Dave Wager, author, speaker and President at Silver Birch Ranch and Nicolet Bible Institute

Early Bird: Living a “Just-as-Christ” Life

It would be easy to think that because we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), it involves a choice on our part and therefore a matter of the head. However, as the late Bishop JC Ryle wrote: “True faith does not depend merely on the state of man’s head and understanding, but on the state of his heart.” While the head may believe Jesus is our savior, the heart will express itself through our actions. This session will look at how we can make a reckless commitment to live a life that brings our actions and heart in alignment with our head. We’ll look at how Jesus modeled such behavior as suggested by scripture that references the phrase “Just as Christ…”

Godly Men Track: God’s Design

What does a “Biblical Man” look like and what is the process God puts us through to attain such a distinction? Being male is genetic while being a man that God will use is a choice. We will focus on the life of Abraham and experiences that shaped his thinking and eventually, his legacy.

Godly Men Track: Wise Counsel  

We have often heard people quote “In the counsel of many there is wisdom” and we know submission to wise counsel is a critical component of a successful life. As we listen to and submit to the counsel of many we need to be able to distinguish between the counsel of many that leads to destruction and the counsel of many that leads to life. We will focus on books of Jude and 2 Peter to help us sort out who we should be listening to.

Speaker Bio: Since 1981, Dave Wager has served as a leader, friend, and teacher to thousands who have entered the educational grounds of Silver Birch Ranch in White Lake, Wisconsin. Dave continues to serve as the president of Silver Birch Ranch and The Nicolet Bible Institute and teaches at camps, colleges, conferences, churches, and businesses throughout the world. Dave is an award winning author who has dedicated his life to communicating the truths of the Bible to students and adults in a simple, energetic, and challenging way, and can often be heard as a guest or host on various Christian talk radio programs.

Dave Wager, author, speaker and President at Silver Birch Ranch and Nicolet Bible Institute

Early Bird: Living a “Just-as-Christ” Life

It would be easy to think that because we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), it involves a choice on our part and therefore a matter of the head. However, as the late Bishop JC Ryle wrote: “True faith does not depend merely on the state of man’s head and understanding, but on the state of his heart.” While the head may believe Jesus is our savior, the heart will express itself through our actions. This session will look at how we can make a reckless commitment to live a life that brings our actions and heart in alignment with our head. We’ll look at how Jesus modeled such behavior as suggested by scripture that references the phrase “Just as Christ…”

Godly Men Track: God’s Design

What does a “Biblical Man” look like and what is the process God puts us through to attain such a distinction? Being male is genetic while being a man that God will use is a choice. We will focus on the life of Abraham and experiences that shaped his thinking and eventually, his legacy.

Godly Men Track: Wise Counsel  

We have often heard people quote “In the counsel of many there is wisdom” and we know submission to wise counsel is a critical component of a successful life. As we listen to and submit to the counsel of many we need to be able to distinguish between the counsel of many that leads to destruction and the counsel of many that leads to life. We will focus on books of Jude and 2 Peter to help us sort out who we should be listening to.

Speaker Bio: Since 1981, Dave Wager has served as a leader, friend, and teacher to thousands who have entered the educational grounds of Silver Birch Ranch in White Lake, Wisconsin. Dave continues to serve as the president of Silver Birch Ranch and The Nicolet Bible Institute and teaches at camps, colleges, conferences, churches, and businesses throughout the world. Dave is an award winning author who has dedicated his life to communicating the truths of the Bible to students and adults in a simple, energetic, and challenging way, and can often be heard as a guest or host on various Christian talk radio programs.

Landon Churchill, Pastor at FV Jail Ministry/Freedom Fellowship

Godly Men Track: Bible Study

Speaker Bio: Pastor Landon, his wife Sunny, and their three children, Uriah, Phinehas, and Shalom reside in Kaukauna, WI.  Landon has been a follower of Jesus for over 2 decades and has the privilege of serving as Pastor of Freedom Fellowship Church in Kaukauna, WI, which he helped found in 2007.  He is also Chaplain for Fox Valley Jail Ministries and oversees the Freedom Center Food Pantry in Appleton, WI. Pastor Landon is passionate about the Truth of God’s Word and believes it is the key to truly setting us free.

