Ohio Ministry Network

Are you ready to learn more about planting a church in Ohio? This session is for planters, parent churches, and anyone who wants to discover more about the church planting process. It will give you information about resources, training, conferences, best practices and provide you the opportunity to ask questions.   Tom Baxter Assistant Church Multiplication Director and Men's Ministry Director, Ohio Ministry Network

How can a humble, compassionate, forgiving Jesus say, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father,” yet the Father of the Old Testament seems to be a pro-slavery, jealous, genocidal, misogynistic God? This is a legitimate question with a legitimate answer. In this session, we will explore this topic equipping you and the leaders in your church to respond to this question with confidence. Steve Brannan Great Lakes Regional Director, Chi Alpha

Ask questions about current trends, best practices, and get clarity as you start or grow your social media presence.   Tara Zimmer, Communications Director, Ohio Ministry Network Courtney Jones, Owner/Designer, Little Creative Company DeAndre Patrick, Youth/Young Adults Pastor, Calvary Assembly of God Derrick Smith, Creative Pastor, Simple Church Jackie Kibby, Media & Communications Director, Faith Church, Sandusky

Learn practical ways to identify, train, and empower leaders in your church for youth ministry.   Ron Bolden New Life Community Church, NextGen Pastor

Learn about My Village Ministry and CarePortal which are resources that can help your church minister to fragile families and provide support so children don't end up in foster care.   Aaron Earlywine CarePortal, Area Director for Ohio   Phil Krause My Village Ministries, Co-Director

How do international churches position themselves to effectively make disciples amongst their own people group as well as their neighbor? How can pastors of International churches effectively care for the many needs of 1st generation immigrants? Learn best practices for ministering to the whole person and whole world.   Petros Yefru Peoples Church, 220 William Taft Rd

Learn why we should be involved in foster care ministry, what is involved in it, and how to start it.   Paris Yanno OMN Father's Heart, Director of Father's Heart

How can we cultivate a heart for missions in our entire family? This session will explore practical ways to engage your whole family in missions, whether through prayer, giving, or going. From BGMC (Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge) and Speed the Light to family missions trips, we will discover how to inspire a shared passion for reaching the world with the Gospel. Learn how to foster a missional mindset in every family member and create meaningful opportunities to serve together. You'll leave equipped with ideas for praying as a family, supporting global missions, and incorporating missions into everyday life. Let's raise a generation of families with a heart for missions!   Stacy Petty, Ohio Ministry Network, Ohio Missions Director Lynna Mooney, Lima First Church, Children's Pastor Matt Sullivan, Radiant Life Church, Youth & Missions Pastor

Join us for an open and dynamic Q&A session with experienced missionaries as they tackle the hottest topics in missions today! This is your chance to ask the questions you've always wanted to know about global ministry. From navigating cultural challenges and fundraising to leading effective mission trips and building long-term partnerships, no topic is off-limits. Whether you're a pastor, leader, or passionate about missions, come ready to engage in candid conversations and gain practical insights to elevate your missions efforts.   Stacy Petty, Ohio Ministry Network, Ohio Missions Director Heather Erickson, Ohio Chi Alpha, Director Andy Erickson, Ohio Chi Alpha, Director Cyndi Martin, Assemblies of God World Missions, West Africa, Career Missionary Joe Martin, Assemblies of God World Missions, West Africa, Career Missionary Bob Stetz

In this session, we will examine key spiritual disciplines and practices that help young people grow closer to God. We will explore practical ways for teens to build a strong faith. Whether you're a leader, parent, or student, you'll leave with tools to guide the next generation.   Nate Ortiz Lifewise Academy, Sr. Director of CityWide

Our world around us is constantly discipling us to accept worldly views instead of kingdom views.  The truths we are taught do not always align with our God-given identities and the foundation of the gospel.  Teachings regarding LGBTQ+ mindsets are potentially the greatest example of this today.  This movement has deeply invaded our culture, our churches, our children, and our lives.  It is imperative that we are equipped to confront these false beliefs in love and truth, as we hold firmly to God's heart to renew, redeem, and transform all people.   Matt Ostermeyer Chi Alpha at The Ohio State University, US Missionary

