2026 Pre-Conference Intensives, Track Seminars, & Super Seminars
Practical, faith-centered seminars designed for leaders of life transformation ministries. Explore timely topics spanning leadership, operations, frontline services, communications, and resource development—each led by experienced practitioners and focused on insights you can apply immediately. (Track Seminar Resources will be available to download after conference.)
Pre-Conference Optional Programs: Tuesday, June 9 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | $30 each
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HUD / HHS Policy Engagement
Engage directly with officials from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to gain insight into current and emerging policies impacting homelessness, housing, recovery, and social services. This interactive session offers clarity around funding priorities and the broader federal landscape—helping ministry leaders make informed, mission-aligned decisions.
Presenters: Dr. Robert Marbut, HUD Special Advisor; Caitlyn McKenney, HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary; Monty Burks, HHS Director Center for Faith
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Caring Well in High-Stress Ministry: De-escalation and Staff Resilience
During this in-depth intensive session co-led by seasoned clinicians from nationally acclaimed Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, participants will learn about using verbal de-escalation skills to manage complicated clients, including analysis of real-life examples, and also explore essential self-care tools for staff working in stressful environments.
Presenters: Christina White, Clinic Manager and Social Worker, StreetReach, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health; Mike Reiffer, Director Faith Community Outreach, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health
Pine Rest, the single largest freestanding behavioral health provider in Michigan and the second largest in the country, has been the proven leader and preeminent behavioral health partner in West Michigan for decades. It offers a full continuum of services including inpatient and partial hospitalization, psychiatric urgent care, residential and outpatient services, addiction treatment and recovery, extensive child and adolescent programs, senior care services, as well as specialized assessment and treatment clinics. In addition to the main campus in Grand Rapids, Pine Rest has 21 outpatient locations throughout Michigan. With a multi-disciplinary team of over 800 world class physicians, clinicians, advanced practice professionals, and clinical colleagues. For more information, go to www.pinerest.org.
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Thrift Stores: A Rising Opportunity
Thrift stores have become one of the most powerful – and often underutilized – tools for life transformation ministries, serving as both a front-door ministry and a vital revenue stream that fuels mission impact. This pre-conference session is designed for ministries considering launching a thrift store, as well as those ready to elevate an existing operation with greater clarity, excellence, and effectiveness.
Presented by the Association of Christian Thrift Stores and Downtown Rescue Mission, this session explores how to move from chaos to consistency through best practices in operations, staffing, donor engagement, merchandising, branding, marketing, and customer experience. Drawing from a ministry where thrift stores generate up to 60% of organizational income, leaders will gain practical insight into building thrift operations that increase both sustainability and life transformation impact.
Presenters: Keith Overholt, CEO, Downtown Rescue Mission; Mike Smith, Sr. Director of Retail Ministries, Downtown Rescue Mission
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Register Here – Already registered? No problem! Email us at info@citygatenetwork.org to add these to your conference experience.
ADDICTION RECOVERY
Advancing recovery through compassion, innovation, and holistic care
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Dynamics of Codependency, Trauma, and Addiction
Recognize how codependent patterns develop in addiction and their power to sabotage both recovery and relationships. Learn to identify unhealthy and enabling behaviors, and discover tools to replace them with healthy boundaries, accountability, and patterns.
Presenter: Roseberline Russell, Director Center for Women & Children, Bay Area Rescue Mission
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Bringing Together Faith, Science, and Community: The Backwards Bike
Explore how Helping Up Mission (Baltimore, Maryland) integrates evidence-based practices with spiritual formation using a trauma-informed recovery model that focuses on three fundamental layers of behavior change: Identity, Process, and Outcomes.
Presenter: Pamela Wilkerson, Director Women & Children’s Center, Helping Up Mission
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Moral Injury and Spiritual Struggle in Recovery
Recovery should go beyond substance abuse and behavior problems to address deep moral and spiritual wounds like guilt, shame, betrayal, and disconnection. Learn how faith-based programs can offer safe, restorative pathways towards healing and explore models that create space for whole-person healing.
