Upcoming Events
Our Conferences
Our annual conferences are held in October and April. These two conferences are for all ministry leaders, spouses, and key volunteers at your church. Make sure to attend these quality district-wide events! You will leave feeling connected, encouraged & better equipped for ministry.
Our Retreats
Throughout the year, we offer different retreats for FLD ministry leaders - some being specific to ministry areas. Our heart is to have every ministry leader leaving our retreats feeling encouraged, refreshed, and renewed to carry out the Lord’s work to which they have been called.
FLD Affinity Networks
Throughout the year, we provide different opportunities for you to connect with others in your ministry area. In these networks, you have the opportunity to learn best practices and build meaningful relationships! Contact us to learn more about your affinity network!
Check out our Benefits of Affiliation resource guide to see a list of our Forest Lakes District events!
FLD Fall Ministry Leaders Conference
In a culture where power and authority often overshadow care, empathy, and love, we will explore a refreshing take on what real leadership looks like. It's not just about titles, systems or techniques…it’s about leading from the inside out. If you're ready to lead with more purpose, depth, and authenticity, this is an event for you. Let’s rediscover what it means to LOVE THOSE YOU LEAD.
Link to registration is located at the bottom of this page!
Before you register, please read through our workshop and affinity group options!
Matt has served in local Church ministry for over 30 years. He has authored three books: A Normal Guy, Joy for the Journey and Living with Passion. He is a coach to several pastors and has been featured on multiple TV shows including Cornerstone TV, Babbie's House and guest on several radio programs. He is a speaker at retreats, conferences and seminars. He is the Senior Pastor at Faith Evangelical Free Church is Stanley, Wisconsin. He enjoys coaching sports, reading, and helping his beautiful bride Cyndy for 33 years and is the father to four grown children.
BEFORE REGISTERING, please read through the descriptions to determine which workshops would be best for you! If there are several that you would like to attend, don’t worry, we will have recordings of all the sessions available after the conference!
Take Your Teamwork to the Next Level- The 6 Types of Working Genius
(Brian Burquest)
This workshop offers a practical approach for boosting self-awareness, maximizing individual impact, and fostering high-performing teams. Dig deeper into understanding your gifts and frustrations so you can better experience fulfillment and dignity in your ministry!
This workshop builds off the knowledge of the Working Genuis Assessment from Patrick Lencioni. If you have not yet taken the assessment, you can do so here for a small fee! Brian will be notified and connect with you about your results!
Beyond the Meal Train - A Care Ministries Panel
What could it look like to become a church who cares well for those who are grieving, struggling and in need? Come and hear from a panel of ministry leaders who bring years of experience in training, equipping and unleashing the church to care well for one another on not only physical level, but spiritually and emotionally!
Leading Through Trials (Matt Miklasz)
The journey of leadership is not a leisurely stroll along a paved road; it’s a rugged trek filled with trials, uncertainty, fear, and obstacles. In this workshop, we delve into the heart of leading those you love with a resilience mindset, exploring how leaders can view trials not as impediments, but as opportunities for growth and transformation.
Effective Communication with Your Team & Church (Andy Shanholtz)
As a Ministry Leader have you encountered the blank stares of your team when you are trying to generate conversation and feedback? You are not alone. We will identify our communication channel and learn how to bridge the gap with your staff and congregation. We will also discuss effective listening techniques and identify the missing link to effective communication.
Leading Safe Churches: Prevention and Response Best Practices (Mike Sloan, Grace Ministries)
This workshop, led by Mike Sloan of G.R.A.C.E. (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment), equips church leaders to further a culture of protection for the vulnerable, rooted in Christian Faith, rather than institutional preservation. Through interactive scenarios, we will learn about implementing safeguarding best practices, including policies that are both accessible and effective. Mike is a former pastor with 15 years of experience training and consulting with churches on abuse prevention and response best practices.
Rightly Dividing the Word: Building Your Hermeneutical Toolkit (Andrew Gutberlet)
In an age of biblical confusion and cultural complexity, faithful teaching begins with faithful interpretation. This session will equip younger church leaders with a robust framework for studying and teaching God’s Word with accuracy, depth, and confidence. We’ll explore an essential triad for faithful interpretation (a historical, literary, Christocentric approach) and walk through practical tools to help you rightly handle the Word of Truth. Whether you're prepping sermons, leading Bible studies, or discipling others, this breakout will sharpen your hermeneutical approach and help you build a toolkit for lifelong biblical faithfulness.
