Ron Frey, president, Frey Resource Group
Whether your wellness program needs a checkup or it's yet to be birthed, your program staff can benefit from this session that outlines the hallmarks of an outstanding rescue mission health clinic. Taught by the staff of the nation's third-largest free clinic, you'll come away with staffing ideas, operational guidelines, and a healthy dose of inspiration.
Steve Uetrecht, medical clinic director, People's City Mission
People who come to us for help typically bring with them a complex, tangled web of problems. As we try to minister hope and help, we can easily get bogged down and don't know how to move them forward with biblically wise, compassionate, and practical counsel. This workshop will help you get unstuck in your counseling ministry.
Dr. Robert Emberger, executive director, Whosoever Gospel Mission
Salvation; career; and affordable housing. We all want these things for our clients, but there are life gaps that must be filled first. This seminar will delve into a program philosophy that targets what's lacking, then partners with community resources to holistically empower clients to move forward without government assistance. You'll hear about people moving from addiction and domestic violence into college and permanent housing.
Stuart Harper, executive director/CEO, Buffalo City Mission
"Big data" is a popular buzzword in the for-profit arena. We'll explain exactly what it is, why it's important to your organization, how you need to change the data you collect, and how you can leverage it to raise more income for ministry. Recommended for senior leadership, you'll leave this session with a better understanding and a strategy for preparing your mission.
Derek Torry, VP of client services, Russ Reid
It's time to get creative about funding your capital projects. We have two experts on hand to discuss grants from banking industry resources and the New Markets Tax Credit program. You'll learn details about both strategies, hear about the success other missions have found in these ideas, and get answers to your questions.
Kevin Foster, founder, Capital for Compassion, and Bill Adamucci, president, Community Funding Group
How defined are the staffing categories at your mission? Do you have interns that seem like volunteers? Program clients that act like employees? These are very important considerations because getting them wrong can sink your ministry. Let's talk about developing a program that's legally compliant, strategic, and effectively serves the ministry. Two experts are on hand to help you keep your HR house clean.
Angie Criner, president/consultant, Career Cross Training and Jon Ruybalid, attorney
Accountability is a key concept for rescue missions--accountability to your board, your donors, and the government. This session will help your mission to understand how you are doing on the accountability scale and how you can incorporate best practices for tax and financial compliance.
Dan Busby, president, ECFA
A compassion card is a tool to help communities address the issue of panhandling, but a rescue mission can also use their own compassion card campaign to engage the local church. This seminar will detail how your mission can start a compassion card project, including the systems that make the card work, its distribution, promotion, and more.
Chad Green, vice president, City Rescue Mission
Looking for a new entrepreneurial venture with opportunities to provide work experience? How about an enterprise that provides quality goods to those in need and makes a lot of money recycling the lesser-quality goods? People's City Mission netted more than $300,000 in their Toss Box program last year, and they're here to help you do the same.
Tom Barber, executive director, People's City Mission
Whether you're brand new to the thrift store industry or a seasoned pro, you'll find this seminar highly informational and exciting. This is the session to learn the ins and outs or be refreshed on the concepts that are critical to starting and managing an outstanding thrift store.
Rusty Parrish, principal, ThriftStoreSpecialist.com
The culture of many cities is shifting toward a very antagonistic view of the homeless and those who serve them. Their weapons are media, zoning regulations, block clubs, and others. Missions today must get ahead of controversy before it happens. This session will feature testimony from a mission leader who has waged this battle, as well as advice from an attorney who can help you shore up your position.
Andy Bales, president, Union Rescue Mission and Aamir Raza, attorney
Ever leave your office wondering what you accomplished that day? Do you have staff members who aren't reaching their potential? Productivity requires managing our time, projects, and personal energy. This seminar looks at three schools of thought: Getting Things Done, First Things First, and Power of Full Engagement to help us become more productive in our mission life and lead others to do the same.
Chasz Parker, president, Water Street Ministries
Biblical hospitality is neither encouraging dependency nor forcing premature self-reliance. Rather, it's about building flexibility into a program model that fosters healthy independence and provides accountability. This session will look at how to evaluate lengths of stay on a case-by-case basis while working to move guests from mere survival to succeeding physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially.
Rich Schaus, women's crisis shelter director, UGM Spokane
Does your job training program focus on what employers want? Are you sure? Many rescue mission learning centers are strong on academics, but there are other areas that employers may be even more interested in. Come learn about one mission's findings and discuss ways to package academics with other training to develop clients into attractive job candidates.
Chris Hedlund, program director, Hope Gospel Mission
This session will offer a critical evaluation of one mission's post-incarceration program using stats and outcomes. The program was established two years ago, in cooperation with Prison Fellowship, as a pilot program for the mission and AGRM. We'll discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the program, along with how to establish a similar program at your mission.