Presenter: Diera Shaw-Mendez, Co-executive Director, Hope House for Our Families
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
After the Finish Line: Recovery is a Marathon
Graduation represents the starting line, not the finish line. Once graduates move outside your structured environment, they will face new challenges and old triggers that can upend their recovery. Equip your team with practical tools and strategies for an effective aftercare program.
Presenter: Shayne Priddy, Director of Programs, Renewed Recovery & Genesis Process
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CLIENT & CULTURE
Responding to culture and trends with biblical wisdom and compassion
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
What Makes Christian Counseling and Programs Unique?
Many Christian counseling staff learn secular clinical counseling methods. Teach them what makes your Christian approach different and effective while also learning how to effectively communicate your ministry’s unique role to secular stakeholders and the government.
Presenter: Dr. Andrew Sears, Executive Director, City Vision University
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Reclaiming Relevance: The Future of Faithful Impact
Amidst culture shifts and short attention spans, faith-based organizations must stay relevant without compromising their values. Blend authenticity, strategic communication, and community partnership in ways that resonate with new generations and learn key trends that shape how people engage with faith-based causes.
Presenter: Kyle Gorman, Executive Director of Advancement, Evansville Rescue Mission
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Foundations of Trauma-Informed Culture
Explore the research that has contributed to best practices for understanding both adverse and positive childhood experiences, as well as insight on how trauma and poverty intersect. Learn the Six Principles of Trauma Informed Care and how to apply them at your ministry.
Presenters: Jamie Avant, VP of Effinity Training and Wellness Services, Metropolitan Ministries; Amy Greene, Director of Spiritual Care, Metropolitan Ministries
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The Ministry of Showing Up: How Presence Heals, Builds Trust, Increases Engagement, Inspires Generosity
Learn practical strategies that cultivate meaningful connection through presence, empathy, and intentional engagement. Recognize telltale signs of disengagement, understand why people avoid connection, and transform missed connections into ministry opportunities that build trust and inspire generosity.
Presenters: Chad Borgestad, Senior Consultant, The FOCUS Group; Jason Smith, Senior Consultant, The FOCUS Group
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COMMUNICATION & MARKETING
Strengthening trust and credibility through purposeful interaction and innovation
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Designing Community Awareness Campaigns
Shift perceptions of homelessness, position your ministry as a leader in solutions, build awareness that translates into engagement, action, and long-term support while forming deeper connections with your community. Using advanced research, create a multi-channel media strategy that increases visibility and drives measurable engagement.
Presenters: James Read, Chief Creative Officer, BDI; Amanda Kirby, Senior Account Director/Strategist, BDI; Sarah Peterka, Community Relations Director, Union Gospel Mission—Twin Cities
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Find and Tell Stories that Create Connections and Drive Results
A good story can demonstrate impact or offer a better understanding of your work. Engage with an interactive process that teaches you how to turn stories into words that drive action. Walk away with practical tools that inspire and engage with your audience.
Presenters: Doug Bouws, VP of Client Services, Canopy; Daniel Jenkins, Partner, nonprofit professional, Canopy
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
So You Want to Start a Podcast
Walk through the process to create and launch a podcast listeners will love. Learn everything from developing your concept and choosing the right equipment to recording, editing, and publishing, as well as promoting your content. Perfect for beginners ready to share their voice.
Presenter: Celia Lively, Sr. Director of Community Engagement, Knox Area Rescue Ministries
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Essential Elements for a High-Conversion Homepage
Your homepage is the front door to your ministry. It should accurately reflect your brand, build trust and affinity, and move people to take action. Learn the simple, effective elements that instantly strengthen your message and help more people engage with your work.
Presenter: Janelle Suzanne, Managing Partner and Chief Marketing Officer, Louder Agency
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Building ministry support by mobilizing people, resources, and partnerships
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
You’ve Got Volunteers—Now What?
Explore how to develop a strong volunteer program with clearly communicated guidelines and expectations, thoughtful orientations, and essential documentation. Leave with practical tools, templates, and faith-centered strategies that make the volunteer experience safe, meaningful, and mission-driven.
