CLIENT & CULTURE - Location: Windsor
	Sustainable Life-Change: Attempting to Understand Client Success
	Using the “new creation” text (2 Corinthians 5:17), we’ll consider sustainable life-change and how to recognize success. We’ll apply the see-do-get model for change, from the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This model establishes that the way we see our circumstances leads to what we do; what we do leads to the results we get in life. Mark Siegrist, director of education, Denver Rescue Mission
	Changing the Face of Homelessness
	Engaging mission disciples through the arts and media can be a wonderful way to change the face of homelessness in your community and beyond. Staff from New Orleans Mission will talk about their “Homeless Not Hopeless” initiative, and they’ll also share how your mission can create unique and uplifting creative projects that bring awareness and also raise money for your mission. David Bottner, CEO, and Johnny Lonardo, COO, New Orleans Mission
	Becoming the Go-To in Your Community
	The reality is that faith-based organizations shoulder the lion’s share of sheltering and multiple other services related to homelessness in many areas. But do city governments and communities at-large see missions as the first go-to on homelessness matters? This session, presented by a member whose mission has realized unprecedented levels of community partnership, will explore the process of improving relations and gaining trust. Jeff Lilley, president, and Richard McAdams, search and rescue supervisor, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission
	International City Mission Perspectives
	We live in a global community. Cultures and customs might differ around the world, but we are all dealing with many of the same issues. Come and hear how faith-based social services in Europe respond to challenges and discuss the global similarities and trends we share. Networking with like-minded international ministries can call attention to opportunities and threats, and it can also inspire new approaches. Heather Roy, secretary general, Eurodiaconia, Belgium
	Next Faith: Trends Shaping the Future
	This presentation examines the key spiritual, cultural, and generational trends that are influencing how Christ-followers live and work. Put yourself in the future; then learn what you need to do now to prepare yourself and your organization to be effective in the future. David Kinnaman, president, Barna Group

STRATEGIC THINKING - Location: Cotton Bowl
	Creating a Community for Young Adults to Serve the City
	Serve Seattle is a ministry of Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission where young adults 18–24 live in community for a year while serving the city in a local internship. This experience has proven to prepare young adults to serve those in greatest need in both professional and volunteer applications. We’ll discuss what components are necessary to launch such a program and what outcomes you can expect to see. Ryan Walters, recruiting and marketing specialist, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission
	Board Policy Manual Essentials
	A board policy manual helps a board move from being reactive to being proactive. It’s one of the key expectations for missions going through AGRM’s Ripple Effect program. This seminar will help provide an organizational framework for your board policy manual, a template of suggested policies to help you get started, and clarity on how to keep the board’s policies separate from (and much shorter than) staff policies. We’ll also discuss the board/CEO relationship and healthy boundaries. Reid Lehman, retired president/CEO, Miracle Hill Ministries
	Building and Growing a Healthy and Sustainable Organization
	This session will focus on three fundamental elements that require constant attention for your ministry to be a healthy and sustainable organization. We’ll cover both theory and practical application to make sure you have the tools to advance your ministry from a firm foundation, even in the midst of uncertain times. Leslie Freeman, COO and organizational development specialist, The Foundry Ministries; and Mike Tate, president, On the Same Page Consulting
	Developing Great Teams
	Building a team that’s united in purpose and direction requires deliberateness and discipline. In this seminar, we’ll help you identify the major obstacles that might be stalling your central mission and discuss intentional, disciplined ways to move your team from good to great, for the benefit of the mission and for one another. Lisa Cooper, director of operations at The Crossing, Denver Rescue Mission
	Building Strategy: Getting the Right Things Done
	Using the best-selling book, The 4 Disciplines of Execution, we’ll focus on setting organizational goals and the process of executing those goals toward accomplishment. No results are ever achieved without execution. Join several Denver Rescue Mission employees as we discuss both the triumphs and the disappointments in learning to get the right things done. Mark Siegrist, director of education, Denver Rescue Mission (and others)

RADICAL HOSPITALITY - Location: Cockrell
	How to Create a Healing Environment