In this session, you will learn about strategies for empowering students to engage their campus, church, and communities for Jesus. We will focus on practical approaches for leaders to help students know how to share the gospel in their current mission field and how you can partner with Youth Alive to achieve the goal of having a campus missionary in every school in Ohio.   Matt Clark Ohio Ministry Network, Youth Alive Director

Have you ever found yourself trying to lead kids in worship and overwhelmed because of their responses? Is it challenging to teach kids about worship because of imagery and theology in songs? You might not be alone! This session will empower attendees with practical methods to effectively teach kids about worship and what it means to have a life of worship.   Lindsey Shaffer Calvary Church, Children's Pastor

Many worship leaders and teams desire to create songs that are specifically for their house of worship. In this session we will explore keys to writing well as an individual and as a team.   Lincoln Williams New Life Poland, Worship/Young Adult Pastor

This session will provide and opportunity for you as worship leaders to ask questions, discuss what you've learned, and explore topics not cover in previous sessions.   OMN Worship Collective, Ohio Ministry Network Lincoln Williams, New Life Poland, Worship/Young Adult Pastor Carissa Wright, Associate Pastor, Worship Pastor Brie Lewis Garrett Gitchel, Harvest Ridge Church, Worship Pastor

In this session, we will explore how to create healthy systems and language to build a solid staff and worship team culture.   Lincoln Williams New Life Poland, Worship/Young Adult Pastor

We will walk you through creating an engaging boys' ministry within your church. We'll explore practical strategies for building a program that fosters spiritual growth, encourages positive peer relationships, and addresses the unique needs and interests of the young men in your church.   Kyle Zeid Ohio Ministry Network, Stewardship and Projects Director

This session will be focused on the "do's" and "dont's of "using artificial intelligence in your ministry context and provide resources for best practices.   Kyle Zeid Ohio Ministry Network, Stewardship and Projects Director

How well do you love your city? If your church moved to another location, would your city miss you? Would they notice? The tips and ideas from this session will be especially beneficial to those needing to stretch a budget. Many takeaways would also be ideal for small group serve opportunities. Become a church your city can't live without!   Kelly Zimmerman Mission 516, Executive Director

This session will focus on learning how to break down a passage of scripture by looking at the cultural and historical background, bringing out the hidden gems of the text itself, and understanding how to find patterns and connections in scripture. You will also leave equipped with some tools to explore all the many riches of the Word of God!   Kayla Turner SEU Ohio, Director

We are ALL called to communicate the Word of God! We just won't all do it the same way, and that is ok! This session will focus on helping equip you with some best practices in communicating to others all that you are studying in God's word. Afterall, we were never meant to keep what He shows us to ourselves. Learn how to piece things together so it feels authentic to you but brings the truth of God's word to others in a way that connects.   Kayla Turner SEU Ohio, Director

Do you have goals and vision for yourself, your family and your church that are bigger than you are? If God doesn't show up and do it, it's not going to happen?  If not, WHY NOT!  God is calling us to be fully dependent on Him and to trust Him with the vision He extends to us, not to minimize it!  Join us for a time to break down some of the concepts and disciplines that will be the key to activating your faith in a way that will propel vision into reality.  We will close out our time praying down Heaven over our goals and trusting God with the vision He has shared with us. Come expecting practical application and passionate prayer.   Katrina Del Valle Executive Presbyter, Region 5 (Cincy & Dayton)

Understanding the short-term and long-term effects of trauma for individuals and the best ways to respond to behaviors that are triggered by trauma.   Jamie Baxter

Do you struggle to pick just 4 sessions to attend because there are too many good choices? Then the breakout bundle is for you! In this session, we will cover 6 hot topics applicable to every church or ministry. Topics include: crisis management/disaster response, effective project management, time management/productivity, building resilience in your staff, staff engagement, and team dynamics.   Jeff & Amy Parsell Ohio Ministry Network, Network Operations Director

All of us who are followers of Christ have been given the Commission to go and make disciples. Anyone, anywhere, anytime can find a person of peace and disciple them. This session will discuss practical steps and resources to help us all to make disciples that make disciples.   Jaryd Motsinger Cincinnati Challenge Ranch, CEO