Presenters: Pam Billet, Women & Children Shelter Manager, LifePath Christian Ministries; Susan Workinger, Manager of Donor Relations, LifePath Christian Ministries; Beth Elston, Lead Client Advocate & Support Specialist, Mission Tracker
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Coordinating a Church-Based Response to Homelessness
Explore proven models for bidirectional partnerships in which your staff facilitate the formation of relationships between churches and individual families facing homelessness. Understand the unique stability churches bring to these families and receive free access to a supportive discipleship course.
Presenter: Adam Lipscomb, Church Partnership Strategist, Mel Trotter Ministries
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Engaging Capitol Hill: Effective Advocacy
Learn to effectively advocate during meetings with elected representatives and other government officials. Guidance will include preparing for the conversation, establishing a purpose, what to expect, clearly communicating key messages, as well as instructions for handling difficulties and objections, and proper follow-up.
Presenter: Anna Valeria, Consultant, Livingston Impact Advisors
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Igniting Mission Impact Through Church Partnerships
Develop a practical roadmap to design, launch, and sustain a strong church program that mobilizes volunteers, identifies shared values, and deepens ministry collaboration. Learn practical tools that help move churches from one-time service projects toward long-term, meaningful involvement.
Presenter: Ashley Murray, Director of Church Partnerships, San Diego Rescue Mission
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DIVERSIFYING REVENUE
Expanding financial sustainability through entrepreneurial ventures, innovation, and strategic growth
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Financing What’s Next
Developing a large capital campaign plan requires vision, practical training, and creative funding approaches that extend far beyond traditional fundraising. Explore available grants and other powerful tools that can help ministries expand their housing impact without cannibalizing existing donor support.
Presenter: Kevin Foster, Founder & President, Capital for Compassion
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Generating Value Through Social Enterprise
Explore a Social Enterprise Intervention (SEI) model that addresses poverty, unemployment, and social instability. Integrate business principles with mission-driven values that serve as both a workforce development strategy and a catalyst for systemic change—bridging the gap between charitable service and economic empowerment.
Presenter: Carrie Arnold, VP Workforce Development, Cherry Street Mission
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Beginners to Experts: Strategies for Event Planners
Glean wisdom from an event planning guru with 25 years of experience! This interactive session will address organizing successful dinners, brunches and other fundraising events, and invite participants to share successes and failures that encourage and inspire one another.
Presenter: Mary Denison, Development Director, Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Thrift as Mission: Fueling Kingdom Impact with Courageous Growth
Explore how to strategically grow a thrift enterprise that generates sustainable revenue, expands ministry impact, and transforms your community—while maintaining your faith-based values. Move from “just another thrift shop” to a thriving enterprise fueling your mission, blessing your community, and pointing people to Christ.
Presenters: Scott Thielen, CEO, Yakima Union Gospel Mission; Autumn Bernier, VP Operations & Enterprise, Yakima Union Gospel Mission
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FRONTLINE SERVICES & HOSPITALITY
Delivering dignity and care through hospitality, best practices, and trauma-informed service
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A Shepherd’s Heart: Caring for You So You Can Care for Others
With constant crises and needs, leaders can lose sight of the biblical rhythm of rest and renewal. This session reframes self-care as a spiritual discipline and theological necessity. Explore disciplines that prevent burnout and deepen Christlikeness, engage in practices designed to restore spiritual vitality, and implement organizational structures that support rest.
Presenter: Edward Buller, Street Ministries Manager, Union Gospel Mission—Winnipeg
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Good Stewards at the Table: Honoring God Through Food Service
Food service often represents the most visible ministry touchpoint. Explore how to elevate it to an opportunity that reflects dignity, excellence, and wise stewardship, while balancing hospitality with operational efficiency. Every meal can affirm each person's worth and shape their life transformation journey.
Presenter: Steven Kreis, Sr. Director of Food Services, Denver Rescue Mission
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Radical Hospitality: Biblical Foundations and Characteristics
Explore a biblical understanding of hospitality while examining specific practices and characteristics of hospitable places. Gain a deepened understanding of how to set up spaces that intentionally foster connection and discover spiritual practices that sustain the work of hospitality even in the midst of weariness.
