Seminars

The following list will give you a good idea of what to expect and will help you prepare for the extensive training opportunities you've come to expect at Citygate Network's Annual Conference and Exposition. A downloadable grid of all available seminars and advance sessions to make your planning easier will be available soon.

New Leaders/New Locations Advance Sessions

Across Citygate Network, there is a significant number of new CEOs and member ministries in leadership transitions. What’s more, for a number of reasons, member ministries are examining the prospects of relocating key programs or expanding into new locations. With all that’s new, this is an ideal time to reinforce your foundations and learn best practices for growth and change so that your ever after is a legendary success.

Our New Leaders/New Locations Forum will give you all this, plus, we’ll pair you with a trusted advisor to provide coaching, serve as a sounding board, and connect you to the right people. We’re putting this content early in the program, so you can use the entire conference to deepen your understanding, grow your network, and process those “Aha!” moments among friends.

New Leaders

The First Eighteen

At least 40 percent of new leaders fail within the first 18 months on the job. One-hundred-day plans are all the rage, but data tells us that successful transitions generally take much longer — particularly for external hires. An executive transition should center on taking stock and action in a handful of areas without a firm timeline. When they’re complete, the transition is complete. This session will detail those key areas and what to expect so that boards and CEOs can give themselves the best chance at beating the odds.

Sweat the Small Staff

The board chose the new leader, so presumably, they’re already bought in. But the staff? That’s a different story. Three-quarters of new leaders who fizzle are unable to establish a cultural fit, while 52 percent fail to build a cohesive team. The board and CEO can develop an inspirational vision, but if key team members become frustrated and leave (or worse yet—stay), execution of the strategy will be a challenge. Let’s get real about personal and team culture and how to build a solid working relationship with your ministry’s most important resources.

So Much at Stake

After you have made a transition, have begun building positive relationships with your team, and have settled into your role, how do you continuing improving as a leader, enriching the culture in which you serve, and winning over community leaders, donors, volunteers, and partner agencies? How a leader treats all stakeholders is telling about the quality of leadership, and so is the leader’s ability to gain and sustain trust. And board members — you have a vital role in providing feedback and opening doors. This session will outline a stakeholder engagement process, describe how the leader can become a role model as a lifelong learner, and detail the big factors leading to productive stakeholder relationships and a winning culture.

New Locations

Should We Stay or Should We Go?

Has your ministry been invited — or even pressured — to move from its current location? After you’re done being offended or angry (and maybe rightly so), consider that there may be an opportunity that God is unfolding. Or maybe you’ve already seen the opportunity, but you’re not sure if it’s the optimal strategic move. We’ll detail a systematic way of looking at the issue that also includes a discernment process, so your board can make the best decision.

We’re Moving — Now What?

One important facet of changing locations is a tactical exercise to identify service gaps in the area, as well as the resources and strengths available to meet those needs. This strategic planning process will help inform location, facility design, programs, staff, and more. What are the steps to developing strategic and operational plans? This session will describe a framework to provide you with the information needed to help make the transition smooth, while also inspiring you to envision all that your ministry can be.

Money with a Capital ‘C’

Chances are your ministry needs additional funding to purchase, build, and — possibly — remodel facilities — not to mention all the other financial demands that go along with a move and launching new programs. A well planned and executed capital campaign can provide all or much of what you’ll need to make the move and help you better serve your community. This isn’t something you’ll want to launch halfheartedly. An effective campaign will be demanding, but well worth the time and energy it requires. In this session, capital campaign experts will detail the process and help you understand what to look for in a consultant so you can enter the process confidently.

Track Seminars

Client & Culture

Tracking with Global Trends, Legal Issues, and other Critical Ministry Topics

Taking Exception to the Ministerial Exception

Would you want your state to determine which positions at your ministry may be restricted to Christ followers and which may not? One member ministry didn’t, and they preemptively filed suit against the state in Federal Court. Come learn the latest on this situation, understand what this may mean for your ministry, and get the information you need to make decisions about hiring policies, job descriptions, and how you shape the culture and community at your organization.

