Attendees

• Greg Allen, President, The Shepherd’s Staff, Lewisville, Texas
• Matt Andersen, Dallas, Texas
• Matt Anthony, Attorney, The Church Law Group, Grapevine, Texas
• Scott Barfoot, Director, Doctor of Ministry Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas
• Micah Barnum, Local Outreach Pastor, Christ Chapel Bible Church, Fort Worth, Texas
• Dr. Nathan Baxter, Lead-Self Lead-Others, Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Brent Berger, Administrative Pastor, Northside Christian Church, Spring, Texas
• Ken Bevel, Senior Associate Pastor of Connections and Major Events, Sherwood Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia
• Dr. Warren Bird, Director of Research and Intellectual Capital, Leadership Network, New York City, New York
• David Bixby, Executive Pastor, Austin Ridge Bible Church, Austin, Texas
• Mike Bonem, XP Author & Speaker, Bellaire, Texas
• Joel Botello, Executive Pastor, Westoverhills Assembly of God Church, San Antonio, Texas
• Tim Bowers, Staff Pastor, Grace Fellowship Church, Johnson City, Tennessee
• Robert Bowman, Senior Associate Pastor, Central Baptist Bearden, Knoxville, Tennessee
• Kason Branch, Chief Operating Officer, Concord Church, Dallas, Texas
• Dave Brandolini, Executive Pastor, Austin Ridge Bible Church, Austin, Texas
• David Brenner, Attorney, Riddell Williams, Seattle, Washington
• Fred Brooks, Lead Executive Pastor, SouthBrook Christian Church, Miamisburg, Ohio
• Alyson Browne Johnson, Executive Pastor, First Baptist Church of LIncoln Gardens, Somerset, New Jersey
• Sean Buchanan, Key Account Relations, Church Community Builder, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Nathan Burns, Executive Pastor, Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Springfield, Missouri
• Paul Burr, Executive Pastor, Redeemer Bible Church, Minnetonka, Minnesota
• Kevin Callaway, Student at Dallas Seminary, Chase Oaks, Plano, Texas
• Chris Calvert, Executive Pastor, The Bridge Church, Fresno, Caliofornia
• Shawn Case, Executive Pastor/Ministry Operations & Support, SouthBrook Christian Church, Miamisburg, Ohio
• Joe Casiglia, Executive Pastor, Faith Lutheran Church, Troy, Michigan
• Dr. Sam Chand, Author-Consultant-Coach, Stockbridge, Georgia
• Terrence Chavis, CFO, Concord Church, Dallas, Texas
• Rob Cizek, Executive Pastor, Northshore Christian Church, Everett, Washington
• Rick Clapp, Strategic Coaching & Solutions, Church Community Builder, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• George Clark, Co-Founder & Principal, Clark, Alpharetta, Georgia
• Houston Clark, Co-Founder & Principal, Clark, Alpharetta, Georgia
• Patrick Coelho, Executive Pastor, Westwinds Community Church, Jackson, Michigan
• Errol Coner, Executive Pastor, Christ the Rock Community Church, Cooper City, Florida
• Scott Cougill, Executive Pastor, Pacific Crossroads Church, Los Angeles, California
• Rob Curry, Executive Pastor, Cypress Bible Church, Cypress, Texas
• Abe Daniel, Executive Pastor, Evergreen Christian Community, Olympia, Washington
• Bob Daniels, Executive Pastor, Towne Ministries, Middletown, Ohio
• Larry Davis, Executive Pastor, Plymouth Park Baptist Church, Irving, Texas
• Chuck Donnels, Managing Principal, Gdirect, Rocklin, California
• Greg Dowell, Associate Minister, Central Church of Christ, Amarillo, Texas
• Bryan Eck, Executive pastor- Lead Team Pastor , Irving Bible Church, Irving, Texas
• Mickey Eckles, Senior Associate Pastor, Mid-Cities Community Church, Midland, Texas
• Dr. Bill Egner, Executive Pastor, Christ Chapel Bible Church, Fort Worth, Texas
• Victor Erwin, Vice President, Barron Companies, Fort Worth, Texas
• Gerald Farley, Stewardship Strategist, Generis Partners, Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Bob Feitl, Executive Pastor, Gracespring Bible Church, Richland, Michigan
• Dr. David Fletcher, XP & Founder/Host of XPastor, The Chapel, Akron, Ohio
• Tami Fletcher, Executive Assistant of XPastor, Akron, Ohio
• Justin Frazier, Associate Pastor, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, Allen, Texas
• Luke Frazier, Administrative Pastor, Meadow View Community Church, Missoula, Montana
• Bob Galley, Executive Pastor, Grace Community Church, Centennial, Colorado
• Paul Gilbert, XP, Four Oaks Church, Tallahassee, Florida
• Sol Gomez, Executive Pastor/Weekend Experience, SouthBrook Christian Church, Miamisburg, Ohio
• John Gordon, Executive Pastor, Wayside Chapel EFCA, San Antonio, Texas
• J.P. Gradone, Executive Pastor, Central Church, Collierville, Tennessee
• Josh Gray, Pastor, Meadow View Community Church, Missoula, Montana
• Chris Gunnare, Chief Operating Officer, Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines, Iowa
• Fritz Hager, XP, Bethel Bible Church, Tyler, Texas
• Leah Hale, Business Develpment Associate, GuideStone Financial Resources, Dallas, Texas
• Ryan Hartwig, Assistant Professor of Communication, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, California
• Parris Hayashi, Executive Pastor, Grace Bible Church Pearlside, Pearl City, Hawaii
• Aaron Hawthorne, Director, Clark, Alpharetta, Georgia
• Michael Heflin, Executive Pastor, PromiseLand West, Austin, Texas
• Seth Hewitt, Student, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas
• Brad Heykoop, Director of Operations, WaterStone Community Church, Littleton, Colorado
• J.D. Holt, Pastor of Ministries, Fellowship Bible Church, Topeka, Kansas
• Ron Horgan, Executive Pastor, Montreat Presbyterian Church, Montreat, North Carolina
• Brian Horn, Lead Community Pastor, Harris Creek Church, McGregor, Texas
• Brett Inman, Executive Pastor of Ministry, Christ Community Church, Tuscon, Arizona
• Jamie Jackson, Executive Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Elyria, Ohio
• Taylor Jackson, Executive Pastor, Grace Bible Church Houston, Houston, Texas
• Hunter Johnson, Director of Ministry Integration, Cherry Creek Presbyterian, Englewood, Colorado
• Jarrod Jones, Lead Pastor, Grace Community Church of Washingtonville, New York
• Kerry Jones. Executive Director, Church of the Saviour, Wayne, Pennsylvania
• Ron Keener, Editor of ChurchExecutive Magazine, Phoenix, Arizona
• Chris Kelly, Associate Pastor of Business Administration, Mid-Cities Community Church, Midland, Texas
• Mark Kent, Executive Pastor, Believers Church, Chesapeake, Virginia
• Stephanie King, Manager Sales Implementation, GuideStone Financial Resources, Dallas, Texas
• Claudia Kornaros, Sunnyvale, California
• David Kornaros, Executive Coach, Sunnyvale, California
• Vonna Laue, Partner, CapinCrouse, Lawrenceville, Georgia
• Kent Lawrence, Executive Pastor, Grace Bible Church, Dallas, Texas
• David Lee, Ministry Development Officer, Evangelical Christian Credit Union, Brea, California
• Brad Leeper, President & Principal, Generis Partners, Atlanta, Georgia
• Greg Lingle, Executive Pastor, Mansfield Bible Church, Mansfield, Texas
• Scott Long, Administrative Pastor, Gateway Church, Findlay, Ohio
• Lance Loveland, Fellowship One, Irving, Texas
• David Lyons, Founder and President of MinisterSearch, Lewisville, Texas
• Todd Malone, Executive Pastor, Fellowship Bible Church, Longview, Longview, Texas
• Ron May, Executive Pastor, Wildwood Church, East Moline, Illinois
• Mark Matthews, Fellowship One, Irving, Texas
• Jim McBride, Executive Pastor, Sherwood Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia
• Matthew McDaniel, Senior Pastor, Arlington Memorial Baptist Church, Akron, Ohio
• Brad McKerley, Executive Pastor, Southpointe, Leesburg, Florida
• Barbara Medlin, Managing Director, Relationship Management, GuideStone Financial Resources, Dallas, Texas
• Harold Metzel, First Baptist Church, Carrollton, Texas
• Alan Michael, Executive Pastor, RockPointe Church, Flower Mound, Texas
• David Middlebrook, Attorney, The Church Law Group, Grapevine, Texas
• Mark Miller, Director, Clark, Alpharetta, Georgia
• Nancy Moore, Consultant, SIMA International, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
• Douglas Morton, Executive Pastor, Church of the Chimes, San Jose, California
• John Mrazek, Executive/Ops Director, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Ed Nalle, Executive Pastor, Reston Bible Church, Dulles, Virginia
• Doug Napier, Executive Operations Pastor, Village View Community Church, Summerfield, Florida
• Amy Napier, Village View Community Church, Summerfield, