Wilma Van der Leek

We’ll look at the difference between deciding and discerning. God, amazingly, is working out his great purposes for the world through the church. But is there a way for us as leaders of local churches to be as confident as the men of Issachar who “understood the times and knew what Israel should do?” (I Chron. 12:32)  Short answer: YES! Insights from “When the Church Stops Working” by Andy Root will shape our conversation.

Pastor Mike Koot & Pastor Grant VanderHoek

In this breakout we’ll focus on how to use a “visit” to discover, encourage, and gently blow on the spark of faith in the lives of those you visit so that they are encouraged and sense that Jesus has come close to them. We’ll work to accomplish this by exploring very practical “how to” steps for the visit, including all aspects of the visit from pre-visit to post-visit, along with potential problems, and how to avoid getting sucked into visit “traps.” 

Casey Langbroek, FCPA, FCGA

Casey Langbroek has practiced effective governance, not only in his business, but also in  the other organizations for whom he has worked or volunteered.

Casey will share with attendees: what effective governance is, what an effective Council is, the importance of a team, the characteristics of a team, what strategy and execution are, the importance of the right people in the right seats working at their strengths or gifts, the importance of accountability, and the tools that a Council Chair can use to lead effectively.

Liz Tolkamp & Anthony Jansen

Come discover what it means to be and become a restorative congregation and how Restorative Practices can deepen relationships, create healthier church communities and build capacity to transform conflict into an opportunity for growth. In this workshop you will be invited into a circle practice experience as well as be introduced to some of the underlying principles and practices of restorative practices. 

Gary Veeneman & Ron Vanden Brink

This workshop is designed for new deacons to learn about their role, but also for experienced deacons to be refreshed and to share their insights with those who are new. Incoming deacons will be inspired to actively engage in their diaconate, appreciate previous diaconal work done by the church, and be given a chance to share their aspirations for future endeavours. At the end of the workshop all participants will emerge with more of a unified understanding of their role as deacons and be more familiar with Diaconal Ministries Canada and how it can support their diaconate.

Faye Martin

We are becoming less surprised with each new story of leadership misconduct. What do these stories teach us? Using case scenarios, come explore/discuss the risks/impact and broaden our understanding of leadership misconduct prevention.

Dena Nicolai

In this session, Dena Nicolai (Chaplain and Refugee Support Mobilizer and Program Associate with World Renew’s Refugee Sponsorship and Resettlement Program) will host a conversation around being/becoming a welcoming church for people who have arrived in Canada as refugees.  Beginning with a snapshot of the global refugee situation and then the various resettlement pathways (Government Assisted Refugees, Privately Sponsored Refugees, Refugee Claimants), Dena will then lead participants in discussion about formal and informal ways of supporting refugees resettling here. Please join us if you would like to learn more, and/or if you have refugee support experience you can share with other participants.