Landon Churchill, Pastor at FV Jail Ministry/Freedom Fellowship

Godly Men Track: Bible Study

Speaker Bio: Pastor Landon, his wife Sunny, and their three children, Uriah, Phinehas, and Shalom reside in Kaukauna, WI.  Landon has been a follower of Jesus for over 2 decades and has the privilege of serving as Pastor of Freedom Fellowship Church in Kaukauna, WI, which he helped found in 2007.  He is also Chaplain for Fox Valley Jail Ministries and oversees the Freedom Center Food Pantry in Appleton, WI. Pastor Landon is passionate about the Truth of God’s Word and believes it is the key to truly setting us free.

Ryan Johnson, Student Ministry Team Leader, Christ The Rock

Youth Track: Look Up

It’s really easy to convince ourselves that digital communications is just a way to pass time, that we’re in control of our usage, that we don’t allow others to define us with the comments/likes/follows/snaps that they share, and that our eyes, heads and hearts aren’t buried in our phones. But our deep longings to be known and loved can be manipulated by digital communications and social media. This session will explore Colossians 3: 16-17, using social media responsibly and lovingly, and building our identity in Christ and not in how others define us.

Youth Track: In God We Trust

The phrase has been on US currency since the 2 cent piece of 1864, but in the same way that paper currency has been displaced by credit and debit transactions, our trust in God can be displaced by trusting ourselves, others, or other things. Alternatives to God are weak facsimiles at best–offering no hope in overcoming life’s challenges. This session will look at Proverbs 3:5-6, building a relationship with God and trusting His Word. 

Speaker Bio: Ryan is the student ministry team leader for CTR. He coordinates the programs for students, equips the volunteer leaders, teaches and provides pastoral care for students. He is also a guest speaker at men’s ministry events and part of the teaching team for the church body. Ryan has been married since 2016 to his wife, Kendra, who also serves in student ministries. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, it’s no surprise that Ryan has become a fan of quality coffee and the Seattle Seahawks. 

Ryan Johnson, Student Ministry Team Leader, Christ The Rock

Youth Track: Look Up

It’s really easy to convince ourselves that digital communications is just a way to pass time, that we’re in control of our usage, that we don’t allow others to define us with the comments/likes/follows/snaps that they share, and that our eyes, heads and hearts aren’t buried in our phones. But our deep longings to be known and loved can be manipulated by digital communications and social media. This session will explore Colossians 3: 16-17, using social media responsibly and lovingly, and building our identity in Christ and not in how others define us.

Youth Track: In God We Trust

The phrase has been on US currency since the 2 cent piece of 1864, but in the same way that paper currency has been displaced by credit and debit transactions, our trust in God can be displaced by trusting ourselves, others, or other things. Alternatives to God are weak facsimiles at best–offering no hope in overcoming life’s challenges. This session will look at Proverbs 3:5-6, building a relationship with God and trusting His Word. 

Speaker Bio: Ryan is the student ministry team leader for CTR. He coordinates the programs for students, equips the volunteer leaders, teaches and provides pastoral care for students. He is also a guest speaker at men’s ministry events and part of the teaching team for the church body. Ryan has been married since 2016 to his wife, Kendra, who also serves in student ministries. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, it’s no surprise that Ryan has become a fan of quality coffee and the Seattle Seahawks. 

Paul Behnke, Pastor for Student Ministries, Appleton Alliance Church

Youth Track: Managing Conflict, Honoring Your Parents

Parent/Student conflict comes mostly down to perspective and if both parents and students can look at things from the same perspective, it will reduce the conflict and tension in the home. This workshop will help parents see a new perspective on parenting and students see a new perspective on being parented and it all starts with the desired outcome. Parents and students are invited to attend together or just attend as a parent or student. Either way, it will offer a new perspective.

Youth Track: Managing Up

In leadership, students mostly think of making an impact in the lives of their peers or younger kids. Not only that, but they see authority in their lives as leaders that they must follow and that they have no influence over. The truth is that students who are leaders have a have an influence not only in who they lead but how they are lead. This workshop will look at 1 Timothy 4:12 and at servant leadership principles that will help you better influence the authority figures in your life.