The Sermon Snapshot: Actionable Feedback for Every Communicator on Your Team (Ryan Morrison)
Your Church has probably never heard you at your best. Not because you don’t work hard, but because you don’t have a reliable system for feedback.
How do you know if your teaching is both biblically accurate and deeply relevant?
What blind spots might be quietly eroding your credibility?
If you could grow in just one skill that would make an immediate difference in your preaching, would you know where to start?
Join us for a practical conversation on how busy leaders can get the honest, actionable feedback they need to take their teaching to the next level.
Ministry Meets Mental Health: How to Walk with People Through Anxiety, Depression, and More (Adam Mollica)
Ministry leaders are often the first people someone turns to when facing anxiety, depression, or other mental health struggles. This workshop equips you to respond with clarity, compassion, and gospel-centered wisdom—offering meaningful care without overextending your role. You’ll also learn when and how to make a trusted referral to professional help.
Living Life at the Intersection of Loving God & Loving People (John Gerhardt, Urban Impact)
This workshop draws on 34 years of ministry experience in the inner city of New Orleans. Join us as we explore what it looks like to live at the intersections of race, politics, age, and gender. We will look to scripture regarding Christ’s life, which involved navigating complex cultural and social intersections, as a case study for addressing these challenges. We will also explore community engagement, specifically focusing on fostering local leadership, reflecting practices that Urban Impact has implemented for decades.
A highlight of many at the Forest Lakes conferences is the Affinity Network time. This time is designed to connect ministry leaders with other in their ministry space. It's possible that you may be feeling the loneness that ministry can bring, this time is designed for you to find others to walk alongside you!
Best practices are shared, brainstorming takes place, and most importantly, connections are made. Our prayer is that the connections made during this time will continue beyond the conference.
OUR AFFINITY NETWORKS-
Hispanic / Cosecha Network
Office Administrators
Finance / HR / Operations
Associate Pastors/Directors/Adult Ministry
Campus/Multi-Site Pastors
Children & Family Ministry Leaders
Chuch Planters
Elders & Other Lay Leaders
Executive Pastors/Directors
Interim Pastors
Missions & Community Partnerships
Multiple Staff Senior Pastors (over 400)
Multiple Staff Senior Pastors (under 400)
Solo Pastors
Student Ministry Leaders
Women's Ministry
Worship
Tech Leaders
Communications
Church Planter Wives
Pastor’s Wives
Young Adults/College Ministry
Small Group/Life Group Directors
Assimilation Teams / Welcome / Connection Team
Care Ministries
Partnership Ministries - Self Led
Discipleship Ministries / Spiritual Formation
FULL DAY SCHEDULE
7:00 - Partner Booth Setup
8:00 - 9:00 am REGISTRATION OPENS
9:00 - 10:30 am FIRST SESSION
10:30 - 10:45 am BUSINESS MEETING
10:45 - 11:15 am BREAK
11:15 - 12:30 pm WORKSHOPS
12:30 - 2:30 pm LUNCH w/ AFFINITY NETWORKS
2:30 - 2:45 pm BREAK
2:45-4:00 pm SECOND SESSION
_________________________________________
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION DATES & COSTS-
Early Bird Rates: July 28th - August 12th ($109)
Standard Rates: August 13th - September 24th ($129)
Group Rates (2+) - July 28th - September 24th ($109)
Late registration starts: September 25th October 1st ($139)
Registration Closes: October 2nd
_________________________________________
LUNCH OPTIONS-
When registering, you will be able to select one of these three options:
REGULAR
GLUTEN FREE
VEGITARIAN
_________________________________________
LODGING-
TBD
Who Is This Conference For?
The FLD Ministry Leaders Fall Conference is for everyone who is on staff or is a key leader at your church! Each of you play an extremely important role in the mission God has in our district.
If you are married, please know your spouse is encouraged and invited to attend! We know that your spouse is your biggest encourager and supporter. They are equally a part of the FLD Family, and we would love to have them there with you!
How Do I Become A Ministry Partner?
We do have ministry partner booths at the conference. However, there is limited availability. To inquire, please apply to be a partner with us here! After you have done that, email Steph at sberg@forestlakes-efca.org.