	Do you find yourself repairing things over and over again because clients and guests do not respect mission property? This class can give you insight and solutions to minimize these recurring issues. Learn how a beautiful environment can create a sense of well-being and peace that heals the soul, fostering a new regard for people and property. Jena Taylor, executive director, Faith City Mission
	Help that Really Helps
	Giving help that really helps can be a radical hospitality idea. In 2016, one mission began a journey to make changes to program offerings that incentivize shelter guests toward lasting life change. In this session, they’ll discuss their process, the results so far, and what they’re doing to educate the community about the difference between healthy help and harmful help. Ryan Stillwater, director of development, Visalia Rescue Mission
	Felon Reintegration
	Many people we serve have pasts, including felonies or other crimes, that can make it difficult for them to progress, find stability, and succeed. One mission’s “Getting Ahead When Getting Out” program is addressing this challenge and helping clients reclaim their lives. This session will describe the program and what it takes to launch a similar initiative at your mission. Rich Schaus, executive director, Gospel Rescue Mission
	Families of the Incarcerated: Invisible Victims
	In recent decades, the number of children with an incarcerated father has risen dramatically. These families face challenges that often place them at the intersection of poverty, addiction, trauma, and the justice system. Based on original research, attendees will learn how rescue missions are uniquely positioned to support these families and how to approach funders and policy makers who can make a difference. Ginny Giles, consultant, The Savage Group
	How to Open a Medical Clinic/Respite Care Center for Free
	Have you thought about adding medical respite or mental health services to your program? Medical and mental health respite beds and other models of care can benefit clients and guests without compromising your faith-based curriculum or funding sources. In this session, you’ll learn about assessing needs, finding resources, forging partnerships, and collaborating with government agencies to launch these programs at little to no cost. Brooks Ann McKinney, director of vulnerable populations, Mission Health System

TRANSFORMATIONAL PROGRAMMING I - Location: Landmark A
	What Every Girl Needs to Hear from Jesus
	The lies of Satan and this world can brutally assault a woman’s self-image, identity, and sense of worth. But Jesus speaks lovingly to women about their true beauty, identity, and calling. This seminar will describe approaches you can employ to help female clients see themselves the way God sees them and embrace His calling upon their lives. Heather Rice, program coordinator, Whosoever Gospel Mission
	Understanding Poor Choices and How to Change the Pattern
	This seminar will unpack why our clients (and we) do things that make no sense and that are actually harmful to others and ourselves. We’ll share practical insights and tools to help clients make wise choices and move forward with victory in Christ. Bob Emberger, executive director, Whosoever Gospel Mission
	Co-Occurring Disorders
	Single homeless women with co-occurring disorders represent the largest gap in services for many cities. This and the decline in mental health funding motivated one mission to open a residential treatment center that provides clinical counseling, case management, life skills, education, and referrals for this population. Learn from its experiences, including programming, outcomes, partnerships, and public response. Julie Larocco, chief development officer, and Sherrie Vaughn, program director, Kansas City Rescue Mission
	Planning for Christ-Centered Outcomes
	Outcomes-based programming is a major focus in rescue ministry. We measure outcomes related to sobriety, independent living, employment, financial stability, and more. While spiritual growth cannot be quantified in the same way as other program impacts, we should still be intentional in planning for and facilitating Christ-centered outcomes. We’ll explore outcomes-based programming and talk about how to help residents grow in grace and be transformed. Bob Emberger, executive director, Whosoever Gospel Mission
	Addiction, Relapse, and Recovery
	If we, along with our clients, understand the heart of addiction, identify the traps and triggers for relapse, recognize the stages of change, and encourage clients to build a support system, a solid foundation for recovery can be set. This seminar will lay out a process for clients to overcome addiction and discover who they are in Christ. Derrick Burton, manager of Village of Hope, Orange County Rescue Mission

TRANSFORMATIONAL PROGRAMMING II - Location: Pegasus B
	Essential Skills and Strategies for Counseling
	This seminar will focus on the therapeutic model and how to use a strength-based, trauma-informed approach using creative therapeutic activities to help your clients engage in the healing process. MaryAnn Gardner, men’s program director, Bridgeport Rescue Mission