Joy in the Journey

Our ministries are usually a resting stop for weary people along the darkest parts of a difficult journey. When someone enters our program, the joyful end goal can seem so very far away. But guests and staff alike can experience joy and flourishing in the process of transformation, rather than hoping only to experience them later.

Plans of Care for Prenatal Substance Exposure

Prenatal substance abuse has lasting effects on adult client behavior. In this fast-moving session, We’ll study eight specific behaviors, common misconceptions of the behaviors, and possible ways to address them to realize heathier outcomes.

Beyond Chapel: Infusing Faith, Inspiring Transformation

Sharing Christ’s love isn’t what you do, it’s who you are. With concrete examples of how to infuse faith into the fabric of your ministry and stir true transformation at every juncture of your clients’ journeys, this session is sure to challenge and inspire.

Changing Culture: Greater Impact, Less Burnout

Many ministries lurch from crisis to crisis. Morale is low, budgets are tight, and the staff and volunteers are constantly burned out. How do you shift from a culture of frenetic activity to a culture of focus and margin? We’ll discuss how positive pivots in strategic focus, client self-selection, investing in your capacity, and community collaboration can help you better steward your resources at any level of program leadership.

Strategic Thinking

Inspiring Intentionality and Vision for Ministry Leaders at All Levels

Overcoming Leadership Anxiety

Exhaustion and burnout have more to do with anxiety than workload. With the tools and insights offered through this workshop, you can begin to name and overcome internal triggers, stuck patterns, and sources of anxiety in you and in those you lead. As you shed anxiety and encounter God at a deeper level, you’ll be able unlock untapped leadership potential in yourself and help others do the same.

Gaining Leverage for Community Change

As followers of Christ we are called to be transformational leaders, but, too often, we’re perceived as myopic. Becoming transformational thought leaders requires finesse, goodwill, and excellent listening skills, while holding fast to our core message. Come explore ways the world-change we hope to achieve can occur through our ministry and through one-to-one relationships with others who may not always be like-minded.

How to Prevent Mission Drift While Embracing Change

Do you know if your ministry is experiencing mission drift? In this session, the co-author of The Mission True Workbook (written with the authors of Mission Drift) will share elements of the phenomenon and describe how to guard against it, while challenging ministries to embrace new ways of serving those experiencing homelessness. A mission board chair will also share steps her mission took to prevent drift. Bring your questions for a lively discussion about your core mission.

Innovation: How Ugly Is Your Baby?

All innovation babies are ugly, but you may be unable to see that. If you want that baby to grow up to be beautiful and productive, you must include unbiased reviews in your strategic planning. And that's not all. To hear all about how to make your ideas go from "Ugh" to "Oh yeah!" join this lively discussion and perhaps even introduce the group to your ugly innovation baby.

Emerging Leadership

Up-and-coming leaders: There are some common potholes to avoid along your leadership journey. If you desire leadership longevity and healthy ministry outcomes, you need a mentor. This must-attend session for emerging leaders will explain how to find the right mentor and point out the things to watch out for in order to become a transformative leader.

Public Image & Branding

Energizing Deeper Community Connections and Collaborative Partnerships

Rebranding, Step-by-Step

There are many things that may spark a rebranding campaign: programmatic shifts, new positioning, cultural realignment, etc. Knowing the "why" behind your rebranding is step one in the process. But what's step two, three, four…? This workshop will walk you through a complete rebranding strategy, including how you introduce your new brand to stakeholders.

Engaged Media Relations

Positive relationships with local media fuel donations, volunteers, community connection, and more. You can’t afford to get this wrong. In this session, a media relations expert with deep mission expertise will reveal his best practices for becoming a media maven. We’ll also cover crisis communications and review the bloopers you must avoid.

Creating Safe Spaces

Should you be developing or supporting safe encampments in your community? We’ll delve into the community policies, planning, outreach activities, and client-centric programming that ministries should consider as part of a community and local government effort to meet people where they are and help them move toward wholeness.

From Parachutes to Transformation: Meaningful Church Volunteerism

Parachute ministry, where believers briefly step into service then disengage, is usually of little consequence to the ministry or to the minister. Your mission can build meaningful, productive relationships with churches that engages them deeply in true, Isaiah 58 work. In this session, we’ll discuss an innovative model, the Transforming Communities Grant program, that will attract your community’s churches to active, engaged ministry.