Presenter: Matthew Johnson, Director of Faith-based Initiatives, Fletcher Group
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
First Moments Matter: Shaping Trauma-Informed Intakes
The first moment of engagement sets the tone for an individual’s whole experience with your organization. Learn from the journey Water Street Mission (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) has taken to enhance its physical environment, intake processes, and forms in a way that reflects trauma-informed hospitality.
Presenters: Lillie Otte, VP Residential Life; Water Street Mission; Jackie Concepcion, Director Social Services, Water Street Mission
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GROWING FORWARD
Strengthening small-budget ministries through smart strategy, stewardship, and scalable solutions
Tools to Move from Overwhelmed to Organized
Ministry directors juggle board prep, audits, staff, and endless reporting—leaving little time for leadership. Discover how proven systems and dashboards can streamline operations, strengthen accountability, and create space to lead strategically. Learn how to reduce stress, empower teams, and focus on people and purpose.
Presenters: Sam Coates, President, CFO Leverage; Daniel Weaver, CFO, CFO Leverage
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Market Your Ministry with a Limited Budget
Limited marketing staff and budget? No problem! Learn about free (or nearly free) resources you can use to market your ministry. Hear real examples of working with local media outlets to grow your brand awareness.
Presenters: Tatum Curry, Marketing Coordinator, Butte Rescue Mission; Brayton Erickson, Executive Director, Butte Rescue Mission
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Unlocking Potential: How Collaboration Can Drive Impact
Today’s complex landscape makes partnerships essential. They offer a powerful avenue to achieve more together than any single organization could alone. Participants will learn how to identify ideal partners, build frameworks for success, and measure collective impact.
Presenter: Karl Pettit; President, Valley Mission
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Stewarding Resources & Supporting Your Small Team
Explore practical strategies to enhance the financial health and wellbeing of your small ministry team. A panel will feature professionals sharing tools, templates, and best practices that equip small ministries to steward wisely, while prioritizing your ministry footprint and the growth of your team.
Presenters: Jon Barron, National Director – Nonprofit & Religious Practices; James Dick, Area Vice President – Nonprofit & Religious Practices, Gallagher Insurance
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HOT TOPICS
Tackling today’s toughest questions and anticipating tomorrow’s challenges
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Legal and Cultural Threats Facing Life Transformation Ministries
Hear about cases, legislation, and legal or cultural issues that threaten your mission or ministry, as well as how to protect your organization. Get practical tips on managing legal threats, learn from real-life examples of what can happen, and participate in a readiness assessment.
Presenter: Patrick Piccolo, Legal Counsel and Deputy Director Church and Ministry Alliance, Alliance Defending Freedom
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Be the Salt and Light: Practical Ways to Serve Like Jesus in a Divided World
Today’s constant tension between differing world views leads to a never-ending barrage of accusations and condemnation. What if Jesus has called us to something greater than choosing sides? Explore your calling and conviction to live as salt and light, as Jesus did.
Presenter: Dennis Van Kampen, President/CEO, Denver Rescue Mission
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
The Collaboration Ecosystem
Position your organization to lead without having to provide all the services yourself. Learn how (and with whom) to partner, how to leverage your strengths, and how to set up joint funding, to keep people from experiencing homelessness and teach them how to launch.
Chris Palusky, CEO, Mel Trotter Ministries
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Leading From a Full Cup: Integrating Faith, Health, and Wellness
Many nonprofit leaders find themselves leading on an empty tank. Learn to shift from exhaustion to overflow by implementing sustainable rhythms. Discover how intentional care for your body, mind, and spirit restores clarity, deepens impact, and helps you lead forward with purpose and peace.
Presenter: Kristen Myers-Chatman, COO, mission:activate
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LEADERSHIP & STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Inspiring intentionality and growth for ministry leaders
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Culture and Identity: The Secret Sauce of Ministry
Uncover how a healthy culture and clear ministry identity power lasting impact. Build and sustain a values-driven culture that attracts the right people, strengthens unity, and fuels effectiveness. Leave with practical tools to define, measure, and protect a culture where both people and mission flourish.
