Learning Experiences 2025
Explore the transformational learning experiences offered at The Outcomes Conference 2025. Expert thought leaders are committed to equipping you to excel in Christian nonprofit leadership!
BREAKTHROUGH WORKSHOPS
103, 1.5-hour workshops in 9 core educational tracks
THE LEADERSHIP TRACK
Influence the thinking, behavior, and development of self, teams, and boards.
Personal Leadership
16 workshops
1. Seeking your God-given Purpose
This workshop will provide a framework for creating an individual's life purpose statement. It will explore a four-part vision, determining one's core values, imagining a perfect picture of the future and identifying the characteristics and talents with which one has been gifted. The outcome will be a draft of a life purpose statement. Outcomes: 1) Comprehend the four-part vision framework, 2) Determine one's core values, and 3) Create a life purpose statement.
FACULTY: Steve Rubado | Regional Director of US/Canada | Lead Like Jesus
2. An Invitation to a Deeper Place
Life is unpredictable, and leaders are forged in challenging times. Is the faith we lean on when we feel confident and secure any less real when we experience hard seasons of uncertainty? This workshop provides tangible practices to transform hard seasons into seeking a deeper encounter with God. Outcomes: 1) Discover how God uses our pain for good, 2) Discern why praying God’s promises is our way to victory, and 3) Find joy in God’s presence.
FACULTY: Gina Holm | Navigators Life & Leadership Coaching, and | Margaret Fitzwater | Executive Director, Navigators Train-Develop-Care | The Navigators
3. Keys To Great Leadership
Keys to great leadership begin with leading oneself well, listening to the wisdom God provides for self-care, clarification of the mission, and applying biblical standards to your engagement with your team and others. Outcomes: 1) Be able to lead yourself well starting with self-care and personal ministry, 2) Develop a clearly defined mission and established objectives, and 3) Apply biblical standards in every interaction with your team and others for great leadership.
FACULTY: Lettie Carr | Associate Pastor | First Baptist Church of Glenarden
4. Are You Coachable?
Do you feel stuck in your personal or professional life, struggling to reach the goals you've set? The key to achieving transformative growth and success lies in one crucial characteristic: coachability. Drawn from Dr. Coker’s new book Are You Coachable?, this session offers thought-provoking examples and actionable advice , including the six key dimensions of coachability. Outcomes: 1) Become more receptive to coaching and feedback, 2) Cultivate a growth mindset, and 3) Unlock your full potential as a leader.
FACULTY: Dr. Charles W. Coker | CEO | LifeThrive
5. Seek First to Understand
Join me on a journey of separating facts from feelings so that you can focus on truth and truly seek God’s kingdom before your own. Outcomes: 1) Develop skills in self-reflection to identify how feelings and emotions influence thoughts and actions, 2) Define practical techniques to distinguish between objective facts and subjective feelings in various situations, and 3) Explore ways to cultivate responses and actions that align with biblical teachings rather than being solely emotion driven.
FACULTY: Ramona Davis | CCNL | CEO | Woman to Woman
6. Priorities: Your Best Next "Yes"
As leaders, we usually have more questions than answers. How do I “Seek First” with so many competing priorities? Grow my organization without losing my soul? Get to my best next, yes? Outcomes: 1) Based on the Shamah (Luke 10:27), center priorities through God's invitation to start with the heart, 2) Review how organizational mission, vision, and values guide priorities, and 3) Explore decision-making frameworks to set priorities and get alignment on your organization’s best next yes.
FACULTY: Mike Lenda | Chief Services Officer | 5by5 Agency
7. Spiritual Attunement for Difficult Times
Feeling weary, burdened, or anxious? This workshop will guide you through practices that will help you spiritually attune to Jesus, finding rest for your souls. Outcomes: 1) Experience more of God’s presence, guidance, peace & courage for the difficulties you face, 2) Practice exercising the muscles, movements, and postures of spiritual attunement, and 3) Practice helping each other voice, clarify, claim & act on their best sense of God’s guidance.
FACULTY: Tracy Mathews | Executive Director | Attune, and | Scott Wennermark | Founder | Wennermarketing
8. Glad I Didn't Know
We will encounter challenges and unexpected blessings throughout our lives, but how we respond and what we learn is important. This session will encourage you to identify and seize those opportunities. Outcomes: 1) Reflect on lessons learned from past experiences and how valuable they have been, 2) Identify your life’s roles and understand how those impact the types of challenges you face, and 3) Consider how you can approach future challenges and blessings differently.
FACULTY: Vonna Laue | CCNL | Executive Director of Global Services/CFO | TEAM
9. Hearing the Whisper of God
What keeps us as leaders from hearing the whispers of God? Are other voices too loud? We will consider ways to incorporate a posture of praise and devotion into our daily, monthly, and yearly schedules. Outcomes: 1) Define the loudest voices in our daily lives, 2) Consider ways God's quiet voice helps leaders even when they want to give up, and 3) Apply meeting with God each day, month, quarter, or year, to hear his voice and direction.
FACULTY: Dr. Peggy Banks | Vice President of Global Assistance | International Christian Concern
10. No More Excuses: Scripture Memory that Works
Have a bad memory? Too busy? If you want to seek first his kingdom, it's time to take seriously the discipline of memorizing what matters for effective and fruitful spiritual transformation and leadership. Outcomes: 1) Discover Your Why: Recognize the value and benefit of the discipline of Scripture memory, 2) Overcome common obstacles, excuses, and lies that keep you from memorizing, and 3) Put into practice the five-step Power System to effectively memorize Scripture for life.
FACULTY: Jeremy Kluth | Founder | Scripture Alive
11. Lessons in Self-Care
As Christian leaders we are used to giving direction, instructions, advice and providing prayer to those we serve. But we must avoid pouring from an empty cup. This workshop offers Scriptural lessons in self-care. Outcomes: 1) Incorporate self-care into your everyday rhythms of life, 2) Model self-care to those you lead in the workplace and at home, and 3) Identify areas that the Lord may be calling you to seek him in the area of self-care.
FACULTY: Sheila Bennett | CCNL | Chief Operations Officer & CFO | Rhema Christian Center
12. Embrace God's Path for Your Life
Society shifts, ministry changes, tactics evolve and suddenly you find yourself in a battle. Discover new battle tactics from 1 Samuel to rise above challenges to create opportunities. Learn how grit, enthusiasm, and cooperation level the playing field and prepare us for personal growth. Outcomes: 1) Embrace the path God has you on, 2) Use the wisdom of anxiety to propel you forward, and 3) Listen to counsel but pursue as God has prepared you.
FACULTY: Donna Lucus | Chief Marketing Officer | Joni and Friends
13. The Art of Inquiry
God calls you to lead from whatever position you are in! Real leadership isn't about authority; it's about asking the right questions. Master the art of asking better questions to transform yourself and those around you. Outcomes: 1) Learn how asking thoughtful questions can impact and motivate those around you, 2) Use Appreciative Inquiry to seek God's guidance for yourself and others, and 3) Apply proven frameworks to enhance conversations and deepen connections with others.
FACULTY: Andrew Earnshaw | Senior Director of Learning and Communication | Bible League International
14. Passing on Christ-like Culture
Every organization has a culture. But how many of those organizational cultures are Christ-like? In this session, we will explore the 6 C’s of Christ-like culture and the 5 biblical principles of culture making, as laid out by Paul in 1 Thessalonians. Outcomes: 1) Embrace the 6 C's of Christ-like culture, 2) Embrace the 5 biblical principles of culture making, and 3) Apply these concepts to your own context.
