MinistryLift 2014 Equipping Conference

MinistryLift 2014 Equipping Conference (October 24-25, 2014)

We would love to have you join us for the upcoming MinistryLift Equipping Conference at ACTS Seminaries (7600 Glover Road in Langley, BC) and via live-streaming October 24-25, 2014 (8:30 am – 4:00 pm, PDT, both days). We have 13 confirmed equipping tracks with four workshops in each track:

Friday Tracks - Christianity and Culture, ChurchWorks Church Administration, Healing Discipleship, Leadership Essentials 1, Prayer, Rural Ministry, and Worship Ministry

Saturday Tracks - Authentic Leadership, Children's Ministry, Coaching/Mentoring, Leadership Essentials 2, Marriage and Family, Personal Health

Onsite participants can register for one or both days (live-streaming participants have one fee for both days).

Here is a breakdown of the registration costs:

Onsite - $55/day or $95/both days

Live-streaming - $45/person, $180/church (churches that purchase a church registration can give access to the live-streaming and session recordings to anyone in their church – individual participants must still register, but don’t have to pay), $350-950/denomination for denominational (gives a 25-100% discount to individuals and churches within the denomination who register for live-streaming). Check out our live-streaming tips page if you would like to know more about live-streaming.

Please note that onsite participants can pre-order lunches and parking passes for an additional cost ($10/lunch and $4/parking pass). This helps to keep the cost lower for those who prefer to bring their own lunches and/or those who carpool.

You can download a poster for promoting the event in your church and with others in your network.

Conference Schedule (Overview)

Note: Here is the schedule for the conference (there may be a few minor changes, but we are not anticipating any major changes at this point). Please scroll down to see a detailed schedule with the session descriptions and presenter information.

Friday

8:30 – 9:00 am – Registration for MinistryLift Equipping Conference Day One

9:00 – 10:15 am – First Set of Workshops

ChurchWorks Church Administration - Six Things Charities Should Know about Canada's Anti-spam Law (Derek Ross)

Christianity and Culture Workshop #1 - The "Great Omission" (Dr. Bruce Guenther)

Healing Discipleship - In Search of a “Gospel” that Includes Healing (Ken Dyck)

Leadership Essentials 1 - Discerning a Philosophy of Ministry that Fits (Dave Jackson)

Prayer - Prayer Is a Love Relationship with God (Dr. Alvin Vander Griend)

Rural Ministry - Rural Ministry as a Cross Cultural Encounter (Ryan Schnee)

Worship Ministry - That Ain’t My Style: Forming A Biblical View of Worship - Not Music, but Worship! (Johnny Markin)

10:15 – 10:45 am – Break

10:45 – 12:00 noon – Second Set of Workshops

ChurchWorks Church Administration - A Beautiful, Engaging Church Facebook Page in Just One Hour (Matt Morrison)

Christianity and Culture - Building Bridges to the Middle East (Peter Twele)

Healing Discipleship - Tracing the Fruit to the Root – to Minister Lasting Healing! (Ken Dyck)

Leadership Essentials 1 - Clarifying Your Personal Philosophy of Ministry (Daniel Beutler)

Prayer - Something Always Happens When We Pray (Dr. Alvin Vander Griend)

Rural Ministry - Seeing the Opportunities in Little Places (Ryan Schnee)

Worship Ministry - People Get Ready, There’s A Train-a-comin’… and Have We Missed It??? A VERY Brief History of Christian and Evangelical Worship (Johnny Markin)

12:00 – 1:00 pm – Lunch Break

1:00 – 2:15 pm – Third Set of Workshops

ChurchWorks Church Administration - Accounting and Auditing Update for Charities – Risk Assessment for Charities (Michael Loewen)

Christianity and Culture - A Peacemaker's Response to Persecution (Dr. Jim Cunningham)

Healing Discipleship - Understanding a Christ-centred 12-step Healing-Discipleship Journey (Ken Dyck)

Leadership Essentials 1 - Hiring Well, Terminating Better (Ron Toews)

Prayer - Becoming a Prayer-Devoted Church (Dr. Alvin Vander Griend)

Rural Ministry - Seeing Serving Together as a God-given Privilege (Ryan Schnee)

Worship Ministry - In Spirit and In Truth - Discerning Authentic Worship (aka More Than a Millennial Cliché): Making Sure We Have the Correct Picture of the God We Worship (Johnny Markin)

2:15 – 2:45 pm – Break

2:45 – 4:00 pm – Fourth Set of Workshops

ChurchWorks Church Administration - Communication in the Christian Workplace (Dr. Malcolm Cameron)

Christianity and Culture - Workshop #4 - Living with the Quiet Revolution (Dr. Brian Cooper)

Healing Discipleship - Implementing an EFFECTIVE Healing-Discipleship Ministry in Your Church (Ken Dyck)

Leadership Essentials 1 - Caring For Ministry Spouses (Lori Nickel)

