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Great Lakes District Event

September 16 – 18, 2026 | Schaumburg, Illinois (Chicago Suburb)

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
— Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Ministry leadership and servanthood are deeply meaningful—but they can also be incredibly demanding. That’s why Citygate Network’s 2026 District Events are thoughtfully designed to help ministry staff pause, refocus, and reconnect with the heart of their calling.

Rooted in the theme Above All Else (Proverbs 4:23), each gathering offers a thoughtful blend of soul care, leadership development, and Christ-centered encouragement for those serving on the frontlines of homelessness and addiction recovery.

Citygate Network President/CEO Tom De Vries will be joined by Steve Cuss to deliver messages of restoration, clarity, and practical wisdom for thriving in ministry, while each district leadership team has curated programming and activities designed to engage both heart and mind.

Together, they’ll guide attendees through an honest exploration of how to do ministry without losing your soul and how to lead the most difficult person you know—yourself.

 

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district events
Why Attend

Refocus your heart. Strengthen your impact.

  • Recenter on Your Calling
    Step away from daily demands to refocus on the heart of your ministry, rooted in the theme Above All Else (Proverbs 4:23). This event is designed to renew your soul while addressing the realities of frontline ministry.
  • Learn and Leave Equipped
    Gain practical tools, biblical insight, and fresh perspective from trusted voices like Tom De Vries and Steve Cuss. Hear from peers and partners—including Bridge to 100 ministries—who are navigating similar challenges with wisdom and innovation.
  • Build Meaningful Connections
    Strengthen relationships with fellow leaders who understand your mission. Learn from others committed to whole-person recovery, share strategies for lowering barriers to public funding, and explore how collective efforts are transforming lives across North America.

Speakers

Steve Cuss

Author, Pastor, & Founder of Capable Life

Steve Cuss

Author, Pastor, & Founder of Capable Life

Steve Cuss has served in a variety of pastoral roles for 26 years and founded Capable Life to help people manage anxiety, break stuck patterns, and increase well-being, not only emotionally, but mentally, and spiritually. Steve and has authored Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs and The Expectation Gap and also hosts the Christianity Today’s Being Human podcast.

Tom De Vries

Citygate Network President/CEO

Tom De Vries

Citygate Network President/CEO

Tom De Vries, Citygate Network President/CEO, will join each event bringing a powerful message to refresh, replenish, and refuel. Guiding attendees through an exploration of how to do ministry without losing your soul and learning to lead the most difficult person you know – yourself.