FACULTY: Dr. Bob Snyder | Founder and President | IHS Global, and | Tyler Hallman | Founder and President | Blank Page Group LLC
15. Seeking Him First in a Me-First Culture
This session will equip you to meet with God daily through personal Bible study using just the Bible. It will also inspire you to share what you are learning with others. Outcomes: 1) Be inspired to have dedicated time, or reimagine your time with the Lord, 2) Be equipped to spend time with the Lord using a simple Bible study method, and 3) Be able to share God's truths in a small group or a devotional talk.
FACULTY: Karen McNary | Director of Global Engagement | Bible Study Fellowship
16. Leadership for the Long Haul
This workshop will identify key areas for leadership attention for anyone who desires to lead for a lifetime. Outcomes: 1) Recognize the challenges and temptations leaders will encounter through midlife, 2) Identify the areas where you may need greater attention for longevity in leadership, and 3) Develop one actionable step to take in immediate response.
FACULTY: Andrea Buczynski | Leadership Development Consultant/Coach | Cru
Executive Leadership
16 workshops
1. Data-Informed Leadership: Transforming Culture
Culture is a key enabler allowing organizations to deliver on mission and vision while maintaining values. Leaders have various levers at their disposal to create a target culture. Developing a data-informed fact base empowers leaders to chart a course that streamlines the journey. Outcomes: 1) Apply insights from Dallas Theological Seminary's experience in taking a data-informed approach. 2) Take a consultative approach to transforming your culture, and 3) Design an enterprise-wide initiative to transform culture.
FACULTY: Karen McDonald | Executive Director of Employee Success and Title IX Coordinator | Dallas Theological Seminary
2. Your Nonprofit Strategy Reloaded
Does your organization have a strategy you actually use? Join us to learn how to tie your mission and vision into your organization's strategy. Outcomes: 1) Develop vision, mission, and values that motivate your team, tying these into strategy, 2) Build a SWOT analysis to develop actionable and measurable goals and tactics, identifying what is most important, and 3) Apply a simple approach to branding and strategy, creating an actionable plan for the next three-to-four years.
FACULTY: Jeremy Reis | Vice President of Marketing, and | Mike Meyers | Chief Development Officer | CRISTA
3. Lead on Mission for Eternal Impact
You have a mission that matters for eternity. Becca will share concepts from her book, Lead On Mission, and offer case studies from nonprofits that have taken steps to define, protect, and champion their mission while avoiding mission drift. Outcomes: 1) Apply case studies and practical examples for defining, protecting, and championing your Christ-centered mission, 2) Recognize the importance of abiding as leaders and organizations seeking first his kingdom, and 3) Utilize resources to learn more.
FACULTY: Becca Spradlin | Founder & CEO | On Mission Advisors
4. Navigating the Waters as a Second
Serving and leading from the second chair offers joys and challenges. The second must serve the organization, the CEO, and the staff with a varied and unique set of skills. Agility, creativity, and discipline are required to navigate these sometimes-turbulent waters. Outcomes: 1) Identify desired skills and traits for a successful second, 2) Consider common challenges creating turbulent waters and how to navigate them, and 3) Recognize different types of second positions and their organizational benefits.
FACULTY: Odus Compton | Chief Operating Officer | Reaching Souls International
5. New Ways to Engage Gen Z at Work
The RELATE Project, sponsored by Young Life, explores adolescents’ relationships, faith and flourishing and offers a new framework to help leaders better leverage close relationships, create belonging, and invest in individuals’ self-concept to accelerate flourishing. Outcomes: 1) Discern the RELATE Model’s connections between faith, flourishing, belonging, identity, agency, and relationship, 2) Apply the RELATE model to bolster your Gen Z workforce and volunteers, and 3) Recognize how data informs strategy as applied in the RELATE project.
FACULTY: Dr. Arthur Satterwhite, III | Vice President of Strategy, and | Kimberly Nollan | Director of Research and Evaluation | Young Life
6. Becoming a Flourishing Culture Leader
This workshop will share the three keys to fostering a flourishing workplace culture that reflects the kingdom of God. Grounded in Best Christian Workplaces research, it will explore spiritual leadership, Christian community, and leadership excellence. Outcomes: 1) Embrace spiritual leadership by prioritizing personal and organizational alignment with biblical principles, 2) Create a strong sense of Christian community within the workplace, and 3) Pursue leadership excellence and develop leadership competence through continuous learning and skill development.
FACULTY: Al Lopus | Cofounder and Board Chair | Best Christian Workplaces
7. Seek Impact in Disciplined Innovation
Transform nonprofit leadership with disciplined innovation, driving growth and sustainability through biblically-based, practical methodologies. Outcomes: 1) Disarm innovation myths and clarify what innovation is and is not, 2) Embrace holistic leadership: Thinking holistically, from financial and audience stewardship to organizational excellence, and 3) Pursue disciplined growth: Apply disciplined innovation to foster nonprofit growth and sustainability.
FACULTY: Stewart Severino | Head of Innovation | The Navigators
8. Culture Matters: Build an Unstoppable Team
You aspire to build a team aligned around a goal, unified in purpose, and committed to one another. But, how do you get there, and where do you start for building cultures of passion, clarity, and teamwork? Outcomes: 1) Recognize why culture is the linchpin between purpose and your strategy, 2) Know the culture hierarchy of needs and how to assess for healthy engagement, 3) Discern the relationship between clarity and trust in building a healthy culture.
FACULTY: Jenni Catron | CEO | 4Sight Group
9. Creating a Culture of Worthiness
Worthiness is having the qualities of faithfulness, knowledge, dependability, perseverance, and meticulous stewardship. These qualities allow donors to connect to your organization in a deeper way. Outcomes: 1) Recognize how your influence can provide inspiration for organizational change along the worthiness continuum, 2) Apply the benefits of a donor-centric approach to development. Is the donor really the “hero” of the story? and 3) Determine actions you can take to increase both organizational and personal worthiness.
FACULTY: Bryan Taylor | CEO | Cornerstone Management
10. Leading When You Aren’t in Charge
Influencing change, casting vision, and driving growth are typically roles for top-level leaders. However, through trust and communication, you can lead organizational change even when you aren’t in charge — while honoring your boss and their position. Outcomes: 1) Discover practical communication strategies to manage up and build trust with your boss, 2) Set expectations and boundaries to keep a healthy relationship with your boss, and 3) Complement the weaknesses of your boss without threatening their authority.
FACULTY: Michael Gunnin | Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer | Walk Thru the Bible
11. Transformational Strategic Focus
Hear how mastering strategic focus elevated one ministry's potential and mission impact. This session unpacks successful strategic planning and implementation with best practices to fuel strategic focus for organizational effectiveness. Outcomes: 1) Assess how strategic planning equips ministries to maintain focus and adapt in today's dynamic environment, 2) Discover key drivers for creating and sustaining strategic focus, 3) Discern how Love INC of the Black Hills leveraged strategic planning to transform impact.
FACULTY: Chris Jorgensen | Founder & Chief Consultant | Convergent Strategy, and | John Ligtenberg | Executive Director | Love INC of the Black Hills
12. Effective Strategic Planning For Nonprofits
A strategic planning process crafted for nonprofits that works in real life, builds momentum, and helps teams execute. Outcomes: 1) Recognize how nonprofit strategic planning has changed in the last 10 years, 2) Apply four secrets for effective nonprofit strategic planning, and 3) Determine how to get buy-in from your board, staff, donors, and executive team.
FACULTY: Todd Milby | President, and | Doug Paul | Managing Partner | Catapult
13. Teams that Change the World
Teamwork is foundational to any enterprise. Teams are messy and can struggle moving God's work forward. Five characteristics can make the difference as we seek first the kingdom through healthy, executing teams. Outcomes: 1) Identify common barriers that slow teams from executing on strategy and plans, 2) Discern proven behaviors to overcome barriers, and apply those principles to your personal context, 3) Implement an action plan for team progress, freeing the team to seek first God's purposes.