Strengthening Your Brand Awareness with Strategic Social Media

Your ministry does incredible work in its community, but are you ever surprised at how little the community knows about you? Helping Up Mission in Baltimore once felt this way, so the mission teamed up with a marketer to get the word out. This session will inspire you with ideas from the campaign HUM and the agency put together to increase brand awareness, with a primary focus on how to utilize social media.

Transformational Programming I

Inspiring Life­Changing Programs Toward Next­Level Outcomes

Human Trafficking 101 for the Faith Community

This interactive workshop will focus on helping participants recognize the signs of human trafficking, understand the connection between trafficking and trauma, and embrace the role of the faith community in combating and responding to trafficking. You’ll also hear from people with lived experienced, as they provide critical insights.

Managing Client Stress in Recovery

What drives addiction is more than just a craving to get high; it is a desire to feel normal or free of stress. Come and learn how stress affects the addicted brain, where cravings come from, and discover two practical tools from the Genesis Process by Michael Dye for managing stress levels for successful recovery.

Empowering Models for Guests and Neighbors

The best programs make people in poverty the protagonists of their own stories. We’ll introduce you to real world examples of innovative programs you can integrate into your ministry’s residential and community outreach programs. Models include: food co-ops, Earn-it Projects, Christmas Markets, Work Shuttles, Award for Performance, Childcare Co-ops, Discounted Provider Networks, Mentorship & more.

Outcomes and Impacts

It’s difficult to solve a problem that you haven’t defined or gauge the effectiveness of a solution you're not measuring. What’s more, collecting outcomes data helps your ministry strengthen its programs and equip staff. This seminar will unpack the major outcomes domains each mission and similar ministry should be tracking and demonstrate a process for collecting and using outcomes data.

Leaving the “Box” Behind

Increasingly, member organizations are seeing the value of taking program participants off-site — out of an urban building — and using the dynamics of the outdoor setting to teach life lessons in a fresh way. If you want to know more, come hear why remote programs are extremely effective and how to run them with minimal hassle — plus learn about four programs you can run right away with your current staff.

Transformational Programming II

Inspiring Life­Changing Programs Toward Next­Level Outcomes

Developing an Integrative Mental Health Strategy

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission has developed a comprehensive strategy to address client mental health. This workshop will detail the process that was used, unpack the plan that was implemented, and explain the challenges faced in providing much-needed mental health services in the community. If you’re considering offering mental health services or strengthening existing mental health programs, apply SUGM’s process and learnings to your own mission’s strategy.

Evaluating and Calibrating Programs

Homelessness is naturally complex. Is our response appropriately complex? There are four aspects of complex systems that we can adjust to increase the effectiveness of our programs. We'll dissect these four areas and give you a new lens for evaluating your programs and a process for fine-tuning them to truly meet the needs of those you serve.

What to Know About Opioids and Handling Prescription Drugs

Professionals from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Diversion Control Division are with us to bring important information about the opioid/fentanyl epidemic. You'll hear enlightening (and concerning) statistics about national regional drug trends, and you'll learn about prescription drug regulation, records, inventories, security, storage, and destruction of controlled substances.

God is on the Move

Mobile services are on the increase as people on the streets form encampments or find other unsheltered spaces. One of the most robust efforts comes from members in Hawaii. One mission, River of Life Mission in Honolulu, has made the trek to explain how they grew their mobile program from one “Hub Spot” to 42 hub locations in just one year. Come and hear about their journey and what you can learn from it.

Building a Skill-based Community

Restoring hurting individuals requires more than providing resources. An effective process must bring community members and mission guests together in a manner that tears down walls. Hear about a unique program that teaches guests how to host community events, while building their vocational skills and social readiness. The program can also improve your ministry’s community connections, create a mentorship network, and enhance resource development.

Resource Development I

Rousing Transformational Giving with Cutting­Edge Strategies

Church Relationships with Impact

There are churches that “do stuff” for your ministry, but they may not be fully invested partners. With the right framework in place to train, onboard, communicate with, and cultivate relationships with church partners, program outcomes can improve and church giving can be maximized. Come discuss strategies and learn tips to creating a fruitful, two-way relationship with churches in your community.

