About our Workshops

SESSION 1 

Tracking the Trends: Fresh Data and Sociological Insight for the Mission Ahead 

Ed Stetzer (Worship Center) 

North America is currently in a season of rapid change and transformation, both socially and in the life of the church. The latest research reveals both real challenges and genuine signs of hope that can shape our gospel witness for the next season. In this session, Ed will unpack the most important trends taking place right now and help churches consider the best ways to respond to this “mission moment”. 

Milestones That Matter: Practical Strategies for Supporting Kids and Parents 

Monica Healer (The Big Room) 

This interactive workshop provides children’s ministry leaders with practical tools to support emotional, social, and spiritual milestones in children. Participants will leave with concrete ideas for integrating these practices into weekly ministry environments and for partnering with parents to foster healthy, faith-filled development. 

Turning Things Around in the Local Church: A How-To Conversation on Leadership for Revitalization 

Brad McMullen (Room 100) 

These days, so many churches are in decline, or plateaued. Attendance, giving and morale are down. But there is hope! The Lord is not finished with his Church. Together with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can turn things around for our churches and help them be vital and healthy once again. This workshop offers practical strategies for leaders who desire to guide revitalization and cultivate renewed health, momentum and mission within their congregations. 

Dangerous Prayer / Dangerous Church: Prayer as the fuel for spiritual growth and mission 

Mia Chang / Jon Davis (Room 102) 

Prayer defines and shapes believers, churches and the very world as we know it. Dangerous Prayers form followers in their sense of identity and calling. We see these throughout the scriptures; Moses, Isaiah, Mary, and many more. Dangerous Prayer embraces the concepts of Revelation, Encounter and Transformation. When people live into this piety and practice, their lives change. 

This workshop explores how prayer fuels the mission of the church and forms communities that live on the missional edge. Join us as we explore the essential element of prayer for transforming lives, the communities where we live and ultimately the world. 

On Mission, with Money: Economic Sustainability for Churches and Ministries Impacting Communities 

Charlie Self (Room 127) 

When the local church and other mission agencies aim for spiritual awakening and social flourishing, creative and sustainable methods of funding outreach and infrastructure become essential. This interactive conversation integrates Biblical vision, Spirit-led design thinking, and grassroots case studies to offer sound wisdom for long-term community impact. This session will share insights to help churches build sustainable infrastructure while remaining faithful to their mission. This is not a one-size-fits-all funding seminar, but a thoughtful exploration of stewardship, creativity and generational blessing.

Made Whole Again: Integrating God's Calling for Righteousness and Justice 

Dr. Charlie Dates (Room 215/New Chapel) 

Justice and righteousness are not opposing forces, but inseparable pillars of God’s design. Yet, our minds often divide them, even set them in opposition to one another, instead of seeing them as two parts of a whole.  This workshop will provide a biblical and historical view into the bond between these two pillars of our faith and how their integration should inform our action based on truth. 

Opening Space: How Friendship Becomes the Doorway to Mission 

Shannon Kiser / Lee Spitzer (Room 265) 

In a culture marked by loneliness and disconnection, friendship has become one of the most powerful, and underutilized, paths to outreach. This workshop explores how proximity, meaningful relationships, and networks of friendship create space for authentic encounters with Jesus. Participants will discover why friendship isn’t the result of mission, but rather the starting point that can renew existing churches and spark new expressions of Christian community. 

A More Beautiful Partnership: Reimagining the Church & CDC Together for Gospel Impact 

Lora Gravatt / Jim Baucom (Room 267) 

Your church’s Child Development Center is more than childcare, it’s a sacred opportunity to disciple the next generation and reach families in your community. In this interactive workshop, you’ll hear real stories from Columbia Church, explore why weekday ministries are one of the most strategic doors for evangelism and discipleship, and discover how pastors, teachers, and directors can partner together for greater gospel impact. You’ll leave inspired and equipped with next practical steps to strengthen the partnership between your church and CDC. This workshop is particularly helpful if all the stakeholders and strategic decision-makers (Sr. Pastor, Ex. Pastor/Discipleship Pastor, Center Director, Elder/Deacon, Children’s Minister, etc.) attend together. 

From Belonging to Invitation: Rethinking Connections in Rural Churches 

Kathleen & Chris Blackey / David Blackwell (Room 270) 

Many rural churches are already central to community life yet struggle to move from belonging to invitation. This workshop will help leaders identify relational pathways for connections in rural contexts, addressing both barriers and opportunities for welcoming new people into the life of the church. 