FACULTY: Dr. Doug Nuenke | U.S. President Emeritus of the Navigators, and | Lindy Black | Former Associate Director of the U.S. Navigators | The Navigators
14. Should We Be Using AI?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a force that we can't stop and that will decimate multiple industries in the next three years. How can ministries use AI to their benefit, yet balance the real concerns that come with AI? Outcomes: 1) Recognize what AI is and how is it being used today, 2) Discern the biblical implications of AI, and 3) Determine some practical ways to incorporate AI into your ministry.
FACULTY: Steve Maegdlin | Founder and CEO | Executive Advisory Partners
15. Walking With Next Generation Leaders
Explore eight key questions young leaders are asking. Not always the questions you hear, but the questions beneath their questions. Questions about identity, belonging, and purpose. God has much before them! Outcomes: 1) Identify eight of the most important questions young leaders are asking, 2) Grow your ability to develop the passionate character of a young leader, not only their leadership capacities, and 3) Receive five widely respected resources from among those effectively serving next generation leaders.
FACULTY: Dr. Bruce McNicol | Founding Partner & President Emeritus, and | Brittany Sawrey-Coulson | Director of Content | Trueface
16. The Leader as Shepherd
Grounded in Scripture, this intensive will explore shepherding as a universal godly leadership principle and translate biblical principles into practical behaviors that can be applied immediately in the ministry you lead. Outcomes: 1) Be able to position shepherding as a universal godly leadership principle, 2) Discern why provision, protection, and presence are the key responsibilities of genuine shepherding, and 3) Establish absolute surrender to the Father as a requirement to be an effective, godly shepherd.
FACULTY: Holly Culhane | Founder & President/CEO, and | Doug Culhane | Facilitator | Presence Point
Board Governance
8 workshops
1. Creating Cultures of Ethics & Performance
It’s a big problem: nonprofits are now viewed as less trustworthy than for-profits. Misbehavior usually manifests at the top, hence great boards help create the culture and practices supporting ethical behavior, ultimately increasing impact. Outcomes: 1) Share research on ethics and performance and reasons for executive misbehavior, 2) Identify board practices that create a culture supporting ethical behavior, and 3) Provide guidance to directors on implementation of practices to build culture of ethics and performance.
FACULTY: Caryn Ryan | Founder and Managing Member, and | Erin Moriarty | Head of HR and Strategy | Missionwell LLC
2. Boards That Help or Hinder Fundraising
Does your board help, or hinder fundraising? Well-intentioned but ill-prepared leaders often create obstacles to optimizing donations. Equip board members/fundraisers to achieve legendary results by providing new tools to perform their respective roles with excellence. Outcomes: 1) Reveal ways leaders unintentionally derail campaign success, 2) Discover ways board members can bring positive impact to major fundraising campaigns, and 3) Equip governance and fundraising teams with attainable, yet high-performance expectations and achieve epic campaign results.
FACULTY: Kent Stroman |President, and | Aaron Stroman | Senior Consultant | Stroman & Associates
3. Absolute Best Nonprofit Boardroom Practices
This workshop shares best practices for nonprofit board members. Dr. Anthony has served on 20 nonprofit and corporate boards in addition to his service as a CEO, COO, and CFO in multiple nonprofit settings. Outcomes: 1) Be able to articulate the three essential elements of a nonprofit board member's job description, 2) Be able to describe the ideal onboarding process for a nonprofit board, and 3) Identify sound biblical principles for your stewardship as a nonprofit board member.
FACULTY: Dr. Michael J. Anthony | Professor of Educational Ministry & Leadership | Dallas Theological Seminary & Calibrate Global Consulting
4. Hard Board Conversations
Learn how to have respectful but difficult conversations at the board level. This session will equip you to be an effective leader and a strong contributor to your board. Outcomes: 1) Recognize how to listen properly and to assess what is happening, 2) Discover how to phrase questions in a way that gets a response, not pushback, and 3) Identify how to make an impact on your board for the greater good.
FACULTY: Fran Brown | Managing Partner | CapinCrouse LLP
5. 11 Laws of Great Boardmanship
Learn the 11 critical laws of being a great board member and receive materials to take back to your board to equip fellow board members. Board members who embrace this training will experience a board they love to serve on. Outcomes: 1) Discover how to be a great board member, 2) Be trained to equip your fellow board members on the 11 laws of great boardmanship, and 3) Multiply your value and skills as you serve on boards.
FACULTY: Kent Wallace | President/Founder, and | Mark Davidhizar | Senior Consultant | Visionworks Consulting, Inc.
6. A Board Prayer
Ministries rarely rise above the level of their boards. Boards set the standard for their ministry – good or bad. This seminar will explore seven God-honoring ways for board members to lead their ministries well. Outcomes: 1) Understand the board’s spiritual responsibility to the ministry, 2) Identify seven areas of potential board struggle, and 3) Learn techniques to sustain the board’s spiritual health.
FACULTY: Dr. Dan Bolin | President | Refueling in Flight Ministries
7. Scenario Planning for Boards
It is difficult to keep boards out of micro-managing operations and focused on the future. Scenario planning is a tool that guarantees a long-range perspective for boards. Outcomes: 1) Discern that Scenario Planning is completely different than contingency planning, 2) Be able to use the tool with your board, and 3) Avoid the most common mistakes in implementation.
FACULTY: Dr. Jim Galvin | President | Galvin & Associates, Inc.
8. Board Practices that Protect Ministries
Boards are called to protect ministries from issues like leadership failure and child/client abuse. This session offers practical steps to strengthen boards to better guard the ministries entrusted to them. Outcomes: 1) Recognize the unique authority entrusted to boards to guard and protect nonprofit ministries, 2) Evaluate systems of accountability for governing boards and executive leaders, and 3) Identify effective strategies for dealing with difficult situations and conflict resolution that strengthen the board as a cohesive team.
FACULTY: Kevin Trotter | CCNL | Advisory Board Member | Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP), and | Dee Dee Mayer | Director | Boone Center for the Family at Pepperdine University
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THE STEWARDSHIP TRACK
Cultivate the resources and talent God provides with transparency and excellence.
Financial Management
8 workshops
1. Institution-Wide Budget Planning
Join us as we discuss how to improve and streamline the budgeting process with a more responsive budget. We will also discuss effective budget presentation to the institution's governance, executives, and other stakeholders. Outcomes: 1) Reduce your time spent preparing the budget, 2) Improve the accuracy of the budget, and 3) Communicate key trends, concerns, and opportunities through the budget.
FACULTY: David Tarrant | Chief Financial Officer, and | Sonia Flores | Controller | Dallas Theological Seminary
2. Five Big Uh-Ohs for CFOs
There are some big financial things that CFOs commonly overlook… matters that can have outsized, crippling implications. We’ll talk about what they are, how they happen, and how to prevent them. We will also cover bonus material on risk management. Outcomes: 1) Recognize how loan covenants work and their implications, 2) Appreciate the significance of good data security practices & training as well as good nonprofit insurance coverage, and 3) Determine good risk management practices and approaches.
FACULTY: Mike Batts | Managing Partner | Batts Morrison Wales & Lee, P.A.
3. Accelerating Ministry Effectiveness with FP&A
Discover the core components and strategies of financial planning and analysis (FP&A) to propel your nonprofit forward. Utilizing software like Power BI and OneStream, learn how Cru is elevating its finance function. Outcomes: 1) Cover the principles of budgeting, reporting, analysis, and forecasting, the building blocks of FP&A, 2) Discover how Cru utilizes OneStream to expand and modernize its budgeting and forecasting, and 3) Survey simple strategies any nonprofit can implement for data collection, storage, analysis, and dashboarding.
