Where Creativity Thrives, Christ Shines

Description: Based on Phil Cooke’s acclaimed book of the same title, this workshop will be the definitive experience for creative people who must deliver breakthrough ideas on demand. One of the most destructive myths about creativity is the idea that we must wait for inspiration. However, as artist Chuck Close said, “Inspiration is for amateurs—the rest of us just show up and get to work.” If you’re a creative professional, this session will teach you how to “prime the pump” of your creativity, overcome the blocks, and deliver great ideas when you need them the most. And if you lead a creative team, this is a must-attend session!  

Speaker: Phil Cooke

Description: This session will guide you through the key attitudes that shape our approach to success. From the Prideful Mindset, rooted in worldly wealth, power, and prestige, to the Personal Mindset, which highlights growth, purpose, and learning from failure, and ultimately the Eternal Mindset, focused on humility, heavenly treasures, and fulfilling the Great Commission. Participants will leave equipped to reflect on their own perspective of success and anchor their efforts in faith and values.

Speaker: Dave Evans

Description: Step into an engaging and heartfelt panel discussion showcasing the remarkable journeys of women in church ministry and leadership roles. In this panel discussion, our speakers will share their personal journeys, creative insights, and the impact of their work in ministry. With introductions and stories from each panelist, followed by a dynamic Q&A, this session offers an opportunity to explore the vital contributions of women in church ministries and gain inspiration for your own path in faith and creativity.

Panelists: Brittany Clark

Description: In the world of ministry church leaders face challenges and pressures on a consistent basis. For many who are Bi-Vocational the ministry and life demands are doubled. The demands of ministry on a church leader’s time, family, and health have led many to burn out and leave the ministry altogether. Church leaders are expected to be experts in the scripture, model a perfect marriage, be involved in or lead a small group, while at the same time become the employee of the month or manager of the year at their other job and while coaching their children’s soccer team if they are Bi-Vocational. Although God has gifted those of us who lead in church with grace He has granted, the task of leading in a 21st Century church can be grueling.

By the end of their time with me, pastors and church leaders will learn how to see the signs of buildup to burnout and learn strategies that will help them avoid burnout so they may burn bright in their calling. Attendees will leave the session with hope as they will be given takeaways that will assist them in keeping fresh fire for ministry.

Speaker: Arthur James

Description: You have the ideas, but do you have the strategy to get leadership to support them? Creativity without influence leads to frustration. In this session, you’ll discover how to earn trust with decision-makers, solve leadership pain points, and secure the buy-in and budget you need to take your church to the next level.

Speaker: Patrick Clark and Brittany Clark

Description: In this session, we’ll discuss how to incorporate children and students into the worship & tech ministry at your church. We’ll also discuss how to encourage church leadership to work with you to develop a culture of ministry growth with the younger generations by showing how First United Methodist Church in Bentonville, AR was able to develop a program that worked with their congregation’s needs and abilities.

Speaker: Allison Earhart and Ray Wheeler

Description: In ministry there are always challenges, there are always problems, difficulties, and situations that leave you scratching your head, asking, “WHAT IS GOING ON!??” In all of the hustle of ministry life and complexity that comes with it, it is really easy to get lost in the “Fog” and before you know it, that building project is so far off the rails not even Google can find it! In a blink of an eye that seemingly minor staff issue gets really big – really fast. Or, maybe the facilities and the budget don’t seem to align, or you have security and access control nightmares that make your head spin and maybe your AV systems are a running joke!

The Five “S’s” helps cut through the chatter, the noise, and the fog, and helps to bring the issues to front and center so it can be dealt with in a clear and concise way.

Speaker: Rich Fuchs

Description: coming soon

Speaker: coming soon