AI Tools & Trends for Ministry: Practical Possibilities, Faithful Boundaries 

Jason Moore (274/Choir Suite) 

Artificial Intelligence is showing up everywhere, but what does it actually mean for ministry, and how should church leaders thoughtfully engage it? 

This workshop offers a clear, accessible overview of what AI is – and what it isn’t - followed by a practical look at specific AI tools currently supporting ministry efforts in communication, worship planning, administration, and creative development. Participants will explore where AI can be genuinely helpful - and where caution, discernment, and human presence still matter deeply. 

The session will also include a guided conversation around ethics, transparency, and faith-based boundaries, helping leaders think critically about responsible use without fear or hype. Designed for enthusiastic beginners and skeptics alike, this workshop equips participants with language, tools, and questions they can take back to their congregations and teams. 

A New Framework for Church Based Community Engagement 

Robert Turner (Room 308) 

This workshop introduces a practical framework for church-based community engagement designed for pastors and leaders in churches of all sizes. Participants will explore a long-term approach rooted in consistency, trust, and shared responsibility with the community. 

Drawing from organizational development principles and national examples, this session equips pastors and practitioners with actionable insights and strategic questions to help churches discern how to engage faithfully and effectively within their unique context. 

Steeples and Studios: How Your Church Can Embrace the Power of the Arts 

Winfield Bevins (Room 309) 

The arts have the power to change lives and renew congregations, but its impact has been largely diminished in recent decades. This session invites churches to rediscover a vibrant vision for the arts that enriches congregational life and reaches local communities with the beauty of the gospel. Whether you are an artist, pastor, or art enthusiast, this session is an invitation toward cultivating a church culture marked by creativity, beauty, and Kingdom imagination.

Made for This: Equipping the Rising Generation for Gospel Impact 

Jason Persaud (Room 330/327) 

Drawing on emerging research, this workshop explores how intentional investment in student leadership can lead to deep discipleship and real gospel impact. We will unpack how churches can cultivate leadership development, faith formation, purpose, and student-led evangelism that empower young people to live boldly as disciples where they are. 

Who Is My Neighbor? 

Sarah Parham (Room 332) 

This interactive workshop equips church leaders and believers to engage in meaningful, gospel-centered conversations within their everyday “neighborhoods” - the places where they live, work, and play. Drawing from global missional experience, participants learn how cross-cultural principles can be applied effectively in North America with different cultures, religions, and increasingly secular worldviews. Through a neighborhood mapping exercise, Scripture study on God’s use of culture in mission, and guided prayer, the workshop helps leaders move from awareness to action. Designed with church leaders in mind, it also offers practical tools and examples for equipping congregations for neighborhood engagement. 

Leading a Church of Belonging: Cultivating Community for Those Navigating Mental Health Challenges 

Linda Gorham (Room 337) 

This session equips pastors and ministry leaders to cultivate congregations where individuals navigating mental health challenges can:

1. Experience true belonging 

2. Build authentic relationships

3. Receive compassionate support

4. Embrace a whole-person vision of healing: spiritual, emotional, relational and physical

5. Participate and serve in alignment with their gifts and calling

6. Thrive in a community shaped by grace, safety, and acceptance 

Presence Based Witness: Evangelism in a Hostile World (Luke 10:1-16) 

David Fitch / Gino Curcurutto (Room 355) 

For many, evangelism feels intrusive or uncomfortable. But what if sharing the gospel was meant to look different?

Drawing from Jesus’ teaching in Luke 10, this workshop introduces a model of  “Presence-based witness” – a pattern rooted in the church’s historical practice of following Jesus into the world. Come learn 6 practical steps for cultivating a culture of evangelism that releases fear, cooperates with the work God is already doing, and equips churches to embody the good news in everyday relationships.

SESSION 2

Growing the Local Church: Overcoming Growth Barriers for the Sake of the Gospel 

Ed Stetzer (Worship Center) 

Many ministry leaders today have not been educated and equipped with practical strategies related to growing local churches. Often, we find ourselves working hard and praying hard, but even when we see the fruit of our labors happening outside the church and around the church, the fruit doesn’t often seem to move into the church. 

In this session, Ed will identify common growth obstacles present in churches of all sizes and offer strategies for overcoming them. Leaders will gain actionable steps to help translate initial momentum into sustainable, long-term fruit for the sake of the gospel. 