Once the application has been received, our FLD Executive team will either approve or deny your application based on the criteria we have set. We are seeking ministries affiliated with the EFCA to be at our conferences.
Please note: All people at your table will need to register for the conference.
Momentum
This invite-only event is for EFCA student ministry pastors leading middle school or high school ministries that are consistently engaging 100 or more students.
Renewal
Renewal is a weekend retreat designed for EFCA youth workers and their spouses to connect with God and with one another. This is a retreat, not a training conference, which is reflected by the schedule and the speaker.
Refresh
REFRESH is a retreat designed for EFCA Senior Pastors and their spouses to get away to be refreshed in their marriages and ministries. The worship gatherings, schedule and environment are all designed to encourage long-term, healthy ministry for senior pastors and their spouses.
THIS YEAR’S THEME: RESILIENT JOY
Ministry is beautiful—but it’s also hard. For pastors and their wives, the weight of leadership, expectations, and spiritual warfare can feel overwhelming. That’s why “Refresh” exists: to offer space, truth, and encouragement for those called to serve the local church. This year’s theme, Resilient Joy, draws from 1 Peter and speaks directly to those who are tired, discouraged, or on the brink of burnout.
Together, we’ll explore how to maintain perspective by remembering who we are in Christ, embrace the tension of trials that are temporary, sad, and yet deeply productive, and anticipate triumph by living today in the victory Christ has already secured. Through worship, teaching, and fellowship, you’ll be reminded that joy isn’t the absence of hardship—it’s the presence of Jesus in the midst of it. Come be refreshed. Come be reminded. Come be renewed.
Andy Kvernen is our speaker this year!
____________
The FLD is paying
$400 of the $749 registration fee!
(Airfare not included)
BE SURE TO READ ALL THE REGISTRATION INFO IN THE LINK BELOW!
DISTRICTS YOUTH CONFERENCE
The DISTRICTS Youth Conference is held every January with the purpose of bringing youth groups from Wisconsin together to worship, grow, connect & serve together.
We desire for DYC to be a plug and play conference experience where your students can grow deeper in relationship with God & their community. Our heart is to come along side you as a ministry leader in the discipleship & growth of your students!
YLC (Youth Leader Conference)
The Blackhawk Youth Leader Conference (YLC) exists to equip, energize, and connect people serving in youth ministry. The conference is designed for teams (staff and volunteers) to learn, grow, and connect with each other and across churches and ministries. Join us as we create space together to be encouraged and united in our mission to love and lead students to know and follow Jesus.
________________________________
What’s new?
Thanks to participant feedback, we’ve made a handful of changes to improve the conference.
Shorter general sessions because you care most about the breakouts. We've restructured the day to focus more on targeted training built with youth ministry teams in mind.
Morning format so you can grab lunch as a team & enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Lower price because this format costs us less & we’re not trying to build a business over here.
Mid-January date so we’ve all got some quality months remaining in the school year to put what we learn into practice.
REGISTRATION BEGINS IN OCTOBER, SO MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Early Bird Pricing: $16
OASIS Ministry Leader Retreat
A TIME OF CONNECTION & REST FOR MINISTRY LEADERS.
If you have been in ministry for any amount of time, you know the importance of creating margin. In the FLD, we care about you and your mental, emotional & spiritual health. That is why Oasis exists! Join us for a time of rest, community, worship & encouragement.
****Oasis has historically been a spouse retreat. This has now changed!
We welcome all ministry leaders. ***
Cost- $90 Per Night
Where- Hilton Garden Inn, Wausau, WI
When- February 2-4, 2025
If registering as a couple, please register for one (as the registration is for the hotel room). You will fill out information within registration for your spouse.
If registering solo, please feel the freedom to ask a friend or fellow ministry leader to join you! If you are going to be sharing the room and splitting the cost, please only register ONE of you. There is a place for you to enter the second person’s info within the registration!
