Discover ideas, insights and innovations from people who have firsthand experience on a variety of topics. You choose which to attend!

The Small Church – What Can We Do? - by David McKnight
80% of all churches in America have fewer than 200 members. Being a small church with a vision to grow can be frustrating.  There are a lot of ideas but no easy answers.  So how can you achieve your vision for your church?  David helps you identify common growth obstacles and what you need to do to overcome them as well as a step-by-step process to establish the foundation needed to begin the expansion process.  David has guided many small churches through this process and has helped them realize and exceed their visions for growth.

The Design/Build Advantage, by Architect Philip Tipton
Philip presents the advantages of having a design/build team versus a design/bid/build construction approach.  The design/build team eliminates multiple contracts and contractors, conflicts and other common problems associated with having separate firms for architecture and building.  Design/build allows the church to navigate the building process with one strategic partner, which helps insure the growth vision stays focused and on schedule.

Stewardship & the Cost of Waiting, by Mark Siebert
Every church wants to make the right choice – When and how much should I build?  These are difficult questions and waiting too long to address them can often do more harm than good, even in a difficult economy.  Mark shows you the value of planning now and why it’s important to understand capital and space requirements as early as possible, so your church can avoid lost opportunities associated with waiting. 

Repurposing by Remodeling, by David McKnight
Many churches have a lot of square footage that is no longer effective today.  Buildings designed many decades past had a different purpose and now don’t function the way we want them to today.  Maybe you don’t need to build a new building; maybe you could look at updating your current building to be more functional.  How can you tell if buying an existing building and remodeling it is better for you than buying a new site and building from the ground up?  This insightful workshop helps determine fact from fiction in understanding what things you should look for when considering a building remodel.

What Can a Church Do in Tough Economic Times? – by Eric Simmons
There’s no question that the economy has made it a challenge for churches to raise money and consider expansion plans.  But there are things you can do.  Eric Simmons has over 15 years of experience in senior pastoral ministry, executive leadership, public relations, ministry/facility development and church growth.  He was a pastor at two turnaround churches in the South and is an expert in understanding church financial health and potential.  Eric will share his experiences and insights to help you understand what your church can do in tough economic times. 

Principles for Designing and Building Effective Ministry Tools, by Architect Philip Tipton
Having the right leadership team, developing a vision, understanding your financial potential and making the building a functional tool are just a few of the principles Phil reviews in this dynamic seminar.  Whether you are just beginning or are farther along in your building plans, you will gain valuable insight from Phil’s years of experience in helping churches develop buildings that are functional tools of their ministries and beyond.

Navigating Through the Minefield of Today's Economy, by Mark Brooks
Creative thinking and ministry experience has helped Mark successfully help churches raise funds for capital projects, and achieve maximum financial and spiritual results.  Mark’s experience ranges from large churches to emerging organizations and his innovative “outside the box” approach to stewardship programs has helped scores of ministries successfully navigate the financial challenges facing churches today.