Schedule:
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
8:30 AM – Registration Opens
9:30 AM – Welcome, Worship and Keynote Session: “Power In Weakness: How God’s Strength Transforms Our Ministry” -Pastor Adam Sidler
10:45 AM – Breakout Workshops:
Breakout #1: Rhythms of Rest: Discovering the Sabbath for a Sustainable Life and Ministry.
Breakout #2: Pastoral Sabbaticals: A Future-Focused Approach
12:00 PM – Lunch and Fellowship
2:00 PM – Panel Discussion: “Thriving Leaders: Whole Life Health in Ministry”
3:00 PM – Free Time for Reflection/Fun/Resource Fair
6:00 PM – Dinner
7:00 PM – Evening Service and Worship: “The Forgotten Command: Loving God, Loving Others… and Loving Yourself”
8:00 PM – Free Time
Day 2:
8:15 AM – Breakfast
9:00 AM – Worship and Keynote Session: “Chemistry, not Conflict: Creating a
Biblical Culture Among Your Elders” – Pastor Todd Stiles
10:30 AM – Q and A With Todd Stiles and Jamie Olcott
– Where do I begin?
– What if I don’t have biblically qualified Elders?
– What helps to grow and strengthen an Elder Team?
– Practically-based steps of implementation
11:30 AM – Lunch and Networking
2:00 PM – Closing Keynote “Which Traits Matter? The Two Traits that Correlate the Most to Congregational Retention”
3:30 PM – Farewell Prayer
Speaker Bios:
Todd Stiles, Founding Pastor, First Family Church, Ankeny, IA
Todd is the founding pastor of First Family Church in Ankeny, Iowa. Planted in 2004 from a core group of just 6 people, First Family has grown to several hundred members in multiple services and campuses, and has mobilized the efforts of its flock to plant 7 churches. Additionally, FFC has sent its own to numerous outposts around the world that have little to no access to the gospel. Todd is humbled to have the privilege of leading this faith family towards the vision of becoming a people ready to reproduce. He is the author of multiple books and numerous articles, gives his time to serve as a church-based Church Planting Catalyst for the North American Mission Board (NAMB), serves in various ways with the Baptist Convention of Iowa (BCI), and is currently a member of the SBC’s Executive Committee. Born and (mostly) raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Todd has roots in the south. It’s where he began his ministry as a youth pastor, and that continued even when he and his family moved to Iowa in 1996. In 1998, Todd founded Youth Leader Connection, a non-profit ministry that assisted youth leaders in smaller churches with hands-on help, curriculum, and programming. Then in 2004, he and a few others planted First Family Church where he serves as Lead Pastor today. Married to Julie (Smith), they have four grown children: Brett, Bethany, Breanna, and Brooke. They enjoy recreation, traveling, and taste-testing new places! He holds degrees from Tennessee Temple University (B.A. in Bible), Piedmont International University (M.M.), and Carolina University (Ph.D. in Leadership).
Adam Sidler, Executive Pastor of Discipleship, Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, MN
If you’re looking for a guy who loves Jesus, coffee, and motorcycles—not necessarily in that order before 6 a.m.—you’ve found him. Adam Sidler is a passionate follower of Jesus who is on a mission to see the Church thrive, not just survive. He considers himself wildly blessed to do life with his incredible wife, Sarah, and their two amazing kids, who keep him on his toes (and occasionally remind him that dad jokes are not a spiritual gift). With 21 years of pastoral experience in churches across the Midwest, Adam has walked alongside countless people in their faith journeys. He holds a Master’s degree from Grace Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Congregation and Family Care from Bethel University. Adam also serves on the board of directors for The Respite, a sanctuary of hope and healing for ministry leaders and their spouses—because even those who minister to others need a place to be renewed. His passion? To see the Church wake up, rise up, and step boldly into its calling, empowered by the Holy Spirit to be Jesus’ witness to the world (Acts 1:8).
Jamie Olcott, Lead Pastor, Anchor Point Church, Wabasha, MN
Jamie Olcott is Lead Pastor at Anchor Point Church in Wabasha, MN. Jamie serves as the primary teaching Pastor as well as a member of the APC Elder Team. Jamie desires to see churches return to healthy leadership based on biblical shepherding and service, rather than a “board room” mentality. He believes this is best served by a focus on scripture fed, Spirit lead, worship based prayer, and the priority of the Word of God among the leadership. This serves as both a direction for the leadership and an example for those they serve. Jamie and his family have lived in Wabasha since 2018.