Prayer - Prayer Ministry in the Local Church (Nikki White)

Rural Ministry - Leading the Rural Congregation (Ryan Schnee)

Worship Ministry - Working it Out - Doing Worship in Community - Do We Really Have To?? (Aka Can’t I Just Go for a Walk in the Forest with God?) (Johnny Markin)

Saturday

9:00 – 10:15 am – First Set of Workshops

Authentic Leadership - An Authentic Mission (Ken Dyck)

Children's Ministry - Incorporating Children with Special Needs (Brent Lanigan)

Coaching/Mentoring - Leadership Coaching Overview and Active Listening (Dr. Randy Wollf)

Those who want to take the coaching/mentoring workshops must take all of them as they are part of a one-day coaching/mentoring package (please note that there is also an additional charge of $20 for the coaching/mentoring workbook for onsite participants - live-streamers will be able to download it before the conference)

Leadership Essentials 2 - Leading Out of Brokenness (Daniel Beutler)

Marriage and Family - Protecting Our Kids Online (David and Melissa McVety)

Personal Health - Healthy Approaches to Stress Management – John Wassen

10:15 – 10:45 am – Break

10:45 – 12:00 noon – Second Set of Workshops

Authentic Leadership - An Authentic Character – Forged in the Wilderness (Ken Dyck)

Children's Ministry - The Prepared Volunteer (Linda Rae)

Coaching/Mentoring - Determining the Session Outcome and Expanding Awareness (Dr. Randy Wollf)

Leadership Essentials 2 - Caring For Your Ministry Team (Lori Nickel)

Marriage and Family - Passing Our Faith to the Next Generation (David and Melissa McVety)

Personal Health - Maximizing Life by Living with Boundaries (John Wassen)

12:00 – 1:00 pm – Lunch Break

1:00 – 2:15 pm – Third Set of Workshops

Authentic Leadership - An Authentic Leader – Lessons I have Learned…and am Learning (Ken Dyck)

Children's Ministry - Redefining Discipline (Nikki Lanigan)

Coaching/Mentoring - Hearing the Holy Spirit and Pinpointing the Key Issue (Dr. Randy Wollf)

Leadership Essentials 2 - Weather-making – Creating the Ministry Conditions in Which Ministry Teams Thrive (Ron Toews)

Marriage and Family - Growing Spiritually as a Couple (David and Melissa McVety)

Personal Health - Coping with Failure (John Wassen)

2:15 – 2:45 pm – Break

2:45 – 4:00 pm – Fourth Set of Workshops

Authentic Leadership - The Authentic Leader – What’s in the Cup? (Ken Dyck)

Children's Ministry - Coaching in Children’s/Youth Ministries (Chris Lam)

Coaching/Mentoring - Developing Action Steps and Empowering the Coachee to Take Action (Dr. Randy Wollf)

Leadership Essentials 2 - Serving In Your Sweet Spot - An Overview of APEX (Dave Jackson)

Marriage and Family - Maximizing Marriage Potential (David and Melissa McVety)

Personal Health - Living through Loss and Grief (John Wassen)

Detailed Conference Schedule with Session Descriptions

Friday

8:30 – 9:00 am – Registration for MinistryLift Equipping Conference Day One

9:00 – 10:15 am – First Set of Workshops

ChurchWorks Church Administration - Six Things Charities Should Know about Canada's Anti-spam Law (Derek Ross)

Derek Ross, CCCC’s Director of Legal Affairs, will discuss the top six things charities should know about Canada’s Anti-spam Law and how it affects charity operations.

This session will include:

The purpose and scope of Canada’s Anti-spam Law
Exemptions for registered charities
Consent requirements
Mandatory content for “commercial electronic messages”
Penalties for violations of Canada’s Anti-spam Law
Practical suggestions to help charities comply with CASL

Christianity and Culture Workshop #1 - The "Great Omission" (Dr. Bruce Guenther)

From the first century onwards Christians have wrestled with the question of how to respond to culture. This seminar will examine briefly some of the typologies used to identify the various postures towards culture used by Christians, including the tendency on the part of many evangelical Protestants to avoid cultural engagement, and then conclude by constructing a biblical and theological foundation from which to explore more specific aspects of culture.

Healing Discipleship - In Search of a “Gospel” that Includes Healing (Ken Dyck)

We are called to preach “the gospel” or “salvation” to a lost and hurting world. But what exactly is the “gospel” for hurting people? What does “salvation” look like for the 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men who’ve been sexually abused, for the 40-60% of men (15-20% of women) struggling with pornography or the depressed, the addicted, the perfectionist, workaholic, those enslaved by fear or shame? For years, we’ve been preaching that salvation means going to heaven after we die, even though the word itself means: “set free, made whole and delivered.” Ready for a challenge: consider presenting the “full gospel” of Jesus Christ and watch God transform your ministry.