	Connecting Community to Job Readiness
	Bringing area businesses into your mission with intentionality can build partnership opportunities and expose them to your programs and services. What’s more, it gives the men and women in your recovery program an opportunity to network with possible employers and practice soft job-readiness skills. This session will outline how to do this successfully at your mission. Tiffany Riddle, director of vocational advancement, Spokane Union Gospel Mission
	The Holy Spirit's Work in Regeneration
	Victory comes only through Christ’s redemption and the ongoing work of His abiding Holy Spirit. This session will take a glimpse into one mission’s recovery/regeneration program and explain how you can structure your program to encourage clients to tap into the power of God’s Spirit. You’ll be challenged and inspired through this session. Come prepared to interact and contribute regarding your life experiences. Steve Zerbe, director of residential services, Kalamazoo Gospel Mission
	The Person of Jesus Meets the Science of Recovery
	Over the past 30 years, neuroscience has discovered what is broken in the brain with addiction. It’s no surprise that many of the issues involved with trauma, addiction, and recovery are addressed in the life and teachings of Jesus. This seminar will detail the most relevant insights associated with healing the brain and the heart, including two often overlooked ones that will unleash the power of the gospel in your program and Bible classes. Dean Perry, Genesis Process associate and Genesis/transition manager, Las Vegas Rescue Mission
	How to Engage and Minister to Men
	A strong men’s ministry is foundational to the church’s fulfillment of God’s purpose for the world. This seminar is designed to help those who serve men in dealing with mental health, addiction, and other challenges. We’ll look at research and discuss strategies that will assist those who work with men to be more effective and focused in their interventions. Roy Smith, founder, Knights of the 21st Century
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT - Location: Pegasus A
	Utilizing Focus Groups to Engage Partners and Meet Mission Needs
	Valuable human capital is all around you, ready to be used to generate other resources for ministry. You can engage volunteers and supporters in greater ways—ways that help them feel more connected, ways that they’ll enjoy, and ways that can channel funding to your mission. This session will detail a strategy for energizing ambassadors for your organization. Marilyn Brummitt, development director, Miami Rescue Mission
	Silent Auctions, Raucous Returns
	Silent auctions have become a mainstay of rescue mission development strategy, but following a few best practices can increase bidder engagement and auction revenue. What’s more, new technology tools are available that can streamline and enhance your auction process. Listen in as a silent auction veteran who is now a tech entrepreneur shares fresh tactics that are proven to take silent auctions to the next level. Jeff Porter, CEO/founder, Handbid
	What's On Your Development Dashboard?
	This workshop will explore the fundraising metrics and key performance indicators essential to any well-run development program. Participants will learn what to monitor and measure so they are on top of their activities and know how their donors are performing against industry standards. Knowing what to measure also allows for better strategy decisions going forward. Christopher Doyle, vice president of development, Los Angeles Mission
	Building a Premier Organization
	This seminar, geared toward CEOs of small or new missions, will prime your strategies for development and community engagement. We’ll talk about board recruitment, building a fundraising culture, donor cultivation, free ways to get your message into the community, and other principles to help you build a premier organization. Wayne G. Richardson, CEO, Gospel Center Rescue Mission
	Mid-Level Donors: Just the Right Touch
	Mid-level donors are a unique group of givers with unique needs. What are the best ways to communicate with this group? How do you give mid-level donors opportunities to move up the ladder of engagement without driving them away? This session will take you on a deep-dive into the methods and benefits of a sustaining donor program for mid- to high-level donors. John Scola, chief development officer, and Nicole Peña, director of marketing and public relations, Phoenix Rescue Mission
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT II - Location: Gaston A & B
	Moving the Hearts and Minds of Major Donors
	Major donor fundraising is vital to growing your ministry. In this session you’ll learn the four key elements that motivate generosity in people of capacity, how they respond to giving opportunities, and how to engage them. We’ll include current data to help you see the state of major giving and what is important to your most generous partners. Bruce Scott, senior consultant, and Lisa Wolf, vice president of consulting, Westfall Gold
	Five Dangerous Trends and How to Counter Them