Childcare Cost: $10 Per Child *We highly recommend setting this time aside for just you and your spouse, but if needed, child care is provided for the sessions only*
Schedule-
Sunday
3:00-9:00 CHECK-IN TO YOUR ROOM & MEETING ROOM OPEN
Monday
7:00-9:00 BREAKFAST (HILTON GARDEN)
9:00-10:00 REGISTRATION
10:00-12:00 SESSION 1
12:00-1:00 LUNCH (HILTON GARDEN)
1:00-4:00 FREE TIME
4:00-6:00 DINNER (ON YOUR OWN)
6:30-8:00 SESSION 2
8:30 EVENING OPTIONS
Tuesday
7:00-9:00 BREAKFAST (HILTON GARDEN)
9:00-10:45 SESSION 3
10:45-11:15 CHECK OUT
11:30 LUNCH TOGETHER (LOCATION TBD)
EFCA ONE
EFCA One is the biennial national conference of the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA). We come together, grow together and worship together at EFCA One as pastors, ministry leaders, missionaries and more affirm and encourage one another to fulfill our mission.
FLD Spring Ministry Leaders Conference
We are excited to dive in and examine what truly defines a HEALTHY LEADER! In our call from God to make disciples, we need to develop as a disciple ourselves, pursue healthy spiritual habits, exemplify humility & so much more. Join us as we dive in and learn more about the MARKS OF A HEALTHY LEADER!
History, Theology and Polity Course
The EFCA History, Theology and Polity course is considered the baseline for any/all of the credentials in the EFCA. If one desires to minister in the EFCA and be licensed and eventually receive their Certificate of Ordination or Certificate of Christian Ministry, this material is mandatory.
Youth Leader Conference
The Blackhawk Youth Leader Conference (YLC) exists to accomplish three things: to equip, energize, and connect people serving in youth ministry. The conference is designed for teams (staff and volunteers) to learn, grow, and connect with each other and across churches and ministries. Join us as we create space together to be encouraged and united in our mission to love and lead students to know and follow Jesus.
We design the day around encouraging messages and worship, as well as a diverse range of breakout topics like Understanding Younger Generations, Self Care for Leaders, How to Pastor Anxious Teens, A Practical Theology of Multicultural Ministry, and more.
Registration to come!
OASIS Ministry Leader Retreat
A TIME OF CONNECTION & REST FOR MINISTRY LEADERS.
If you have been in ministry for any amount of time, you know the importance of creating margin. In the FLD, we care about you and your mental, emotional & spiritual health. That is why Oasis exists! Join us for a time of rest, community, worship & encouragement.
We will be hearing from Andy Kvernen as he shares about pursuing RESILIENT JOY!
(1 Peter 1:6–9)
****Oasis has historically been a spouse retreat. This has now changed!
We welcome all ministry leaders. ***
Cost- $90 Per Night
Where- Hilton Garden Inn, Wausau, WI
When- February 2-4, 2025
If registering as a couple, please register for one (as the registration is for the hotel room). You will fill out information within registration for your spouse.
If registering solo, please feel the freedom to ask a friend or fellow ministry leader to join you! If you are going to be sharing the room and splitting the cost, please only register ONE of you. There is a place for you to enter the second person’s info within the registration!
Childcare Cost: $10 Per Child *We highly recommend setting this time aside for just you and your spouse, but if needed, child care is provided for the sessions only*
Schedule-
Sunday
3:00-9:00 CHECK-IN TO YOUR ROOM & MEETING ROOM OPEN
Monday
7:00-9:00 BREAKFAST (HILTON GARDEN)
9:00-10:00 REGISTRATION
10:00-12:00 SESSION 1
12:00-1:00 LUNCH (HILTON GARDEN)
1:00-4:00 FREE TIME
4:00-6:00 DINNER (ON YOUR OWN)
6:30-8:00 SESSION 2
8:30 EVENING OPTIONS
Tuesday
7:00-9:00 BREAKFAST (HILTON GARDEN)
9:00-10:45 SESSION 3
10:45-11:15 CHECK OUT
11:30 LUNCH TOGETHER (LOCATION TBD)
EFCA Renewal Youth Ministry Leaders/Spouse Retreat
Renewal is a four-day retreat designed for EFCA youth workers and their spouses to get away to reconnect with God, one another, their calling and their identity. While this retreat is designed for youth workers and their spouses, all EFCA youth workers are welcome. The worship gatherings, schedule and environment are all designed to facilitate these “renewal reconnections.” Our desire is to encourage long-term, healthy student ministries by ministering to the youth workers.