This breakout session will help you understand the deep impact abortion has on the local church. This workshop will help you move away from politics being our only response, to a proactive compassionate response to this issue. God's Word tells us life is precious, life is revered, and that He loves life. You will learn of resources available for you to bring heart change to your church and community. You can help make abortion unthinkable, even before it is illegal in all 50 states.   Jack Harper US Missionary - SaveOne, Men's Director   Sheila Harper US Missionary- SaveOne, Founder and President

Join this panel of pastors as they discuss and answer questions around foster care ministry in their church.   James Barton, Rush Church, Lead Pastor Jill Barton, Rush Church Greg Glodkowski, Chester Christian Center A/G, Lead Pastor Jordan Biel, Rock of Grace, Lead Pastor

Imagine if kids could grasp the spiritual discipline of prayer from an early age and the impact it would make in their lives! In this session, you will be equipped to explain to kids why they should pray and how they can do it! It will include a hands-on prayer experiences that you can immediately implement in your church.   Edgar Santos Bethel Christian, NextGen Pastor

Not if, but when conflicts arise in ministry, the kindest act from a leader is to have already prepared themselves in advance to provide guidance and direction on how to lead in the conflict.  Onlookers will be repelled away or drawn toward your ministry, even if subconsciously, based on the tendency to be conflict avoidant or a demonstrated leadership to navigate conflict in a healthy way. As General Secretary for the national office of the Assemblies of God, most  every call to Donna Barrett's office is around a conflict, whether within one of our 66 districts, between a board and pastor, between a minister and someone bringing a complaint, or litigation from the courts.  You'll learn practical helps to use as a leader and gain guidance on developing a culture that is healthy with conflict.   Donna Barrett Assemblies of God, General Secretary

How we say what we say matters in ministry every day. When the media is on your church doorstep, that is not the time to decide who will speak on behalf of your organization and what to say.  What the receptionist says to an incoming caller can either throw gas on a fire or de-escalate an explosive situation. You get to choose. Is there a time NOT to pray with someone? Is “no comment” the answer to give a media request? When can your words be used against your organization in litigation?  When is texting or other communication confidential? Should an anonymous letter be dropped in the shredder? Come tidy up your communication skills and help your team do the same.     Donna Barrett Assemblies of God, General Secretary

During this session we will focus on the transformative power of relational mentoring to guide and inspire the next generation of women. Leaders, mentors, and anyone passionate about influencing the lives of young ladies are welcome to join this breakout!   Danielle Dickerson Ohio Ministry Network, OMNWomen Director

This session is designed to equip leaders, mentors, and volunteers with practical strategies for effective ministry to women across various life stages and backgrounds   Danielle Dickerson Ohio Ministry Network, OMNWomen Director

How do we use our gifts and personality to touch a broken world? In this session, Dan and Christa will discuss a variety of personalities in scripture and how they were effectively used to personally reach the lost.   Christa Lund Adult and NextGen Ministries Director, Ohio Ministry Network   Dan Lund Ohio Ministry Network Superintendent

We're better together, so come learn how to more effectively build healthy ministry teams in every area of your church.   Christa Lund Adult and NextGen Ministries Director, Ohio Ministry Network   Dan Lund Ohio Ministry Network Superintendent

If people can't find you, it's difficult for them to come to your church. In this session, we will explore the basics of setting up a website, making sure you pop up in the right Google searches, and using your marketing budget in the places it makes the biggest difference.   Courtney Jones Little Creative Company, Owner/Designer

God has been doing a tremendous work at Lima First. In this session, Lead Pastor Darrell Bucher and Associate Pastor Christian Bucher will be teaching how to structure your church services in a way that can maximize the moving of the Holy Spirit.   Christian Bucher LFC - Lima First Church, Associate Pastor   Darrell Bucher LFC - Lima First Church, Lead Pastor

The goal of this workshop is twofold: a. To understand the power and anointed potential of the diversely unified Body of Christ (1Cor. 12). The Church is at its best when we collaborate together to build the Kingdom in our city. b. To understand that God's Kingdom requires us to go beyond our buildings, theological biases and cultural boundaries. The Church is at it's best when we work together to make sure that every person has access to the Gospel. This includes the poor, the immigrant, the marginalized, the orphan, the widow, those in the minority.   Jan Beard Peoples Church, Peoples Church Network   Chris Beard Peoples Church, Lead Pastor