Speaker Bio: Paul grew up in Appleton, spent 10 years in student ministry at a church in Eau Claire, and then moved back to Appleton. Paul met his wife, Nicole, in youth group at AAC in the 90s, were married in 2005 and have been doing ministry together ever since. Paul has a degree in Elementary Education from UW-Eau Claire and a Master’s degree in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary. In 2013 Nicole and Paul adopted their three kids–Ava, Abby, and Ethan–from foster care.

Paul Behnke, Pastor for Student Ministries, Appleton Alliance Church

Youth Track: Managing Conflict, Honoring Your Parents

Parent/Student conflict comes mostly down to perspective and if both parents and students can look at things from the same perspective, it will reduce the conflict and tension in the home. This workshop will help parents see a new perspective on parenting and students see a new perspective on being parented and it all starts with the desired outcome. Parents and students are invited to attend together or just attend as a parent or student. Either way, it will offer a new perspective.

Youth Track: Managing Up

In leadership, students mostly think of making an impact in the lives of their peers or younger kids. Not only that, but they see authority in their lives as leaders that they must follow and that they have no influence over. The truth is that students who are leaders have a have an influence not only in who they lead but how they are lead. This workshop will look at 1 Timothy 4:12 and at servant leadership principles that will help you better influence the authority figures in your life.

Speaker Bio: Paul grew up in Appleton, spent 10 years in student ministry at a church in Eau Claire, and then moved back to Appleton. Paul met his wife, Nicole, in youth group at AAC in the 90s, were married in 2005 and have been doing ministry together ever since. Paul has a degree in Elementary Education from UW-Eau Claire and a Master’s degree in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary. In 2013 Nicole and Paul adopted their three kids–Ava, Abby, and Ethan–from foster care.

Mitch Lautenslager, Non-staff Pastor at Christ The Rock and Chair of Management Development at FVTC

Marriage Track: Language of Love 

The language of love takes many forms. Each of us experiences it differently and in varying degrees. What is happening in your life at a time when you feel most loved? Do you recognize it? Can you name it? You, like your spouse, have a desire to be loved in a certain way. It will be different for each of us. In this workshop we will see God’s design for each of us and discover the ways we like to be loved.

Marriage Track: True Connection

Do you feel truly connected to your spouse? Does it seem like you’re just going through the motions in your relationship? Are you struggling to communicate with your wife? Wondering what has happened to the passion in your relationship? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, there is a good chance you may be facing an intimacy issue. You’re not alone. In this workshop we’ll take a look at what can break down intimacy in our marriage and develop a plan of restoration in line with God’s word and His desire for your marriage.

Resources:

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Speaker Bio: Mitch Lautenslager is the chair of the Management Development department at Fox Valley Technical College, where he also served as an adjunct instructor. Prior to that, Mitch served as VP of Operations for Life! Promotions a non-profit focused on youth that hosts values-based school assembly programs, and events like Lifest. Mitch has also served as Children’s and Family pastor at a number of churches throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Colorado. He holds a BA in Pastoral Studies and an MS in Management and Organizational Behavior. Mitch resides in Waupaca with his wife Joy.

Mitch Lautenslager, Non-staff Pastor at Christ The Rock and Chair of Management Development at FVTC

Marriage Track: Language of Love 

The language of love takes many forms. Each of us experiences it differently and in varying degrees. What is happening in your life at a time when you feel most loved? Do you recognize it? Can you name it? You, like your spouse, have a desire to be loved in a certain way. It will be different for each of us. In this workshop we will see God’s design for each of us and discover the ways we like to be loved.

Marriage Track: True Connection

Do you feel truly connected to your spouse? Does it seem like you’re just going through the motions in your relationship? Are you struggling to communicate with your wife? Wondering what has happened to the passion in your relationship? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, there is a good chance you may be facing an intimacy issue. You’re not alone. In this workshop we’ll take a look at what can break down intimacy in our marriage and develop a plan of restoration in line with God’s word and His desire for your marriage.

Resources:

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Speaker Bio: Mitch Lautenslager is the chair of the Management Development department at Fox Valley Technical College, where he also served as an adjunct instructor. Prior to that, Mitch served as VP of Operations for Life! Promotions a non-profit focused on youth that hosts values-based school assembly programs, and events like Lifest. Mitch has also served as Children’s and Family pastor at a number of churches throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Colorado. He holds a BA in Pastoral Studies and an MS in Management and Organizational Behavior. Mitch resides in Waupaca with his wife Joy.