Cal Nelson, chief program officer, Wheeler Mission Ministries
Technology changes everything. Understanding the digital communication landscape--and why it matters to fundraising--will keep your communications relevant and help you connect with your donors and prospects effectively. This session presents insights from Grizzard's annual DonorGraphics study, which measures digital behaviors, usage, and attitudes among US donors.
Lori Connolly, VP of research & analytics, Grizzard Communications Group
One of the largest Thanksgiving Day races in the US drew nearly 18,000 racers, had the full support of the governor, and grossed more than $500,000 in fees, donations, and sponsorships. Wouldn't it be awesome if a rescue mission could put together an event like that? One does. The event's coordinators will show you how to make it happen.
Steve Kerr, chief development officer; Tammy Ellis, special events coordinator; and Brian Crispin, director of marketing, Wheeler Mission Ministries
Community service is in our nation's DNA and is critical to helping missions advance. However, conflicting goals, scheduling issues, proper screening, and legal issues all complicate the process. This session will help volunteer coordinators create an orderly process for recruiting, screening, placing, and managing volunteers.
Betsy Martin, vice president, Ministry Support Services and Burt Rosen, president/CEO, Knox Area Rescue Ministries
You will be the jury and deliver the verdict as a mission employee is tried on grounds of negligence. This fictitious hearing, based on a true-to-life scenario, will open your eyes to the ways in which staff can inadvertently put your mission at risk. You'll also leave knowing how to correct problem areas and avert disaster in this creative, suspenseful session.
Brian Merriam, president, Merriam Insurance Agency
Social media has changed how people connect. What's more, few mediums have the ROI that these platforms offer. Mark Horvath launched invisiblepeople.tv on a shoestring, but the project has reached millions who now have a new awareness of the plight of the homeless. Be inspired by his story and find out what's new in e-media and how you can leverage it to boost your vision.
Mark Horvath, founder, Invisible People
With donor dollars becoming scarcer, more missions are considering business ventures that meld with work therapy programs. What are the opportunities? How do you get started? The CEO of a mission that funds its programs almost completely with business ventures will help you see what's possible, give you a proven model, and answer your questions.
Dean Webb, executive director, Faith Farm Ministries
In this session we'll detail a common sense approach to evaluating all aspects of your thrift store operation. By applying this concept, you'll gain a greater understanding of your enterprise's strengths and weaknesses, helping you set key goals and prioritize needed changes. The result can be a streamlined business that funnels more resources into your ministry.
Keith Overholt, president/CEO, Downtown Rescue Mission
Legally adults but cognitively children, the 18-24 demographic is the fastest growing group on the streets. Many struggle with trauma, mental illness, and addiction at a time when they can barely survive while healthy. What is their journey like and what do they need to find healing and hope? You'll leave this seminar with ideas and inspiration for starting or strengthening youth programs.
Tim and Alice Colegrove, Ph.D., street pastors to homeless youth
Understanding and engaging the policymaking process is an essential leadership (and stewardship) skill in the 21st century. Some initiatives, such as federal housing policy, have obvious connections to your ministry, but others seem more distanced and benign. This session will unpack key policies, explain their impact, and describe how you can engage the policy-making process for the future of your mission.
Rhett Butler, AGRM government liaison
Some organizations have changed their approach to long-term hunger elimination, as well as the physical spaces and delivery models used. In this seminar you'll learn about a model that provides food choices in a community café setting while also providing opportunities for case workers to help people address the underlying issues causing hunger.
Tracey Galloway, CEO, and Roger Mercado, division director, Community Cooperative, Inc.
Ever wonder, Does anyone ever really change? In the face of relapses back into old habits and sin patterns, we sometimes wonder if real change is even possible. But thankfully, in Christ it is! This seminar looks at how we can nurture, recognize, and celebrate the real life-changing work of Christ in our lives.
Heather Rice, program coordinator, Whosoever Gospel Mission
Many victims of domestic violence feel a sense of shame, loneliness, anger, and fear, all of which may greatly affect their behaviors. This seminar will address the needs of domestic violence victims and discuss ways to respond to women and children who have fallen prey, even if they're unaware that they're victims.
Angel Steele, senior case manager, Buffalo City Mission
Is there a formula for major gifts? A major-gifts expert who has connected with thousands of donors, raising multiple millions of dollars, is on hand to share the methods he uses to build strong relationships and drive major gift commitments.
Patrick McLaughlin, president, The Timothy Group
Years of holiday donor acquisition have left missions with thousands of "holiday-only" or once-a-year donors who tend only to respond to urgent, meals-based appeals. These donors need complete cultivation so they can see the bigger picture and promote overall mission growth. This session will identify the challenges and lay out several solutions, along with group interaction.