Integrity in Fundraising

Generosity is the financial backbone of most ministries. Your organization depends on the power of trusted truthful communication. It is is enhanced by faithful use of gifts. Join in this interactive discussion with Nicole from ECFA to help your ministry demonstrate the highest standards in Stewardship.

Five Must-Do-Digital Techniques

Ministries finding success in fundraising today are embracing digital techniques. In this seminar, you’ll hear from a mission leader and a marketing professional who have fine-tuned digital marketing to see amazing results and more money for ministry. You'll leave this informative session with at least five practical strategies you can incorporate into your program right away.

Shortening the Major Donor Timeline

Major gifts offer the highest ROI of all fundraising programs, and they should drive a significant portion of your capital campaign dollars. These gifts generally take three years to fully develop, but there’s a proven way to shorten the timeline to 18-24 months by using donor-centric strategies, powered by data, to deliver the right messages to the right people. These strategies can then be scaled to build a foundation for a successful capital campaign.

The Seven Pieces of the Perfect Pitch

There are seven fundamental components that should comprise any effective philanthropic presentation or pitch. Leave any one of these out, and you could leave money on the table and limit your donor’s giving potential. In this session, you’ll hear about the seven pieces and learn to strengthen your asks and your thank-yous.

Resource Development II

Rousing Transformational Giving with Cutting­Edge Strategies

Linking Funding and Program Strategy

Have you ever engaged in a capital campaign and raised money for a building or other project that you later determined to be less-than-ideal for where your organization was headed? That’s not a good feeling. Fortunately, there’s a framework and a process that can inject more intentionality into your capital projects, helping ensure your project will support ministry objectives for decades to come. Let’s unpack this framework together and maybe even discuss your goals and dreams.

Understanding Donor Motivation

What drives a person to give money while receiving nothing in return? The more we understand human generosity at work, the more effective — and cost-effective — we’ll be at engaging donors. This session will utilize neuroscience research and donor feedback to detail the three keys to optimal direct response fundraising.

Back to the Future Acquisition

No surprise: donor acquisition is hard, and retention is critical. In this session, you’ll learn the steps to take long before — and after — you send a direct mail piece or launch a digital campaign. You’ll also see how to turn your ministry’s touch points, such as interactions with volunteers, shoppers, GIK donors, and others, into future financial partners. You’ll leave with tools to acquire more $50 givers and more $5,000 partners — and keep them. Plus, we’ll have fun!

Acquiring New Donors At No Cost

Buckle up and get ready for a fast-paced, engaging session illustrating three easy ways to make positive, no-cost connections with new partners! Learn how you can leverage comedy-with-a-message to increase revenue and reach donors who are resistant to typical pitches. What’s more, you’ll learn to create powerful client testimonies that connect in under 45 seconds.

Demystifying Grantwriting

Researching and authoring grants can be intimidating, even for seasoned professionals. How do you find the right funder fit? What do foundations really pay attention to in a grant proposal? What are the secrets to a compelling case statement? How much should you detail budgets and evaluation strategies? This workshop will cover these areas and much more, so come ready with your ideas and questions.

Operations & Administration I

Galvanizing Ministries with Best Practices in HR, Finances, Facilities, and Technology

Getting Your Data in Sync

Donor files, client records, HR, finances — organizations produce and maintain data across a multitude of platforms, but how do you keep that data in sync? Learn about systems of record, data transfer methods, and which approach is best for your organization. In easy-to-understand terms, we'll describe baseline concepts for data architecture; outline the pros and cons to various ways to transfer data; and help you assess your organizational needs.

Case Management U

You can set up your case management staff — and your entire team — for success through effective onboarding and training. Get inspiration from one mission’s program that has injected more consistency, ministry buy-in, and accuracy into its onboarding and training process. The program includes an added focus on critical tools for its case management staff.

Best Practices for Human Resources

From sabbatical policies, to labor classification changes, to contracts, to diversity training, and more, this HR guru knows the issues — and rescue missions and kindred ministries — very well. She’ll cover the most pertinent topics with the most current insights, but she’ll also leave room to answer your burning HR questions.