Paul Franzmeier, Pastor at Faith Christian Church

Marriage Track: Living the Blessed Life

Are you allowing daily life struggles to get in the way of the blessings God has gifted you in your married life? It’s so easy to get frustrated with what is happening or not happening in and outside of our marriage that spills over into hurtful ways of relating to our wife. The focus of this session will be on a theme verse of 2 Corinthians 4:13-18, and I will share my own personal story of experiencing blessing in marriage and also what I have learned about living outside of blessing of marriage both in my own life and working with others. 

Marriage Track: Blended Marriages…lessons learned

The Apostle Paul warned against getting married, because it can distract from our devotion to the Lord. Chances are that if you’re in or pursuing a marriage after a failed marriage of one or both of the partners, you understand what Paul was talking about. This session will focus on Jeremiah’s hope in Jeremiah 31:1-6 for all of us as we consider the God of all grace, love, and restoration who meets us in our most wilderness-like family experiences.  

Speaker Bio: Pastor Paul Franzmeier has been pastoring the community and congregation of Faith Christian Church in New London, Wisconsin for over 28 years.  Engrafting the Word of God in people’s lives and praying are his two ministry passions.  He is the husband of Melissa, the father of three girls and a son, and the father-in-law of two soon to be sons-in-law.  The Lord invaded his life during pre-season football camp at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota and has continued His take-over of Paul’s life ever since.  Paul loves to build with His heart into the lives of others and build with hands material things to help further God’s work. 

Paul Franzmeier, Pastor at Faith Christian Church

Marriage Track: Living the Blessed Life

Are you allowing daily life struggles to get in the way of the blessings God has gifted you in your married life? It’s so easy to get frustrated with what is happening or not happening in and outside of our marriage that spills over into hurtful ways of relating to our wife. The focus of this session will be on a theme verse of 2 Corinthians 4:13-18, and I will share my own personal story of experiencing blessing in marriage and also what I have learned about living outside of blessing of marriage both in my own life and working with others. 

Marriage Track: Blended Marriages…lessons learned

The Apostle Paul warned against getting married, because it can distract from our devotion to the Lord. Chances are that if you’re in or pursuing a marriage after a failed marriage of one or both of the partners, you understand what Paul was talking about. This session will focus on Jeremiah’s hope in Jeremiah 31:1-6 for all of us as we consider the God of all grace, love, and restoration who meets us in our most wilderness-like family experiences. 

Speaker Bio: Pastor Paul Franzmeier has been pastoring the community and congregation of Faith Christian Church in New London, Wisconsin for over 28 years.  Engrafting the Word of God in people’s lives and praying are his two ministry passions.  He is the husband of Melissa, the father of three girls and a son, and the father-in-law of two soon to be sons-in-law.  The Lord invaded his life during pre-season football camp at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota and has continued His take-over of Paul’s life ever since.  Paul loves to build with His heart into the lives of others and build with hands material things to help further God’s work. 

Pat Hanson, Executive Pastor of Ministry Development at Faith Church

Parenting Track: Blended Families

TBD

Parenting Track: Managing Conflict

TBD

Speaker Bio: Pastor Pat has been on staff at Faith Church since 2001. Pat is a Wisconsin native, born in Waukesha. He attended Moody Bible Institute receiving a B.A. in Christian Ministry and continued his education at Denver Seminary where he received an M.A. in professional counseling (counseling licensure). After graduating, he was employed as a crisis family counselor & outpatient psychotherapist with Lutheran Social Services in Beaver Dam for two years before transitioning to church-based ministry and now calls Faith Church home. He is married to Jessica and they have five children. Among Pat’s interests are motorcycle riding, travel, historic home renovation, architectural history, philosophy, aquariums, music, sailing and golf. His most treasured time is spent with his wife Jessica & 5 children.

Pat Hanson, Executive Pastor of Ministry Development at Faith Church

Parenting Track: Blended Families

TBD

Parenting Track: Managing Conflict

TBD

Speaker Bio: Pastor Pat has been on staff at Faith Church since 2001. Pat is a Wisconsin native, born in Waukesha. He attended Moody Bible Institute receiving a B.A. in Christian Ministry and continued his education at Denver Seminary where he received an M.A. in professional counseling (counseling licensure). After graduating, he was employed as a crisis family counselor & outpatient psychotherapist with Lutheran Social Services in Beaver Dam for two years before transitioning to church-based ministry and now calls Faith Church home. He is married to Jessica and they have five children. Among Pat’s interests are motorcycle riding, travel, historic home renovation, architectural history, philosophy, aquariums, music, sailing and golf. His most treasured time is spent with his wife Jessica & 5 children.