Presenters: Justin Boles, COO, Miracle Hill Ministries; Ryan Duerk, President/CEO, Miracle Hill Ministries; Reid Lehman, former CEO, Miracle Hill Ministries
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
A Blueprint for Building Leadership Development
Explore the one-year program The Bowery Mission (New York City, New York) designed to equip managers with advanced leadership skills and prepare high-performing team members for future management roles. Take home a framework for curriculum structure, workshop cadence, participant selection strategies, and measurement tools.
Presenter: Isabella White, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Bowery Mission
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Avoiding Traps that Derail Team Culture
After learning to identify the five common traps that hold teams back, experts will offer guidance on how to "trap-proof" your team to help it reach full potential. Practice recognizing traps you can avoid and empower your team to prevent these traps in the future.
Presenter: Toni McEwan, VP Nonprofit, The Slingshot Group
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Leadership Lessons I Wish I Had Learned Long Ago
Do you wish you could gather lessons learned from mentors and previous failures and share them with your younger self? Give your leadership a boost and leave with a list of dos and don’ts that will challenge and transform how you show up every day.
Presenter: Scott Chin, CEO, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission
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OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION
Strengthening ministries through effective management, systems, and support
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A Biblical Framework for Performance Management
Current and aspiring leaders will learn how to use the parable of the fig tree in Luke 13:6 – 9 as a metaphorical lens that explores employee performance, development, and accountability. Use data to diagnose common barriers, communicate expectations with compassion, and recognize and reinforce fruitfulness.
Presenter: Ashley Roose, VP Human Resources, Open Door Mission – Rochester
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Understanding the Medical Leave Maze
Get a handle on unraveling compliance for medical leaves and take advantage of guidance for cross-over applications and criteria for mandated leaves. Understand how leaves interplay with employer policies, as well as the required and best practice forms, notifications, and documentation.
Presenter: Angie Criner, President/Consultant, Career Cross Training
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Navigating Leadership Transitions: CEO/Board Perspectives
Join an interactive and candid conversation about transition perils and possibilities. Learn practical strategies that maintain forward momentum so the board and leadership can maintain continuity and growth and discover key considerations that help promote a seamless transition.
Presenters: Dan Stoltzfus, CEO, Helping Up Mission; Chuck Knudsen, Board Chair, Helping Up Mission; Bob Gehman, former CEO, Helping Up Mission
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Emergency Management Tabletop Exercises
Participate in a live emergency management tabletop exercise designed to stress test and identify vulnerabilities within your organization. Learn to identify gaps, build actionable solution strategies, and receive the building blocks to create and execute your own emergency management tabletop exercises.
Presenter: Jeffery Dashner, Sr. VP Operations, Mel Trotter Ministries
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ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH
Developing teams that drive organizational health and long-term growth
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Shaping a Ministry That Thinks Like a Startup
Life transformation ministries can combine entrepreneurial agility with deep compassion to move from scrappy to scalable. Learn how Hope the Mission (Van Nuys, California) went from a few beds to thousands, by acting first and finding resources later. Discover how risk-taking, innovation, and faith coexist.
Presenter: Ken Craft, Founder & CEO, Hope the Mission
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Training Ground: Developing an Effective Internship Program
Discover how an effective internship program can enhance the services you provide to your guests. Walk through the steps needed to start a successful internship program and learn both the myths and the benefits of interns.
Presenter: Michelle Alexander, VP of Programs, Star of Hope Mission
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
A Team Approach to Program, Development, and Operations
You know the tension between what we do to change a life, what we do to fund that life change, and how we manage systems to ensure the changed life. Explore how The Rescue Mission (Fort Wayne, Indiana) fuses these dynamics into a cohesive team.
Presenters: Thomas McArthur, CEO/President, Fort Wayne Rescue Mission; Dan Rogers, Chief Stewardship Officer, Fort Wayne Rescue Mission
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Healthy Board Habits
Explore the Seven Habits of Healthy Boards, rooted in biblical principles. Strengthen board engagement, cultivate a culture of generosity and prayer, and align governance practices with mission impact. Walk away with renewed clarity on serving faithfully, leading effectively, and stewarding your ministry with excellence.
