2025 Breakouts

Presented by Monica Healer, Executive Director, Early Childhood Christian Network

Lack of impulse control, decreased attention span and delayed social and motor skills are evident in so many young children. Learn what we can do in the classroom to help!

Located: Room 206

Presented by Nanette Johnson, Retired Preschool Minister

In a world where distrust is the first response, parents need a place and people they can trust. This session will discuss foundational ways of building trust by establishing positive, practical, and personal connections with parents.

Located: Room 205

Presented by Shelly Melia, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Ministry, Dallas Baptist University

Kids today are growing up in a world full of pressures, setbacks, and constant change—and resilience doesn’t happen automatically. While it may come easier for some, for most kids it is a learned response to adversity, built over time through supportive relationships, consistent modeling, intentional teaching, with a hope grounded in their faith. This session equips parents, teachers, and ministry leaders with strategies to help kids respond rather than react, persevere when life gets hard, and lean on faith as a stabilizing anchor. You’ll leave with practical tools to help kids develop their resilience muscle.

Located: Room 224

Presented by Doug Franklin, President, LeaderTreks Youth Ministry

Preteens are ready for more, but too often, our ministries settle for keeping them busy instead of drawing them in. Many feel bored or disconnected, not because they don’t care, but because they aren’t being challenged in meaningful ways. In this seminar, Doug Franklin will share how to shift your preteen ministry from basic classroom control to intentional mentoring, and from shallow games to strategic, age-appropriate discipleship. Discover the structure, programming, and relational strategies that will help your tweens grow spiritually—and actually want to come back.

Located: Room 208

Presented by Delanee Williams, Kids Ministry Specialist, Lifeway

Change is inevitable in ministry. Whether it’s launching new programs, welcoming new volunteers, or navigating leadership transitions, every ministry faces seasons of change. This session offers practical strategies and real-life case studies to help ministry leaders respond to change with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Learn how to turn challenges into opportunities and lead your ministry through transition with purpose and grace.

Located: Room 225

Presented by David Butts, Children's Minister, First Baptist Church, Arlington

From VBS, Camps and Special Events, there are lots of things that your church can do to provide year-round events on a budget that are fun and educational for the whole family. Come join us as we share ideas of how your church can provide year round fun events that can be uplifting for your families and outward focused to include your community.

Located: Room 230

Presented by Jana Magruder, Strategic Initiatives Director, Lifeway Next Gen

Children’s ministry leaders often find themselves wearing every hat—volunteer coordinator and trainer, content developer and presenter, event planner, tech supporter, and more. This session explores the multi-faceted nature of the role and helps leaders identify their strengths and favorite hats to wear while also walking away with practical strategies for managing their weaknesses, including how to delegate, collaborate, and build a support system that allows them to lead with confidence, clarity, and joy.

Located: Room 204

Presented by Andy Blanks, Co-Founder, CEO | Iron Hill Press

Many of us feel called to preach and teach the Bible, but we often don’t know how to craft and deliver messages that transform lives. This interactive workshop will provide you with clear, practical principles for preparing and preaching sermons that are biblical, compelling, and impactful. You’ll leave with a toolbox full of truths that will elevate your proclamation of God’s Word.

Located: Chapel, 1st Floor

Presented by Zac Workun, Student Ministry Specialist, Lifeway Students

In our (youth) ministry landscape where churches often talk to parents but rarely partner with them, it’s time to stop standing on opposite sides of the dance floor. This research-backed breakout invites youth leaders to rethink how they engage, equip, and empower parents as the primary disciplers of their teens. Here’s what you get when you come: The results of new Lifeway Research on what parents want from their churches. The HOPE framework (Habits, Opportunities, Partnerships, Expectations) to build a practical parent ministry strategy.

Located: Room 228

Presented by Chris & Wendy Trent, Next Gen Catalyst, Georgia Baptist Mission Board

Balancing marriage and ministry isn’t easy, but it’s possible — and worth it. In this session, Chris and Wendy Trent will share practical checkpoints for cultivating a healthy marriage while serving in the church. From building spiritual unity and financial wisdom to strengthening communication, intimacy, and family rhythms, you’ll walk away with real tools to help your marriage not just survive ministry life, but thrive.