Dr. Frank Cummings, Founder of Psychology Associates of the Fox Cities and Co-Founder ECLEA

Restore Track: Healthy Barriers

Jesus established loving others as the second most important commandment (Matthew 22:36); but let’s face it sometimes relationships, even with family, can get toxic. Fortunately, the Bible does allow for establishing healthy barriers (1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 22:24-25, Proverbs 13:20, Romans 16:17-18, 2 Corinthians 6:14). This session will look at both the biblical basis for healthy barriers and the practical steps to establish such barriers.

Restore Track: The Work Trap

One of the greatest barriers to forming our legacy and identity in Christ is the misappropriation of our time. When we long for affirmation from our relationships, a successful career can lure us into avoidance behaviors at home. This session will explore a theme verse of Romans 8:28, how the work trap impacts our legacy and identity in Christ, and how we can trust God and allow Him to use the struggles at home to mold us towards a Christ-like image.

Parenting Track: Maxed Out and Under Pressure

God designed you to long for rest, order, and quality time with family and friends, but busyness, stress, pressure, and being pulled in so many directions has become our reality. We’re living in a maxed out lifestyle with no time for rest. This session will explore biblical and practical ways to be less stressed, more focused, enjoy the moment and refuel to live out the life God intends for us and for our families!

Parenting Track: Be A Super Model

“I wonder where they learned that from…” They’re watching us–taking it all in–and learning. This session will look at how our sin, families of origin and unhealthy ways of relating to our wife and others reproduces those behaviors in our children. We’ll also explore the theme verse of Proverbs 22:6 and practical techniques to get back to the path God intended for us as fathers.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Cummings is a well-respected psychologist—serving on staff at Theda Clark and Appleton Medical Centers, and in private practice as President of Psychology Associates of the Fox Cities. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Brigham Young University and devotes his clinical practice to treat children, adolescent, and adult mental health concerns. Dr. Cummings was the consulting psychologist for Rawhide Boys Ranch for nearly 20 years, and is proud to partner with Equipping Church Leaders – East Africa (www.eclea.net) on the African continent. He co-authored a biblical counseling manual with Jonathan Menn, ECLEA’s Director, and has trained over 1,400 pastors on biblical counseling methods.

Dr. Frank Cummings, Founder of Psychology Associates of the Fox Cities and Co-Founder ECLEA

Restore Track: Healthy Barriers

Jesus established loving others as the second most important commandment (Matthew 22:36); but let’s face it sometimes relationships, even with family, can get toxic. Fortunately, the Bible does allow for establishing healthy barriers (1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 22:24-25, Proverbs 13:20, Romans 16:17-18, 2 Corinthians 6:14). This session will look at both the biblical basis for healthy barriers and the practical steps to establish such barriers.

Restore Track: The Work Trap

One of the greatest barriers to forming our legacy and identity in Christ is the misappropriation of our time. When we long for affirmation from our relationships, a successful career can lure us into avoidance behaviors at home. This session will explore a theme verse of Romans 8:28, how the work trap impacts our legacy and identity in Christ, and how we can trust God and allow Him to use the struggles at home to mold us towards a Christ-like image.

Parenting Track: Maxed Out and Under Pressure

God designed you to long for rest, order, and quality time with family and friends, but busyness, stress, pressure, and being pulled in so many directions has become our reality. We’re living in a maxed out lifestyle with no time for rest. This session will explore biblical and practical ways to be less stressed, more focused, enjoy the moment and refuel to live out the life God intends for us and for our families!

