2024 Workshops

Presenter: Dr. Rick Weinert

This workshop will be based on Dr. Weinert’s new book, “Four Essentials: Leading Effective Change in a Rural Church Setting.” This training will focus on the process of leading effective change by addressing issues of assessment and process, as well as looking at key essentials such as challenging and changing mental models, relational decision making and clarity of direction. An awareness of key questions and structures in leading change will also be addressed.

Presenter: Bruce Dick

As followers of Jesus, we are called to share the gospel even though the thought of it can be daunting. This presentation is for individuals and churches looking to become more strategic in sharing Christ. This session will look at what shifts are required in order to help people and congregations live as witnesses in their daily lives with family, friends and colleagues.

Presenter: Megan Thorp

Discipline that Connects will address the reality that what kids learn when they are disciplined will last a lifetime. In addition, when parents and care givers are thoughtful about this, their kids grow up knowing that they are valued people built for God’s purposes. By combining grace with truth and mercy along with accountability, participants will be equipped to love kids unconditionally while teaching them to take responsibility for their actions. This session will also introduce the Connected Families Framework which makes intentional parenting easier.

Presenter: Rev. Dr. Mary Hendrickson

Based on the Great Commandment found in Luke 10:27, this workshop will present a process to uncover the passions, skills, gifts and knowledge that God has placed in your people. You will also discover how to use what is revealed to gain insight into the particular calling the Lord has for your church. This will be a journey to discover the riches God has placed in your congregation for resourcing mission.

Presenter: Jenny Groen

This presentation will feature the stories of two women from opposite sides of the world who ended up becoming friends and developing a close relationship despite the perceived barriers of race, religion, culture, and language. Participants will receive practical insights into how you can love others well in your own communities and build relationships that lead to community transformation.

Presenter: Tiger McLuen

While ministry leaders all want to build a team of volunteers, too often our adults feel untrained, discouraged and alone and may simply become chaperones at events. This presentation will help you understand the perceptions, barriers and struggles in building a team of shepherds and give practical ideas to move these adults into real ministry roles that can make a difference.

Presenter: Ben Winchester

Small towns keep getting smaller. Churches, schools, businesses and more have closed their doors while the lucky few migrate out to the big cities. This is the story being told. However, the story of rural America since 1970 is rich and diverse, with positive trends occurring under the radar. Through the eyes of a rural sociologist this workshop will present how positive changes have occurred around migration, community involvement, economic development and regional living which require us to rewrite the story of rural community change. This workshop will be pre-recorded and made available to online attendees.

Presenters: Jim Hodgson & Denae Alamano with Pastor Doug Giese & Ebony Warren

In this presentation you will hear from community leaders about their roles in directing social service agencies to meet significant human needs in Bemidji’s rural regional center. The goal is to encourage rural church lay leaders to see their various community leadership roles as missional ministry and to encourage pastors and congregants to partner with them as a way to tangibly love our neighbors. This workshop will be pre-recorded and made available to online attendees.