Located: Room 226

Presented by Laura Roodenburg, Ministry Relations Manager, Joni & Friends

Inclusion doesn’t stop at ramps and reserved seating; it begins with relationships. This session equips church leaders to move beyond surface-level accessibility and into a deeper culture of belonging, where people with disabilities are seen, valued, and invited into meaningful roles within the Body of Christ.

Located: Room 201

Presented by Nick Blevins, Co-founder, Ministry Boost

Want to recruit more volunteers and build a thriving team for the ministry you lead? This workshop will give you: a 5-part framework to recruit more volunteers, eight game changers that will significantly transform your volunteer culture, a structure that will allow your volunteer team to expand, and ideas to boost volunteer recruitment all year long.

Located: Room 223

Presented by David Sanchez, Associate Director, Ethics and Justice, Christian Life Commission

How can we help students see that who they are in Christ is the most important thing about them? In this workshop we'll discuss how to recontextualize the gospel for youth in a culture that emphasizes the importance of identity. We will also consider more specifically how to encourage them in their walk with Christ when they are wrestling with lgbtq+ identity issues.

Located: Room 203

Presented by John Strappazon, Trajectory Coaching, College Ministry & Leadership Coach, Fort Worth, Texas

Like a chameleon shifting its colors, success can keep changing its look. Here’s how to seize it.

Located: Sixth Grade Room

Presented by Seth Simisi, Community Leader, Hope Outreach International Missions (HOIM)

The session will be led by Pastor Seth Simisi who has worked with refugee populations for over 15 years. His experience in outreach to underprivileged people groups is insightful and valuable beyond estimation. The discussion will focus on practical approaches to reaching out to strangers, and how the local church could play a crucial role in promoting safety and wellbeing of those who are underprivileged

Located: Room 137/138

Presented by Rick Howerton, Former Small Group and Discipleship Specialist, LifeWay

Disciple-making is a whole church mission, but it starts with you. This session will reveal and give direction to the essential functions of the lead pastor in a disciple-making church as leader, model, preacher, promoter, and provider—that only you can fulfill.

Located: The Loft, Second Floor

Presented by Monica Healer, Executive Director, Early Childhood Christian Network

When children are melting down, what can we do? In this session, you’ll gain some new tools to put in your toolbelt to help children come back to a place of calm in the middle of the storm of an early childhood classroom.

Located: Room 206

Presented by Kasey Fagan, Preschool Minister, First Baptist Church, Arlington

Join our expert panel for an open Q&A session all about preschool ministry! Whether you’re new to working with little ones or a seasoned minister looking for fresh ideas, this is your chance to ask anything—from curriculum tips and classroom management to engaging families and building a strong volunteer team. No question is too big or small. Come ready to learn, share, and be encouraged!

Located: Room 208

Presented by David Butts, Children's Minister, First Baptist Church, Arlington

Join us as we take a tour around the Children’s Building and discover how to plan and design new space or remodel existing space to meet the needs of the preschoolers and children in your church.

Located: Room 230

Presented by Shelly Melia, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Ministry, Dallas Baptist University

A new generation is arriving in preschool ministries! Generation Beta—children born between 2025 and 2039—will grow up in a world defined by artificial intelligence, constant connectivity, and cultural complexity. This session explores what we know so far about Generation Beta, the forces already impacting their early development, and how parents, churches, and leaders can work together to raise Generation Beta.

Located: Room 224

Presented by Darlene Abbott, Children's Music & Worship Director, The Church at West End, Columbia, TN; Vicki Schmidt, Ministry Coordinator, Music & Worship, Texas Baptists

The best way to ensure children will become life long worshipers is to give them the desire and the necessary skills at a young age. This session will give you an understanding of this topic as well as some necessary tools to make it happen in your church.