Cost is $725 - The FLD Student Ministries will cover $400 towards the cost of the trip. After you pay, submit a receipt to me (rweise@forestlakes-efca.org) with your name and address. We will send a check your way!
FLD Refresh - Senior Pastors & Wives Retreat
REFRESH is a retreat designed for EFCA Senior Pastors and their spouses to get away to be refreshed in their marriages and ministries. The worship gatherings, schedule and environment are all designed to encourage long-term, healthy ministry for senior pastors and their spouses.
For the first 25 couples who register, The FLD will pay for $400 of the $725 registration fee. (Airfare not included)
In our sessions, you will experience prayer, worship, and the opportunity to interact and minister with and to one another. Brian and Kathy Berg, newly retired from Woodlands Church, will be our speakers this year. Their message will encourage, equip and breathe life into your life and ministry.
Your afternoons are free to lay by the pool, sight-see, have lunch with new friends or simply reflect and rest.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Email rweise@forestlakes-efca.org with questions.
THE NEAREST AIRPORTS ARE-
• Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 36.3 km / 22.5 mi (Preferred airport for Sheraton Sand Key Resort)
• St. Petersburg-Clearwater Intl. Airport (PIE) - 20.6 km / 12.8 mi
• St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted) - 39.8 km / 24.7 mi
• Tampa, FL (TPF-Peter O. Knight) - 48.5 km / 30.2 mi
FLD Fall Ministry Leaders Conference
We are excited to dive in and examine what truly defines a HEALTHY LEADER! In our call from God to make disciples, we need to develop as a disciple ourselves, pursue healthy spiritual habits, exemplify humility & so much more. Join us as we dive in and learn more about the MARKS OF A HEALTHY LEADER!
FLD Spring Ministry Leaders Conference
We are excited to dive in and examine what truly defines a HEALTHY LEADER! In our call from God to make disciples, we need to develop as a disciple ourselves, pursue healthy spiritual habits, exemplify humility & so much more. Join us as we dive in and learn more about the MARKS OF A HEALTHY LEADER!
OASIS Ministry Staff & Spouse Retreat
A TIME OF CONNECTION FOR MINISTRY LEADERS & THEIR SPOUSE.
Cost- $90 per night, per couple
Where- Hilton Garden Inn, Wausau, WI
When- February 2 - 5, 2025
Join for a time of connection and encouragement with other ministry leader couples & your spouse! We will gather for worship, fun & encouragement from Brian & Tiffani Schley from Faith Church in Manitowoc. Our schedule prioritizes margin for rest, connection & free time!
IMPORTANT NOTE -
WHEN YOU REGISTER, ONLY REGISTER ONE PERSON PER COUPLE.
(OR YOU WILL PAY TWICE)YOU MAY ENTER SPOUSE INFORMATION UNDER THE ‘REGISTRATION QUESTIONS’ TAB.
Schedule-
Sunday
3:00-9:00 CHECK-IN TO YOUR ROOM & MEETING ROOM OPEN
Monday
7:00-9:00 BREAKFAST (HILTON GARDEN)
9:00-10:00 REGISTRATION
10:00-12:00 SESSION 1
12:00-1:00 LUNCH (HILTON GARDEN)
1:00-4:00 FREE TIME
4:00-6:00 DINNER (ON YOUR OWN)
6:30-8:00 SESSION 2
8:30 EVENING OPTIONS
Tuesday
7:00-9:00 BREAKFAST (HILTON GARDEN)
9:00-10:45 SESSION 3
10:45-11:15 CHECK OUT
11:30 LUNCH TOGETHER (LOCATION TBD)
**We highly recommend setting this time aside for just you and your spouse, but if needed, child care is provided for the sessions only. $10 per child.**
DISTRICTS Youth Conference
The DISTRICTS Youth Conference is held every January with the purpose of bringing youth groups from the Evangelical Free Church of America’s (EFCA) Forest Lakes Districts (FLD) together to grow in their relationship with Christ.
DISTRICTS is a growth level conference with outreach potential, where the gospel is clearly presented. This plug and play event for students in Junior & Senior High challenges and equips students to live on mission with God and take the next step in their relationship with God.
The goal of this conference is to create an environment through large group rallies & seminars where students can experience God together and have adult leaders who can walk alongside of their students as they go home.
We offer afternoon seminars that address four specific purposes for students to choose from: Equip, Grow, Stretch & Hot Topics.