Sacred Wonder: Honoring God's Design for Early Childhood Education and Formation 

Doyna Illmer (The Big Room) 

For decades, the Reggio Emilia approach has influenced early childhood education around the world with its emphasis on children as competent, curious, and capable learners. This approach can enhance, not compromise, our Christian mission. In this session, we will focus on three core principles where Reggio Emilia philosophy and biblical foundations naturally align. Participants will leave with practical implementation strategies, a 30-day action plan, and helpful resources for integrating these insights into children’s ministry setting. 

Small Church – Big Impact: Pathways for Small Churches to Generate a Significant Impact 

Corey Laughery (Room 100) 

Small churches often underestimate the potential for meaningful community impact. Drawing from over two decades of pastoral experience in a town of approximately 1,000 residents, this session highlights practical strategies for expanding your church’s influence. Participants will explore initiatives such as mentoring high school seniors, mental health outreach, young adult internships, relational “Oikos” evangelism, community celebrations, and leadership engagement.

"For the Joy Set Before Him": Expanding Horizons of Hope, from Attachment Science to the Gospel 

Cyd Holsclaw (Room 102) 

What is the relationship between joy and suffering? How does God’s design for human attachment shape our capacity for hope?

This workshop explores the intersection of attachment science, relational neuroscience, and the gospel story. Participants will discover how a deeper understanding of God’s design for connection can expand our horizon of hope and strengthen our witness in seasons of both joy and hardship. 

Beyond Sunday: A Field for Discipling Gen Z & College Students All Week Long 

Brandon Shook (Room 127) 

Something significant is happening among Gen Z. Rather than abandoning faith, many young people are moving toward a deeper, wholehearted commitment to Christ. They are eager to enter the depths of Christian life that require whole-hearted dedication faith that is not satisfied by church attendance alone. This workshop will help leaders understand this crucial moment in the life of the church and how they can respond most faithfully to the opportunity.

Unshakeable Faith: Seven Historic Commitments for Forming Gen Z in a Culture of Lies 

Aaron Graham (Room 215/New Chapel) 

This generation stands at a crossroads of revival or retreat. Record numbers of young people are engaging in faith, even as many others are quietly drifting. How we disciple students and young adults today will profoundly shape how they navigate a secular culture that is actively forming them. This workshop will equip leaders to identify the lies tempting Gen Z, understand the resulting counterfeit identities, and reclaim seven historic commitments that have anchored faithful Christians through every cultural upheaval. Participants will leave better prepared to form resilient, joyful disciples who can stand firm without withdrawing from the world. 

Dinner Church: Evangelism and Disciple-Making Around the Table of Christ 

Verlon Fosner (Room 265) 

Unleashing new forms of Christian community around a table and a meal where people hear the Gospel, respond with faith, and everyone is welcome. Every community has isolated people who are not connected to church as we know it. What if the essence of church is less about buildings, budgets, and staff and more about life together around a shared meal and table? Discover how simple, effective, and fruitful a dinner church mission can be and get equipped to start one right where you are.

Practicing the Works of Jesus 

Paul Maconochie (Room 267) 

Jesus taught that His followers would continue His works, and the Apostle Paul provided guidance for spiritual gifts within the church. Yet many of us rarely see these realities expressed in everyday church life, and feel uncertain about engaging with the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. When healing or prophecy is claimed, it is often associated with a relatively narrow range of denominations or congregations. As a result, we may feel hesitant to engage with the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, fearing disappointment, unusual or uncomfortable behavior; or even the risk of manipulative or controlling practices taking root in our churches. 

This workshop explores biblical and practical ways to listen to the Holy Spirit for others and pray for healing in ways that are biblical, grounded, and fully integrated within our existing church cultures. 

Good God – Bad World: Reconciling the Goodness of God and the Problem of Evil 

Ingrid Faro (Room 269) 

The problem of evil remains one of the primary reasons many struggle with faith. We recognize that things are not the way they’re supposed to be. This workshop examines how the Bible defines evil and good in contrast to modern conceptions, and some of the major ways evil enters our lives. Participants will consider the roles of both God and humanity in confronting and overturning evil, discovering a hopeful and biblically grounded framework in engaging one of the most pressing questions of our time.

Overcoming Barriers to Gospel Access

Ashley Berryhill / Cindy Wiles  (Room 270) 
What if the greatest barrier to the gospel in North America isn’t culture, but credibility? As communities become increasingly global and multiethnic, churches must rethink how mission is practiced when trust can no longer be assumed. This workshop explores how recognizing diaspora believers and cultural insiders as key partners reshapes sending, partnership, and gospel witness today.