Leadership Essentials 1 - Discerning a Philosophy of Ministry that Fits (Dave Jackson)

Church leaders tend to think that a philosophy of ministry and vision is generated and then pursued with determination. In this workshop, we propose that it is discovered through examining God’s work in the life and history of the church and then surrendered to… It comes out of who we are and is marked by peace, passion and power!

Prayer - Prayer Is a Love Relationship with God (Dr. Alvin Vander Griend)

Prayer is intimacy with God that leads to fulfilment of his purposes. Learning to love to pray is not so much a matter of trying harder as it is a matter of delighting in God and participating in his love ventures in our world. You can learn to love to pray.

Rural Ministry - Rural Ministry as a Cross Cultural Encounter (Ryan Schnee)

This session will focus on some of the cultural markers of rural communities while paying attention to emotional reactions that occur in cross cultural encounters.

Worship Ministry - That Ain’t My Style: Forming A Biblical View of Worship - Not Music, but Worship! (Johnny Markin)

What is worship? Why is worship important to discipleship? In this workshops, participants will discuss content, structure and style in worship. What is a liturgy, and is it important? What are the dangers of consumerism?

10:15 – 10:45 am – Break

10:45 – 12:00 noon – Second Set of Workshops

ChurchWorks Church Administration - Social Media and Other Online Communication (Matt Morrison)

Setting up your Facebook page to actually become a useful tool for your community can be a real challenge to many, especially if you don't already have a good comfort with the social network. During this workshop, Matt Morrison of Church OS will walk you through the steps involved in setting up your page, talk to you about how to create engaging graphics and content, and finally, leave you with a strategy for how you can use your page on an ongoing basis. Facebook no longer has to be an intimidating assignment. By the end of this workshop, Matt will have you excited to add your next post.

Christianity and Culture - Building Bridges to the Middle East (Peter Twele)

The Middle East is constantly in the news, and unfortunately not much of what we hear is positive…wars raging, governments overthrown, refugees galore, death and despair, radical Muslim groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS seemingly thriving. During our time together we will discuss ways to break existing barriers and build new bridges to understand and connect with cultures of the Middle East.

Healing Discipleship - Tracing the Fruit to the Root – to Minister Lasting Healing! (Ken Dyck)

Prior to adolescence, we process and interpret positive and negative events as “snapshots.” Based on the emotions we feel and the words spoken (or unspoken) at the time, we make tentative (and usually negative) conclusions about ourselves that Satan later uses to influence, control and condemn us. In our teen years, we sub-consciously synthesize these painful and “stand-alone” events into a video that comes with negative conclusions about ourselves that are left unchallenged. These events become fertile soil for much of the rotten “fruit” we later see develop in our lives and relationships. This seminar will explore this phenomenon and expose an essential opportunity to minister lasting healing.

Leadership Essentials 1 - Clarifying Your Personal Philosophy of Ministry (Daniel Beutler)

All leaders have a philosophy of ministry, a set of paradigms, values, and principles that guides the way they make decisions, evaluate ministry, and influence others. Not all leaders are aware of and intentional about living out their philosophy of ministry. In this workshop, we look at ways to clarify our philosophy of ministry and how to be intentional in leaning in on God’s shaping process in our lives.

Prayer - Something Always Happens When We Pray (Dr. Alvin Vander Griend)

God gives interceding believers great responsibility for what happens in the world. When we pray in Jesus’ name, the work of Christ gets done because our prayers release His power and grace into the lives of those for whom we pray. Christ, who is at the Father’s right hand, has promised to hear and answer our prayers so that he may bring glory to the Father.

Rural Ministry - Seeing the Opportunities in Little Places (Ryan Schnee)

This session leans heavily on a book entitled, No Little Places, by Ron Klassen and John Koessler and explores some of the reasons why little places sometimes have the biggest opportunities.

Worship Ministry - People Get Ready, There’s A Train-a-comin’… and Have We Missed It??? A VERY Brief History of Christian and Evangelical Worship (Johnny Markin)

Why Evangelicalism got on the wrong train – the enlightenment train, not the Gospel train. In this workshop, Johnny will look at the enlightenment ideals versus biblical ideals. Is Christian worship in crisis? Does the way we worship actually shape the kind of disciple we become? What are we singing?

12:00 – 1:00 pm – Lunch Break

1:00 – 2:15 pm – Third Set of Workshops

ChurchWorks Church Administration - Accounting and Auditing Update for Charities – Risk Assessment for Charities (Michael Loewen)

Michael will provide updates regarding certain accounting and auditing pronouncements for 2014 and provide information for upcoming changes to the accounting and auditing profession. Michael will also discuss various risks that charities face and how to assess and minimize them.