Great Mentoring

Getting to your and your team’s best “ever after” requires growth and development. Most people learn best from others, and the best learning occurs through intentional relationships. This practical workshop explores the benefits and biblical foundation of mentoring and walks you through the phases of great mentoring, while equipping you with the qualities and skills of an exceptional mentor.

Accounting From the Inside

Join a former auditor to explore best practices for your accounting and finance departments. Things look different from the inside, and after years of working inside a rescue mission, this CPA has valuable tips to share. You’ll gain new clarity on how to structure internal controls to meet the approval of your auditors and still run efficiently, even if your staff is relatively small staff. After this workshop, you can prepare for your cleanest audit yet.

Operations & Administration II

Galvanizing Ministries with Best Practices in HR, Finances, Facilities, and Technology

Sustainable Food Service

It can be a struggle to maintain a well-equipped and nutritionally balanced foodservice program when the labor pool is so shallow. But foodservice can be a particularly strong therapeutic outlet for work-ready program clients. Learn creative ways to maintain quality meals, while helping clients gain skills and providing volunteers opportunities to serve. You’ll also learn about utilizing free, outside vocational training agencies in your program.

What I Learned From 30 Years of Insuring Rescue Missions

Take it from a professional who spent three decades insuring rescue missions — this sector does amazing work, but there are serious liability pitfalls. What are the common insurance mistakes that rescue missions and similar ministries make? What are the top three risks for these organizations to assess and mitigate? How can rescue missions best stretch their insurance dollars? We’ll address these areas and more, plus we’ll answer your questions.

Retraining and Equipping Your Staff

One of the best ways to improve employee retention is through an effective staff development and talent-management plan. Based on conversations with 100-plus ministries, this workshop will review the best practices for staff training and development to create an internal pipeline of leaders. Using Springs Rescue Mission as a case study, you’ll learn principles for improving employee retention, creating a positive work environment, and developing a unified approach to client-focused programming.

Recharge Your Volunteer Program

A strong volunteer program can do more than fill slots. With an intentional onboarding process, talent-need matching and a purposeful effort to retain those that have a desire to serve, your ministry can develop a network of committed individuals, engaged in high-impact activities that make them zealous ambassadors for your organization. This session will detail a process that has transformed one mission’s volunteer program.

Managing a Growing Budget in a Shrinking Economy

With an eye toward helping you manage your ministry’s budget during economic downturns, this workshop will propose sound fiscal management through the lenses of communication, assessment, strategy, planning processes, and vigilance. We’ll discuss when and how to reforecast your budget effectively. We’ll also give you our best tips on how to use your 990 as a guide for the future.

Enterprise & Retail

Catalyzing Entrepreneurial Spirit for Ministry Outcomes and Resource Growth

Gaining Traction for Your Enterprise

Get a grip on your operation. If your enterprise can become strong in six key areas, you'll get traction; the nagging issues will fall into line; and you'll see it move forward. Learn the factors of running any enterprise efficiently and effectively with this proven leadership process and best practices.

How Do We Even Get Started?

Wondering where to begin when it comes setting up shop? One mission’s enterprise team members will share their experiences in identifying the right opportunities, weighing the pros and cons of various business formats, recruiting staff, and finding funding to launch an enterprise. Because there will be bumps along the way (we know from experience), we’ll also tell you the pitfalls to look out for.

Mastering the 4 P's of Thrift Store Management

Product, Property, Process, and People. These four cornerstones of effective store management will lay the foundation for a successful enterprise. But keeping these pieces from slipping out of place can be challenging. We’ll cover those challenges and show you solutions to keep your P’s in sync and your operation thriving.

Thrift Store Labor Planning

People are the biggest asset of your thrift operation, but access to a reliable, qualified labor pool is the single greatest challenge facing employers today. Learn how your social enterprise can identify pools of people that fit your needs, discover how to pursue them strategically, and get tips on retention.

The New Entrepreneur

Maybe you’re a minister, a program expert, or a fundraiser — but an entrepreneur? You know that new revenue streams are becoming increasingly important, but you’ve never launched a business. This is the session for you. Get ready for valuable insights and inspiration from a team that developed a revenue-generating, ministry-oriented recuperative beds program and also launched a successful online thrift store.