	Based on the popular series of articles in the Nonprofit Times, this highly interactive session will begin with the five most dangerous trends facing charities today and how to counter those trends with 13 proven strategies. You’ll also learn to identify and eliminate barriers inside your mission that are inhibiting growth. Todd Baker, vice president and senior strategist, Milwaukee Direct Marketing
	More than Meals on Appeals
	The age-old question in rescue mission fundraising: Is there a viable alternative to the dollar-per-meal ask? Using results from cutting-edge testing, deep-dive analytics, and data-driven market research, Randy Brewer will answer whether it’s time for rescue missions to offer donors more than meals on appeals. Randy Brewer, president/CEO, Brewer Direct
	Micro campaigns: Raise $100,000 Online in Four Weeks
	Micro campaigns provide a way to raise significant funds during some of the toughest times of the year—the “off seasons” of typical fundraising—in a short amount of time. We’ll share what a micro campaign is, what its key components are, and how to run a successful campaign to raise maximum dollars for ministry. Dave Raley, account executive, Masterworks; and Hillary Grigel, senior marketing manager, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission
	Development and Social Media
	Having a robust social media component as part of your fundraising program is critical to communicating with today’s audience. This seminar will examine successful strategies for engaging donors (e.g. crowdfunding campaigns, effective use of electronic communications, etc.), as well as the importance of metrics in evaluating success. Cheryl Noe, senior director of development, Nashville Rescue Mission
OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION I - Location: Moreno A & B
	Not-for-Profit Accounting and Financial Reporting Update
	There have been many recent changes in accounting and financial reporting standards for not-for-profit entities. This session will cover what you need to know about recent pronouncements and how they might affect your organization. We’ll discuss the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Updates on not-for-profit financial reporting and leases, as well as other new standards. Gregg Capin, partner, and Allison Webb, partner, CapinCrouse
	Seven Questions Every CEO Should Be Asking The Finance Team
	As CEO, you might be charged with the overall responsibility for your mission’s finances, but more than likely you’re not involved in the day-to-day details. You rely on a capable team to provide you with information necessary for decision-making. You’ll walk away from this workshop with seven key questions you should be regularly asking your finance team to strengthen stewardship at your ministry. Denise M. Henning, CPA, owner, Stewardship Matters
	Developing a Thriving Volunteer Ministry
	Whether your volunteer base is large or small, volunteers are needed to answer the call! In order to create a healthy volunteer ministry, the program must be a forethought rather than an afterthought. Learn more about how developing processes and procedures, creating infrastructure, building mutually beneficial volunteer positions, and forming a relational volunteer experience will assist your mission in advancing God’s Kingdom. Bethany Alvis, director of volunteers, and Becca Mathews, volunteer engagement manager, Wheeler Mission Ministries
	Money Metrics that Matter for Rescue Missions
	Learn how to improve your mission’s results and measure desired outcomes by prioritizing your goals, allocating the appropriate resources, and developing effective budgeting tools specific to your organization’s culture and needs. We’ll discuss considerations for recording restricted gifts and fulfillment, look at how to measure and benchmark financial health, and share best practices for communicating effectively with your board. Allison Webb, partner, CapinCrouse
	Four Key Tax Compliance Musts
	There have been many recent tax updates and changes, and religious organizations are not excluded. In this session, we’ll examine four key tax issues that rescue missions need to address: unrelated business income tax (UBIT), executive compensation, nontaxable fringe benefits, and best practices for employee versus independent contractor classifications. We’ll also look at what’s on the horizon from the IRS. Ted Batson, tax counsel, CapinCrouse
OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION II - Location: Reverchon A & B
	Compensation Packages that Make Sense
	Ministries of excellence desire to pay their employees fairly and in a manner that demonstrates integrity and propriety. How do you know what’s appropriate for your mission? What are the standards and guidelines for setting compensation? We’ll discuss these issues, plus factors to consider when designing benefits plans. Angie Criner, owner/consultant, Career Cross Training
	Planning for Successful Succession
	Is your organization prepared for a healthy transition when a key executive decides to move on? Strong organizations are proactive in preparing for leadership transitions. Regardless of whether your organization’s primary need is for a strategy to deal with an unplanned exit, a defined departure, or both, this session will outline what an action-focused plan to effectively manage succession should look like. Mike Tate, president, On the Same Page Consulting