Additionally, prayer is a central part of the weekend. It saturates everything we do.
FLD Refresh - Senior Pastors & Wives Retreat
REFRESH is a retreat designed for EFCA Senior Pastors and their spouses to get away to be refreshed in their marriages and ministries. The worship gatherings, schedule and environment are all designed to encourage long-term, healthy ministry for senior pastors and their spouses.
For the first 25 couples who register, The FLD will pay for $400 of the $699 registration fee for Senior Pastors to attend. (Airfare not included)
In our sessions you will experience prayer, worship and the opportunity to interact and minister with and to one another. Our speaker will focus on speaking life into your soul. This is not a training conference. It is a renewal conference. The wisest man to ever live, King Solomon, spoke these words to his son in Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” There are times the wisest and most responsible thing we can do for our own souls and ministries is to focus some deliberate attention on our hearts.
Your afternoons are free to lay by the pool, sight-see, have lunch with new friends or simply reflect and rest.
Email Lindsey at ldovichi@forestlakes-efca.org with questions.
THE NEAREST AIRPORTS ARE-
• Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 36.3 km / 22.5 mi (Preferred airport for Sheraton Sand Key Resort)
• St. Petersburg-Clearwater Intl. Airport (PIE) - 20.6 km / 12.8 mi
• St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted) - 39.8 km / 24.7 mi
• Tampa, FL (TPF-Peter O. Knight) - 48.5 km / 30.2 mi
FLD Fall Ministry Leaders Conference
Join together with the rest of the Forest Lakes District as we hear from Paul Miller, author of “A Praying Church: Becoming a people of Hope in a Discouraging World.” Together, lets reinvigorate our hearts for prayer over our lives and our churches!
History, Theology and Polity Course
The EFCA History, Theology and Polity course is considered the baseline for any/all of the credentials in the EFCA. If one desires to minister in the EFCA and be licensed and eventually receive their Certificate of Ordination or Certificate of Christian Ministry, this material is mandatory. In the past this class was only offered at our EFCA seminary, so all those who desired to minister in the EFCA and who did not attend our seminary were required to meet this requirement through an independent study. We now offer the class in an intensive two-day format in other locations. We believe there is much to be gained in a class setting versus the independent study format.
This class will be offered in-person and online.
FLD Spring Ministry Leaders Conference
We are excited to dive in and examine what truly defines a HEALTHY LEADER! In our call from God to make disciples, we need to develop as a disciple ourselves, pursue healthy spiritual habits, exemplify humility & so much more. Join us as we dive in and learn more about the MARKS OF A HEALTHY LEADER!
History, Theology and Polity Course
The EFCA History, Theology and Polity course is considered the baseline for any/all of the credentials in the EFCA. If one desires to minister in the EFCA and be licensed and eventually receive their Certificate of Ordination or Certificate of Christian Ministry, this material is mandatory. In the past this class was only offered at our EFCA seminary, so all those who desired to minister in the EFCA and who did not attend our seminary were required to meet this requirement through an independent study. We now offer the class in an intensive two-day format in other locations. We believe there is much to be gained in a class setting versus the independent study format.
This class will be offered in-person and online.
OASIS Ministry Staff & Spouse Retreat
A time of connection for Ministry Leaders
& their spouse!
Cost- $85 per night per couple
Where- Hilton Garden Inn, Wausau, WI
When- January 29-31, 2023
***50 SPOTS AVAILABLE***
Join for a time of connection and encouragement with other ministry leader couples & your spouse! You will be hearing from Jon & Kim Payne who have been navigating life and ministry for over 30 years. Jon is the Superintendent of the Forest Lakes District, and Kim is the Operations Director of a financial firm in their hometown of Wausau, WI. We know you will leave encouraged and refreshed!