Christianity and Culture - A Peacemaker's Response to Persecution (Dr. Jim Cunningham)

Healing Discipleship - Understanding a Christ-centred 12-step Healing-Discipleship Journey (Ken Dyck)

SomeChristian leaders swear by the 12-step journey; others swear at it (using their inside voice, of course). From this author’s perspective, the traditional 12-step process is inadequate and bound to fail for a number of reasons. However, if Christ is placed at the centre, the 12-step journey provides a predictable and necessary path we must all take if we’re to find the abundant life Jesus promised. Christian recovery is not a fad and it’s not for those struggling with addiction – it’s for people who hurt (addiction is only a symptom of a wounded or empty heart anyways). This seminar is a must for all pastors and leaders to understand the process and learn how to leverage what others have learned and offer the very best healing discipleship ministries. As an added bonus, you will also learn how to effectively respond to “Christian couples” living common law.

Leadership Essentials 1 - Hiring Well, Terminating Better (Ron Toews)

This workshop explores best practices in hiring and terminating employees within a Christian organization. The best time to talk about how one's employment will end is before it begins.

Prayer - Becoming a Prayer-Devoted Church (Dr. Alvin Vander Griend)

Christ intended his church to be devoted to prayer. The early church, planted in his name and by his disciples, was devoted to prayer. Prayer kept the disciples connected to Christ and focused on his purposes. In this session, you will learn how to develop increased devotion to prayer in your local church, what your church will gain by devotion to prayer, and what may hinder you in the process.

Rural Ministry - Seeing Serving Together as a God-given Privilege (Ryan Schnee)

Many couples serving in rural ministry find that they encounter "traditional" expectations on how they will work together to serve the church. This session will explore why working together can be a joy, a safeguard, and a key to advancing God's kingdom.

Worship Ministry - In Spirit and In Truth - Discerning Authentic Worship (aka More Than a Millennial Cliché): Making Sure We Have the Correct Picture of the God We Worship (Johnny Markin)

This workshop focuses on the essential elements of Christian worship (part 1): Trinitarian worship, telling the Christ Story and a fuller evangelical understanding of the Lord's Table.

2:15 – 2:45 pm – Break

2:45 – 4:00 pm – Fourth Set of Workshops

ChurchWorks Church Administration - Communication in the Workplace (Dr. Malcolm Cameron)

As a result of 20 + years engaging in faith-based and secular corporate cultures, Dr. Malcolm Cameron is well versed in navigating organizations specific to healthy personal and interpersonal communication and relationships. Communication in the Christian Workplace will touch on salient issues specific to personal and organizational health and well-being. This interactive seminar will touch on some of the more complex dynamics associated with organizations that inhibit meaningful growth and change. The purpose of our brief time together is to explore what works and what does not work surrounding complex and layered dynamics that often inhibit meaningful growth and change.

Christianity and Culture - Workshop #4 - Living with the Quiet Revolution (Dr Brian Cooper)

Christians lament living in a Canadian context that is increasingly hostile to "Christian values" and wonder how to regain a position of influence. But these Christians often operate according to mistaken assumptions. This workshop will review biblical teaching on church and state and propose a robustly theological approach to Christian witness and extending Christian influence in society.

Healing Discipleship - Implementing an EFFECTIVE Healing Discipleship Ministry in Your Church (Ken Dyck)

A healing discipleship ministry IS one of the most important ministries your church can launch. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most difficult. There is a BIG difference between having a Christian recovery program and EFFECTIVE healing discipleship. Learn the critical lessons that took us 10 years to learn by trial and error. Learn how to make this ministry serve your pastoral care strategy, enhance your counseling and pre-marital ministries and strengthen your small groups/discipleship ministry. Learn the keys to a successful launch and how to harvest the fruits of healing discipleship “success.”

Leadership Essentials 1 - Caring For Ministry Spouses (Lori Nickel)

The workshop explores some of the unique challenges of pastor’s spouses and ways that you can support and care for them.

Prayer - Prayer Ministry in the Local Church (Nikki White)

As a “Contextual Charismatic,” Nikki seeks to demystify the process of “hands-on” personal prayer ministry, integrating this practice into different cultural and ecclesiastical settings, and focusing upon the practical application of the Spiritual gifts in everyday life. Her approach is based on an exegesis of the Great Commission, the model of the Lord’s Prayer, relevant anecdotes, and common sense.

Rural Ministry - Leading the Rural Congregation (Ryan Schnee)

This session examines some of the keys to effective leadership in a rural area, particularly as it relates to seeing things change in areas that haven’t changed for a long time.

Worship Ministry - Working it Out - Doing Worship in Community - Do We Really Have To?? (Aka Can’t I Just Go for a Walk in the Forest with God?) (Johnny Markin)

In this workshop, Johnny will discuss the essential elements of worship (part 2): authentic worship that begins in community, “Gather to Scatter,” and worship versus social justice (which is more important).