	Addressing Fair Labor Standards
	The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) has a significant bearing on your operations, and rescue missions offer some unique circumstances that can make application of labor laws confusing. We’ve brought together a nonprofit attorney and a human resources consultant to help bring some clarity. We’ll discuss exempt/non-exempt status, overtime rules, employees who receive room/board at the mission, record keeping, and classifications (intern, program participant, employee, etc.). Jon Ruybalid, attorney; and Angie Criner, owner/consultant, Career Cross Training
	Volunteer Background Screening: What the Research Says
	Background screening is integral to the success of a volunteer program. However, many options are available for screening and that causes confusion. Who should you screen? When should you screen them? How much should you spend to get the best results? This session reveals key findings from research and best practices. Amy Sermersheim, senior account executive, Verified Volunteers
	Protecting your Mission in its Ministry to Sex Offenders
	When it comes to sex offenders, what risk management protocols should be in place to protect staff, volunteers, guests, and the offenders themselves? There are many variables to consider, and this session will help you develop a plan to limit your mission’s exposure, protect everyone involved, and free your mission to minister with confidence, knowing safeguards are in place. Brian Merriam, president, Merriam Insurance Agency
ENTERPRISE - Location: McMillan
	Your Enterprise has Launched—Now What?
	Word of mouth is a great start, but it will only take your enterprise so far. In this session we’ll cover how to market and promote your mission-operated business. We’ll discuss how to find retailers to carry your products, leveraging social media, digital marketing, finding and engaging bloggers to promote your enterprise, and working with Amazon to sell and fulfill orders. Ana Brors Maddox, director of engagement, and Jason Maddox, director of strategy & creative, Zealot Branding
	Mobility in Today’s Thrift Stores
	Today’s mobile devices can be tools to effectively run your retail or thrift store. With real-time data, scanning technology, point-of-sale opportunities, and more, if you’re not using mobile devices for your mission’s enterprise, you might be missing out. Come hear how these devices can be used, what peripherals might be necessary, and what you must understand to put this technology to work for your mission. Bob Bauer, thrift specialist, BMC
	What Social Enterprise is Right for My Mission?
	Modern-day social enterprise is a rapidly growing arena that missions are uniquely poised to enter. With clients who need job skills, people willing to spend dollars on quality goods, and new revenue streams needed for your nonprofit, developing a new enterprise might be just what you need. What product or industry is the right one for you to explore? How do you brand it? What does launching it look like? We’ll answer these questions and more in this interactive session. Ana Brors Maddox, director of engagement, and Jason Maddox, director of strategy & creative, Zealot Branding
	Lean Startup Methodology for Missions
	You’ve seen the mission thrift stores, recyclers, caterers, bakers, coffee companies, a candle maker, landscaping company, and even a chocolatier, and you think, “I wonder how my mission can start a business?” This session, taught by a successful serial entrepreneur, who also happens to be a nonprofit attorney, will lay out the principles to start a lean, mean, revenue-producing machine that might even put people to work. Jon Ruybalid, attorney and entrepreneur
	Enterprise Show-and-Tell
	If you’re proud of your mission’s enterprise and you’d like to introduce it to other missions, or if you’re interested in learning more about other mission-operated businesses, come sit in on this informal gathering of mission entrepreneurs. There will be opportunities to share, show products, ask questions, exchange business cards, and talk shop. Facilitated by Blake Barrow, executive director, Rescue Mission of El Paso; and Jim Byrnes, CEO, and Michael Mauro, clean team manager, Allentown Rescue Mission
PUBLIC IMAGE - Location: Sanger A
	Performing Well Under Media Pressure
	It’s one thing to be a good speaker, but it’s another to communicate clearly and coolly under the hot lights and aggressive questioning of an adversarial television news crew. In this content-packed seminar taught by two seasoned media communications professionals, you’ll learn techniques that will equip you to perform well in both positive and negative news interviews. You’ll learn the rules of communication, optimum on-camera body language, vocal techniques, controlling nervousness, and more. Palmer Holt, president, InChrist Communications; and Lynn Wilford Scarborough, media coach
	Brand Smart! How Strong Brands Build Strong Ministries
