August 7th & 8th 2025

Riva Trace Baptist Church

475 W Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD 21035

Training for pastors, leaders, and teams serving the local church.

How to Be a Sending Church: Sending Is More Than Starting

Jamie Caldwell, State Director of Church Planting BCM/D

Too often, talks about being a sending church focuses solely on starting churches, but being a sending church is about way more than just sending out a planter. Join us for this conversation about how being a sending church is an identity that affects every area of your church.

Identifying and Developing Leaders: Calling Out the Called

Jamie Caldwell, State Director of Church Planting BCM/D

God gives every one of his children a unique vocation. As spiritual leaders, one of our most important jobs is helping people find and fulfill their God-given calling. Join us for a conversation that will help you to better encourage and equip your people to engage their calling.

Doing It for the Least of These

Mark Dooley, Director of Compassion Ministries BCM/D

Clothing closets. Food pantries. Pregnancy support. Immigration resources. There are countless ways churches can minister through compassion ministries. This workshop will offer suggestions for getting started and inform participants about available resources. Jesus called His people to do this for the least of these. So, let’s get started!

Leading in a Multiethnic Church

Rev. Dan Hyun, Director of Formation and Health BCM/D

Join us as we explore the power of the ministry of reconciliation as demonstrated through God’s church. We will explore theological foundations for the reconciling mission of the multiethnic church as well as practical considerations to strengthen our leadership in fostering unity without erasing the distinctiveness of who we are.

Emotionally Intelligent Leadership

Rev. Dan Hyun, Director of Formation and Health BCM/D

Many of the challenges church leaders experience can often be tied to their emotional intelligence (EQ). This workshop equips ministry leaders to serve with wisdom, empathy, and self-awareness by integrating EQ into their leadership. Grounded in biblical principles and practical tools, this workshop provides church leaders with skills to lead out of a place of wholeness in cultivating emotionally healthy communities.

Leading Those Who Are Suffering

Rev. Dan Hyun, Director of Formation and Health BCM/D

In a broken world, one of the most critical aspects of church leadership is cultivating a culture of care where we shepherd the suffering among us. This workshop will equip church leaders with the compassion and skills to lead through times of pain, loss, and crisis. Guided by biblical models, we will explore the dynamic of being present with the hurting while pointing to our anchor found in the promises of God.

Gen Z Went to College (or Didn’t!) and Now How Do We Reach Them?

Jessica Senasack, State Director of Collegiate Missions BCM/D & Panel Guests

Do you have students from your church who have gone off to college? How about those that graduated from youth group but are still hanging around? And what about the college campus down the street that needs to be reached? Come hear from a panel of campus ministers and young adult leaders to learn how to reach out to the current generation as they transition into young adulthood!

Cultivating a Healthy Women’s Ministry Group

Payton Pope, Spousal Care Coordinator BCM/D

The goal of any Women’s Ministry is to grow closer to Jesus through Scripture and fellowship. But what do you do when things feel like they’ve hit a wall? Maybe it’s a lack of resources, leader burnout, or low attendance—these are just a few of the common challenges women’s ministry groups face. In this workshop, we’ll talk about how to build a strong foundation for your group, how to spot potential issues or “red flags,” and offer some helpful resources to overcome common challenges!

The Digital Front Door: Why Your Website Matters More Than You Think

Kris Buckman, Youth & Kids Consultant BCM/D

Your church’s website is more than just a digital bulletin board—it’s your front door, your welcome mat, and your first impression to new families. In this interactive workshop, we’ll reflect on what your current website is really saying about your church and how to make it say, “You’re welcome here.”

We’ll explore:

·       What new families are actually looking for when they visit your site.

·       Where to place key information like service times, kids’ ministry info, and contact details.

·       How your website reflects (or confuses) your church’s culture.

·       Real-life examples of what’s working (and what’s not!).

·       How social media ties into your site—and how to stay consistent with simple scheduling tools.