Randy Brewer, president/CEO, Brewer Direct
Navigating employment law is a formidable responsibility and one that is becoming more important all the time. After attending this seminar, you'll be able to: identify the employment laws with which your mission must comply; recognize common compliance issues; and understand record keeping and documentation requirements. We'll complete the session with a time of Q&A.
John Perkins, director of human resources, Phoenix Rescue Mission
There may be actions your mission takes every day that could land the ministry in trouble. There are pitfalls in donor communication and receipting, gift accountability, minister taxation, and employee/independent contractor classifications. After this seminar, you'll be able to identify and avoid common donor communication problems, better understand key classification issues, and be alerted to possible liability concerns.
John Butler, Tax Counsel, CapinCrouse
Considering your message and practicing your delivery can't wait until a mic is in your face and the lights are in your eyes. This interactive session will equip you to effectively engage with reporters and understand today's media culture.
Major George Hood, consultant, The Timothy Group (past chief communications officer, The Salvation Army, USA)
Are you investing in yourself and making yourself more valuable to your organization? You want to be the best you can be for your employer, and you want to be ready for new opportunities. This session will delve into the areas you must pay attention to if you want to advance and serve to the utmost of your ability.
Angie Criner, president/consultant, Career Cross Training
A rescue mission and thrift store veteran will share how running a thrift store enhances a rescue mission's ministry in the local community; it's not just about the money. There are many benefits that go beyond the bottom line. Hear how to use your mission's store to enhance your ministry's effectiveness, outreach, public image, community partnerships, and yes--financial health.
Darryl Bartlett, executive director, Holland Rescue Mission
Each changed life Christ empowers carries four distinct qualities: humility, honesty, teachability, and servanthood. If one aspect is woefully lacking, the recovery journey will be jeopardized and God's best may go unrealized. This seminar will unpack these vital life characteristics with biblical support and practical application for the program client intent upon transformation.
Steve Zerbe, director of residential services, Kalamazoo Gospel Mission
What if we challenged the dominant paradigm that boards exist solely or primarily for governance? It's possible that board structure and function could be developed from the perspectives of creating value for the organization, depending on the mission's stage of life. We'll explore the notion of value and value propositions for boards, and look at tools to make board design truly strategic.
Larry Johnston, president, McConkey-Johnston International
If you haven't yet experienced a bed bug infestation, consider yourself lucky--and forewarned; you're one carrier away from a massive headache. These parasitic pests can cause painful itching, allergic reactions, and PR problems. Plus, they're known to spread like wildfire. We have some battle-tested bed bug warriors on hand to share their solutions and proactive steps you can take to stay bed bug free.
Blake Barrow, executive director, Rescue Mission of El Paso and Harold Youtzy, executive director, The Gospel Mission
This seminar will present a working program model from front to back and provide a manual for structuring a Christ-centered addiction recovery program. We will also discuss how certain recovery tools, such as the 12 Core Functions, can benefit the structure and bring a new level of professionalism to the organization.
Dwayne Gordon, director of Wheeler Mission Ministries' Camp Hunt
Without exception, the men, women, and children who come to us for help are hurting. Regardless of the reasons for their suffering, the gospel provides a robust and rubber-meets-the-road hope. This seminar will unpack the causes of suffering and will demonstrate how the gospel gives hope and joy even in the midst of our tears.
Dr. Robert Emberger, executive director, Whosoever Gospel Mission
Back by popular demand and updated with fresh ideas, a seasoned development professional will show you how you can do far more than you think you can using proven strategies. You'll leave with a full binder and a flash drive of information to help boost your fundraising.
Michael J. Parry, CFRE, chief development officer, The City Mission
Wealth and resources can be found all around our missions. Corporations looking to give back to their communities could be incredibly generous if we just knew how to engage them. This session will inspire and equip you to develop a plan for creatively partnering with businesses to channel resources to the kingdom. You'll also learn simple, effective strategies for valuating GIK donations.
TJ Hadley, GIK corporate relations, New York City Rescue Mission
The 2013 AGRM Compensation Survey reports that the average turnover rate across all missions was 17 percent, which is on par with all nonprofit sectors. Staff turnover is costly and disruptive, but retention can be improved by early attention to the unique needs of employees. This seminar identifies and will help you address the concerns of newly hired staff.
Lorraine Minor, director, Servant Leadership Training Institute, City Union Mission
In today's operating environments, missions must have up-to-date internal controls to assure effectiveness, efficiency, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation in financial management. The seminar will discuss the principles of effective controls and recent changes in the COSO framework, along with practical solutions for rescue missions in applying the framework to their operations.