Saturday

9:00 – 10:15 am – First Set of Workshops

Authentic Leadership - An Authentic Mission (Ken Dyck)

Everyone wants to be missional; it’s one of our latest church leadership buzz words. The word is not in our dictionaries and yet, we all talk about it as if we’re experts. But what is my mission? How do I find it? Do I even need one and if so, how do I discern between ambition, presumption and authentic mission? You and I were created to live for a purpose and incapable of living without one. If we do not take the time to wrestle through even a draft version of an authentic mission, we will by default succumb to a self-exalting and/or self-protective darkened version of why God has left us on earth rather than already taking us to heaven. Don’t let it happen to you!!! And by the way, it’s impossible to create a missional community without a personal mission.

Children's Ministry - Incorporating Children with Special Needs (Brent Lanigan)

With the increase of children with supportive care needs, our churches must respond in grace and with genuine care. Come join the discussion on support systems, family support, intake interviews, sensory issues, and God’s heart for the often overlooked.

Coaching/Mentoring - Leadership Coaching Overview and Active Listening (Dr. Randy Wollf)

In this session, we will take a big picture look at the COACH Model for developing Christian leaders and explore the first essential skill of effective coaching: listening. In addition, we will look at the differences between coaching and mentoring. One of the challenges of coaching is not allowing our personal biases to dictate the coaching process. We will look at ways of raising awareness about our own beliefs and assumptions, and how to keep them in check during a coaching conversation.

Note: Those who want to take the coaching/mentoring workshops must take all of them as they are part of a one-day coaching/mentoring package (please note that there is also an additional charge of $20 for the coaching/mentoring workbook)

Leadership Essentials 2 - Leading Out of Brokenness (Daniel Beutler)

Truly godly leaders have all the answers, never give up, never fail, and never make mistakes. At least that’s the perspective some of us seem to pursue. In this workshop, we explore a different leadership paradigm, one that embraces that we are broken yet loved by God. Could it be that the pathway to fruitful and fulfilling ministry isn’t found in the pursuit of greater competencies but rather in discovering God’s shaping process in our lives in the places of pain, suffering, and brokenness?

Marriage and Family - Protecting Our Kids Online (David and Melissa McVety)

The Online world is a fantastic and rich world of resource and opportunity, but it’s also a war zone filled with landmines. How do we as parents equip our kids to be aware and protected while becoming effective in our society? How should the church equip parents in their homes? This workshop will outline the problems and landmines while equipping parents and church leaders to protect our children and church members from the dangers lurking in our living rooms.

Personal Health - Healthy Approaches to Stress Management – John Wassen

A certain amount of stress is healthy, positive, and motivating. This session will provide an opportunity to assess those activities/events which push stress to potentially unhealthy levels, even burnout. We will look at ways to manage our stress levels so that we can enhance our personal and interpersonal lives, looking for balance in our lives!

10:15 – 10:45 am – Break

10:45 – 12:00 noon – Second Set of Workshops

Authentic Leadership - An Authentic Character – Forged in the Wilderness (Ken Dyck)

According to 1 Corinthians 10, the lessons Moses and the nation of Israel learned in the wilderness were preserved to save us from making mistakes and disqualifying ourselves from our true calling. God repeatedly puts tests before us to prepare us for the mantles of authority and responsibility He desires to entrust to us. When we fail to pass the tests, in His mercy, God usually brings about the very same test for us to learn that which is critical. Learn the important leadership lessons from the wilderness that are critical to your success and defense against Satan’s attempts to take you out.

Children's Ministry - The Prepared Volunteer: Ready, Set, Serve! (Linda Rae)

Leading effectively is not just about showing up and getting the job done. It takes preparation and planning to lead well. In this session, we are going to look at how we can come to class relaxed, ready and engaged to lead kids to the heart of God. We will talk not only about preparing the lesson but also about preparing ourselves so that we can come with eyes and ears open to hear what God has for us and His Kids.

Coaching/Mentoring - Determining the Session Outcome and Expanding Awareness (Dr. Randy Wollf)

In a coaching session, it is important to determine a clear outcome for the time together and to explore the issues surrounding that session objective. In session two, Randy will guide participants in several learning and coaching activities to develop the skill of expanding (the second key coaching skill) by asking excellent questions.

Leadership Essentials 2 - Caring For Your Ministry Team

This workshop explores ways that you can care for and intentionally connect with your ministry team.

Marriage and Family - Passing Our Faith to the Next Generation (David and Melissa McVety)

A Christian parent’s deepest longing is for their children to adopt their beliefs as their own. What elements predict the most effective and probable chance of our children owning our faith as their own? This workshop will walk parents and church leaders through the most vital and important elements of “passing on our faith” to the next generation.

Personal Health - Maximizing Life by Living with Boundaries (John Wassen)

Personal and interpersonal boundaries are essential to a sound, healthy life. Our time will be focused on what healthy boundaries look like, what contributes to the development of healthy boundaries and the challenges that seek to destroy personal and interpersonal boundaries.

