Come early and add Pre-Conference Workshops!
In-person only pre-conference workshops kick off Wednesday morning.
Curate your experience as you choose from over 40 ministry-specific topics designed to help you RISE to your next level of leadership. Learn and connect in a more intimate setting as you dig deep into the subjects that speak to you and gain practical tools you can apply right away!
Bonus: Enjoy authentic KC BBQ!
Justin Schoolcraft, Resurrection Leawood Adult Discipleship Director
With social isolation, political polarization, and technological innovation at an all-time high, our congregants (and ministry leaders, too) struggle to form meaningful relationships in a chaotic world. However, the cultivation of Christian relationships is an essential piece of faith formation for any person. Through experimentation, mistakes, and risks, Resurrection has found life in our small group ministry by placing the wellbeing of each group member front and center. We’ll cover casting appropriate vision, developing healthy group facilitators, and growing in fruitful outcomes – all towards the end of communities that leave places of comfort to make an impact in the world.
Lisa Toney, Hope International University
Leaders often compare themselves to others and put pressure on themselves to do everything right. This can quickly lead to discouragement, stress, burnout, and feelings of inadequacy. Learn how to grow through your mistakes, authentically release the need to measure up to others, and focus on your unique calling as a leader who is flawed but – faithful.
Scott Chrostek, Resurrection Executive Director of Ministries & Programs
Discipleship is more than a program – it’s a journey. This dynamic workshop is designed to help ministry leaders create intentional pathways that guide people in their faith from curiosity to commitment.
Sierra Glaser, Resurrection Leawood Young Adult & College Ministries Director
Lauren Cook, Resurrection Entry Points Director
Young adult ministry goes far beyond simply filling seats or pews – it’s about equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive both in life and faith. We’ll explore how church leaders can build a comprehensive ministry that empowers young adults with life skills like building relationships, developing resiliency, and engaging in conflict – practical tools that are also deeply connected to a thriving life of faith.
Lauren Cook, Resurrection Entry Points Director
Unlock the power of invitation to cultivate both evangelism and vibrant women’s ministry in your church. Discover how to build dynamic women’s groups that naturally empower women to share their faith. Explore practical strategies and real-life examples of demographic-based groups that connect women through shared interests and life stages. Learn how to equip your women to become confident inviters, building bridges to the non- and nominally religious and strengthening your church community from within.
Anne Gatobu, Resurrection Executive Director of Care & Mental Wellness
Becca Andersen, Resurrection Care Central Lead Director
Offering a space where individuals are nurtured and empowered to care for one another is central to Christian community and vital for retaining and engaging church members. However, the responsibility for care ministry shouldn’t fall solely on the pastor. Learn how embracing the Wesleyan concept of the “priesthood of all believers” and inviting lay people to serve in caring roles draws people into a deeper commitment to Christ, while ensuring no one feels forgotten or left behind. You’ll leave with strategies for building a thriving, inclusive care ministry in any church.
Gayle Fiser, Pinnacle View UMC
Betsy Snyder, Pinnacle View UMC
The human-animal bond is deeply significant to churched and non-churched people alike – people of all ages, all economic backgrounds, all races, and even across a divided society. Discover how important pets are to people – family to many – and how to be in ministry with people who love pets, may want to serve in ministry with their pets, and want to serve people in their community. Learn how pet ministry can be evangelism, pastoral care, discipleship, mission, and creation care.
Emily Stirewalt, Resurrection Silver Link Pastor
Madison Brown, Resurrection Silver Link Coordination Director
Showing up. Staying. Being present in the moment. When it comes to the frail and elderly among us, presence is your ministry. Designed for volunteers and leaders who want to connect with the oldest saints among us and make sure they feel a part of the church community, even if they are unable to be physically present.
Bethany DePugh, Resurrection Recovery Ministries Coordination Director
Jenifer Schultz, Resurrection Brookside Mission Engagement Pastor
Learn how to provide recovery support in three critical areas: individual recovery, family recovery, and harm reduction. Leave with knowledge, tools and national resources for ministry in your community. Discussion and questions are welcome as we grapple with often vexing aspects of recovery ministry!
Rebeca Chow, Resurrection Clinical Counseling & Mental Health Director
Care ministers and pastors are often a first point of contact for people facing mental health challenges. Gain practical tools for providing trauma-informed support to individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, grief, or crisis. Learn how to hold space for others, provide meaningful support without overextending yourself, and create a culture of care that fosters resilience and healing – for both your community and yourself.
Jason Gant, Resurrection Kids Lead Director
Develop a vision and strategy for reaching and engaging young families in your community. Explore what are they hoping for when it comes to connecting with faith and the church. Learn how to meet them where they are and engage them in a wholistic life of discipleship.
Emily Donigan, Resurrection Leawood Kids Nursery Director
Explore Nursery and Early Childhood spaces at Resurrection’s Leawood location. You’ll hear about programming for this age range and leave with practical ideas for your ministry.
Marna Terblanche, Resurrection Leawood Matthew’s Ministry Director
Ann Joyner, Resurrection Volunteer
From birth, to supporting special education in schools, to providing meaningful and enriching opportunities for adults with diverse abilities, you’ll be equipped to create a special needs ministry that magnifies God’s glory in your community.
Nick Ransom, Resurrection Leawood Kids Director
Volunteers are the heartbeat of any kid’s ministry! We’ll explore best practices for recruiting, training, and appreciating volunteers in your ministry.
Clif Guy, Resurrection Information Technology Lead Director
Mike Hannah, Resurrection IT Infrastructure Team Director
How will artificial intelligence transform church leadership and ministry in the coming years? Explore the broader implications of this revolutionary technology for faith communities. You’ll learn a balanced, theologically informed approach to AI that acknowledges both its remarkable potential and inherent challenges. We’ll examine how AI affects pastoral roles, administrative functions, congregational care, evangelism, and discipleship while providing practical advice to help your church navigate this technological shift with wisdom and discernment. Leave equipped to steward these powerful tools in ways that enhance your ministry effectiveness while remaining faithful to your calling and community.
Matt Miofsky, The Gathering
Churches often feel they have to decide between being evangelical and progressive; invitational and fully inclusive. But Scripture calls the church to be both. Learn the 7 qualities of a church that is both invitational and fully inclusive from a leader with tried and tested expertise. You’ll leave with practical, proven methods and ideas for how to implement them in your church. Yes, you can be progressive and evangelical, and grow because of it!
Janelle Gregory, Resurrection Human Resources Lead Director
Mary Murray, Resurrection Human Resources Specialist
According to Gallup, 70% of the variance in team engagement is determined solely by the manager. We’ll discuss how to build employee engagement by using key tools such as creating clear expectations, effective one-on-one meetings, performance reviews and more.
Dan Entwistle, Resurrection Senior Executive Director & COO
Vital churches have healthy leadership structures wired to navigate the congregation in strategic directions. Yet many churches have become accustomed to “business as usual” with boards, committees, and councils that consume energy and diminish the potential of the local church. Learn how Resurrection is governed, how we select lay people to serve in elected positions, and how we make the important distinction between the work of committees and the work of ministry teams and staff.
Matt Kelly, Resurrection Facilities & Construction Lead Director
This walking tour will give you a firsthand look behind the scenes of Resurrection’s Leawood location. You will see critical systems that make ministry possible and might even get a close-up view of the stained-glass window. There are LOTS of steps and stairs in the tour, so be prepared for some exercise.
Debi Nixon, Resurrection Executive Director of Donor Development
Gwyn Thomas, Resurrection Donor Relations Specialist
Resurrection’s Donor Development Team will share practical strategies for annual stewardship campaigns, planned giving, and special offerings – including Resurrection’s strategy of giving away 100% of the Christmas Eve offering every year. Come away with actionable ideas for inspiring a culture of generosity and growing the Kingdom impact of your church.