Parenting Track: Be A Super Model

“I wonder where they learned that from…” They’re watching us–taking it all in–and learning. This session will look at how our sin, families of origin and unhealthy ways of relating to our wife and others reproduces those behaviors in our children. We’ll also explore the theme verse of Proverbs 22:6 and practical techniques to get back to the path God intended for us as fathers.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Cummings is a well-respected psychologist—serving on staff at Theda Clark and Appleton Medical Centers, and in private practice as President of Psychology Associates of the Fox Cities. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Brigham Young University and devotes his clinical practice to treat children, adolescent, and adult mental health concerns. Dr. Cummings was the consulting psychologist for Rawhide Boys Ranch for nearly 20 years, and is proud to partner with Equipping Church Leaders – East Africa (www.eclea.net) on the African continent. He co-authored a biblical counseling manual with Jonathan Menn, ECLEA’s Director, and has trained over 1,400 pastors on biblical counseling methods.

Marcus Constantine, Connection & Communication Catalyst for the Forest Lakes District – EFCA

Discipleship Track: As You Go–Living His story, sharing your story

The Bible is a unified story that ultimately points us to Jesus, who has the power to change individuals and whole communities by His Spirit when we let His story speak for itself. This session will explore practical guidance on how we can live on mission, led by the Spirit, and effectively share our own testimonies, which are part of the story He’s been writing through all of history.

Discipleship Track: Disciple-Making Friendships–Becoming a friend like Jesus

It goes without saying… but relationships can be challenging.  What if we had a Perfect Example to imitate?  Let’s encounter Jesus in friendship with His disciples and discover how to pattern our relationships and groups after our Rabbi’s way of prayer and life together.

Speaker Bio: Marcus is ordained with the Free Church and has been blessed to serve in local church ministry since 2011 in roles including mission, prayer, teaching, student and children’s ministries, and outreach.Marcus met his wife Bridget at Moody Bible Institute, where he studied communication and pastoral ministry. Bridget practices medicine as a PA, with a background in Bible and counseling from Moody. Marcus received his Master of Theology degree from South African Theological Seminary. They served on the mission field with a Zulu church plant and more recently as disciple-making trainers.

Marcus Constantine, Connection & Communication Catalyst for the Forest Lakes District – EFCA

Discipleship Track: As You Go–Living His story, sharing your story

The Bible is a unified story that ultimately points us to Jesus, who has the power to change individuals and whole communities by His Spirit when we let His story speak for itself. This session will explore practical guidance on how we can live on mission, led by the Spirit, and effectively share our own testimonies, which are part of the story He’s been writing through all of history.

Discipleship Track: Disciple-Making Friendships–Becoming a friend like Jesus

It goes without saying… but relationships can be challenging.  What if we had a Perfect Example to imitate?  Let’s encounter Jesus in friendship with His disciples and discover how to pattern our relationships and groups after our Rabbi’s way of prayer and life together.

Speaker Bio: Marcus is ordained with the Free Church and has been blessed to serve in local church ministry since 2011 in roles including mission, prayer, teaching, student and children’s ministries, and outreach.Marcus met his wife Bridget at Moody Bible Institute, where he studied communication and pastoral ministry. Bridget practices medicine as a PA, with a background in Bible and counseling from Moody. Marcus received his Master of Theology degree from South African Theological Seminary. They served on the mission field with a Zulu church plant and more recently as disciple-making trainers.

Jedidiah Haas, Virtual Pastor at VirtualDiscipleMaker.com

Discipleship Track: At Work

We are commanded to become a people set apart to live as Christ calls us–to be the light in a very dark world (1 Peter 2:9). There are always challenges to carrying the Good News into a fallen world, and the workplace is no exception–fear of losing your job, disrupting working relationships, distracting from the work you were hired to do. Challenges don’t excuse inaction. But understanding and navigating the challenges is what this session will be all about. 

Discipleship Track: Discipling Relationships

So a guy walks into a church and says, “I’m looking for someone to disciple me…” Sounds like a punch line will follow, and it just might if you don’t have a sound, biblical approach to finding someone to disciple you or for you to disciple. In Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, we are reminded that if a man tries to do life on his own, there is no one to pick us up when we stumble and fall. This session will encourage and equip you with a practical approach to seeking and cultivating discipling relationships so that there is someone to pick you up when you stumble.

Speaker Bio: Pastor Jedidiah Haas is has served as a youth and family pastor, outreach and connections pastor, church planter, and has led and trained group leaders for over 10 years, and currently runs a discipleship ministry at VirtualDiscipleMaker.com. His passion is to train men of all ages to be disciple-makers in their sphere of influence. He is married to Kendra Haas and they have two children who are awesome!

