Monday, November 17, 2025

Workshops Session #1 | 8:00 AM

The Church and Minister Checklist

Presented by Kristen Ray, Controller, Texas Baptists

We love God by obeying our governing authorities. This checklist helps churches and ministers with compliance with tax law so nothing falls through the cracks.

When God Calls: Overcoming the Fears of Transition

Presented by Aaron Summers, Coordinator of Pastorless Churches, Center for Ministerial Health, Texas Baptists

There are 5 main fears of transition for pastors, staff and churches. We will provide the courageous actions needed to overcome the barriers fear establishes.

Thriving Churches in Small Towns & Rural Communities

Presented by Ruben Castillo, Pastor, Bayside Community Church, Ovilla; Albert Walker, Pastor, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Mathis; Ira Antoine, Director, Bivocational Ministry, Center for Ministerial Health, Texas Baptists

An interactive time offering small town or rural churches practical strategies and insights to help you effectively reach your community and make a lasting impact.

Loving Your Neighbor by Sharing the Gospel Compassionately

Presented by Gary Stidham, Director of Training, Center for Collegiate Ministry, Texas Baptists

Learn simple strategies for unleashing the power of personal evangelism in yourself and your church through clear, compassionate, gospel-saturated conversations. 

Texas Baptists Indemnity Program - How's it going

Presented by Craig Christina, Associate Executive Director; Ward Hayes, CFO/Treasurer; Texas Baptists 

An update on our captive insurance launch and plans for the year ahead. Find out how you can join and what you can expect!

Texas Baptists: Beautifully Diverse

Presented by Mark Heavener, Director, Intercultural Ministries, Center for Cultural Engagement, Texas Baptists

Exploring case studies of partnerships with Texas Baptists Intercultural Churches while thinking about the what if’s of “we can do more together” for the Kingdom.

Discipleship Resources for All Ages

Presented by Cory Liebrum, Jennifer Howington and Kurt Krodle, Discipleship & NextGen Team, Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists

Most churches are searching for ways to develop their leadership pipeline. Learn to equip ministry leaders with the Discipleship Collective resources Texas Baptists provides for leaders of all ages.

Ministering to Those in Our Pews who Struggle with LGBTQ+ Related Issues

Presented by David Sanchez, Associate Director, Ethics And Justice, Christian Life Commission, Texas Baptists

This workshop will provide ministers and lay people with biblically-based principles, tools and resources to help those who struggle with same-sex attraction / gender identity issues.

Workshops Session #2 | 2:00 PM

Special Needs Ministry and Your Church

Presented by Jennifer Howington, Associate Director & Childhood Ministry Specialist, Discipleship & NextGen Team, Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists 

Did you know that individuals with disabilities and their families are the largest unreached population in our churches and communities?  Families with special needs often feel unseen and isolated, even within the church. Join us for a panel discussion with ministry leaders across the state as we discuss ways in which the church can create a culture of inclusion and acceptance with a holistic approach to serving families with disabilities.

Community Ministry: Living a Missional Life at Home and Beyond

Presented by David Scott, Director of BOUNCE; Leah McMullen, Missional Church/Community Ministry Specialist; Center for Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists

We will explore the practical “why’s” and “how’s” of missional living at home, at church and beyond through community ministry involvement and mission trips.

Espere Transformar al Mundo

Presented by Rolando Rodriguez, Director, Texas Baptists en Español, Texas Baptists

Como Iglesia, debemos entender que el camino para llegar a ser una Iglesia saludable radica en dirigirse hacia el interior y luego extenderse hacia el exterior: hacia la comunidad.

Culturally Intelligent Churches and Ministries: Reaching and Discipling All Nations

Presented by Joyce Porto, Missional Lifestyle Strategist for Multicultural, WMU of Texas; Shirley Porto, Global Partnership Associate, Baptist World Alliance

Through interactive activities and practical exercises, participants will learn strategies for building culturally intelligent ministries to reach the cultures for Christ in their surrounding communities.

Sexual Abuse Prevention – An Effective Safety System

Presented by Gregory Love, Founder/CEO, MinistrySafe, Ft Worth; Olga Harris, Director, Counseling Services, Center for Ministerial Health, Texas Baptists 

Child sexual abuse prevention happens at the church-level. Learn about MinistrySafe's 5-Part Safety System, which includes Sexual Abuse Awareness Training, Skillful Screening Processes, Appropriate Background Checks, Tailored Policies & Procedures and Monitoring & Oversight.  

Principles for Growing Your Healthy Church to the Next Level

Presented by Jonathan L. Smith, Director, Church Health and Growth, Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists

Discover six strategies necessary for every growing church.

The Forgotten Ones in the Church: Understanding and Caring for Those Struggling with Chronic Illness

Presented by Oran Lee, Associate Endorser, Pastoral Care and Support; Todd Combee, Director, Chaplaincy Relations, Texas Baptists

Let's discuss the impact of chronic disease on church members. We will explore ways for the church to effectively care for them.

Bivocational Leaders: Effectively Ministering in Two Places

Presented by Darrin Moore, Pastor, Truevine Baptist Church, Spring; Ira Antoine, Director, Bivocational Ministry, Center for Ministerial Health, Texas Baptists

We will assist church leaders with practical strategies for effectively balancing their ministry responsibilities with their secular employment, all while prioritizing their personal well-being.