Hot Topics I

Addressing the Burning Questions and Provocative Subjects of Today and Tomorrow

Navigation Centers & Specialized Populations

Using a navigation center model to properly resource guests, with safety at the forefront of decision making, helps appropriately place specialty populations that need extra consideration. In this session you’ll get ideas for policies and processes that will help your ministry create a one-stop shop that thrives on community partnerships.

In-House Security

Renowned security expert James Li is bringing an informative seminar you can’t afford to miss. Specializing in protecting and preparing soft targets (churches and ministries) against violence and threats, James understands the relationship between trauma-informed hospitality services and security measures. You’ll get a framework for evaluating and shoring up your facility security, with a safety philosophy that makes ministry sense.

Racial Reconciliation Roadmap

We're stronger when we're walking in unity. Join Citygate Network's Racial Reconciliation Taskforce for a frank discussion about a path forward that embraces our differences while staying true to the love that binds us together. This experiential session will also bring to life a model that you can use within your ministry to promote healthy, diverse relationships. Bring your questions, concerns, and open hearts.

Ruybalid’s Rumblings: Current Legal and Legislative Issues

Come find out what Citygate Network’s attorney is losing sleep over these days and hear what you can do to prepare for what might be coming your way and rest a little easier. This is also your chance to ask those burning legal questions. No one but God knows the future, but Jon has his ear to the ground and understands the legal landscape for ministries like few others.

Stop Leading on Empty

Empty: It can come from trauma, unprocesseed grief, unrealistic expectations, spiritual battles, stress, and burnout. It's ok to not be ok, but it’s not ok to not seek help. In this session presented by someone who understands trauma, grief, and burnout, you’ll learn about steps you can take to proactively deal with things that can drain your energy, snuff out your motivation, and steal your passion.

Hot Topics II

Addressing the Burning Questions and Provocative Subjects of Today and Tomorrow

Flourishing Through Change Management

Change is felt at every level of your ministry. With limited time, leaders unintentionally set their organizations back by moving through change without a structured process. You have the opportunity to lead through change in a way that enables your company to flourish. Join this workshop to learn why people resist change and what you can do to help people move through change in a structured way.

Be Trauma Informed in All Things

Trauma-informed Care (TIC), as a widely recognized paradigm for creating healing environments for trauma survivors, is now an expectation of service delivery systems. The challenge for many ministries is incorporating TIC programming that integrates brain science and faith in harmony. This unique staff development discussion will equip you with TIC principles so your team can respond effectively — rather than in exasperation — when trauma and disorders cause challenging behaviors.

Youth Centers Needed

The rise of human trafficking and the lack of foster parents in most communities puts more youth at risk of being abused and neglected. Youth shelters are needed more than ever, but kids have unique needs that must be understood. Come and hear about one ministry’s journey into youth centers and learn from its challenges and successes so you make informed decisions about starting a similar program.

Readying for and Handing the Baton

Leadership transitions fail frequently. Sometimes senior leaders haven’t been intentional about developing young leaders, and sometimes emerging leaders just aren’t ready for the next level. This session, presented by a cohort of emerging leaders, will help you bridge the gap, whether you’re preparing for next-level leadership or mentoring someone who is. We’ll talk about what we’ve learned and how our hard-earned lessons may help you get ready for — or effectively pass — the leadership baton.

Becoming a Change Agency Amid the Mental Illness Crisis

This session will challenge your ideas about mental health and mental illness, with a focus on how your ministry team must understand both as integral parts of your service delivery. You’ll be encouraged to take an increasing role in the community through mental health awareness and the many ways in which mental health and mental illness intersect with your community’s emergency services. You’ll leave inspired and with practical tools to be a change agent.

Foundations of Counseling

Merging Clinical Approaches with Ministerial Heart

Cultivating Vicarious Resiliency

One of the essential soft skills for any helper is the ability to find peace when witnessing other’s pain. Endemic stress and burnout among helping professionals has become a growing concern within the mental health, addiction, and supportive housing professions. This training will explore vicarious resiliency and compassion satisfaction, and we’ll discuss the ways in which we can cultivate them within ourselves and others with intentional practice.