Rob Wilson, Pastor of Youth and Worship, Anchor Point Church, Wabasha, MN
Rob Wilson is Associate Pastor of Music and Youth at Anchor Point E-Free Church in Wabasha, MN. Rob, his wife, and two young children have lived in Wabasha for 5 years. Rob grew up in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. He began following Christ in his early twenties. God began equipping Rob for ministry through attending and serving with the Gathering Church of Rochester, MN. Upon moving to Wabasha in 2020 it was clear that God was calling Rob into full-time ministry.
Keynote Summaries:
“Power In Weakness: How God’s Strength Transforms Our Ministry”
In a world that often celebrates self-sufficiency and strength, Scripture reminds us of a different reality—God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). Rather than disqualifying us, our limitations create space for God’s strength to shine through. In this session, we will explore how embracing our weaknesses can lead to deeper dependence on Christ, greater impact in ministry, and a renewed confidence in God’s ability to work in and through us. Together, we will reframe weakness not as a hindrance, but as a divine invitation to experience the limitless power of God.
“Chemistry, not Conflict: Creating a Biblical Culture Among Your Elders”
o -What defines a biblical elder structure?
o -Are there strategies for minimizing disagreement?
o -Is your function issue really a fit issue?
o -What tools help build a lasting culture of spiritual health?
o -Join us after this session for a Q and A around this same topic, as well as an in-person testimony from Pastor Jamie Olcott.
o -Practically-based steps of implementation
“Which Traits Matter? The Two Traits that Correlate the Most to Congregational Retention”
-Research-based findings
-Biblically-based assurances
-Practically-based steps of implementation
Breakout Summaries:
Day One Break out 1: Rhythms of Rest: Discovering the Sabbath for a Sustainable Life and Ministry.
Discover practical strategies for creating margin in a nonstop ministry life. Learn how to reframe Sabbath as resistance to burnout, not a luxury for the unbusy. We’ll explore scheduling tools, boundary-setting techniques, and real-life examples on how to find rest without abandoning your calling.” Summary: In the busyness of life and ministry, many Christians—especially leaders neglect one of God’s greatest gifts: the Sabbath. Designed as a life- giving rhythm, the Sabbath is not just a suggestion, but an essential act of obedience for spiritual renewal, personal well-being, and long-term effectiveness in ministry. Yet, too often, we equate rest with laziness or see it as a luxury rather than a necessity. In this breakout session, we will explore the biblical foundation of Sabbath, why it matters, and how embracing God’s rhythm of rest can transform not only our personal lives but also the way we serve others. True Kingdom impact is not found in relentless striving, but in surrendering to the rest God has called us to:
Breathe Again – Rediscover Sabbath as God’s gift for your soul, not just a day off.
Lead from Rest – Learn how true impact flows from surrender, not striving.
Sustainable Ministry – Build rhythms that renew your life, leadership, and longevity.
Day One Break out 2: Pastoral Sabbaticals: A Future-Focused Approach
-Is a sabbatical simply extra vacation?
-What should a pastor do on a sabbatical?
-How does a pastor arrange a sabbatical?
-What are the benefits of a sabbatical?
Panel Summaries:
“Thriving Leaders: Whole Life Health in Ministry”
A dynamic and practical conversation that equips ministry leaders with holistic strategies for sustaining their well-being in the demanding context of ministry. Three key perspectives will be represented at this discussion by facilitating an engaging, well-rounded discussion that acknowledges the challenges of ministry while equipping leaders with tangible, faith-centered solutions to care for their spiritual, emotional, and physical health. The goal is to encourage and empower ministry leaders to steward their well-being so they can continue to serve effectively for years to come.
Sponsors:
Cost:
$165 includes full package—lodging for one night, 4 meals and the program
$115: No overnight lodging or breakfast on Day 2. Price includes the full 2 day program
and 3 meals.
Early Bird Pricing: $145 includes full package; $95 No overnight lodging or breakfast on
Day 2, includes full program and 3 meals.