Workshops Session #3 | 3:30 PM

Texas Baptists/GC2 Ambassadors: Encouragers of Strengthening a Multiplying Movement of Churches

Presented by Roy J. Cotton, Director, Ambassador Program, Texas Baptists

Four Ambassadors/Panelists will share how ambassadors encourage pastors, staff and churches

When Suicide Touches the Family of Faith

Presented by Oran Lee, Associate Endorser, Pastoral Care and Support; Todd Combee, Director, Chaplaincy Relations, Texas Baptists  

The suicide rate is at epidemic proportions, and the church is not exempt. We will discuss ways to respond when suicide touches the church.

Women In Ministry: God Opens Doors

Presented by Debbie Potter, 1st Vice President, Texas Baptists; Children's Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, San Antonio; Bennye Bryant, Director, Women in Ministry Network, Texas Baptists

You've answered your call and prepared yourself, yet opportunities seem out of reach. Waiting is challenging. God opens doors in his timing. How are you waiting?

Stewarding Your Ministry's Assets

Presented by Jordan Lovelady, Assistant Vice President for Client Investment Solutions, HighGround Advisors

How can nonprofit leaders best protect and grow the assets that advance Kingdom purposes? We’ll explore investment principles and the solutions available to establish an investment strategy that will support your mission today and tomorrow.

Gen Z and Millennials: How They Lead and Follow

Presented by Kyle Jackson, Lead Pastor, 3rd Coast Church. Texas City; Israel Mendez, Pastor, Alamo Community Church, San Antonio; Cameron Strange, Lead Pastor, Impact City Church, Schertz; David Foster, Director, Millennial / Gen Z Network, Center for Ministerial Health, Texas Baptists

Feel like you're speaking a different language? Gain insight into how younger generations think, lead and follow, so you can lead with them, not just over them, in a way that multiplies influence and trust.

Pave Preview and Panel

Presented by Jonathan L. Smith, Director, Church Health and Growth, Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists

An overview of Pave, the Texas Baptists church health, growth and revitalization strategy, intended for pastors interested in participating in Pave.

Three Money Mistakes Ministers Make

Presented by Keely Rule, Managing Partner, Simplicity Guardian

In our pursuit to fulfill the great commission, we face many challenges in our overall health and well-being. We will help you understand how to avoid three major mistakes that ministers often make in their finances. The importance of maximizing housing allowance, what happens if you opted out of Social Security and the value of using the right retirement plan. 

Awaken the Church's Heart: Igniting Mission Through Six Transformative P’s

Presented by Clinton W. Lowin, Director, MAP & TXB Missionaries, Center of Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists

Ready to awaken your church's missional imagination? Join us as we dive into six powerful “P’s” that will transform your approach to mission: Passion, Pain, Product, Partnership, Parenting and Prayer. This is a unique opportunity to unlock the full potential of your church’s missional calling and walk away with fresh, actionable insights that will set your congregation on fire for God's work in the world! Don’t miss out—let’s ignite mission together!

Tell-Gate Ministry

Presented by Jeremiah Herrian, Director, Forgotten Ministries, Enid, OK 

Join us for a hands-on demonstration using the “Tell-Gate method” as we share how a community can be impacted evangelistically by offering a meal while being the hands and feet of Jesus. This will be an outside workshop (weather permitting). 

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Workshops Session #4 | 8:00 AM

To the Tithe and Beyond!

Presented by Jerry Carlisle, President, Texas Baptist Missions Foundation, Texas Baptists

Biblical strategies for developing financial resources for your church's ministry.

Answer the Call: Encouraging the Next Generation of Ministry Leaders

Presented by Stephen Stookey, Director; Gabriel Cortes, Director, Hispanic Education; Theological Education & Institutional Engagement, Texas Baptists

Discover how to identify, encourage and mentor emerging ministry leaders in your congregation, fostering their God-given call.

Strategic Compensation and Benefits Strategies for Churches

Presented by Gregory Love, Senior Relationship Manager, Retirement Solutions, Guidestone

Pastors and ministry leaders should finish well. Join us as we discuss strategies to enhance the financial security and resilience of those serving the Lord.

Ethical Leadership in a World w/o a Compass

Presented by James “Mac” McLeod, Consultant, Western Heritage and Country Church, Texas Baptists

Biblical servant leadership which shows love for Christ and neighbor, drawing others to Jesus as we overcome strongholds of harmful and toxic practices and behaviors.

WITNESS

Presented by Oza Jones Jr., Director, Evangelism, Center for Church Health, Texas Baptists

The SHARE Evangelism framework is a comprehensive strategy designed to equip pastors, leaders and parishioners with tools to effectively share the gospel, engage their congregations and foster growth. SHARE stands for: See, Heart, Ask, Respond and Empower.

Cultivate a Church Planting Culture

Presented by Clay Jacobson, Director, Church Starting, Center for Missional Engagement, Texas Baptists

To discover how to develop church planters in your church

Pastor Strong

Presented by Kevin Abbott, Director, Pastoral Health Network; Chad Shapiro, Director, Pastor Strong; Center for Ministerial Health, Texas Baptists

Five Habits for those in ministry to finish life and ministry well.