Forest Lakes District EFCA

Are you tired? Worn out? Overwhelmed with all that needs to be done? Jesus invites us to get away with him and take a real rest. In this breakout session, we will examine what healthy rhythms of work (doing) and rest (being) look like as well as what the primary obstacles are that prevent pastors from experiencing this rest. We will also explore practical next steps you can take to enter into Jesus’ specific invitation of rest for you.
¿Estás cansado? ¿Agotado? ¿Abrumado por todo lo que hay que hacer? Jesús nos invita a apartarnos con él y descansar de verdad. En esta sesión exploraremos cómo son los ritmos saludables de trabajo (hacer) y descanso (ser), así como los principales obstáculos que impiden que los pastores experimenten este descanso. También exploraremos pasos prácticos que puedes dar para aceptar la invitación específica de Jesús a descansar que tiene para ti.

Preparation for the day-to-day realities of serving people with complex needs while caring for our own. This workshop will provide practical tools for navigating the relational, emotional, mental, and spiritual demands of ministry.
Preparación para las realidades cotidianas de servir a personas con necesidades complejas mientras cuidamos de nosotros mismos. Este taller ofrecerá herramientas prácticas para navegar las demandas relacionales, emocionales, mentales y espirituales del ministerio.

Guidance for pastors and church leaders as we pursue long-term health in a broken world. This breakout will help pastors and church leaders think about how they might stay healthy and fruitful for a lifetime of ministry. We will explore best practices and dive into crucial areas that form the foundation for living "one healthy whole life" in ministry.
Este taller ayudará a pastores y líderes de iglesia a pensar en cómo mantenerse saludables y fructíferos durante toda una vida de ministerio. Exploraremos buenas prácticas y profundizaremos en áreas cruciales que forman la base para vivir “una vida plena y saludable” en el ministerio.

God gifts and calls His Church in diverse ways for Kingdom work. This workshop explores how we faithfully respond to His call by engaging the increasingly diverse communities around us. Participants will gain practical ministry tools to cultivate cross-cultural insights, relational outreach, and a faithful presence rooted in the gospel.

Many of us are walking with students, family members, church attendees or friends who identify as LGBTQ. These relationships naturally raise important questions about gender, sexuality, discipleship, and pastoral care all while holding to a traditional sexual ethic. As leaders, we not only carry our own questions—we’re also helping others process theirs. How do we do that faithfully? How do we reflect the heart of Jesus in conversations that can feel complex, emotional, or tense? In this seminar, we’ll take an honest and practical look at how Jesus engaged with people, what His posture teaches us, and how we can embody His love and truth as we walk alongside the people entrusted to us.

Your staff is a key asset of the church. Is your church leadership addressing their needs so staff can minister without financial stress. We will share the importance of compensation fundamentals like (salary, housing allowance, tax considerations and retirement). We will touch on investment opportunities and strategies for the future.

By God’s divine design, the beautiful body of Christ is intended to include children and adults of all types of abilities.  And yet, our modern church environments and culture are often inaccessible for individuals with neurodiversity or other types of disabilities.  Come and hear stories and strategies for how to connect the Gospel with all types of learners by removing one barrier at a time and transforming your church culture one step at a time.

“I was in prison and you came to me.” Jesus gives a beautiful description of the kind of people who will inherit the kingdom, yet many Christians and churches feel overwhelmed by prison ministry.  But our churches are filled with people who have been incarcerated or who have loved ones who have been incarcerated.  Obeying Jesus in this vital (and non-optional) area is less intimidating and more fruitful than you might imagine, and you likely have highly motivated saints in your church who will catch the vision quickly.
Jamie Thompson currently teaches a bible class at a medium security state prison, currently has a best friend incarcerated, and previously lived with recently released prisoners as they integrated back into life on the outside.  And he’s still trying to figure out prison ministry at the local church level.  Come learn together from those who gather for this conversation.

Many churches feel pressure to be the best church IN the community, but Jesus calls us to be the best church FOR the community. Discover ten practical shifts that help churches move from comparison to compassion — doing good works, becoming good neighbors, building good will, and sharing the good news naturally. Discover how meeting relational, practical, and spiritual needs can reposition your church at the heart of your community and mobilize your people for everyday mission.

How is your church having an impact on your local community? Has your church lost its focus on the great commission? Come and hear how to help your church develop strategies of WHY, WHAT & HOW to make a true impact on your church and the community.