12:00 – 1:00 pm – Lunch Break

1:00 – 2:15 pm – Third Set of Workshops

Authentic Leadership - An Authentic Leader – Lessons I have Learned…and am Learning (Ken Dyck)

Life is simply too short to learn everything by experience. Learn six mission critical lessons that are rarely taught in seminary…in fact they’re rarely taught. They tend to be learned on-the-job, in the crucible of pressure, success and failure. The wise among us seek out godly mentors who will help us navigate these challenges and come out with our families/ministries intact. The foolish build their house on the sand and…you know the end of the song. Frank, honest and unapologetic. Some of these lessons Ken learned from mentors, some from failure and some directly from God.

Children's Ministry - Beyond Discipline: Classroom and Behavioral Management (Nikki Lanigan)

One of the greatest struggles for Children’s Ministry workers is classroom management and discipline. Come have your definition and perspective of discipline redefined, freeing you to teach your class with greater passion and purpose.

Coaching/Mentoring - Hearing the Holy Spirit and Pinpointing the Key Issue (Dr. Randy Wollf)

As leadership coaches, it is imperative that we position ourselves to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and respond in obedience. In this session, we will look at ways that we can hear the Spirit during a coaching conversation and to ask questions that help to focus (the third essential coaching skill) on the key issue in the coachee’s life.

Leadership Essentials 2 - Weather-making – Creating the Ministry Conditions in Which Ministry Teams Thrive (Ron Toews)

The workshop explores the best practices a team leader needs to embrace in order for their ministry team to be healthy, effective, and mission-fulfilling. If the leader won't make the weather, the team won't thrive.

Marriage and Family - Growing Spiritually as a Couple (David and Melissa McVety)

Couple after couple are asking how to connect on a spiritual level with each other. Missions trips, service projects, devotions and prayer are some elements that can solidify or mangle your spiritual connectivity. This workshop will walk couples through the hurdles and possibilities of what could be and how to grow closer as a couple in the midst of their individual pursuits of Jesus.

Personal Health - Coping with Failure (John Wassen)

This session will examine the notion of success with the illusion of winning, commonly referred to as failing, or being a failure. We will explore how feelings of failure are connected to our notions of success and personal control. Suggestions for building healthy success will be presented.

2:15 – 2:45 pm – Break

2:45 – 4:00 pm – Fourth Set of Workshops

Authentic Leadership - The Authentic Leader – What’s in the Cup? (Ken Dyck)

James and John confidently assured Jesus they were able to drink the cup Jesus was about to drink but misunderstood what it would mean for them personally. Do you know what’s in the ministry cup should you choose to drink it? Find out…and find out if you have the character to embrace it. Better now than later when the stakes are high. Lastly, be reminded of the rewards. Note: This is a transferable message/experience you can later use with your ministry teams.

Children's Ministry - Coaching in Children’s/Youth Ministries (Chris Lam)

Coaching is a critical component of leadership development. During this session, you will learn how to better connect with your children ministry leaders, teachers, and counselors by strengthening four essential coaching skills - listening, expanding, focusing and empowering - based on Keith Webb's COACH Model for Christian Leaders. By the end of this session, participants will know the difference between coaching and mentoring, begin their own development as coaches, and explore applications of the COACH Model in their children’s/youth ministries.

Coaching/Mentoring - Developing Action Steps and Empowering the Coachee to Take Action (Dr. Randy Wollf)

The final two stages of a coaching session focus on developing a course of action and empowering (the fourth key coaching skill) the coachee to take the necessary steps. In this session, Randy will help participants grow in their ability to help coachee’s articulate and own action steps that will help address the identified key issue.

Leadership Essentials 2 - Serving In Your Sweet Spot - An Overview of APEX (Dave Jackson)

After serving the Lord for many years, we find that we can do many things rather well. It is easy to be caught up in doing good things that others want us to do yet miss the best. To serve from your sweet spot requires examining your journey to see how God has shaped you to live and do ministry! Apex is a process that can help you surrender the good for the best!

Marriage and Family - Maximizing Marriage Potential (David and Melissa McVety)

Marriage can be hard work. Whether a marriage is good, bad or just coasting - it can always be better. What elements need attention and refinement in marriage in order to continue moving forward toward MORE fulfillment, no matter how good things are going? This workshop will help couples outline elements of a positively growing marriage.

Personal Health - Living with Loss and Grief (John Wassen)

Loss is the universal human experience. This session will explore the issue of change associated with loss. We will focus on what recovery may look like, recognizing the impact of loss dynamics on our new life.