FACULTY: Andy Brown | Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, CRU, and | Justin Martin | Analytics Engineer | Microsoft
4. Stewarding Your Nonprofit’s Assets
How can nonprofit leaders protect and grow assets that advance kingdom purposes? Explore investment principles and the solutions available to establish an investment strategy that supports your mission today and tomorrow. Outcomes: 1) Recognize nonprofit fiduciary responsibility for prudent fund management and how to select an investment manager, 2) Develop an investment policy statement that aligns with your needs and objectives, and 3) Maximize operating reserves, and know how to establish an endowment program.
FACULTY: Jordan Lovelady | Client Investment Solutions Strategist | HighGround Advisors
5. Accounting and Auditing Update
Get up to speed on current accounting and financial reporting standards for nonprofits, including FASB standards that will be effective in the current and upcoming year, and plan for how they may affect your organization. Outcomes: 1) Review the recent accounting and financial statement reporting changes. 2) Formulate strategies for efficient and effective implementation of upcoming standards, and 3) Clarify how organizations should implement and follow the guidance.
FACULTY: Nathan Salsbery | Partner and Executive Vice President, and | Tim Sims | Partner and Professional Practice Leader – Attest | CapinCrouse LLP
6. Today’s Economy and Your Ministry
We will discuss in understandable terms key aspects of the world economy and financial markets, especially while giving is down, anticipating the next five to 10 years through the lens of Christian investors. Outcomes: 1) Apply insights on key long-term economic and investment factors for informed decision-making, 2) Analyze the impact of current valuations on portfolio diversification, returns, and cash flows, and 3) Recognize characteristics of Christian values-aligned portfolios that go beyond negative screening in today’s economy.
FACULTY: Richard Todd | CEO, Principal & Co-Founder, and | Sarah Newman | Principal | Innovest Portfolio Solutions, LLC
7. Lead Digital Transformation
Digital transformation and AI are rapidly changing our world. We will explore how to use these tools to transform and streamline work and how to take a holistic approach toward digital adoption. Outcomes: 1) Review new tools for AI and automation and recognize how to apply them in financial management, 2) Recognize the process for digital adoption and pitfalls to avoid, and 3) Discover how to be a champion for digital change in your ministry.
FACULTY: Jeff Roberts | Signing Director, and | John Hughes | Principal | CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
8. Agility for Financial Decision-Making
In a world of constant change, organizations need to be nimble and innovative. But traditional approaches to financial management hinder collaboration and adaptability. Come explore creating an agile culture through integrated financial decision-making. Outcomes: 1) Break down silos, foster collaboration, and enhance the impact of financial decisions, 2) Create a culture that supports agility and learning from mistakes, and 3) Implement practical strategies to integrate financial thinking into every aspect of your organization's work.
FACULTY: Melodi Bunting | Senior Manager | Wegner CPAs
Legal and Risk
8 workshops
1. Amending Bylaws: Top 10 Questions
Bylaws are the most important, yet most often overlooked, organizational legal document. Bylaws promote kingdom and ministry unity, provide legal compliance, and protect religious freedoms. This course helps you get your bylaws "right." Outcomes: 1) Recognize that whether a church, nonprofit (or church/nonprofit), getting bylaws "right" is important, 2) Discern why "right" bylaws dictate, and must reflect, operational reality, 3) Apply insight from "right" bylaws’ 10 important topics (answering 10 important questions) about your ministry.
FACULTY: Stephen Forman | Principal and Founder, For His Glory Law | Law Office of Stephen Forman, PLLC
2. Navigating Employee Terminations
Employees are vital to the mission, but sometimes poor performance, conflict, misconduct, or budget constraints require saying goodbye. This presentation addresses how Christian leaders can develop a “Seek First” approach to difficult employee terminations. Outcomes: 1) Develop a rubric for assessing employee termination decisions, 2) Identify best practices for demonstrating clarity and care when saying goodbye, and 3) Evaluate traditional methods of providing protection from legal claims against the organization.
FACULTY: John Melcon | Associate Attorney, and | John Wylie | Attorney | Sherman & Howard LLC
3. Tax and Legal Forum
Reintroducing the Tax and Legal Forum! Lawyers for churches and ministries will share several issues, typically arising during the six months before the conference, with substantial time for Q&A. Bring questions! Outcomes: 1) Be apprised of recent legal and tax developments you need to know about, 2) Obtain answers (or direction for obtaining answers) to your legal and tax questions, 3) Gain insight on legal and tax information resources available to church and ministry leaders.
FACULTY: Chip Watkins | Attorney | Webster, Chamberlain & Bean, LLP, and | David Powers | Partner | Powers Compliance, PLLC
4. Sanctions: Risk Assessment to Mitigation
In this session, we will review best practices around sanctions risk management. We will share tips for contextualized risk strategy and principles for sanctions compliance in the nonprofit space. Outcomes: 1) Understand why a sanctions or anti-money laundering risk strategy is important for nonprofits, 2) Develop a how-to approach and review potential parameters for your organization's contextualized risk assessment, and 3) Identify risk mitigation strategies based on contextualized risk assessment.
FACULTY: Dani Rowekamp | Compliance Risk Senior Leader | World Vision US
5. Safeguarding Youth and the Vulnerable
Leaders from Gallagher's Global Religious Practice will share the latest learnings on this risk exposure. This session will reinforce the "Seek First" theme and draw insight from leading organizations in safe environments. Outcomes: 1) Refresh our knowledge and awareness about this evolving exposure, 2) Recognize the past (analytics) while emphasizing the changing nature of this exposure going forward, and 3) Focus on "Duty of Care" and priorities going forward. It is a never-ending vigilance.
FACULTY: Peter Persuitti | Global Managing Director, Religious Practice, | Gallagher
6. Recent Developments from Washington and Beyond
In an ever-changing environment, it is critical to stay current on legal, tax, and financial trends impacting your ministry. Join ECFA for an engaging discussion on the latest developments from Capitol Hill, the courts, and beyond. Outcomes: 1) Consider how your ministry should respond to the latest developments, 2) Cut through confusion to understand what is really happening on Capitol Hill, and 3) Apply insights from some of ECFA’s latest research and trends that impact your ministry.
FACULTY: Jake Lapp | Vice President, Member Accountability, and | Aaron Mercer | Senior Writer & Communications Strategist | ECFA
7. Dealing with a Crisis: How We Navigated a Tragedy
Crisis situations are unpredictable. Join Jon Bisset as he shares lessons from a tragic storm at River Valley Ranch camp and provides essential strategies for nonprofits to manage crises with effective communication, media handling, and support. Outcomes: 1) Discern what to expect during a crisis, 2) Define ways to prepare for and respond to a crisis, and 3) Apply tips to prevent potential crises in your organization.
FACULTY: Jon Bisset | President | Peter & John Ministries
8. Handling an Abuse Allegation in Ministry
Receiving an allegation of misconduct is a shock and may trigger a crisis. This talk will provide principles on how to respond initially, what plans to put in place, and how to evaluate if an investigation is needed. Outcomes: 1) Determine how to develop a response plan prior to an allegation, 2) Apply allegation response insights on mandatory reporting, team management, public relations, documentation, caring well, and legal, and 3) Identify additional resources for abuse allegation response.
FACULTY: Theresa Sidebotham | Attorney, and | Jeff Dalrymple | Executive Director | Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention
People Management and Care
12 workshops
1. Applying Biblical Principles to HR
The culture is making it increasingly difficult to apply biblical principles to human resources situations. Managing performance, difficult co-workers, conflict resolution, DEI and even harassment issues are just some of the situations that require a biblical perspective and biblical principles, timeless in their application. Outcomes: 1) Identify common workplace issues and when to address, 2) Determine what to do before, during and after a workplace situation, and 3) Self-manage your own workplace issues.