Located: Room 225

Presented by Zac Workun, Student Ministry Specialist, Lifeway Students

This breakout will equip youth ministry leaders with creative ways to help middle schoolers discover the depth and delight of God’s Word in small groups. We pick and share some practical tools for turning Bible study into an engaging, interactive experience. Let’s help students love and explore the sandbox of Scripture together.

Located: Room 228

Presented by Nic Burleson, Church Starting Strategist, Northeast Texas, Texas Baptists

Discover how your student ministry can play a vital role in church planting and city transformation through strategic partnerships. This breakout equips student pastors with practical tools to engage and disciple teenagers while supporting the mission of new church plants. Join us to explore how investing in the next generation can fuel lasting impact in both emerging churches and the communities they serve.

Located: Room 205

Presented by Chris Trent, Next Gen Catalyst, Georgia Baptist Mission Board

The cultural landscape is shifting faster than ever, and today's youth are navigating a world that looks radically different from just a few years ago. How do we keep up? More importantly, how do we adapt our youth ministries to meaningfully connect with this generation? Join us for an eye-opening session where we'll consider the trends reshaping youth culture. You'll walk away with fresh insights into what's really driving today's young people, plus actionable approaches to make your ministry more relevant and impactful. Bonus: You’ll leave the session with all the content, including slides, so you can go home and share it with your youth ministry volunteers and parents.

Located: Room 226

Presented by Laura Roodenburg, Ministry Relations Manager, Joni & Friends

Challenging behaviors can disrupt even the best-laid ministry plans, but they’re often a form of communication, not defiance. This session offers practical strategies for responding to behaviors with clarity, compassion, and Christlike patience. Learn how to create consistent, grace-filled environments where individuals of all abilities can thrive.

Located: Room 201

Presented by Justin Harvey, Student Pastor, FBC Allen

Between writing sermons, engaging in discipleship, facilitating events, and loving our church communities, we can forget to take care of ourselves in the process. When we do remember to engage in self-care we can often go on auto-pilot, relying on our own understanding to do what we think is best for ourselves. In this workshop, we will explore a therapeutic approach to avoiding ministerial burnout that relies on rushing to rest in Jesus first and foremost.

Located: Room 204

Presented by Frank Trimble, Executive Director, Family Time Training

"That's just how I lead"—famous last words of ministry leaders who've stopped growing. The longer we serve, the easier it becomes to coast on experience rather than continue learning. But what if your years in ministry could become your greatest asset for growth rather than an excuse for stagnation? This session celebrates the unique opportunity that comes with ministry longevity: the chance to reflect honestly on your leadership style, learn from past mistakes, and discover new areas where God wants to stretch you. There's surprising freedom in admitting you don't have it all figured out!

Located: Room 203

Presented by Ron Hunter, Executive Director & CEO of Randall House and D6 Family Ministry

What if the toys you played with as a child carried hidden lessons about leadership? In The Ethos of Leadership: From the Toys of Our Childhood, you’ll rediscover Slinky Dog and Play-Doh—not as playthings, but as powerful metaphors for influence, vision and adaptability. This talk will challenge how you think about leading people, shaping culture, and building something that lasts. Once you see leadership through these toys, you’ll never forget it.

Located: Chapel, 1st Floor

Presented by Nick Blevins, Co-founder, Ministry Boost

Want to recruit more volunteers and build a thriving team for the ministry you lead? This workshop will give you: a 5-part framework to recruit more volunteers, eight game changers that will significantly transform your volunteer culture, a structure that will allow your volunteer team to expand, and ideas to boost volunteer recruitment all year long.

Located: Room 223

Presented by Drew Humphrey, Grow Pastor, NextGen/College, Highland Baptist Church, Waco

Does your ministry have a culture of prayer? Is there a growing confidence of people praying? Are you teaching others how to pray? Most importantly, are you praying as the leader? Join us to dig deeply into how to develop prayer momentum in your ministry.