	Whether you tweet, post, pin, print, or mail, great communication starts with a brand strategy. With a strategy in place, you can create a compelling story and build connections to your mission. After attending this workshop, you’ll be able to: (1) Identify the factors of a strong brand; (2) recognize brands that work; and (3) clarify your unique story and communicate it using a range of tools. Shannon Litton, president/CEO, 5by5
	Case Study: Crisis Communications Failure
	When a nonprofit mishandles a crisis, the results can be dire: fundraising loss, reputation damage, and an inability to fully serve its constituency. This seminar is a case study in what happened when media coverage brought a nonprofit to its knees, and how you can prevent such a calamity from killing your mission. Steve Ruppe, founder, Steve Ruppe Public Relations
	The Five-and-a-Half Steps of Good Storytelling
	Storytelling is at the heart of every mission’s public image. Telling a story that inspires and activates a person requires that each story walk the person through five-and-a-half steps. This seminar will illustrate these steps using examples, and then we’ll conclude with a short time of practicing your “elevator speech.” We’ll also look at research that shows why storytelling should be at the heart of your PR and development efforts. David Harms, founder/president, and Lauree Austin, media strategist, i58:10 Media
	Equipping Your Community to Address Homelessness
	As a service provider, your mission is a resource to your community. Missions have been strategically placed to be salt and light—not only to clients and guests, but also to the community at large. This seminar will outline strategies for healthy public engagement, thus strengthening our ministries, benefiting those we serve, and equipping our communities. Kevin Carroll, executive director, Modesto Gospel Mission
ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN THRIFT STORES - Location: Baker
	The Key Metrics
	Metrics can be used to track all areas of an operation, but what are the most vital numbers to understand? What’s more, once you have this information, how do you use it? Are key metrics really important? Join this session as we answer these questions and more, equipping you to move your mission business forward. Rusty Parrish, principal, ThriftStoreSpecialist.com
	Leadership
	Excellent leaders inspire trust, garner better output, fortify morale, improve retention, foster innovation, and build loyalty. Conversely, poor leadership leads to skepticism, frustration, low productivity, and turnover. Are you committed to being a better leader for your operation? Come to this session to learn more about what makes a great leader and how your leadership can affect your organization. Chuck Franklin, retail services director, Rock Church
	Thrift 101
	Back by popular demand, this session—geared toward those who are new to the thrift industry or who need a refresher—will walk you through the process of getting started and provide the key information and strategies to help you launch or improve your thrift store. Come ready with questions and a way to take notes. Rusty Parrish, principal, ThriftStoreSpecialist.com
	The Synergy of Mission and Thrift Store Operations
	Thrift stores can be outreach ministries, public relations opportunities, and training centers, and they can influence development income for missions. We’ll discuss specific things you can do to create synergy between your mission and your thrift operation to help both reach their full potential. Gary Gray, president, Rescue Mission Alliance
	Thrift Store Roundtable
	Whether you’re new to thrift or a veteran, you’ll benefit from the collective experience of these expert panelists. Bring your questions and concerns or even the crazy ideas you’d like to explore, and this panel will work on some take-home solutions to help move your enterprise forward. This might be this track’s best session! Chuck Franklin, retail services director, Rock Church; Gary Gray, president, Rescue Mission Alliance; and Rusty Parrish, principal, ThriftStoreSpecialist.com

What Is AGRM’s Education Worth?

Each year, AGRM’s Annual Convention typically has scores of seminars and workshops. In the past, attendees could receive continuing education credits (CEUs) for selected classes. Starting with the 2017 Annual Convention, AGRM is launching a nanodegree program. Sometimes referred to as micro-credentialing, a nanodegree program is a course of study that can be completed in fewer than 12 months through classroom participation (in-person or online), gaining experience, and submitting materials for review. The aim of the program is to teach basic skills through the most qualified instructors, using the most relevant materials. Participants who complete a nanodegree course earn a “badge” that distinguishes them as having attained core competencies in a specific vocational area (such as public relations, life skills counseling, etc.), verifying their qualifications to undertake at least entry level positions in key roles at rescue missions. The specific nanodegrees AGRM will offer, starting with the 2017 Annual Convention, will be announced in detail later this year.