Keynote: Shawn Herkstroeter – “Strength for the Journey: Developing Personal Resilience for Life and Ministry”
Ministry is deeply meaningful work, but it is also demanding work. Expectations, responsibilities, constant change, and the emotional weight of serving others can gradually deplete even the most dedicated leaders. Many ministry workers find themselves running on empty—not because they lack passion, but because their capacity has been eroded over time.
In this practical and Christ-centered keynote, participants will explore resilience as more than simply "bouncing back." Resilience is the ongoing process of accepting reality, remaining anchored to purpose, and positively coping, recovering, and adapting through stress, change, and adversity. Drawing from biblical principles, contemporary resilience research, and real-world ministry experience, attendees will learn why some called workers thrive and others struggle with exhaustion, overwhelm, and burnout.
Using the framework of spiritual, emotional, and physical health, participants will identify common resilience-draining habits, recognize warning signs of burnout, and discover practical strategies for increasing their capacity to faithfully serve for the long haul. The session emphasizes stewardship of the whole person and equips participants to build sustainable rhythms that support both personal well-being and ministry effectiveness.
Religious Keynote: Jeff Wiechman– “Let God's Grace Rule: The Basics of Good Ministry Culture”
This presentation is a collection of beliefs from various authors and the presenter about school/team culture and its application to a ministry setting. Five main topics for a grace-filled, positive, and successful ministry culture are discussed: 1) Providing a Caring Atmosphere; 2) Practicing Integrity by All; 3) Creating a Positive Environment; 4) Dealing with Adversity; and 5) Teaching Skills for Life/Eternity.