Located: Sixth Grade Room

Presented by Lucy Floyd, Director of ISAAC (Immigration Services and Aide Center)

Lucy Floyd, who has worked with ISAAC and TXB River Ministry on and off since 2000, will be leading this session. She provides Legal Immigration Pathways for churches, English as a Second Language for churches and assists churches along the TX/Mexico Border. Lucy will talk to us about current changes in the laws about obtaining and maintaining a visa status.

Located: Room 137/138

Presented by David Kinnaman, CEO, Barna Group

Located: Room The Loft, Second Floor

Presented by Diane Lane, Retired Preschool & Children's Ministry Specialist, Texas Baptists

Building connections with the preschool child has profound effects on the entire family. When the preschooler is met with loving, accepting, and prepared teachers, this begins to create an atmosphere that instantly relaxes the parents and allows the family to worship. How is this accomplished? Research-based ideas will be shared, and brainstorming new ideas that can be implemented immediately will be discussed during this session.

Located: Room 208

Presented by Delanee Williams, Kids Ministry Specialist, Lifeway

Training your leaders is essential—but how do you make it effective, engaging, and adaptable? In this session, we’ll explore practical tips for leading successful training experiences, whether you're gathering in person, connecting virtually, or sharing prerecorded content. You'll walk away with actionable ideas to help your leaders feel confident, equipped, and ready to serve.

Located: Room 225

Presented by Jana Magruder, Strategic Initiatives Director, Lifeway Next Gen

From Boomer and Gen X volunteers to Millennial and Gen Z parents, to Gen Alpha kids and Beta babies, all the generations are represented in children's ministry. Therefore, it is essential to know how to lead each one with their unique perspectives and characteristics in mind. Learn more about the strategic opportunity for kingdom impact across every generation that can truly align the heart of the church around the mission of the gospel.

Located: Room 224

Presented by Elyse McMullen, Program Manager for the Bridges to Belonging Project, Baylor School of Education, School of Social Work and Truett Seminary; Erik Carter, Bridges to Belonging Leadership Team and Executive Director of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities

Like anyone else, youth and young adults with disabilities, mental health challenges, and chronic illnesses need to explore, share, and deepen their faith within a caring and committed community. The Bridges to Belonging project seeks to equip churches to pursue and embrace young people in ways that promote spiritual growth and belonging. In this breakout session, participants will learn practical tools to support youth and emerging adults with disabilities, including ways to reflect on barriers, reimagine Christian spiritual practices, and engage all young people in their ministries.

Located: Room 205

Presented by Doug Franklin, President, LeaderTreks Youth Ministry

Join Doug Franklin as he shares a simple, practical, and straightforward approach to developing student leaders. This method will help you train and equip student leaders, guiding them from being participants to becoming leaders. You will learn about the five steps of the Leadership Pathway: Invite, Discover, Equip, Risk, and Sharpen. The Leadership Pathway serves as a tool to help you answer the question, "How can I develop leaders in my youth ministry?"

Located: Room 226

Presented by Matt McClure, Youth Ministry Consultant

Parents and ministry leaders face new challenges as today's teens grow up immersed in technology. Social media, streaming, and constant connectivity shape how students see themselves and the world around them. This session will provide a biblical framework for understanding the influence of technology, along with practical strategies to help guide teens toward wisdom, discernment, and a Christ-centered life in the digital age.

Located: Room 203

Presented by Ricky Chelette, Pastoral Care Ministry Associate, First Baptist Church Arlington

Throughout history, humans have asked the same questions: Who am I? Where do I come from? Why am I here? What is my purpose? How we answer these questions depends on our worldview. Christians turn to God’s Word, but most in the LGBTQ+ community do not. Recognizing these differences helps us reshape our conversations and interactions with those exploring their identities, enabling them to see the beauty of God’s design.

Located: Room 201

Presented by Scott Stevens, Vice President, Texas Baptist Missions Foundation

Everyone needs to plan for the future. Discover how your will can provide for your family, preserve and pass on your blessings from God, and perpetuate God’s purposes for the future. Learn how you can use our FreeWill online tool (yes, it’s free to use) to create a legally valid document that connects God’s will to your legacy.