You’ll walk away with practical ideas, evaluation tools, and a renewed vision for using your church’s digital front door to welcome the next generation of guests.

Building Strong Men: Foundations for a Viable Men’s Ministry

Jeremy Dickson, Director of Church Strengthening BCM/D

In today’s culture, men face unique spiritual, emotional, and relational challenges. This workshop is designed to equip church leaders with the tools to develop a thriving men’s ministry rooted in intentional discipleship. We’ll explore the critical factors for effectively discipling men—such as authentic relationships, purpose-driven gatherings, spiritual formation, and leadership development. Whether you’re launching a new ministry or seeking to strengthen an existing one, this workshop will provide biblical insights, practical strategies, and a sustainable framework to engage men and grow them into faithful disciples and leaders at home and in the church.

Maximizing Ministry Meetings: Leading with Purpose, Clarity, and Vision

Jeremy Dickson, Director of Church Strengthening BCM/D

Effective ministry leader meetings are a vital tool for advancing your church’s mission—but without structure and intentionality, they can quickly lose focus. This workshop equips church leaders to lead meetings that are purposeful, time-efficient, and spiritually impactful. Learn how to develop strategic agendas that prioritize critical communication, collaborative planning, leadership development, and forward-thinking visioning. You’ll leave with practical tools and a framework to transform your meetings into dynamic spaces where leaders are informed, equipped, and inspired to lead with clarity and unity.

Right People, Right Roles: How to Empower and Engage Your Team

Emily Reedy, Director of Skycroft Camps BCM/D

Ministry was never meant to be a solo mission—and if you’re trying to do it all yourself, burnout isn’t far behind. A strong team isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about placing the right people in the right places.

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to identify your team members’ unique strengths and wiring, and how to align responsibilities in ways that increase both effectiveness and joy. We’ll cover tools to assess your current team, draw out hidden potential, and build a culture where people are empowered to serve from their God-given gifts.

Whether you’re building a team from scratch or refining an existing one, you’ll leave with practical strategies to lead with clarity, share the load, and avoid carrying the weight of ministry alone.

Generational Differences: Learn how to navigate generational differences affecting your church and organization.

Victor Kirk, Church Strengthening Consultant BCM/D

For the first time in history there are five distinctly different living generations. Every generation is different. Every generation is valuable. Churches, businesses and organizations are struggling at a time of necessary transition because they are struggling to answer vital questions regarding the generational differences within their organization.

Understanding ourselves allows us to understand others and give them grace to be themselves. The better we understand the origin of our own values, the more grace we will have for others in understanding the origin of their values. This legitimizes not only our own unique set of values, but also the unique set of values of those who are unlike us. The goal of this book is to provide a tool for you to take this journey of understanding and grace, so that we can maximize the benefit that each of our generations bring to the table.

You Don’t Have to Start a Disability Ministry

Katie Matthews, Disability Ministry Consultant BCM/D

Often times when we hear the phrase “disability ministry,”, we think of programs and outreach and not relationships and access. You don’t need to add a budget line, staff member, or sensory room to care for families of disabilities well. In this workshop you will learn how to support families in your church with disabilities without having to start a “disability ministry.”. You’ll leave with practical steps to begin implementing immediately, and a greater understanding of how to welcome those with disabilities with ease into the life of your church.

Stronger Together: Partnering with Parents in Next Gen Ministries

Kent Phoebus, Lead Pastor, South Shore Church

Parents are the primary spiritual influence in a child’s life—but they don’t have to walk that journey alone. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to build intentional partnerships with parents.  Learn practical ways to communicate, equip, and collaborate with families so that discipleship continues beyond the walls of the church. When the church and home work together, lasting faith takes root.