Jedidiah Haas, Virtual Pastor at VirtualDiscipleMaker.com

Discipleship Track: At Work

We are commanded to become a people set apart to live as Christ calls us–to be the light in a very dark world (1 Peter 2:9). There are always challenges to carrying the Good News into a fallen world, and the workplace is no exception–fear of losing your job, disrupting working relationships, distracting from the work you were hired to do. Challenges don’t excuse inaction. But understanding and navigating the challenges is what this session will be all about. 

Discipleship Track: Discipling Relationships

So a guy walks into a church and says, “I’m looking for someone to disciple me…” Sounds like a punch line will follow, and it just might if you don’t have a sound, biblical approach to finding someone to disciple you or for you to disciple. In Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, we are reminded that if a man tries to do life on his own, there is no one to pick us up when we stumble and fall. This session will encourage and equip you with a practical approach to seeking and cultivating discipling relationships so that there is someone to pick you up when you stumble.

Speaker Bio: Pastor Jedidiah Haas is has served as a youth and family pastor, outreach and connections pastor, church planter, and has led and trained group leaders for over 10 years, and currently runs a discipleship ministry at VirtualDiscipleMaker.com. His passion is to train men of all ages to be disciple-makers in their sphere of influence. He is married to Kendra Haas and they have two children who are awesome!

Dr. Frank Cummings, Founder of Psychology Associates of the Fox Cities and Co-Founder ECLEA

Restore Track: Healthy Barriers

Jesus established loving others as the second most important commandment (Matthew 22:36); but let’s face it sometimes relationships, even with family, can get toxic. Fortunately, the Bible does allow for establishing healthy barriers (1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 22:24-25, Proverbs 13:20, Romans 16:17-18, 2 Corinthians 6:14). This session will look at both the biblical basis for healthy barriers and the practical steps to establish such barriers.

Restore Track: The Work Trap

One of the greatest barriers to forming our legacy and identity in Christ is the misappropriation of our time. When we long for affirmation from our relationships, a successful career can lure us into avoidance behaviors at home. This session will explore a theme verse of Romans 8:28, how the work trap impacts our legacy and identity in Christ, and how we can trust God and allow Him to use the struggles at home to mold us towards a Christ-like image.

Parenting Track: Maxed Out and Under Pressure

God designed you to long for rest, order, and quality time with family and friends, but busyness, stress, pressure, and being pulled in so many directions has become our reality. We’re living in a maxed out lifestyle with no time for rest. This session will explore biblical and practical ways to be less stressed, more focused, enjoy the moment and refuel to live out the life God intends for us and for our families!

Parenting Track: Be A Super Model

“I wonder where they learned that from…” They’re watching us–taking it all in–and learning. This session will look at how our sin, families of origin and unhealthy ways of relating to our wife and others reproduces those behaviors in our children. We’ll also explore the theme verse of Proverbs 22:6 and practical techniques to get back to the path God intended for us as fathers.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Cummings is a well-respected psychologist—serving on staff at Theda Clark and Appleton Medical Centers, and in private practice as President of Psychology Associates of the Fox Cities. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Brigham Young University and devotes his clinical practice to treat children, adolescent, and adult mental health concerns. Dr. Cummings was the consulting psychologist for Rawhide Boys Ranch for nearly 20 years, and is proud to partner with Equipping Church Leaders – East Africa (www.eclea.net) on the African continent. He co-authored a biblical counseling manual with Jonathan Menn, ECLEA’s Director, and has trained over 1,400 pastors on biblical counseling methods.

Dr. Frank Cummings, Founder of Psychology Associates of the Fox Cities and Co-Founder ECLEA

Restore Track: Healthy Barriers

Jesus established loving others as the second most important commandment (Matthew 22:36); but let’s face it sometimes relationships, even with family, can get toxic. Fortunately, the Bible does allow for establishing healthy barriers (1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 22:24-25, Proverbs 13:20, Romans 16:17-18, 2 Corinthians 6:14). This session will look at both the biblical basis for healthy barriers and the practical steps to establish such barriers.

Restore Track: The Work Trap

One of the greatest barriers to forming our legacy and identity in Christ is the misappropriation of our time. When we long for affirmation from our relationships, a successful career can lure us into avoidance behaviors at home. This session will explore a theme verse of Romans 8:28, how the work trap impacts our legacy and identity in Christ, and how we can trust God and allow Him to use the struggles at home to mold us towards a Christ-like image.