Schedule-
Sunday
3:00-9:00 CHECK-IN TO YOUR ROOM & MEETING ROOM OPEN
Monday
7:00-9:00 BREAKFAST (HILTON GARDEN)
9:00-10:00 REGISTRATION
10:00-12:00 SESSION 1
12:00-1:00 LUNCH (HILTON GARDEN)
1:00-4:00 FREE TIME
4:00-6:00 DINNER (ON YOUR OWN)
6:30-8:00 SESSION 2
8:30 EVENING OPTIONS
Tuesday
7:00-9:00 BREAKFAST (HILTON GARDEN)
9:00-10:45 SESSION 3
10:45-11:15 CHECK OUT
11:30 LUNCH TOGETHER (LOCATION TBD)
**We highly recommend setting this time aside for just you and your spouse, but if needed, child care is provided for the sessions only. $10 per family.**
DISTRICTS Youth Conference
The DISTRICTS Youth Conference is held every January with the purpose of bringing youth groups from the Evangelical Free Church of America’s (EFCA) Forest Lakes Districts (FLD) together to grow in their relationship with Christ.
DISTRICTS is a growth level conference with outreach potential, where the gospel is clearly presented. This plug and play event for students in Junior & Senior High challenges and equips students to live on mission with God and take the next step in their relationship with God.
The goal of this conference is to create an environment through large group rallies & seminars where students can experience God together and have adult leaders who can walk alongside of their students as they go home.
We offer afternoon seminars that address four specific purposes for students to choose from: Equip, Grow, Stretch & Hot Topics.
Additionally, prayer is a central part of the weekend. It saturates everything we do.
FLD Refresh - Senior Pastors & Wives Retreat
REFRESH is a retreat designed for EFCA Senior Pastors and their spouses to get away to be refreshed in their marriages and ministries. The worship gatherings, schedule and environment are all designed to encourage long-term, healthy ministry for senior pastors and their spouses.
For the first 25 couples who register, The FLD will pay for $400 of the $650 registration fee for Senior Pastors to attend. (Airfare not included)
In our sessions you will experience prayer, worship and the opportunity to interact and minister with and to one another. Our speaker will focus on speaking life into your soul. This is not a training conference. It is a renewal conference. The wisest man to ever live, King Solomon, spoke these words to his son in Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” There are times the wisest and most responsible thing we can do for our own souls and ministries is to focus some deliberate attention on our hearts.
Your afternoons are free to lay by the pool, sight-see, have lunch with new friends or simply reflect and rest.
TO REGISTER-
Email Nancy at nweise@forestlakes-efca.org
THE NEAREST AIRPORTS ARE-
• Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 36.3 km / 22.5 mi (Preferred airport for Sheraton Sand Key Resort)
• St. Petersburg-Clearwater Intl. Airport (PIE) - 20.6 km / 12.8 mi
• St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted) - 39.8 km / 24.7 mi
• Tampa, FL (TPF-Peter O. Knight) - 48.5 km / 30.2 mi
FLD Student & Family Ministry Leaders Training
If you are involved in Student Ministries, or are a Children’s Ministry pastor or leader, you are in invited to join us for the SFMT Training. This training is designed for both staff and volunteers with the hope of facilitating connection, as well as bring relevant training on topics that we all face in these ministry areas! Join us for worship, connection time, and learning!
(LINK TO REGISTER AT THE BOTTOM)
WORKSHOP OPTIONS
Helping Teens Face Sexuality & Gender Issues with Truth and Love - Ryan Groshek
Everywhere you look it seems like issues surrounding gender and sexuality are on people’s minds and are the focus of conversation. Most of our teens know someone who is gay or trans, and some are wrestling with these issues themselves. Yet, so often in the church we either often avoid this topic or rail against unnamed activists and agendas. During this seminar, we’ll be talking about how to think Biblically about Homosexuality (or Same-sex attraction) and Transgenderism, how to talk about it with our students, how to talk about it with those who disagree, and ways to love those who consider themselves a part of the LGBTQIA Community.
Counseling & Caring for students that are dealing with Stress and Anxiety - Jarrod Stichter
Mental health continues to be a challenge for students today - and all signs show this problem isn't going anywhere. This seminar designed to be a mix of teaching as well as round-table discussion so we can learn from one another in the areas of counseling and coming alongside of students in the areas of anxiety, stress management, and other mental health concerns. We will look at today's most recent stats, best-practices, as well as encourage one another in this area as we learn together.
Building a Student-Led Worship Ministry in Youth Group - Bryan Niemeyer
Do you have a youth group that passionately engages in worship? Students that have a heart of worship and are willing to lead their peers before the throne? Working with students to build a youth-led worship team can be filled with frustration, challenges, discipleship, skill/spiritual growth, joy, and hopefully youth who “get it.” In this workshop, we’ll explore ways to start and grow a healthy youth-led worship ministry.
