Workshop Options

We rarely know what life situations we will encounter when working with students. Rather than try and draw and specific path for them we can learn to dance through life with them, responding to the changes in rhythm and tempo of life. In this workshop we will explore practical ways to engage in the ups, downs, and unexpected moments of working with teenagers.

In this session, you will get a snapshot of Bowen Family System's Theory and how it relates to the family system. If that sounds boring, you'll be surprised! We'll talk about anxiety and how it intensifies during times of stress and sadness. Most importantly, you will leave with some practical advice of how to self-regulate and notice the triangles so you don't get sucked in to the drama.

Your students are going through major upheavals physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. This “polysided chaos” impacts every aspect of teenagers’ lives, including their experience with God. Using content from his courses on faith development, Ken will help leaders understand the “wonderfully complex” process of adolescent development and help leaders equip students to follow Jesus through it all.

God has provided a simple, yet profound blueprint for faith formation. When we understand how well he has positioned us to succeed in following him, significant change can happen in our own faith journey as well as the journeys of those around us! This workshop is designed to help you think through how the minsitries offered in your church can be leveraged to help people build a faith that lasts.

Jesus did not pick a side, instead He pursued a place, The Middle. He had access to the rich, powerful, and religious elite while being accessible to the poor, lost, and lonely. Throughout the Gospels Jesus stretched the comfort of those around Him.  We will examine Biblical stories to see the importance of “Pursuing the Middle”

Reaching and teaching the next (or current) generation is of great importance. In this workshop, we will look at some key characteristics of Generation Z, how to enter into their formation journey, and discuss the importance of establishing deep roots.

We all want to use our gifts to make the greatest impact for the kingdom of God. This workshop will teach you to ask the right questions to grow your ministry and strengthen the impact of your leadership. Be encouraged in your ministry journey and receive practical insights to your pursuit of leadership excellence.

Everyone who works with youth needs a bag of tricks. It is partly in your head but those who are well-versed have an actual physical bag of tricks. It is the props, toys, equipment, books, notes, paraphernalia that help one lead talks, games, activities, and all that go into youth ministry. In this workshop you will learn how to build or add to your bag of tricks. Both newbies and veterans are welcome - come learn and share!

Why is it important for kids to pay attention in our programs? What do we want them to pay attention to? Come experience practical, purposeful and creative ways to invite kids to pay attention AND participate in Christian Community and in the Living Word of God.

The rate of U.S. adolescents and young adults dying of suicide has reached its highest level in nearly two decades. Are you prepared to assess if your teens are at-risk for completing a suicide? Come learn a simple method for risk assessment, risk factors to watch for and concrete next steps for teens who are contemplating suicide.

Ministry is no joke! There are certain seasons when youth ministry just seems to get harder and harder. In those moments, it can be tempting to do more and run faster. In this workshop, we’ll be talking about how to fit in a devotional life when ministry seems to leave no room for it and how to continue when you are getting tired and losing energy. Every conference has a “burn out” workshop, right? Truth is...we all need the encouragement at some point or another.

According to one author, we have gone sexually insane in our culture. You don't have to look far to see the sexual brokenness in our world. In this workshop, we will press in on the importance of youth workers living a pure life, as well as discussing practical strategies for helping young men and women in the battle for purity.

The demands of life and ministry can take a toll on our marriages. Using scripture, stories and humor, Pete Larson, creator of the Marriage Booster Retreat, will help you discover how you can love deeper, live kinder, communicate clearer, and have more fun with the most intimate person in your life.

"Everyone is using it!" It's easy to think we have no choice when it comes to using social media in ministry. But before we log in, it is important to stop and examine the choices we actually do have. We will look at things like time off vs time on, privacy vs authenticity, authority vs relationship. This workshop will open a discussion of some of the bigger issues related to using social media in ministry.

Are you new to children’s ministry? A volunteer trying to figure things out on your own? Or maybe, a long time staffer that feels like you’ve become “lost in the weeds” when it comes ro running your ministry? Join us as we get back to the basics of Children’s Ministry. This workshop will offer practical “nuts-and-bolts” guidance on topics like choosing curriculum, recruiting and managing volunteers, and communicating with families.