Rawhide District Event

September 23 – 25, 2026 | Fort Worth, Texas

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 will offer a powerful blend of soul care, leadership development, and Christ-centered encouragement for those serving on the frontlines.

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.

Scroll down to view the event schedule.

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).
Learn and Leave Equipped
Gain practical tools, fresh ideas, and encouragement from presenters and peers who understand the realities of frontline ministry.
Build Meaningful Connections
Strengthen relationships with fellow leaders, share experiences, and grow together in a supportive, Christ-centered environment.

Hotel & Venue

Hotel:

SpringHill Suites by Marriott
Fort Worth University
3250 Lovell Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107

Hotel rate is $124 per night, with a complimentary breakfast
Parking is $15.69 per night
The deadline to book your room at the discounted rate is Monday, August 24, 2026

Book Now >

Venue:

Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County
1321 East Lancaster Ave.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Please note: Attendees are responsible for their own transportation from the hotel to the venue

Schedule

Wednesday, September 23

Transportation is on your own; Lyft and Uber are recommended for visiting the The Stockyards.

3:45 p.m. – Welcome to the Fort Worth Stockyards – Meet in front of Tannahill's Tavern and Music Hall.
122 Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76164
4:00 p.m. – Longhorn Cattle Drive (weather permitting) – Watch history unfold as the legendary Fort Worth Herd – a majestic parade of Texas Longhorns – commands the streets.
4:30 p.m. – Reception at Cattleman's Steakhouse – Join us for hors d'oeuvres, fellowship, and pick up your Welcome Packet. Guests can attend anytime between 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
2458 N. Main Street, Forth Worth, TX 76164

Let's get this conference started!

Thursday, September 24

Location: Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County, Community Outreach Center (COC)
2400 North Kentucky Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas, 76102
Carl Brumley Room

7:30 a.m. – Registration
8:00 a.m. – Worship / Prayer / Welcome
8:30 a.m. – General Session – Above All Else
- Steve Cuss – Founder, Capable Life
- Tom De Vries – President/CEO, Citygate Network
  Steve and Tom will 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.
12:15 p.m. – General Session Lunch
- Ron Hall – Author, Same Kind of Different as Me – 20^th Anniversary
1:30 p.m. – General Session – Be the Unicorn
- Eric Albert – Senior Executive Search Consultant, Vanderbloemen
  Eric will explore fresh, data-driven approaches to leadership development.
3:00 p.m. – Panel
- Don Shisler – Citygate Network Regional Coordinator
- Bruce Butler – Union Gospel Mission Dallas
- Brandan Thomas – Open Door Mission, Houston
- Doug Meikle – Star of Hope, Houston
- Charles Wolford – Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County, Fort Worth
4:15 p.m. – Open evening with your Team
- Evening Option: VIP tour of Dallas Cowboy Stadium and Dine
  Cost: $40 (includes transportation)
  Time: 4:30pm – 9:00pm
  *Space is limited, and registration is available through the Rawhide District Event registration form.

Friday, September 25

Location: Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County, Community Outreach Center (COC)
2400 North Kentucky Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas, 76102
Carl Brumley Room

8:15 a.m. – Concierge & Luggage Check at UGM Tarrant County (UGM-TC)
8:30 a.m. – Worship / Prayer / Closing Remarks
9:00 a.m. – Breakout Sessions:
- Session 1: Workforce Initiatives that Work!
  - Toby Owen – CEO, PNS, Upspire
    Location: UGM-TC, Community Outreach Center
- Session 2: From the Streets to Stability: Mapping the Resident Journey
  - Dr. Michelle Alexander – VP of Programs, Star of Hope Mission
    Listen to how Star of Hope residents are transforming their lives, moving from crisis to independence with support, guidance, and community.
    Location: The Vine
- Session 3: More Than Pretty: Discipling Women from Brokenness to Life as God’s Beloved
  - Reverend Ocielia – Women’s Discipleship, UGM-TC
    Discover a practical, gospel-centered discipleship framework developed through ministry with women at UGM-TC that you can adapt to help women grow in their biblical identity and experience lasting spiritual transformation.
    Location: Deborah Hall Memorial Chapel
- Session 4: AI for Every Mission: Put Your Fundraising on Autopilot (without losing the human touch)
  - Jeff Kliewer – ViewSpark, Co-Founder & CEO
    
    AI is growing up — it can now quietly run whole pieces of your fundraising in the background, from thank-yous to grant deadlines, while you focus on the relationships that raise money. In this plain-English session, you'll see real "agentic" AI examples, fundraisers of any size are using now, a starter set you can put to work Monday, and the guardrails that keep donor data safe and your outreach human.
    Location: Cox Boardroom
10:30 a.m. – Tour – Union Gospel Mission of Tarrant County
12:00 p.m. – Pick-up Luggage / Departure

HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU ...
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!

Speakers

Steve Cuss

Author, Pastor, & Founder of Capable Life

Tom De Vries

Citygate Network President/CEO

Exhibitors & Sponsors

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Rawhide District Event!

Citygate Network District Events offer an intimate exhibitor and sponsor experience. You’ll be much more than an exhibitor since your table will be set up in the main meeting area – placing you in the room for all general sessions. As an exhibitor or sponsor, you are invited to join in the seminars and mealtimes in these events.

Limited spots are available at each exhibit/sponsor level.

Primary Sponsor - $900

Prayer before meal or general session
Handouts or gifts on tables
5-minute presentation
Exhibitor table

Break Sponsor - $700

Recognition and introduction before break by emcee
Handouts or gifts on food table during break
Exhibitor table

Exhibitor Table - $500

Exhibitor table

Sponsor & Exhibitor Registration

Please note:

Conference registration and lodging are not included in the sponsorship rates listed above. Each sponsorship includes up to two (2) representatives. These representatives should be registered at the same time the sponsorship is submitted using the sponsorship registration form.

Questions? Please reach out to Sam at sedwards@citygatenetwork.org.

Register now for the Rawhide District Event!

Registration is $125 per person

Secure your spot to be part of this powerful time of renewal and growth!

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

Rawhide District Event

September 23 – 25, 2026 | Fort Worth, Texas