Located: Room 230

Presented by Richard Ross, Senior Professor of Student Ministry | Jack D. Terry Jr. School of Educational Ministries, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Girls without fathers (or with distant fathers) are at far greater risk for anxiety, depression, poor decision-making, and even abandoning their faith. Boys missing fathers (or father figures) tend to lack motivation, have low self-confidence, and engage in high-risk behaviors. This breakout will give church leaders concrete ways to connect the hearts of guys and girls to fathers or father figures.

Located: Chapel, 1st Floor

Presented by Bill Wilks, D-Life Author/Trainer

When Jesus called twelve ordinary guys to be His disciples, clearly this was no call to join a discipleship program. He called them to be His disciples so that He could equip them to be disciple makers. What if you could equip your students and regular church members to become personal disciple makers? What if you could build a true disciple-making culture in your ministry? This would change everything, and this is the topic of this session. I hope you will join us.

Located: Room 223

Presented by David Reyes, Manager of Talent Development, Southwest Airlines

Volunteers are the heartbeat of youth and children’s ministry, yet too often they pour out without being poured into. This session will equip you to create an environment where your volunteers grow in skill, feel valued, and build life-giving relationships with one another. You’ll leave with practical strategies to cultivate an inclusive culture and develop collaborative teams that sustain both your volunteers and your ministry.

Located: Room 204

Presented by Oza Jones, Director of Evangelism, Texas Baptists

The iWITNESS Evangelism framework is a comprehensive strategy designed to equip pastors, leaders, and parishioners with tools to effectively develop a culture of evangelism.

Located: Room 228

Presented by Katy Parker, NextGen and Women's Ministries, Baptist Convention of New Mexico

As ministry leaders, we often find more things on our to-do list than we have time to do them. This session will walk through biblical principles to prioritize your time, learn when to say no, and ultimately be a good steward of the time that God has given you.

Located: Room 206

Presented by Ginger Bowman, Church & Campus Consultant, Texas Baptists; Connor Torrealba, College Minister, FBC Arlington; Ben Muir, Director of Baptist Student Ministry, University of Texas at Arlington

What does your mission context look like? Urban context near commuter schools? Small college town? Find out how your church can successfully engage students in your community in a way that works.

Located: Sixth Grade Room

Presented by Nancy Jackson, Pastor's Wife and Retired Teacher

Living in another culture and having your children raised in that culture is hard. It presents lots of challenges. Join us as we look at how to create a Children's Sunday School class that is a mix of your heart culture and language and American culture and language. We will talk about how this teaching method came about and how to teach these classes in session one. Then in session two we will demonstrate this method of teaching. Nancy Jackson and Jeanne Nkunzimana will share with you the way this curriculum developed and the challenges and blessings they have found while developing it.

Located: Room 137/138

Presented by Katie Fruge, Director, Center for Cultural Engagement, Texas Baptists

We will consider practical ways for ministry leaders to utilize artificial intelligence tools in ministry settings while also being mindful of the ethical challenges and considerations that ministry leaders need to be aware of as they utilize new technology. 

Located: The Loft, Second Floor

Presented by David Butts, Children's Minister, First Baptist Church, Arlington

From VBS, Camps and Special Events, there are lots of things that your church can do to provide year-round events on a budget that are fun and educational for the whole family. Come join us as we share ideas of how your church can provide year round fun events that can be uplifting for your families and outward focused to include your community.

Located: Room 230

Presented by Brian Pearce, Student Pastor, Kingwood First Baptist

This session will equip student ministry leaders with strategies to teach teenagers the importance of prayer and how to make it a meaningful part of their daily lives and incorporate it into Student Ministry. We will explore creative prayer experiences that engage and inspire students to deepen their walk with God.

Located: Room 205

Presented by Matt McClure, Youth Ministry Consultant

Behind every thriving youth ministry is a team of leaders who feel confident, supported, and called to serve. This session will inspire you to move beyond simply filling roles and instead invest in volunteers in a way that fuels their passion and deepens their impact. Discover how to equip leaders with vision, encouragement, and practical tools--so they don't just serve, but flourish in the ministry God has called them to.