Presenter Information

Alvin Vander Griend - Alvin was born and reared in the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from Calvin College and Calvin Seminary and received a D. Min. degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. After 40 years of ministry, he and his wife, Carolyn, returned to Washington and now make their home in Lynden. Dr. Vander Griend has worked in prayer mobilization ministries for most of his life, first with the Christian Reformed Church, and then in three interdenominational roles. He continues to be active in the North American prayer movement. He has authored seven books on prayer, including the best-selling book Love to Pray,which is widely used in whole-church 40 Days of Prayer initiatives. Alvin is currently Prayer Evangelism Associate for Harvest Prayer Ministries. In addition, he is a long-term member of the Denominational Prayer Leader’s Network, which he co-founded with Dr. Henry Blackaby; and is a member of America’s National Prayer Committee.

Brent Lanigan works with individuals with supportive care needs at both Northview Community Church and Bethesda Christian Association. He believes all are equal members of the body of Christ. Brent is married and has two young sons.

Brian Cooper - Brian has been married to Connie since 1994, and they have three children. He has been a pastor for over 25 years, and now loves being a pastor to seminary students. He roasts his own coffee, writes with a fountain pen, and likes to walk his German Shepherd.

Bruce Guenther - Bruce has taught church history and cultural studies at ACTS Seminaries since 1999. He is married to Lois; they have three adult children. For recreation, Bruce enjoys playing squash and riding his motorcycle.

Christopher Lam has been married to Sabrina since July 2014 (this year!). He and his wife are professional teachers and enjoy teaching and coaching children/teens. Chris has served in Children's/Youth Ministry for numerous years as a volunteer and as an intern at Vancouver Chinese Evangelical Free Church. He is currently completing his M.Div. at ACTS Seminaries.

Daniel Beutler - Daniel currently serves as part of the Leaders2Learners (L2L) team of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. His role is to facilitate the life-long learning interests of leaders and pastors in the areas of spiritual renewal, theological enrichment, and the acquisition of leadership skills. Daniel is passionate about helping leaders and churches discern their next steps to become the leaders and churches God wants them to be.

Dave Jackson - Dave currently serves as an associate of Leaders2Learners or L2L (part of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches) in resourcing churches and developing leaders. His mandate is to assist leaders and churches in clarifying their direction and next steps by listening to God. He has worked with over one hundred churches in various denominations through the years. He and his wife, Kathy, have four grown children and reside in Chilliwack, BC.

David and Melissa McVety have shared in pastoral ministry for over a decade and joined Doing Family Right as Assistant Directors in 2012. Married for 13 years with 4 kids at home, they are in the thick of it! As marriage and family speakers, writers and coaches, their dynamic, down-to-earth approach helps bring home and healing to relationships.

Derek Ross - Derek earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario and began his career articling with a leading charity law firm. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2008 and subsequently accepted a fellowship with the University of Toronto to pursue graduate legal studies, leading to a Master of Laws degree. Derek practised civil litigation in London, Ontario before joining the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC) in 2012 to provide technical research, legal analysis, and content development. He currently serves as their Director of Legal Affairs. Derek regularly represents CCCC on various committees and at conferences. He is an Executive Member of the Charity and Not-for-Profit Law Sections of both the Canadian Bar Association and the Ontario Bar Association. Derek is also actively involved with a number of charities, including the Christian Legal Fellowship and his local church.

Ken Dyck - Ken has been a pastor in Greater Vancouver since 1991, is the author of Freedom Session and Executive Director of Freedom Session International. He spends much of his time helping churches more effectively minister to hurting people and those going through crisis. He is also a popular speaker for men’s and leadership retreats, pastor’s conferences, church services and seminars. Ken’s calling in life is to help turn people from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and find a place among those who are made holy by faith in Christ (Acts 26:16-18). Ken enjoys travelling with his wife, Bonnie, hanging out with his adult children, snowboarding and both riding and working on motorcycles.

John (Jan) Wassen holds two Master's degrees (Bethel Seminary, UBC), has been a youth pastor, Student Life staff member at Trinity Western University and is presently a professional Christian counselor (specializing in men's issues, loss and grief, stress management, and spiritual formation). John has presented numerous workshops and guest lectured on various topics involving mental health issues and Christian faith. John grew up in the Fraser Valley. He has been married for over 40 years and has 2 daughters and 2 grandsons. He enjoys family times, gardening, traveling, reading, and photography.

Johnny Markin has been serving as Pastor of Worship Ministries at Northview Community Church in Abbotsford, BC, since June 2000. He has been involved in worship leading, team building, mentoring, songwriting, and album production in N. America and Europe for over 25 years and is currently in the last stages of completing his Masters of Worship Studies from the Robert Webber Institute for Worship Studies in Florida. He and Darlene have been married 27 years, and have two wonderful children.

Linda Rae has been serving as the Family Ministries Pastor at North Shore Alliance Church since 2006. She grew up volunteering in Children’s ministry and after her years at Briercrest Bible College found herself back in North Vancouver doing the thing she loves – showing kids God’s loves and teaching them to follow Jesus. One of Linda’s favorite words is TEAM – she works with an incredible group of volunteers and she takes great delight in releasing them in their gifts and growing them in their callings. She really loves coffee and if you’re looking for Linda and she’s not at the office, check out the closest coffee shop.