In this session, we'll explore proven methods for crafting impactful sermons, from study techniques to effective message structuring. Gain practical tools to streamline your preparation process and deliver sermons that resonate with your congregation.   Chad Gilligan Calvary AG, Lead Pastor

Feeling called to missions or know someone who is? This session is designed to equip both individuals and church leaders with practical steps for answering the call. We'll explore what it looks like to support those stepping into missions, how to nurture emerging leaders, and the process of transitioning from the church or marketplace into full-time missions work. Whether you're discerning your own call, guiding someone else, or seeking to raise up missionaries within your church, this session will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you take the next step in advancing God's kingdom globally.   Carlos Hernandez

A Dinner Church is an expression of church that is effective in reaching people who would normally not come into the church building.   It's a church that creates space for people to live in community with one another in a way that breaks traditional social barriers while engaging the life-changing love and power of Jesus. Come on out to this workshop and explore Jesus' own meal-centered approach to discipleship, mission, and community.   Carl Bauchspiess OCMN, Dinner Church Director   Ryan Little Hope Hill, Lead Pastor  

Whether you are a new plant, a thriving church, or one that is looking for fresh ideas, planning a community event for families can be overwhelming! In this session, there will be planning tips, budget help and community engagement discussions that will give you encouragement and insight in planning future events.   Carianne Prior New Life Church, Executive Pastor of Family Ministries

This session will be led by Chick-fil-a Owner/Operator Brian Siktberg and Operations Director Calib Turner, as they share their strategies on raising up leaders in the marketplace who not only experience the ability to expand their skill set but experience overall care. They strive to help each member of their team become the best member of themselves by providing intentional discipleship and hands on training.   Brian Siktberg & Calib Turner Chick-Fil-A

Guys, are you ready to get real? Learn strategies to minister to men and see real results. It's time we drop the facade and learn to be vulnerable and authentic.   Brett Adams Faith Church Huron, Campus Director

Discover key approaches to maintaining gospel-driven urgency, spiritual enthusiasm, and consistent motivation in your ministry team. This session will help you create a culture that keeps your team inspired and committed to their purpose.   Lance & Angel Porubsky Radiant Life Church, Lead Pastors

Andy Erickson Director, Ohio Chi Alpha

Based upon the Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22, Jesus is sending His church to go and reach people who are hesitant to come. The goal of this workshop is to explore and imagine what it's going to take to reach those who are often marginalized or overlooked even by the church. We will take a look at effective & creative strategies to reach everyone with the gospel.     Al Yanno Church Multiplication Director, Ohio Church Multiplication Network

Need some ideas on how to better address concerns with integrating kids with special needs into your existing ministries? You've already conquered the first and most important step: you are open to and are trying to INCLUDE these families...you want them to be ministered to effectively. In this session, we'll add to this desire for ministry practical, doable strategies to effectively minister to these families! Tracie Corll Missions Associate, Special Touch Ministry

Are you ready to learn more about planting a church in Ohio? This session is for planters, parent churches, and anyone who wants to discover more about the church planting process. It will give you information about resources, training, conferences, best practices and provide you the opportunity to ask questions. Tom Baxter Assistant Church Multiplication Director, Ohio Ministry Network

No matter the size of your church, we all want to ignite a bigger sense of generosity among our people. In this session, we're going to dive into the Kingdom Builders process, sharing tips and tricks that have helped churches, big and small, ramp up their missions support beyond their wildest expectations. It's a journey that promises to be a win-win as we work together toward a whopping 300% boost in missions giving and outreach. TJ Wolfe Lead Pastor, Multiply Church

This session will teach you how to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma, a vital aspect of ministry life. Tasha Willaford Student Life Director, Southeastern University Ohio

Whether you've been doing social media for a week or for decades, this is a place to connect with other church and ministry social media managers and have great discussions. Bring social media questions, and we will have a great conversation about what's new in the world of social media and how we can all still learn and grow. Derrick Smith Creative Pastor, Simple Church Tara Zimmer Communications Director, Ohio Ministry Network Jackie Kibby Communications Director, Faith Church, Sandusky