Depth > Width: Prioritizing Depth in Your Student Ministry

Kent Phoebus, Lead Pastor, South Shore Church

Join us for an insightful workshop focused on cultivating deep, meaningful impact in student ministry. Discover practical strategies to go beyond surface-level engagement and nurture authentic growth among young people. Learn how prioritizing depth over width can lead to lasting spiritual transformation and stronger discipleship in the next generation. Whether you’re a seasoned youth pastor or new to student ministry, this workshop equips you with tools to effectively mentor and inspire young hearts.

Make It Clear: Effective Communication & Engaging Marketing for Your Church

Somer Phoebus, Director of Communication BCM/D

Your message is too important to get lost in the noise. In this workshop, we’ll dive into how clear, consistent communication and creative marketing can help your church connect with your community and engage your congregation. Learn practical tools for simplifying your messaging, using the right platforms, and creating visuals that capture attention—without a big budget. Whether you’re a communicator, pastor, or volunteer, you’ll walk away ready to share your church’s mission with clarity and purpose.

Planning Successful Events

Somer Phoebus, Director of Communication BCM/D, and Megan Jones, Director of Operations BCM/D

Great events don’t happen by accident—they’re the result of prayerful planning, clear goals, and thoughtful execution. In this workshop, we’ll walk through the key elements of planning events that are not only well-organized but also impactful for your church and community. From vision to follow-up, learn how to create experiences that align with your mission, engage your people, and glorify God. Perfect for ministry leaders, volunteers, and anyone tasked with making events happen.

Creating a Culture of Welcome: Connection, Hospitality & Follow-Up That Makes People Feel at Home

Joel Jean-Simon, Connections Director, Redemption City Church

Whether you’re part of a large church with a dedicated team or a small church looking to grow, hospitality is more than a greeting—it’s a ministry of connection and care. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to create a warm, intentional culture that makes every guest feel seen, valued, and invited into deeper community. From first impressions to meaningful follow-up, discover practical systems and spirit-led strategies that help people move from visitor to family. No matter your church size, you’ll leave equipped to love your people well and lead with hospitality.

Not a Club, Not a Class: Group Essentials for Discipleship that Multiplies

Michelle Myers, Discipleship Coordinator, Biltmore Church

Gospel community doesn’t happen without intention—especially as your church grows. Healthy groups make it possible for people to be genuinely known, consistently discipled, and confidently sent out. In this workshop, we’ll talk about the kind of groups that resist two common traps: the ones that become all content with no connection (like a class), and the ones that stay all comfort with no spiritual growth (like a club). You’ll learn why circles—not just rows—are essential for spiritual formation, and how group health drives church health. Whether you’re starting from scratch or rebuilding stalled momentum, you’ll walk away with practical tools and a clearer vision for helping your church grow smaller as it grows larger.

From Planning to Platform: Leading Worship with Purpose & Flow

Marcus Akins, Director of Worship, Redeemer Church Arlington

Great worship doesn’t happen by accident—it’s prayerfully planned and intentionally led. This workshop will equip worship leaders with practical tools for crafting services that are both Spirit-led and strategically structured. We’ll cover how to build setlists with theological depth, create seamless transitions between songs and moments, incorporate prayer and Scripture naturally, and organize your week to prepare with excellence. Whether you’re leading solo or with a full team, you’ll leave with a clearer vision and a repeatable process to lead worship that connects hearts to God.

Tech That Serves: Maximizing Worship Technology with Purpose & Simplicity

Trevor Chin, Owner, T. Chin Solutions & Resonate Baltimore

You don’t need a big budget to create meaningful worship services—just the right tools and intentional strategy. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to use technology to support, not overshadow, your gatherings. Learn budget-friendly solutions for audio, visuals, and livestreaming that work for churches of all sizes. We’ll also dive into how to balance excellence with authenticity, blending sound and spirit to serve both in-person and online worshipers well. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started, you’ll walk away with practical ideas and a clear vision for tech that truly serves your church.