Lori Nickel currently serves MB Mission as the Member Care Team Leader. Lori oversees the Member Care services and provides leadership for MB Mission member care initiatives. Together with her team who are situated throughout the world, they seek to identify and assess member care needs and resource them appropriately. Lori has served in various roles at MB Mission as well as in her local church and community, most recently serving as a volunteer hospital chaplain and on a ministry board focused on reaching Muslims through media. She is passionate about praying and loves to provide opportunities for people to meet with God in prayer.

Malcolm Cameron, PhD, RCC, holds one undergraduate degree and four graduate degrees including a PhD in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Cameron is married for 23 years to Sandy, a TWU employee working with adults moving towards TWU undergraduate degree completion. The Cameron's have two (young) adult children. MacKenzie is a third year TWU student majoring in Psychology and Drama, and Brayden is working full time in trades, working with a local builder with the thought of attending BCIT in the near future.

Matt Morrison is the founder of Church OS, a church website development company in North Vancouver, BC. Matt is a BCIT grad in the New Media and Web Development program, and particularly prides himself on delivering technical ideas in a language for regular people. After seeing the gap forming between small church budgets and where website technology was heading, Matt decided to start a company that focused on creating beautiful church websites. Their main objective at Church OS (www.churchos.ca) is to finally allow churches to get the amazing websites they need, at a price they can afford. You can follow @churchos on Twitter and hear more of their story by visiting their website. Matt lives in North Vancouver with his wife, Chelsea, and his daughter, Emma.

Michael Loewen - Michael is a partner with the firm Loewen Kruse, Chartered Accountants, and is the managing partner for the firm’s charities and not-for-profit clients. He is the auditor, accountant and/or financial consultant for over one hundred charities and not-for-profit organizations across Canada. Michael also speaks at various charities conferences. Michael assists his clients with a wide array of services, including Canada Revenue Agency compliance, bookkeeping, interim controllership, and other financial issues unique to charities and not-for-profit organizations. Michael currently lives in Burnaby, BC with his wife, Cindy, and two children, Jacob and Sarah. Michael and his family attend Willingdon Mennonite Brethren Church in Burnaby.

Nikki Lanigan has served in Children’s Ministry for numerous years, both professionally and as a volunteer at Northview Community Church. Nikki finds great joy in engaging a child’s heart, mind, and soul in a Bible passage. Nikki is married to Brent and has two young sons.

Nikki White - Nikki is currently completing her graduate studies at ACTS Seminaries with a concentration in Cross-Cultural Ministries. She spent 6 years in missions/studies in Mexico, and 15 years serving in leadership within the Vineyard movement. Nikki oversees the training of prayer ministry teams at North Langley Community Church, where she and her family have attended for 12 years.

Peter Twele - With over 30 years of experience in the Middle East and North Africa, Peter (BTh, MALing) has carried out sociolinguistic research in Jordan, Yemen and Syria, worked as a translation consultant in the region, provided language learning and cross-cultural training to students and new recruits heading to the field, and taught at the University of Texas, TWU (CanIL), and Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary. He is currently an advisor to sabeelmedia.com and has published two books, Rubbing Shoulders in Yemen, and Iraq on Their Doorstep. More information, including links, can be found on his website petertwele.com.

Randy Wollf - Randy has been a mentor and coach to many individuals over the last 25 years. During his 20 years as a pastor, church planter and missionary, Randy thoroughly enjoyed coming alongside people to help them take next steps in their leadership journey. In his current role as an Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Leadership Studies at MBBS-ACTS Seminaries. Randy continues to mentor and coach students on a regular basis. Randy is a certified Leadership Coach Trainer with Leader Breakthru.

Ron Toews - Ron is the Director of Leaders2Learners (L2L) of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. He was a leadership professor at MBBS-ACTS for seven years (including two years as ACTS interim principal). Ron was a pastor and police chaplain for 15 years and frequently finds himself mediating in conflict situations. Today, he leads a small team of high-capacity people whose mission is to multiply Christ-centred churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ, which they do by helping multiply leaders and disciple-making churches.

Ryan Schnee – Ryan and his wife, Jenneke, are in their fourth year of serving with Village Missions in rural Saskatchewan. A unique work and vocational path took Ryan through Olds College (Diploma of Agricultural Production, 2000), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (Journeyman Welder, 2003) and Taylor Seminary (Master of Divinity, 2011). Ryan’s home church challenged him to lead early, giving him opportunity to teach and serve as board chair in his early twenties. Now, he sees ministry from the pulpit instead of the pew, and a rural community from the outside in, instead of the inside out. Ryan and Jenneke have four children who are also on this adventure with them (aged eleven, nine, seven, and five).

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MinistryLift 2014 Equipping Conference