FACULTY: William Billups | Chief Human Resources Officer | Marketplace Chaplains
2. Recruiting Ministry Staff: Choose Your Adventure
In this highly interactive session, the audience will vote to make a series of recruiting decisions in case studies, with true-to-life rewards and consequences. Experience how common ministry hiring practices become pitfalls, even with the best intentions. Outcomes: 1) Discover the most common hiring practices in Christian organizations, and how they can endanger your ministry, 2) Determine which interview questions reveal the underlying attitudes of candidates, and 3) Discern which recruiting processes help you find mission-aligned staff.
FACULTY: Bea Rosenhauch | CEO, and | Royce Rosenhauch | Chief Strategy Officer | Ministry HR Group
3. Analyzing and Influencing Performance
This workshop will equip you to successfully influence individual, team, and organizational performance by understanding and applying the key components that drive human performance. Outcomes: 1) Build an awareness of the key factors that impact individual, team and organizational performance, 2) Ask the right questions to analyze a performance system, and 3) Use an assessment to influence performance at all levels of an organization.
FACULTY: Jay Bransford | President and CEO | Best Christian Workplaces
4. We See What We Seek
Does your team see the vision you see? Unified teams have increased productivity, improved engagement, and maximized missions. We’ll explore Scripture and organizational research to create life-giving, peaceful, united team environments. Outcomes: 1) Embrace God’s design for his kingdom and righteousness in leadership and teams, 2) Integrate best ministry practices to foster life-giving communities in our organizations. 3) Incorporate insights from the latest research on team unity, diversity, and thriving.
FACULTY: Dr. Teresa Moon | Founding President/CEO | Institute for Cultural Communicators
5. Unlocking Leadership Potential
An interactive workshop filled with practical ways to unlock the leadership potential within your team through the lens of creating a long-term strategy with a short-term plan. Outcomes: 1) Create a culture that nurtures from within to increase retention and drive results, 2) Discern how to create a focused strategy that encourages, empowers, and involves the team, and 3) Define strategies to get team member buy in and engagement toward a shared vision.
FACULTY: Lauren Vanaman | CCNL | Executive Director | Aspire Leadership LLC
6. Developing Middle Leaders
Middle Managers are pivotal figures in the organizational hierarchy. Integrating practical experience and academic research, this session explores the unique competencies of middle leadership and explains how to develop middle managers into middle leaders. Outcomes: 1) Define the unique characteristics of middle leadership, 2) Identify leadership competencies required for middle managers to perform as middle leaders, and 3) Create a high-level plan for developing middle managers into middle leaders.
FACULTY: Dr. Julie Armstrong | Director of Operations | Moody Global Media / Moody Bible Institute
7. Conflict That Produces Innovative Results
What if conflict created innovative results instead of fighting? Learn to encourage positive and prevent negative conflict through several simple steps. Foster creativity and lower interpersonal conflict by equipping your teams through conflict competence. Outcomes: 1) Recognize how conflict can produce better results and innovation without negative escalation, 2) Discern between different types of conflict, productive and positive versus destructive, and 3) Demonstrate and foster conflict competence, enabling a more agile and innovative culture.
FACULTY: Giselle Jenkins | Consulting Director | Best Christian Workplaces
8. Navigating Employee Complaints Successfully
Handling complaints effectively is a leadership essential. This workshop provides the opportunity to learn and practice five principles for managing employee complaints to create healthy workplaces with open and honest communication. Outcomes: 1) Recognize how leaders react to employee complaints, and what messages those reactions send to employees, 2) Apply the five key principles in effectively handling complaints, and 3) Determine the best approach and options to a complaint based on the employee and their concern.
FACULTY: Joelle Peelgren | Principal / Consultant | DeGenaro Peelgren Associates
9. Mutual Allyship in the Ministry Workplace
Imagine an organizational setting where everyone, including colleagues from traditionally marginalized communities, are cared for and empowered. The concept of mutual allyship offers one way to make such a vision a reality. Outcomes: 1) Establish a vision for benevolent mutual allyship in the Christian workplace, 2) Discern seven different types of ally behaviors, and recognize how and when to use each type, and 3) Apply tangible action steps to move forward in your allyship journey.
FACULTY: Dr. Rob Dixon | Senior Fellow | InterVarsity Institute
10. Building a Healthy Work Culture
Almost everyone has had a bad experience with toxic corporate culture. There is another way! This workshop focuses on establishing a curative culture. Outcomes: 1) Discover the key elements of a curative culture and top things leaders can do to establish a healthy ministry culture, 2) Identify how toxic patterns are rooted and established in a culture, and 3) Prepare for the inevitability of conflict and how to best manage it in a curative culture.
FACULTY: Doug Shaw | Chairman of the Board / CEO, and | Graham Shaw | Chief Operations Officer | Douglas Shaw & Associates
11. Leading Global Multicultural Teams
This training focuses on various processes for effectively leading and managing cultural team diversity. Outcomes: 1) Encourage cultural sensitivity, 2) Cultivate safe (GRACE) spaces, and 3) Apply proven processes to lead and manage cultural diversity on your team.
FACULTY: Dr. Vicki Harris | Chief People & Culture Officer | Our Daily Bread Ministries
12. Succession Planning and Steward Leadership
Many organizations are entering a season of leadership transition with organizational leaders nearing the end of their leadership careers. We will lead attendees in a practical, research-based exploration of principles guiding effective leadership succession. Outcomes: 1) Be able to articulate key principles guiding effective leadership succession in the context of steward leadership, 2) Develop leadership successions strategies as a part of the broader organizational strategic plan, and 3) Establish guidelines for a personal leadership transition.
FACULTY: Dr. Brian Simmons | Head of School | King's Ridge Christian School, and | Bill Allan | President | Associated Gospel Churches (AGC)
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THE RELATIONSHIP TRACK
Connect generous hearts to ministry mission and purpose.
Resource Development
16 workshops
1. Planned or Major Gift? Both!
Virtually every planned gift is a major gift. Most major gifts benefit from gift planning. This interactive session explores how mid, major, and planned giving teams collaborate to serve partners, leveraging major and planned gifts. Outcomes: 1) Leverage gift planning strategy in your major and mid-level program, 2) Offer holistic ministry to partners through collaboration between mid, major, and planned giving teams, and 3) Build intentionality into your major gift and planned giving engagement strategies and techniques.
FACULTY: Jim Elliott | Vice President of Stewardship, and | Doug Crisafulli | Director of Planned Giving | Moody Bible Institute
2. Fundraising is Relationships
Fundraising builds relationships. This takes time and intentionality. Maximize your organization's impact by focusing on your donors, not just dollars, and you'll be surprised at the outcome. Outcomes: 1) Identify the three elements of relationship fundraising, 2) Develop a case statement to maximize clarity and a core message, and 3) Create action steps and a written plan so you can be strategic and not sporadic.
FACULTY: Steen Hudson | Founder, and | Keith Kelly | CEO | True Riches Global
3. The Art of the Big Ask
Unlock the secrets of major donor cultivation! Master the art of compelling asks and dive into the minds of generous givers. Supercharge your approach, conquer objections, and sharpen your skills through dynamic role-play. Outcomes: 1) Uncover hidden treasure: Discover techniques to identify prime prospects! 2) Build lasting connections: Master the art of engaging high-impact individuals!, and 3) Inspire transformational gifts: Craft compelling pitches that resonate and motivate!
FACULTY: Pat McLaughlin | President and Founder | The Timothy Group
4. How AI is Transforming Fundraising
The future of marketing and fundraising is here. Artificial Intelligence has transformed how nonprofits accomplish their mission, and it is more accessible than ever. Dave will share examples of charities leveraging AI to expand reach, increase engagement, and streamline operations. Outcomes: 1) Recognize the types of AI transforming marketing, 2) Determine ways to use AI in your day-to-day work, and 3) Apply AI appropriately to be more effective, efficient, and grow.