How to train your leaders to be good small group leaders - Jimmy Bero
Students need space to laugh, connect, and have meaningful conversations about life’s biggest questions. Small Group Leaders create and facilitate this space. We need to train and care for volunteers in a way that shapes them to love and lead students in their faith journey. We need to pastor them so that they can pastor students. This workshop will explore both the philosophical and practical elements of what it means to be a good small group leader, equipping you to raise up volunteers who embody the love and grace of Jesus in the lives of students, walking alongside them as they grow in their confidence of who they are, where they belong, and what they were made for.
Preparing and delivering a message that connects with students - Brian Schley
We want to have the greatest impact we can on our students. My goal is that you leave this training with a nugget you can take home that will make you a more effective preacher. For those who do not have a defined process for how to set up a message, or would like to understand a different way to work through a text, we will talk through a process of how to prepare a sermon. We will also talk about engaging our students by the way we communicate His Word.
Building a Discipleship Culture in Student Ministries - Jed Haas
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” - Peter Drucker. Thinking through a great strategy is very important. The end goal is creating a powerful and empowering culture. This is the way to lead your ministry to be part of a disciplemaking movement that can multiply disciples in your ministry, your church, and beyond. As you know, you are preparing youth to multiply disciples for generations as college students, co-workers, parents, future church leaders, and beyond. You get seven years max, maybe a few more if they stick around locally. Join the conversation with me about how to create a disciplemaking culture in your student ministry.
Ask The Hard Questions: How to Utilize Christian Apologetics in Student Ministry - Andrew Gutberlet
One Hope Research recently released a 54-page report on religious attitudes and behaviors of teenagers in the United State. In this study, they found that 51% of teens (ages 13-19) identify as Christian. However, the research also revealed that only 8% of those who identified as “Christian” would classify as a “committed Christian” who upholds a biblical worldview. From this research, we can conclude that the majority of teens are graduating from student ministries without a firmly grounded and fully formed biblical worldview. In this session, we will seek to establish that apologetics (defending one’s faith) is a vital aspect of student ministries, overview the types of apologetic topics that are most relevant to Gen Z, and demonstrate how to effectively teach apologetics in a student ministry setting.
EVENT DETAILS
SCHEDULE
9:00am - Registration/Snacks
9:30am - Opening/Worship/Resources
10:00am - Workshop #1 - Six Options
11:00am - Break
11:30am - DISTRICTS Youth Conference Update
12:00pm - Lunch
1:00pm - Workshop #2 - Six Options
2:00pm - Training Ends
TICKET COST
Early Registration - $25
Standard Registration Fee - $35
Late Registration Fee - $45
Group Rate (3 or more) - $20/person
REGISTER NOW!
EFCA Worship Leader Gathering
The EFCA Worship Leader Gathering is designed to encourage biblical and gospel-centered worship in churches across our nation by ministering to those who lead. Join us for this year’s gathering for fellowship, peer learning, times of worship and discipleship, and to be encouraged in your current season in ministry.
Who’s invited?
Full-time, part-time, and volunteer worship pastors, directors and leaders in EFCA churches.
Cost
FREE. Attendees are responsible for their travel, lodging, and Tuesday dinner. Optional suggested donation to offset guest speaker costs.
FLD Fall Ministry Leaders Conference
God calls His Church to be a beacon of Christ-centered unity and community in a hurting world. More than ever, ministry leaders are feeling the need for support and "togetherness" as they navigate issues of today. Join us as we explore and experience what true encouragement, unity and connecting relationships can look like across our churches and ministries. We are truly BETTER TOGETHER!
EFCA Challenge Youth Conference
MORE THAN A CONFERENCE
Challenge is the EFCA’s biennial national gathering for students entering 7th grade through completion of 12th grade.
We are committed to helping you plant and water the gospel among the next generation. We want students to experience the joy of knowing Jesus and helping others do the same.
Challenge blends aspects of a conference, a mission trip and camp to create a catalytic environment that moves beyond the mountaintop moment to building missional momentum within your group.
As one youth leader explained: “The afternoon experiences help us as a group to learn together either through training, outreach or recreation. Learning side-by-side and experientially at the same time is a greenhouse atmosphere for healthy disciplemaking relationship growth.”