Presenter: Kent Vanderwood, Senior Consultant, The Timothy Group
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RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Leveraging resource pathways to maximize ministry
Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Planned Giving: Moving from Legacy to Vision
Explore how to build deep, long-term donor relationships that lead to meaningful legacy gifts. Through presentation, discussion, and hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to start and sustain donor conversations, outline compelling cases for support, and develop actionable plans with measurable outcomes.
Presenters: Laura De Vries, Senior Consultant, DBD Group; Robin Jordan-Ropokis, Senior Consultant, DBD Group
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Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Donor Retention: A Systematic Approach to Sustainable Fundraising
Given the challenges and costs associated with new donor acquisition, Rockford Rescue Mission (Rockford, Illinois) developed and implemented a donor cultivation and retention strategy that has shown excellent results. Attendees will learn about the organization-wide effort that relies on documented processes.
Presenter: Ted Tomita, Chief Development Officer, Rockford Rescue Mission
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Cross Cultural Storytelling
Unpack the shift in Christianity that has reshaped the fundraising landscape. Faith-based organizations must adapt to discover how culturally contextualized narratives can build lasting connections with a broader donor community. Learn how to personalize and segment audiences to foster deeper connections and increase donor engagement.
Presenters: Patrick Doty, Senior Consultant Client Services, Douglas Shaw & Associates; Robert Johnson, Senior Creative Director, Douglas Shaw & Associates
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
AI for Digital Fundraising: Pro-Level Communication at Your Fingertips
Join a hands-on session demonstrating how to leverage a large language AI model to maximize fundraising efforts. You'll learn how to instantly generate personalized, impactful copy for appeals and how to develop strategies and protocols to generate the most revenue.
Presenter: Jeff Kliewer, CEO, ViewSpark
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Beyond the Pyramid: Rethinking Major Gifts in 2026
Donor behavior no longer fits the traditional giving pyramid. Faith-based nonprofits generally see nearly 50% of their revenue from less than 1% of donors who fund critical growth opportunities. Learn the essential steps for finding, acquiring, and upgrading major donors in 2026.
Presenters: Roy Jones, President, Fit Fundraising; Candace Gregory, President/CEO, Open Door Mission – Omaha
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
The Next-Gen Donor Playbook: From TikTok to Turnout
Millennials and Gen Z make up the largest cohort of donors! Unpack what they look for and how to deliver it. Launch campaigns that leverage appropriate touchpoints and leave with actionable insights that shift your mindset and systems to strengthen your donor pipeline going forward.
Presenters: Arvetta Jideonwo, Chief Development Officer, Wheeler Mission; James Read, Chief Creative Officer, BDI
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Unlocking Donor Insights: 2025 Mission Donor Benchmarking Report
Masterworks and Virtuous have once again partnered to produce a comprehensive benchmarking report on fundraising metrics for ministries fighting homelessness. Hear key findings, receive an advance printed copy, and join a lively discussion on applying these insights to achieve sustainable fundraising success.
Presenters: Jaclyn Jones, Account Executive, Masterworks; Carly Berna, VP Marketing, Virtuous
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
The How of Donor Cultivation
Explore the tools and techniques Water Street Mission (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) uses to cultivate new donors as direct mail campaigns decline. Gain an understanding of how many touch points first-time donors need to make a donation and then investigate networking and digital channels for cultivation.
Presenter: Ricky Prado, Fundraising Database Analyst, Water Street Mission
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TRANSFORMATIONAL PROGRAMMING
Inspiring life-changing programs toward next-level outcomes
Redefining Workforce Development
Hear about the Atlanta Mission (Atlanta, Georgia) Next Steps Program, offering an opportunity for individuals ready to begin building a future marked by employment, independence, and a renewed sense of dignity. Learn best practices for replication and practical tips to launch a workforce development program.
Presenter: Tensley Almand, CEO, Atlanta Mission
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Tuesday, June 9 | 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Helping Home Happen
Learn how Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan (Saginaw, Michigan) helps individuals and families create a stable foundation as they transition to independent living. The program provides a furnished apartment and wraparound services to help decrease recidivism and make practical use of volunteers and donations.