FACULTY: Dave Raley | Founder | Imago Consulting
5. The Multicultural Majority
By 2050, ethnic minorities will become the majority – a shift already registered in the 18-year-old and under segment. As this seismic transformation occurs, new philanthropy behaviors emerge, requiring fundraisers to rethink existing approaches to engage this new donor base. Outcomes: 1) Discern why multicultural donors are driving philanthropic growth, 2) Analyze how effectively (or not) nonprofits are acquiring and cultivating multicultural donors, 3) Craft appeals that are racially inclusive and authentic (particularly for Hispanics).
FACULTY: Ivan Leon | Chief Strategist, Kerux Group, and | Gene Getz | President | Renewal Ministries | Pastor Emeritus COC | Renewal Ministries
6. Cultivating Major Givers for Kingdom Investment
When we treat fundraising as ministry, what results can we expect from doing so? Our fundraising should reflect the values and vision of the gospel. We are called to grow givers’ hearts to be generous toward God. What does that look like? Outcomes: 1) Understand what we risk if we ignore how the gospel informs our fundraising methods. 2) Gaining the confidence that God will provide for his work. 3) Learn how to engage hi-capacity stewards who seek to responsibly give gifts to support kingdom missions.
FACULTY: Doug Thorson | Senior Director, Advancement | Redeemer City to City
7. Optimize Your New Donor Experience
Explore innovative strategies to enhance the new online donor experience and ways nonprofits can elevate engagement. Ensure a more impactful experience and greater fundraising success. Outcomes: 1) Discover new ways ministries are utilizing omnichannel communications with donors to grow their relationship with the organization, 2) Evaluate your organization’s new donor experience and how it compares to donor expectations, and 3) Consider new emerging channels and strategies and how you can add them into your communication calendar.
FACULTY: Amy Sewell | Senior Vice President of Digital Solutions, and | Aubrey Hoeppner | Vice President, Client Services | Douglas Shaw & Associates
8. Researching and Engaging Private Foundations
Successfully securing funds from private funders can fuel significant ministry growth and impact. In this session we’ll share a framework to rapidly bring order and clarity to the unpredictable world of private funding. Outcomes: 1) Conduct comprehensive research on private foundations, 2) Develop an engagement strategy based on research insights, 3) Apply insights to Implement successful engagement strategies.
FACULTY: David Broussard | Group Vice President, Grant Services | DickersonBakker
9. Building Blocks for Planned Giving
Planned gifts are extraordinarily powerful. They increase individual donor giving capacity, strengthen loyalty and generate new sources of revenue. Learn proven tactics for launching, sustaining, and measuring success of a planned giving program. Outcomes: 1) Communicate to your board and senior leadership how planned gifts can transform your fundraising efforts, 2) Identify your target planned giving audience and incorporate planned giving messaging into your marketing, 3) Determine the staffing, resources, systems, and metrics that are needed.
FACULTY: James Bakke | Executive Director, and | Kurt Knoll | Director of Member Relations | Barnabas Foundation
10. Personalizing Donor Engagement Amid Automation
Navigate the future by prioritizing human connection in an automated era. Embrace sustainable tools while focusing on relational strengths and the power of gathering to foster genuine engagement. Outcomes: 1) Enhance donor engagement by balancing personal relationships with donors and leveraging technological tools, 2) Master moves management techniques to build donor relationships that result in successful funding asks, and 3) Apply methods to sustain income through a personal touch, cultivating and nurturing long-term donor relationships.
FACULTY: Bob Greene | Vice President of Business Development, and | Bruce Scott | Senior Vice President of Business Development | Westfall Gold
11. Why Campaigns Still Matter
There are many reasons why campaigns endure after all these years. We will explore elements of campaign readiness, essential ingredients for success, pitfalls to avoid, and why there is no such thing as a "small" campaign. Outcomes: 1) Determine why and when a campaign makes sense for your organization, 2) Discern the essential elements of every successful campaign, and 3) Discover how to navigate a successful campaign, from start to finish.
FACULTY: Dr. R. Mark Dillon | Senior VP/Founder, Generis Advancement | Generis Partners
12. Sustained Giving Masterclass
Philanthropy is transforming before our eyes. An area of note? Sustainer giving. Creating predictable revenue through a sustainer program is critical in today’s economy. Build a resilient donor pipeline and utilize technology to identify and engage recurring givers. Outcomes: 1) Build an internal case for why sustainer giving is critical for donor retention. 2) Discover new ways to identify potential sustainers in your file, and 3) Apply practical steps to invite, grow, steward, upgrade, and maintain sustainer donors.
FACULTY: Kim Richardson | AVP Client Strategy | Allegiance Group + Pursuant, and | Meg Crowley | Executive Director | Stand to Reason
13. Create a Million-Dollar Day
Create a million-dollar day through events that generate mega gifts! Learn the art of organizing events that inspire transformational giving, departing from conventional ticket sales or table sponsor models that create lifetime memories. Outcomes: 1) Discover the success of valuing quality over quantity, 2) Decide how to emphasize the direct ask, and 3) Develop an annual calendar to support substantial giving.
FACULTY: Dr. Candace Gregory | President/CEO| Open Door Mission, and | Roy Jones | President/CEO | Fit Fundraising
14. Next-Gen Major Donor Tactics
As donors evolve, you need new innovative strategies. Learn advanced tactics for major donor engagement, personalized experiences, stewardship plans, and targeted outreach. Develop expertise in donor segmentation for effective, customized fundraising campaigns. Outcomes: 1) Implement a moves management program to elevate donors to the next major gift level, 2) Apply strategies to divide donors into regions or areas for caseload efficiency, and 3) Implement strategic campaigns to major donors based on their capacity, interests, and affinities.
FACULTY: Carly Berna | Director of Product Marketing | Virtuous, and | Jacob Forkey | Data Analyst | International Mission Board
15. People not Money: Fundraising as Ministry
Fundraising which transforms both giver and receiver, isn’t about money. It’s about bringing two parties together to accomplish something that neither can do alone. It’s about participating in the coming of the kingdom of God. Outcomes: 1) Embrace an understanding of the rationale, method, and outcomes of relational fundraising, 2) Be able to assess your current fundraising effort, and 3) Be equipped to create an initial action plan to achieve total organizational alignment.
FACULTY: Larry Johnson | Founder | The Eight Principles, and | Sig Berg | Chairman and CEO | The Severn Leadership Group
16. 90 Fundraising Ideas in 90 Minutes
Good marketers know what works, but great marketers know why things work. Therefore, “seek first” to understand why donors do what they do. This fast-paced, interactive session features 90 proven fundraising ideas that are working today. They will help you acquire and create donor loyalty. Outcomes: 1) Apply today's best practices to acquire, cultivate and grow your ministry's revenue, 2) Create integrated digital breakthroughs for fundraising, and 3) Design multi-channel campaigns to grow your ministry.
FACULTY: Todd Baker | Vice President and Senior Strategist | MDM Fundraising
Marketing and Communications
11 workshops
1. Seek First a Kingdom-Resonant Brand
Discover how to be a kingdom-first brand that stands out and resonates deeply without losing sight of eternal values. Learn vision-aligned strategies for brand relevance in a noisy world. Outcomes: 1) Make sense of the rapidly changing world's effect on audiences to break through the noise, 2) Identify strategies to overcome busyness and distractions that prevent donors from connecting to your cause, and 3) Discern principles for translating your kingdom mission into relevant and resonant messages.