Your Next Crisis Will Be Staffing: Trends, Fixes, and Succession Planning 

Matt Steen (Room 271) 

Finding good people to serve the mission of Christ is one of the foremost challenges leaders face today. This workshop will explore some of the difficult and hopeful trends in the current church staffing landscape, as well as paths congregations can take to find solutions and capitalize on opportunities. Additionally, with pending retirements of many senior leaders in ministry today, there will be a special focus on succession planning. 

How to Share Your Faith When Nobody is Listening 

Raphael Anzenberger (Room 274/Choir Suite) 

In highly secular contexts, many Christians feel as though their witness falls on deaf ears. Yet beneath the surface, there is often more spiritual openness than we assume. Drawing on the broader framework developed by Charles Taylor for understanding life in a secular age, and using examples from Europe and Canada, we will identify concrete, realistic ways to share your faith and accompany people on a fruitful pathway of discipleship.

Walking With Difference in Your City: How to love your neighbor when your worldviews collide (Room 308) 

James Wilson Jr. / Archie Bates-Mendoza 

Words matter. As disciples of Christ, we have been called to proclaim the good news that is Jesus Christ. Yet our words, whether from the pulpit, during an outreach event, or a meeting in the grocery store, do not always translate as intended to different worldviews. This session will offer real life examples of differing viewpoints and practical tools to increase self-awareness and self-regulation, enabling us to engage others with humility and love in everyday interactions.

Ascent Arts: Information and Orientation to the Network 

Winfield Bevins / Mitch Marcello (Room 309) 

Join Winfield Bevins and Mitch Marcello for an introduction and overview of the Ascent Arts Initiative and 2026 Cohort opportunity. This session shares a compelling vision for reclaiming the arts as a vital witness to the Christian faith and outlines practical pathways for churches to cultivate artistic expression within their congregations and communities. 

The Wicked Problem of Discipleship: Moving from Program to Practice 

Matt Lake (room 330/327) 

Wicked problems are ones that have no easy fix and require multiple layers of complexity to address. Unfortunately, using this definition, discipleship in local churches often falls into this "wicked problem" category. Discipleship is often treated as a program rather than a way of life. Yet true disciple-making is complex and requires more than top-down information transfer.

This workshop will explore a framework and pathway for discipleship that more directly reflects the bottom-up approach that Jesus employed. We will explore how to walk with intentionality into deeper discipleship that is lived out in practice. At the same time, done in a way that creates space for the Holy Spirit to move in the lives of participants, and fosters a life of discipleship that recognizes each person's unique gifts and calling. Based on years of experience and proven results, this framework is one that can be applied to any size church that desires to see individuals move from knowing about discipleship, to actively living out discipleship in practice. 

The Ministry of Mental Health- Encouraging Mental Wellness with Practical Church 

Andrea Gallegos (Room 337) 

As mental health challenges rise among adolescents and adults, pastors often feel the weight of providing comprehensive care. This session introduces a sustainable three-arm approach to a mentally strong congregation that has been successful at Sea Change Church: prayer, wellness centers, and skills courses/discipleships. We will also explore healthy pastoral boundaries and ways to design ministry programs to enforce them in a loving and natural manner. 

The Church in the Epoch of AI 

Jim Baucom (Room 355) 

Lots of church leaders seem to be interested in AI and its uses, but few seem to understand how rapidly technology is changing the world at present. The future is here, but do church leaders know it? This seminar focuses on the epochal shift that is reshaping society and how the church must adapt to respond. Clues abound in the record of the church's response at the turn of the last epoch, though today's congregations will need to become remarkably adaptive to respond to the present shift. 

To Be Determined: 

Lessons from the Lower Pacific & Atlantic: What the Rest of North America Can Learn from the Caribbean/Central America 

Eliseo Mejia 

Grounded in the Ascent Movement’s belief that God is shaping leaders everywhere, this workshop invites North American churches to posture themselves not only as senders, but also as learners.

Drawing from ministry relationships across the Lower Pacific and Atlantic regions of the Caribbean and Central America, participants will explore how leaders are cultivating resilient, Spirit-led movements amidst waves of immigration, economic instability, cultural hybridity, and limited institutional support. This workshop is particularly relevant for pastors, church planters, denominational leaders, and lay innovators seeking faithful, contextual, and globally aware approaches to ministry. Participants will gain transferable principles and practical frameworks for missional engagement across North America. As Ascent continues to expand across different languages, cultures, and regions, this workshop emphasizes a fundamental truth: movements thrive when leaders listen deeply, walk humbly, and follow the Spirit together. The Lower Pacific and Atlantic are not marginal - they are prophetic.