Presenter: Dan Streeter, CEO, Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Aftercare and the Five Pillars of Service
Learn from the Knox Area Rescue Ministries (Knoxville, Tennessee) community-centered approach to breaking the cycle of chronic homelessness. Collaboratively, they seek to stabilize and sustain individual households, foster positive relationships and community connections, and teach individuals to thrive beyond the structured shelter environment.
Presenters: Terry Bray, Director of Frontline Ministries, Knox Area Rescue Ministries; Katie Hicks, Aftercare Coordinator, Knox Area Rescue Ministries
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Wednesday, June 10 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Interventions That Work
Explore case studies using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Exposure Therapy as a framework to assist guests in overcoming various challenges. Learn how to have REAL conversations with individuals struggling with addiction and gather information about modalities intersecting evangelism and intervention.
Presenter: Leo Rodas, Board Member, River of Life
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Implementing and Sustaining a Children’s Program
Hear about Boise Rescue Mission Ministries (Boise, Idaho) programs for children and teens when school is not in session. In addition to meals, tutoring, field trips, and programming, the kids enjoy positive peer and adult interaction and access to numerous opportunities that build strong foundations.
Presenters: Jennifer Morin, Children’s Program Manager, Boise Rescue Mission Ministries; Kelsey Korvela; Children’s Program Director, Boise Rescue Mission Ministries
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Thursday, June 11 | 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
From Halfway to Wholeway: Creating Transformational Programs
Inspired by Brenda Lovelady Spahn’s conviction that people need more than halfway houses, explore how to design comprehensive transitional programs that restore dignity, address barriers, and empower long-term success. Gain practical insights into creating holistic systems of care that move individuals from crisis to thriving.
Presenter: Melinda MeGahee, CEO, The Lovelady Center
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Insight from Numbers: Build a Meaningful Data Culture
Outreach, Inc. (Indianapolis, Indiana) understands that data fuels clarity, stewardship, and mission alignment. Learn to track data that matters and use results to refine strategy and demonstrate impact. Leave with tools and inspiration to use data to fuel ministry—not bureaucracy.
Presenters: Andrew Neal, CEO, Outreach Inc.; Kelsie Stingham-Marquis, Director of Community Partnerships, Outreach Inc.
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Thursday, June 11 | 2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
A Low-Barrier, Drop-in Center Strategy
Hear about a mission that offers an alternative for non-compliant individuals, providing a safe space that keeps them off the streets but doesn’t disrupt shelter guests. Unpack how this approach reduces stress, saves money, and still gives them opportunities to share the Gospel.
Presenter: Randy Barton, Sr. Director of Operations, City Rescue Mission of Lansing
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Super Seminars
Five Keys to CEO Succession
Former Masterworks President Steve Woodworth will share stories and insights from the biggest, best, and most disastrous ministry successions to help you steward your own succession and set up your team and your organization for success.
Presenter: Steve Woodworth, Executive Chairman, Masterworks
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Friday, June 12 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs
Presenter: Steve Cuss, Founder & Coach, Capable Life
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Friday, June 12 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Hey Boss, We Have a Problem: Managing Crisis
Organizations can learn to thrive in a crisis with proper preparation. Unpack three essential traits of effective crisis decision-makers and leave equipped with practical tools to confidently tackle your ten toughest decisions in the coming year.
Presenter: Jack Briggs, Consultant, Front Right Strategies
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Friday, June 12 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Practicing Peace: Forming Emotionally and Spiritually Mature Leaders
Scripture calls God’s people to a different way of life and Jesus taught his followers to become peacemakers, to speak the truth in love, and to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Explore emotional and spiritual maturity, and practices for sustaining steadiness, clarity, and wisdom in demanding leadership environments.
Presenter: Michael Gulker, President, The Colossian Forum
Friday, June 12 | 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Build a Remarkable Team
Begin by completing a Team Awareness Assessment. Using the Seven Key Signatures of a remarkable team, participants will leverage their customized team assessment results to identify strengths, gaps, and pathways to a healthier more remarkable team.
Presenter: Tim Foot, CEO/President, The Slingshot Group; Brooke Hodnefield, Executive Consutant, The Slingshot Group