FACULTY: Jef Miller | Creative Director | Masterworks
2. Know Your Audience: Navigating Generations
Explore five generations' distinct worldviews, values, digital behaviors, and the spiritual questions they ask. Discover what attracts each generation and keeps them engaged with your content. Outcomes: 1) Recognize your audience's diverse generational perspectives and values. 2) Explore different digital behaviors and communication preferences for each generation, and 3) Develop a tailored engagement plan to connect with your organization's target generation(s).
FACULTY: Shelley Komoszewski | Senior Director of Advancement and PR | Cru, and | Brock Anderson | VP of Content and Marketing | Josh McDowell, a Ministry of Cru
3. Brand for Impact
This session is based on content from my new book, Brand for Impact. It will equip you to create a high-impact, purpose-driven brand. Apply a simple, proven framework for communicating effectively and winsomely. Outcomes: 1) Integrate your faith into your brand to grow revenue, attract talent, and create eternal impact, 2) Apply marketing and branding strategy to creatively maximize profit and purpose, and 3) Generate more leads and revenue by implementing a proven, step-by-step strategic marketing plan.
FACULTY: Justin Eklund | Founder and CEO | Grove9 Marketing
4. Transform StoryFinding into Powerful Fundraising
Learn fundamentals of the StoryFind process to find and effectively communicate donor-centric stories in fundraising. Gain insight on training your staff, board, and volunteers to powerfully present these messages. Outcomes: 1) Discover skills and steps needed to interview constituents to gain donor-centric stories for fundraising, 2) Discern how to choose and effectively communicate stories which inspire and drive donor response, 3) Develop a system to train staff and volunteers to engage in this process.
FACULTY: Kristin Sukraw | Executive Producer, and | Daniel Jenkins | President | StoryFind Films
5. Grow Your Organization through Comedic Advertising
Most nonprofit marketing doesn't make people feel anything. That's a big reason for flat results. Yes, make people cry - but also make them laugh! Trevecca Nazarene did, and you can too. Here's how. Outcomes: 1) Discover why humor works for breaking through the media noise. 2) Understand how to measure the effect of comedic advertising. 3) Learn the steps to create humor-based advertising for your organization.
FACULTY: Allen Thornburgh | Principal and Executive Producer | SUBLIMITY, and | Mollie Yoder | Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications | Trevecca Nazarene University
6. Inspire and Activate Donors with Video
Do you struggle to get donor attention in a noisy world? Video can make a big impact that achieves your missional and financial goals. A quality over quantity video strategy is a “scroll stopping” next level approach! Outcomes: 1) Recognize why video is the most effective impact and growth tool for nonprofits in 2025, 2) Leverage in-person events with long-form video telling your organization’s story, and 3) Create episodic video content to build lasting brand trust.
FACULTY: David Coonradt | CEO | Fieldwork Media
7. Listen Up: The Power of Audience Research
What you don’t know is often the very thing that, if acted upon, could make your organization thrive—or survive. Explore how constituent engagement can unlock insights and avoid pitfalls for your brand. Outcomes: 1) Explore audience research at various levels of depth, time, and cost, 2) Discover how top brands and nonprofits apply audience research to enhance their effectiveness, and 3) Examine how proactive listening might be the key differentiator for your brand’s future.
FACULTY: Chandler Navarrete | Head of Creative | Polymath, a Givington's company
8. 10X Donor Engagement: SMS, MMS, and AI
Tired of struggling to create long-term financial security for your organization? Join us for an innovative Powered By Text workshop revealing secrets for achieving financial stability through cutting-edge texting SMS, MMS, and AI. Outcomes: 1) Unleash the power of SMS, MMS, and AI to skyrocket engagement with your audience, 2) Convert loyal supporters into recurring donors with proven text messaging techniques, and 3) Effortlessly fill volunteer gaps and build a passionate team of supporters.
FACULTY: Mike Cantrell | COO | Powered By Text
9. Social Cultivation
In today's dynamic digital landscape, harnessing social media’s power is essential for brand and ministry growth. As we delve into the art of managing social media, you’ll discover how leveraging native features and tailoring content to specific platforms can drive momentum, elevate brand awareness, and engage audiences. Outcomes: 1) Leverage native platform features for better engagement, 2) Create and drive momentum through social cultivation, and 3) Transform a social media presence into an inspirational brand building tool.
FACULTY: Amy Hurtado | VP of Marketing, and | Hallie Gilmore | Director | Joni and Friends
10. 3 Critical Questions For Great Marketing Strategy
Every nonprofit leader longs not to be the "best kept secret." Answering three simple but effective questions can unlock your organization's marketing potential. The Fervor team, which has completed signature strategies for nonprofit leaders of all sizes distilled this framework for you. Outcomes: Answer and apply three critical questions, 1) Framework: Who is it for? 2) Imperative: What are you going to tell them?, and 3) Focus: How do you get more of the right ones?
FACULTY: Mike Farag | CEO + Chief Strategy Officer | Fervor
11. Purposeful Marketing Meets AI
Work smarter, not harder, without losing the heart of your message! Discover best practices and new tools to adapt your content to various audiences and platforms through a fully integrated marketing plan. Outcomes: 1) Perceive how multichannel marketing boosts your communications effectiveness and reach, 2) Discover practical tools to simplify and multiply productivity of teams with limited staffing and resources, and 3) Apply best practices and ethical considerations for purpose-driven Christian marketing in an increasingly AI world.
FACULTY: Heather M. Day | Director of Marketing, and | Joni Bishop | Communication Strategist | Barnabas Foundation
Internet and Technology
8 workshops
1. AI, Data and Governance
Data and AI help discernment and decision-making, but only when people and algorithms can access and trust AI-ready data. Learn from our experiences at Compassion in maturing data and AI governance for ministry successes. Outcomes: 1) Recognize why effective data and AI governance is important and beneficial for ministry impacts, 2) Determine considerations for planning and implementing effective data and AI governance, and 3) Increase interactions and shared discernment, and determine ways to measure success.
FACULTY: Dr. Jeffrey Collins | Senior Director of Data & Analytics | Compassion International
2. 10 Game-Changing AI Tools For Nonprofit Ministries
In this workshop, we will explore 10 hyper-practical AI tools that ministry leaders can use today to boost productivity, efficiency, and impact. Outcomes: 1) Discover how to get ChatGPT & other AI tools to create perfect outputs with the F.A.S.T.E.R. prompt framework, 2) Discern how AI can save you time while creating social media content at scale, and 3) Discover new uses of AI for donor development activities.
FACULTY: Kenny Jahng | CEO | AI for Ministry Leaders.com & ChurchTechToday.com
3. Technology's Transformative Role in Ministry
Explore how technology like generative AI is reshaping ministry through content creation, marketing strategies, and fundraising. Address ethical concerns and biblical perspectives on technology's role in enhancing rather than replacing human creativity and connection. Outcomes: 1) Determine how to rightly approach technology with a biblical lens. 2) Discern how technology is being used in fundraising today, and 3) Explore future trends and implications of technology in shaping ministry practices.
FACULTY: Bryan Brown | President | Masterworks
4. Empowering Decisions Through Data
Discover how data analytics transforms decision-making in nonprofits. Learn essential techniques in data cleanup, interpretation, and visualization to generate actionable insights that support ministry growth and align with faith-based missions. Outcomes: 1) Implement effective data cleanup strategies, 2) Utilize data analytics for strategic decision-making, and 3) Determine and apply the fundamentals of data visualization.
FACULTY: Lindsey Whinnery | Partner, and | Cecilia Jakovljevic | Senior Data Analyst | CapinCrouse
5. Demystifying AI: Fundamentals for Fundraisers
Explore practical applications for Artificial Intelligence (AI) within your fundraising programs. Gain confidence in AI's role and equip yourself with valuable knowledge to explore further.