Located: Room 203

Presented by Ricky Chelette, Pastoral Care Ministry Associate, First Baptist Church Arlington

Throughout history, humans have asked the same questions: Who am I? Where do I come from? Why am I here? What is my purpose? How we answer these questions depends on our worldview. Christians turn to God’s Word, but most in the LGBTQ+ community do not. Recognizing these differences helps us reshape our conversations and interactions with those exploring their identities, enabling them to see the beauty of God’s design.

Located: Room 201

Presented by Bennye Bryant, Director, Women in Ministry Network, Texas Baptists

The State of the Church 2025, published by Barna, shows that Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly embracing faith in Jesus. They are seeking genuine followers of Christ to guide them in living by God's word. God has called us to help shape the leaders of the future.

Located: Chapel, 1st Floor

Presented by Randy Jackson, Youth Minister, FBC Atlanta

This breakout session details an innovative initiative that equips parents with essential soul care skills for their children. It presents a practical model, including curriculum development and diverse instructional methods, offering valuable insights for youth ministers and educators on empowering families in spiritual formation.

Located: Room 223

Presented by Brett Levy, Lead Pastor, City Church Georgetown

Parents as the primary disciple maker of their kids can be difficult for a church to achieve. Every family is unique and that makes it difficult to find a one size fits all plan. What if you could lead families to create a unique plan that fits their family? That's what Everyday Rhythms is all about . . . And it works for individuals just as easily as it does for families.

Located: 228

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

Want to build a more evangelistic culture in your church or ministry area? Learn time-tested principles and tools for cultivating confidence and boldness in evangelism in yourself and the people you serve.

Located: Room 204

Presented by Katy Parker, NextGen and Women's Ministries, Baptist Convention of New Mexico

In your ministry, you will almost certainly deal with conflict with other leaders, with parents, or with the kids and students. Rather than thinking about it as something to dread, what if we started to think about it as an opportunity to point each other to Christ? This session will discuss basic principles about what the Bible teaches about conflict and how to respond in a way that honors God.

Located: Room 206

Presented by Frank Trimble, Executive Director, Family Time Training

Ministry leaders face a peculiar occupational hazard: we're prone to becoming what we do rather than knowing who we are. When your identity becomes entangled with attendance numbers, program success, or spiritual breakthroughs, the inevitable ups and downs of ministry can take a toll on your soul. This session confronts the uncomfortable truth that many of us would rather avoid—that our calling, while important, provides a shaky foundation for our identity. We'll normalize this widespread struggle and provide biblical anchors to help you find stability in who God says you are, not just what He's called you to do.

Located: Room 225

Presented by John Strappazon, Trajectory Coaching, College Ministry & Leadership Coach, Fort Worth, Texas

A time-tested flexible strategy designed for continuing success. It creates pathways for the ministry to grow while also fostering personal development opportunities for every member involved

Located: Sixth Grade Room

Presented by Nancy Jackson, Pastor's Wife and Retired Teacher

Living in another culture and having your children raised in that culture is hard. It presents lots of challenges. Join us as we look at how to create a Children's Sunday School class that is a mix of your heart culture and language and American culture and language. We will talk about how this teaching method came about and how to teach these classes in session one. Then in session two we will demonstrate this method of teaching. Nancy Jackson and Jeanne Nkunzimana will share with you the way this curriculum developed and the challenges and blessings they have found while developing it.

Located: Room 137/138

Presented by David Reyes, Manager of Talent Development, Southwest Airlines

Your staff are not just employees—they are disciples and leaders entrusted to your care. This session will help you see staff development as a vital expression of stewardship and discipleship, equipping you to cultivate both spiritual and professional growth. You’ll leave with a practical framework for creating individualized development plans that strengthen your team, retain talent, and multiply leadership capacity across your church.

Located: The Loft, Second Floor