Parenting Track: Maxed Out and Under Pressure

God designed you to long for rest, order, and quality time with family and friends, but busyness, stress, pressure, and being pulled in so many directions has become our reality. We’re living in a maxed out lifestyle with no time for rest. This session will explore biblical and practical ways to be less stressed, more focused, enjoy the moment and refuel to live out the life God intends for us and for our families!

Parenting Track: Be A Super Model

“I wonder where they learned that from…” They’re watching us–taking it all in–and learning. This session will look at how our sin, families of origin and unhealthy ways of relating to our wife and others reproduces those behaviors in our children. We’ll also explore the theme verse of Proverbs 22:6 and practical techniques to get back to the path God intended for us as fathers.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Cummings is a well-respected psychologist—serving on staff at Theda Clark and Appleton Medical Centers, and in private practice as President of Psychology Associates of the Fox Cities. He received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Brigham Young University and devotes his clinical practice to treat children, adolescent, and adult mental health concerns. Dr. Cummings was the consulting psychologist for Rawhide Boys Ranch for nearly 20 years, and is proud to partner with Equipping Church Leaders – East Africa (www.eclea.net) on the African continent. He co-authored a biblical counseling manual with Jonathan Menn, ECLEA’s Director, and has trained over 1,400 pastors on biblical counseling methods.

Norman Fox, Teaching Elder, Calvary Bible Church 

Restore Track: Coping With Loss

We all experience loss. This workshop will address loss that comes from the trials and disappointments of life other than the death of a loved one. We all have plans, expectations, hopes, and dreams for how our lives will go. But often disappointments come in small increments or a big crisis to interrupt those dreams. That’s when we face grief and loss over the death of a dream. We struggle to define a new reality for our lives. This can lead to a crisis of faith. We will look at Scripture and how we respond in Christ to those times of grief and loss.

Restore Track: Mending Relationships

Where there is a relationship, there is conflict. Where there is conflict, there can be broken relationship. We will look to scripture to answer why conflict happens and what can be done about it. How can we prevent conflict from leading to a damaged relationship? After a conflict, how can we mend the relationship?

Speaker Bio: Norman is a Teaching Elder at Calvary Bible Church (CBC), Neenah, WI. His ministry focus is in the areas of Biblical teaching, personal disciple-making, and marriage mentoring. In 2015 he retired after 31 years with Kimberly-Clark in various leadership roles. Since retirement Norman served for 11 months as Interim Associate Pastor of Missions/Evangelism. Norman is a certified Marriage Mentor and leads the program at CBC. Currently he is in his second year in the Masters program in Professional Counseling at UW-Oshkosh. Karen and Norman have been married for 36 years and have three adult kids: Catherine, Spencer (Callie), and Rebecca (Michael). 

Norman Fox, Teaching Elder, Calvary Bible Church 

Restore Track: Coping With Loss

We all experience loss. This workshop will address loss that comes from the trials and disappointments of life other than the death of a loved one. We all have plans, expectations, hopes, and dreams for how our lives will go. But often disappointments come in small increments or a big crisis to interrupt those dreams. That’s when we face grief and loss over the death of a dream. We struggle to define a new reality for our lives. This can lead to a crisis of faith. We will look at Scripture and how we respond in Christ to those times of grief and loss.

Restore Track: Mending Relationships

Where there is a relationship, there is conflict. Where there is conflict, there can be broken relationship. We will look to scripture to answer why conflict happens and what can be done about it. How can we prevent conflict from leading to a damaged relationship? After a conflict, how can we mend the relationship?

Speaker Bio: Norman is a Teaching Elder at Calvary Bible Church (CBC), Neenah, WI. His ministry focus is in the areas of Biblical teaching, personal disciple-making, and marriage mentoring. In 2015 he retired after 31 years with Kimberly-Clark in various leadership roles. Since retirement Norman served for 11 months as Interim Associate Pastor of Missions/Evangelism. Norman is a certified Marriage Mentor and leads the program at CBC. Currently he is in his second year in the Masters program in Professional Counseling at UW-Oshkosh. Karen and Norman have been married for 36 years and have three adult kids: Catherine, Spencer (Callie), and Rebecca (Michael).