Outcomes: 1) Apply practical insights into tools available for AI and how to get started using them at your organization, 2) Apply proven insights from how nonprofits have actively been applying AI for their ministry, and 3) Discover top ways we see AI having a measurable impact on nonprofit fundraising.
FACULTY: Robert Johnson | Senior Creative Director, and | Patrick Doty | Consultant, Client Services | Douglas Shaw & Associates
6. Artificial Intelligence - Productivity & Risk
A former Microsoft Azure Corporate VP and current Bible Study Fellowship CTO will share his perspectives on the impact of AI on ministry productivity, and more importantly on societal trends which should inspire our work. Outcomes: 1) Apply best practices in using commercially available AI tools in ministry knowledge worker scenarios, 2) Develop a framework for reasoning about technology and societal trends related to advances in AI, 3) Obtain perspectives on impact of AI on future generations.
FACULTY: Tad Brockway | Chief Technology Officer | Bible Study Fellowship
7. Outsourcing Technology Development & Support
Although technology outsourcing is a financially attractive option for any organization, it is complex. This workshop will share reasons for outsourcing, common concerns, how to overcome challenges, gather and communicate requirements, and select vendors. Outcomes: 1) Determine with confidence if outsourcing is the solution for the technology needs of your organization and evaluate alternatives, 2) Be able to create an informative and comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP), 3) Develop criteria for selecting an outsourcing partner.
FACULTY: Joseph Vijayam | CEO | Olive Technology Inc
8. Cyber Threat and Control Update
With the continued evolution of cyber threats, cyber preparedness must be ongoing. We’ll discuss current cyber trends, mitigating technologies, and the latest updates to help you think like a hacker and reduce your organization’s risk. Outcomes: 1) Review recent cyber breaches and identify the underlying trends, 2) Discern lessons learned and evolving controls and technologies to mitigate these risks, 3) Apply knowledge of lessons learned and suggested controls within your institution.
FACULTY: Allison Ward | Partner, and | Katie Herbert | Senior Manager | CapinTech
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LEADERSHIP INTENSIVES
Select from 3, 7-hour, 2-day intensive seminars, multi-track experiences.
Executive Leadership/Board Governance/Financial Management
1. Leader Care and the Impact on Trust
Healthy leadership is crucial to trust. This session will feature experts in board governance, financial accountability, and leader care to help your ministry have a lasting impact on the next generation. Outcomes: 1) Recognize the importance of leader care and how a ministry’s board can serve as the catalyst to building trust, 2) Leave with a clear understanding of how healthy leaders lead to healthy ministries, and 3) Define where to start when providing intentional care for leaders.
FACULTY: Michael Martin | President and CEO, and | Jake Lapp | Vice President for Member Accountability | ECFA
Personal Leadership/Executive Leadership
2. Transformative Leadership
.Identify and develop the eight key behaviors of elite ministry leaders! Our extensive behavioral research has uncovered the eight essential behaviors that set top ministry leaders apart. Join us to discover these powerful behaviors and elevate your leadership. Outcomes: 1) Harness the power and effectiveness of behavioral leadership methods, 2) Discover your unique behavioral strengths and constraints, and 3) Amplify your leadership behaviors with insanely practical tools.
FACULTY: Lyle Wells | President | Integrus Leadership
People Management and Care/Executive Leadership
3. Together is Better: Six Secrets to Interdependence
Everyone wants to experience the trust, synergy, and impact of a great team, but it is hard to find. Explore six foundations of interdependence that unlock the joy, capacity, and impact of teams. Outcomes: 1) Build trust and foster psychological safety, enabling team members to be honest and real together, 2) Create ownership and accountability that crosses "turf" lines and organizational silos, and 3) Address conventional practices and interpersonal dynamics that prevent your team from unlocking its potential.
FACULTY: Dr. Andrew Johnston | Owner | Johnston Consulting | DRJC
SEEK FIRST LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLES
These six interactive roundtables will explore important trends and create space for shared insights. They offer the opportunity to think together creatively on our “Seek First” theme as well as key trends, unique challenges, future opportunities and practical solutions. These roundtables, led primarily by Alliance board or advisory council members, are a great way to connect with peers as your start your Outcomes Conference journey. Outcomes: 1) Explore what it means to “seek first” God’s kingdom in this sphere, 2) Connect with peers to apply shared insights, and 3) Examine key future trends.
Personal Leadership
1. Seek First Leadership Roundtable: Emerging Leaders
(Ideal for next generation leaders age 30 and under.)
HOSTS: Dr. Abe Jaquez | President and CEO | Baptist University of the Americas, and | Andrea Buczynski | Leader Development - Coach/Consultant | CRU
Executive Leadership
2. Seek First Leadership Roundtable: Maestro-level Leaders
(Ideal for C-level leaders focused on legacy and succession planning.)
HOSTS: Dr. Mark C. Vincent | CCNL, Executive Advisor | Teall Vincent Enterprises, and | Kirk Kriegel | Executive Vice President | Children At Heart Ministries (plus, Maestro-level leaders cohort facilitator)
Resource Development
3. Seek First Leadership Roundtable: Resource Development
(Ideal for Christian nonprofit resource development/advancement leaders and staff.)
HOSTS: Tom MacAdam | Vice President & Senior Consultant | The FOCUS Group, and | Dr. Wes Willmer | CCNL, Author and Advancement Advisor
Marketing and Communications
4. Seek First Leadership Roundtable: Marketing and Communications
(Ideal for Christian nonprofit marketing/communications/PR professionals.)
HOSTS: Carly Berna | Director of Product Marketing | Virtuous, and | Dave Raley | Founder | Imago Consulting
Financial Management
5. Seek First Leadership Roundtable: Financial Management
(Ideal for Christian nonprofit CFO's and other finance team members.)
HOSTS: Nathan Salsbery | Partner and Executive Vice President | CapinCrouse LLP, and | Vicki VannBerstein | CEO | America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU)
People Management and Care
6. Seek First Leadership Roundtable: People Management and Care
(Ideal for Christian nonprofit HR directors and team members.)
HOSTS: Ramona Bishop | Chief Human Resources Officer | Bible Study Fellowship, and | Dr. Vicki Harris | Chief People and Culture Officer | Our Daily Bread Ministries
SPECIAL EVENTS
CEO FORUM
Cory Scheer, Founder and CEO, TrustCentric™ Consulting
Building Trust as CEOs
(designed for CEO’s/Presidents/Executive Directors – separate registration required*)
TrustCentric™ is an organizational and leadership development firm that helps leaders, teams, and organizations become more trustworthy, focused, and productive. They do so by using empirical evidence to define reality, implementing a proven trust-building framework, and developing precise, obtainable, and long-lasting data-informed strategies for success.
*When registering for The Outcomes Conference CEO’s/Presidents/Executive Directors can add CEO Forum for an additional fee of $99. (Includes CEO Forum breakfast/lunch).
MEN'S BREAKFAST
More to Come Soon!
WOMEN'S LUNCHEON
Kat Armstrong, Co-founder, The Polished Network, and Senior Director, Marketing and Content Development, Integrus Leadership
(Designed for women in Christian leadership, additional registration fee of $59 required.)
Kat Armstrong is a powerful voice in our generation. She is a sought-after Bible teacher, innovative ministry leader, and the host of the Holy Curiosity podcast.
She holds a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is pursuing a D.Min. from Houston Christian University. Kat is the author of No More Holding Back, The In-Between Place, and the Storyline Project, a six-part Bible study series.
In 2008, Kat co-founded The Polished Network to embolden women in their faith and work. She also serves as the senior director of marketing and content development for Integrus Leadership.
Kat and her husband, Aaron, have been married for 22 years and live in Dallas where Aaron serves as a lead pastor.