Church Finance Made Simple: Best Practices for Stewarding Well

Tom Stolle, Executive Director and CFO BCM/D

Finances don’t have to be frustrating. In this practical workshop, Tom Stolle will walk through essential best practices for managing church finances with integrity, clarity, and purpose. Whether you’re a pastor, treasurer, or ministry leader, you’ll gain insight into common financial challenges churches face—and how to overcome them. Bring your questions for a helpful Q&A, and leave with tools to strengthen your church’s financial health and stewardship.

The Volunteer Playbook: 5 Game Changers for Recruiting

Nick Blevins, Co-founder of 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.

How to Give Ministry Away Through Volunteer Coaches

Nick Blevins Co-founder of Ministry Boost

How can you serve twice as many families without twice as many staff? How can you recruit more volunteers and reach more families? A big part of the answer to those questions is in creating a team of volunteer coaches who lead like staff. In this workshop, we’ll talk about what coaches are and how you can implement them in your ministry.

Building a Love for Scripture

Shelly Harris, Team Lead – VBS, Lifeway

Research tells us that reading the Bible is one of the key indicators of lifetime spiritual growth. Helping kids create a lifelong love for regular Bible reading occurs by practicing one Bible skill at a time. Join us as we look at games, crafts, and other ideas to incorporate Bible skills each week.

Essentials for Teachers

Delanee Williams, Kids Ministry Specialist, Lifeway

How do you equip your teachers to have a successful year? Do they have the skills and knowledge needed to make a difference in the lives of children? During this workshop, we’ll discuss essentials teachers need for effective teaching.

The Formational Home

Melanie Hester, Director of Discipleship Engagement at AWANA

The greatest spiritual influence in a child’s life isn’t the church, it’s their parents. Discover how to empower families to take ownership of their child’s faith journey and partner with them in meaningful discipleship.

6 Keys to Kid’s Ministry

Delanee Williams, Kids Ministry Specialist, Lifeway & Shelley Harris, Team Lead – VBS, Lifeway

Children’s ministry can feel overwhelming—so many responsibilities, so little time, and constant demands pulling you in every direction. Without clear focus, it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos. In this workshop, we’ll explore six key areas that will help you prioritize what matters most and build a healthy, sustainable kids ministry.

Effective Outreach for YOUR Community

Richard Pope, Lead Pastor, Canvas Church

Learn the heart, the head, and the hands of outreach and how to leverage community engagement for life transformation. We will be discussing biblical examples of “outreach,” learning how to diagnose the needs of your community, meet those needs and start a movement of Gospel Intentionality in your church.

THURSDAY

Registration: 8:00AM – 8:30AM

Main Session 1 : 8:30AM – 10:00AM

Workshop A: 10:15AM

Lunch: 11:30PM

Workshop B: 12:30PM

Workshop C: 1:45PM

Main Session 2: 3:00PM

Thursday Evening Team + Staff Meetings: Schedule some time to connect and clarify your vision and goals with our with our planning resources, including sample staff meeting agendas, event planning templates, 2026 church calendar templates, quarterly planning tools, and budget resources. Use these two days to pray, dream, and strategize together so you can return to your church ready to execute with excellence all that God has called you to do.

FRIDAY

Main Session 3: 8:30AM – 10:00AM

Workshop D: 10:15AM

Lunch: 11:30PM

Workshop E: 12:30PM

Workshop F: 1:45PM

Main Session 4 + Closing: 3:00PM

James Myers is the Executive Pastor and CFO of Biltmore Church in Asheville, NC, where he leverages his super power of organizational leadership to develop leaders and streamline ministry operations. A gifted communicator and author, James is passionate about helping church leaders get to the bottom of their ministry obstacles by asking the right questions, prioritizing a Biblical approach, and fostering a culture of intentional and deep growth. He is married to Michelle, and together they have three children – Noah, Cole, and Shea. Known for his contagious energy and relational approach, James is the kind of leader who brings clarity and direction to every conversation.