How Your Story Interacts with Those You Help

Recognizing the various elements that make up your story assists you in connecting to and discovering how to help other people in their stories. Learning to look at what is going on within the individual from a causal perspective helps put the symptoms they choose to express into a meaningful perspective.

Recognizing and Addressing Co-occurring Disorders from an Evidence-Based Lens

Clients struggling with co-occuring disorders often present with a number of complex clinical issues that can be challenging to early-career clinicians. This session will review some of the more common clinical constellations you might expect to see, so you can recognize them and develop a plan for addressing them. We’ll also cover trauma-based disorders, which often lead to barriers to sobriety.

Wounded People Wound People: Working with Hurting People Without Being Hurt Yourself

Learning to recognize how an individual chooses to take care of themselves in a way that hurts those around them helps you understand the nature of the problems they struggle with. It also provides context, which can be incredibly helpful in setting a response strategy that leads them closer to health and wholeness. This training will show you what to look for and inform your helping strategies.

Using Values Exploration to Enhance Program Motivation and Engagement

According to recent data from the NIH, an estimated 13.5 million individuals experienced homelessness at some point over the course of their lifetimes in the US. According to SAMHSA, some 30 percent of them also have mental health conditions. Evidence suggests that incorporating values-based exercises into a treatment protocol for some individuals may enhance outcomes. We’ll talk about these exercises and consider how you might use them in your programs.

Business Member Breakouts

Business members offering topics steeped in their expertise

Growing Your Ministry Leadership and Board

Every ministry leader needs to discern how they can lean into that calling through mentoring a new generation of leaders. Likewise, most CEOs long for a more engaged and resourceful board. Accomplishing both means learning to follow while you lead in a very intentional way. Together, we’ll walk through the eight key areas you must pay attention to for optimum success in cultivating a resourceful board and engaged leadership.

Soft Skills for Success

Lifeskills programming often focuses on hard skills, such as career readiness or financial management. These are important skills for success, but where are clients learning the soft skills necessary for long-term employment, healthy relationships, and lasting connections within a recovery community? Let’s explore how developing soft skills and EQ in our clients could increase retention, build a deeper motivation for change, and improve long-term recovery outcomes.

Best Practices in Community Development

Effective community development empowers community members and supports your efforts in life transformation. Learn how you can combine best practices in community development, easy-to-use innovation tools, and a biblical framework to develop ministries that foster real change. We'll also show you real-world examples of ministries that are innovating how they serve their homeless neighbors, community, and CoC.

Identifying and Developing Future Leaders With a Lean Staff

Many ministries don’t have the luxury of hiring additional staff to give potential leaders a long runway. How do you make sure you are hiring or promoting the right people for the right positions? This workshop will delve into developing a high-quality talent management system, so your ministry can make wise choices.

Culture, Compassion, and the Legal Landscape

As ministries serve in the most effective, compassionate, God-honoring ways possible, there will be times when the culture brings challenges, legal and otherwise, that must be negotiated. We’ve assembled a panel of your peers who’ve steered their organizations through such challenges, particularly in regard to sexual orientation and gender identity, and they’ll share their stories and lessons learned. Then, you’ll be able to ask questions of them and a seasoned attorney.

Strategic Direct Marketing

You probably have a love/hate relationship with direct marketing. It raises a lot of money, but you're concerned about fatiguing your donors. We get it. You need a diverse strategy to get the most from direct marketing, and that includes utilizing offers. After leaving this session designed primarily for new fundraisers, you still might not love DM, but you’ll be much less likely to make costly mistakes for your ministry.

Your Next Thrift Store

As the challenge to raise funds increases, the opportunity to leverage profits from a social enterprise also grows. Learn why now is the right time to open your next — or first — thrift store to take advantage of current market factors and reap the rewards in both dollars and brand recognition.

Healing from Abuse

Childhood abuse is known to have a long-term impact on health, opportunity, and wellbeing. But inconspicuous factors, such as neglect, are less understood. This session will describe ways in which abuse and neglect can manifest into adulthood and affect recovery, and it will provide a foundation from which those in your care can find victory from abuse and neglect and the substances they may use to cover them up.