The 2024 BCI Ministry Conference will feature several dynamic breakout sessions designed to equip and inspire church leaders. Join us for this year’s sessions, where experts in ministry and leadership will share valuable insights and strategies.
Ministry Conference Breakouts
BREAKOUT SESSION 1 • 12:30PM
Breakout Session 1
Breakout Session 1 offers key sessions on topics such as “Developing Laborers, Not Just Recruiting Volunteers” (Send Network Iowa), “Developing Missional Culture in Youth Ministry” (Jonathan Meyer), and “Building Chemistry, Not Conflict on Your Elder/Deacon Board” (Todd Stiles).
1-1) Developing Leaders & Laborers in Your Church – Send Network Iowa
1-2) Developing Missional Culture in Youth Ministry – Jonathan Meyer
From making disciples to sharing the gospel, this breakout intentionally focuses on strategically designing ministry to focus on living out the mission of the great commission. If you are looking for tips and ideas for getting people out of your church building and into gospel conversations, join us! Note: You don’t have to be in youth ministry to attend.
Speaker Bio: Jonathan Meyer is the Next Gen Lead at Grace Church and Founder of Ignite Youth Leadership Conference. Andrew Nippert also serves in Next Gen Ministry at Grace Church.
1-3) Building Chemistry, Not Conflict on Your Elder/Deacon Board – Todd Stiles
Discuss specific strategies for developing relational credibility among your entire team of leaders so that corporate chemistry flows.
Speaker Bio: Todd Stiles planted and pastors First Family Church in Ankeny.
1-4) Engaging in the Marketplace – Philip Nation (Thomas Nelson Bibles)
Each day, members of our churches interact with the marketplace as workers, business owners, and consumers. Many are confused as to how they can carry out their lives with a biblical worldview, give a witness for the gospel, and live faithfully to the Lord. In this session, we will interact with how to equip members to live bold and persuasive lives in the marketplace.
Speaker Bio: Philip Nation is VP-Publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles and travels frequently to preach and teach around the globe.
BREAKOUT SESSION 2 • 2:o0PM
Breakout Session 2
In Breakout Session 2, explore “Helping Your Church Take Its Next Step in Church Planting” (Send Network Iowa), or dive deep into “Developing a Vision for Corporate Worship” with Matthew & Angela Swain from MBTS. Don’t miss an opportunity to hear “A Guided Journey” from Ed Gregory, reflecting on 58 years of ministry.
2-1) Helping Your Church Take Its Next Step in Church Planting – Send Network Iowa
2-2) Developing a Vision for Corporate Worship – Matthew & Angela Swain (MBTS)
2-3) A Guided Journey: Reflections & Lessons from 58 Years of Ministry – Ed Gregory
This session will focus on the goodness and guidance of God in ministry. It will be illustrated by reflecting on experiences and lessons learned along the way
Speaker Bio: Called at an early age, Ed Gregory has served in various Pastor, Denominational and Ministry capacities for over 50 years, including his current assignment on the Pastoral Ministry Team at BCI.
2-4) International Missions Update – Cory Gonyo & IMB Panel
Join us for a time of rejoicing over how the Lord is reaching the lost in Chile and Central Asia. Bring your questions to dialogue with your IMB missionaries (one of the couples is sent by our very own Cornerstone Church, Ames!). Let’s come together and see how every believer in every SBC church is part of this great pursuit to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, tribe, and tongue.
Speaker Bios: Our panel of IMB personnel include D & T who serve in Central Asia, Cliff & Cinthy Case who serve in Santiago, Chile, and Kelly Davis who serves with the IMB in Richmond, Virginia. The panel will be facilitated by Pastor Cory Gonyo of First Baptist Church of Bettendorf and an IMB Trustee.
2-5) Hispanic Work in Iowa (Spanish) – Israel Becerra
BREAKOUT SESSION 3 • 3:30PM
Breakout Session 3
Breakout Session 3 features important discussions like “Hispanic Work in Iowa” (Israel Becerra), “Beyond Egypt: Lessons from Exodus for Church Hurts & Healing” (Kari Minter), and “Missional Leadership” with Philip Nation.
3-1) Hispanic Work in Iowa (English) – Israel Becerra
3-2) Beyond Egypt: Lessons from Exodus for Church Hurts & Healing (Women Only) – Kari Minter
Being a pastor’s wife often comes with unique challenges—spiritual, emotional, and relational. Just as Moses faced intense opposition, doubt, and hardship while following God’s call to lead the Israelites, many pastor’s wives face similar struggles in ministry. This workshop invites pastor’s wives to journey through the book of Exodus and find strength and encouragement from Moses’ story. Together, we will explore the themes of calling, obedience, leadership, and the hardships that often follow faithful service to God. Note: Thank you for honoring our request for women only to attend this breakout.
Speaker Bio: Kari Minter is an author, Bible teacher, pastor’s wife, and mom to three teenagers.
3-3) Which Traits Matter? (Servant Leadership & Member Retention) – Todd Stiles
Join Todd for a research-based look at which pastoral servant leadership traits are most correlated to the retention of members.
Speaker Bio: Todd Stiles planted and pastors First Family Church in Ankeny.
2-4) Missional Leadership – Philip Nation (Thomas Nelson Bibles)
We are called to guide congregational life in the direction of glorifying God through making disciples. Join this breakout as we look at ways to break to lead missionally and equip others to do the same. Philip Nation will give encouragement and practical guidance on how to develop a missional mindset in your church.
Speaker Bio: Philip Nation is VP-Publisher for Thomas Nelson Bibles and travels frequently to preach and teach around the globe.