Chris Darr, assistant controller, Denver Rescue Mission
RedRing is a geography-based technology tool that connects resources to community needs. Red-colored rings represent Jesus-affirming churches, other colors represent nonprofit, education, and government service providers. Seattle's Union Gospel Mission will share how this tool has been populated with data and what the impact is to the community. We will also share how your mission may benefit from this tool.
Dave Mitchell, COO, Seattle's Union Gospel Mission
Loss is woven into the fabric of life, yet it is rarely acknowledged or validated properly. In this session, a mission leader shares his heart as he and his wife journey through grief following the death of their young son last year. While each person will process loss differently, there are principles that can be helpful to understand as you mourn or relate to others who are experiencing loss.
Tom Laymon, president/CEO, Sunday Breakfast Mission
Do you need to boost your marketing efforts? Social media marketing has tremendous potential to drive traffic to your store, but there are important things to understand about this medium. If you want to grow your thrift store business, don't miss this informative session.
Scott Swedenburg, CEO, Mail Enterprises
At a time when many missions find themselves at odds with city officials and other community members, there are positive steps you can take to endear your ministry to law enforcement entities, gaining valuable allies and more ministry opportunities in the process. This session will detail steps you can take to develop symbiotic relationships with border patrol, sheriff departments, police officers, firefighters, and others.
Bert Wenke, assistant director, Crossroads Nogales Mission
By using the words of Jesus in Mark 10:35-45, we will consider the three servant leadership fundamentals of position, process, and people. This is easier said than done due to the traditional top-down model of master leadership. Come join us; we promise you an interactive session that is both challenging and thought-provoking when it comes to serving as a leader.
Mark Siegrist, director of education, Denver Rescue Mission
When bogged down with the tyranny of the urgent, we can forget that the little things do matter. We shape our organizational culture through everything from the words we speak to how we decorate; from the policies we create to the way we enforce them. We'll discuss practical ways to intentionally foster an atmosphere of love.
Heather Rice, program coordinator, Whosoever Gospel Mission
People who are severely intoxicated need special care that many facilities cannot provide. The solution is a compassionate, cost-efficient program that is prepared to receive and care for the severely impaired. This session will help you discern if setting up a separate shelter for public inebriants is right for your mission and will describe the collaborations and steps needed to launch this program.
Dennis VanKampen, VP of programs and Alice McKay, RN, Mel Trotter Ministries
LaunchPoint is a mission-developed experiential learning program designed to reignite hope as homeless men and women move toward reconnecting with their dreams through a personal life plan. The program presents a clear focus on choice, in light of God's plan for restoration, in the context of an interdependent relational community. This workshop will provide an overview of LaunchPoint and early promising results.
Burt Rosen, president/CEO, Knox Area Rescue Ministries
In this session you'll learn how to answer the six critical questions major donors ask of your organization and how to present them powerfully on one page. Your 1,000-day plan can communicate priorities, passions, and your blueprint for achieving ministry goals. You'll learn to identify growth channels; package ministry priorities; pace your growth; budget for growth; and tell your story well.
Tim Gunsolley, president, Elevation Growth Partners
New measures related to the Affordable Care Act go into effect in 2014 and 2015. This seminar will: (1) Detail what qualified health plans are; (2) Unpack the factors that affect premiums; (3) Highlight compliance and notification requirements; (4) Discuss potential rebates and premium reduction programs; and (5) Describe the limited conditions under which you really can keep your health care plan.
Fran Foley, health and benefits manager, Merriam Insurance Agency
Federal Minimum Wage Law has generally not been applied to mission residents working in program job assignments, but the possibility of a wage claim still exists if key elements are missing from your work therapy program. This seminar itemizes the way to wage-claim-proof your mission's work therapy program.
Blake Barrow, CEO, Rescue Mission of El Paso
Having access to your data no matter where you are or what device you're on has benefits that span finances, efficiency, quality, flexibility, and program concerns, especially for multi-campus missions. A cloud technology expert will discuss hardware, software, security, and how to assess what's right for your operation.
Jay Ashmen, information systems engineer
Participation in a retirement plan has a tremendous impact on the financial ability to follow God's calling in the future. Attending this session will help you to: (1) Identify key biblical stewardship principles; (2) demystify the retirement planning process; and (3) engage with your retirement plan.
Bruce Bruinsma, co-founder, Envoy Financial
Is your mission considering opening a thrift store or expanding your current thrift business? Profitability is crucial to the success of your enterprise. This session will show you the pitfalls to avoid and the pros and cons to consider as you develop a model that fuels ministry.
Brian Jones, Liberty Thrift & Home Furnishings