Stephanie Hubers, Resurrection Executive Assistant to Senior Pastor
Designed for administrative professionals and the executive leaders or pastors they support. You’ll receive practical strategies for strengthening collaboration, enhancing communication, and unlocking the full potential of both Admin and leader. Use the provided insights and tools to foster a more effective working relationship, improve productivity, streamline workflows, and create a thriving, successful ministry environment.
Lovett Weems, Lewis Center for Church Leadership
In our search for answers, we must begin with the right questions. Join one of the Church’s most revered leaders to learn what makes a question “right” and how wise questioning can transform your church. You’ll leave with a handful of crucial questions to ponder with your team back home.
Cheryl Jefferson Bell, Resurrection Community Justice Pastor
The world is changing, but Jesus’ message of love and inclusion for ALL God’s children remains steadfast. Learn how to navigate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in today’s uncertain climate.
Justin Burnett, Resurrection Leawood Mission Engagement Program Director
Learn principles for engaging people in the mission of God’s church in the world. Anchored by best practices for recruiting, onboarding, and retaining volunteers, this will also cover techniques for utilizing spiritual gifts and mitigating conflict between individuals in the church.
Cristen Summers, Resurrection Leawood Mission Engagement Program Director
Carol Cartmill, Resurrection Missions Lead Director
A collaborative discussion with church staff and volunteers on how to effectively support and engage with local public schools. We’ll explore the history of Resurrection school partnerships and share current efforts we support. We will also suggest ways your church, no matter its size, can work with your local public school to engage volunteers in mutually life-changing service and building relationships of trust.
Sheree Reece, Resurrection Global Missions Director – Africa, Asia & Haiti
Hugo Ngwira, Resurrection Global Partner
Alec Fox, Resurrection Latin America & Disaster Response Program Director
Short-term mission trips have gotten a bad rap, but are they all damaging? Personal transformation can only happen through relational investment, and we all need to be transformed. Plus, God calls us to go out into the world, not only to serve in our own neighborhoods around the U.S. But, how do we ensure we do it well? An interactive conversation with Resurrection staff and partners, along with other participants, focused on best practices for serving globally.
Mikiala Tennie, Resurrection Student Discipleship Director
You either have volunteers helping you run your ministry or you are a volunteer responsible for the ministry. What do you do? How do you care for one another and still get the job of discipling done? Discover great methods and best practices for caring for volunteers. And in the process, you will be cared for also.
Steve Schneeberger, Resurrection Students Lead Director
How do you give students agency to lead? It is more of a process than a silver bullet. Come and find out some best practices and how they might fit in your church.
Amy Fletchcer, Resurrection West Student Ministries Director
If you are new to your role in youth ministry or you are attending Leadership Institute for the first time, this may be the place for you. Learn in a roundtable format from those that have gone before you.
Todd Davidson, Resurrection Leawood Student Ministries Director
There’s more than one way to do a retreat. Discover some different methods to plan and execute meaningful experiences for students.
Steve Schneeberger, Resurrection Students Lead Director
We surveyed past participants on what they wanted to learn and/or discuss at Leadership Institute. And we may even survey you before you arrive. We’ve discovered a lot of interesting topics this way. We will use a panel and group discussion to address many of the things expressed in the survey results. And if we miss anything, shout out a topic at the end and we will talk about that, too!
Megan DelGrosso, Resurrection Leawood Student Ministries Director
Do you come to Leadership Institute and say, “Yeah. That’s fine for Resurrection. But I can’t do that at my church.” We get it. It is hard to translate activities, curriculum and best practices. We do it weekly at Resurrection in student ministry. Our smallest youth group averages 15-20 students (they used to be smaller). We have launched two youth ministries from scratch. We have nine different locations that span all sizes and configurations of youth group and Sunday School. Some don’t have enough critical mass to begin a formal youth ministry yet. So, come and find out how we translate the same activities, curriculum and best practices to fit all of the varying shapes and sizes of youth groups.
Matt Williams, Resurrection Digital Engagement Team Director
Explore how AI can amplify your church’s message while staying true to your mission AND saving you time. Be ready for hands-on learning that will give you practical skills for using AI to create meaningful content that informs, inspires, and equips your congregation in today’s digital world. Includes demonstrations, case studies, and ready-to-use, copy-and-paste prompts that you can start using immediately. Though AI can be overwhelming at first, this fast-track path will have you leveraging the power of AI to increase your effectiveness, improve your efficiency, and grow your ministry impact through AI-powered digital discipleship.
Cathy Bien, Resurrection PR & Special Projects Lead Director
In a time of fear, polarization and uncertainty, our communities need the church’s message of love and hope. Explore a variety of ways local churches can engage with their communities and model Jesus’ command to love our neighbors. From kindness campaigns to community serve days, hosted events to partnerships, we’ll share ideas and tools that you can use to empower your congregation to become the light that shines in the darkness.
Matt Williams, Resurrection Digital Engagement Team Director
Digital media is essential for your church in 2025. But, how do you manage a website, multiple social media accounts, and email newsletters with a limited budget and no staff? Learn simple but effective strategies for your website, social media, and email newsletters that don’t require technical expertise, a huge budget, or multiple staff.
Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studio
Dr. Marcia McFee will share fascinating research into the benefits for our well-being of experiencing awe. She’ll offer ideas for easy-to-curate events filled with delight and meaning such as street wisdom walks, candlelight concerts, offline clubs, longest table dinners, and more. Scientists are affirming what mystics and biblical poets knew all along – awe is good for us. In a time of heightened anxiety, we have the opportunity to curate awe-filled experiences in our churches and for the greater community that can help us not just stay alive, but be alive.
James Holt, Resurrection Video & Lighting Technical Director
Layna Shrout, Resurrection Communications Specialist
Guided tour of all the back-of-house audio, video and lighting technology in Resurrection’s Leawood sanctuary. We will end up in the control room for more detailed discussion. After that, an optional tour of the “Skybox,” lighting catwalk, and maybe even behind the art glass window…Wear comfortable walking shoes!
Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studio
Dr. Marcia McFee will share her time-tested strategies for creating and sustaining sensory-rich worship that offers unforgettable messages each and every week for churches of any size, worship style and budget. Learn how insights from filmmakers, art directors, screenwriters, composers, cinematographers, and directors have helped her hone theories and practices that attract and ignite volunteers as they gain skills for every worship art.
Sandy Thailing, Resurrection Video & Tech Production Team Director
Kersee Meyer, Resurrection Video Team Director
James Felver, Resurrection Online & Broadcast Creative Production Director
Mike Lind, Resurrection Video Producer
Join us in Studio-C as we explore our studio and answer your questions on: how to use green screen, how to light a simple interview, what tools to use for streaming, what is multi-camera live switching, and how to get better sound in your productions. Includes a hands-on demonstration of Blackmagic’s Ursa cameras and switcher.
Jason Moore, Author, Speaker and Trainer
Come away with creative tools and practices – informed by the neuroscience behind learning and memory – that will enhance the inspiration and retention of your message – whether in sermons, campaigns, leadership development, or discipleship.
Isaac Cates, Resurrection Director of Music Outreach/Worship Leader
Does your music programming feel stuck? We’ll discuss ways you can enhance and grow your music ministry by building relationships and connections across your wider community, as well as how to move past either/or thinking related to the labels of traditional and modern music. You’ll leave with practical ideas for blending multiple styles of music, using your programming as an outreach tool, and tools for developing experiences that impact the culture of your local congregation and promote volunteer growth. We’ll also share resources to help further your personal music knowledge.
This conference is brought to you by ShareChurch,
a ministry of Resurrection, a United Methodist Church,
Leawood, Kansas, U.S.A.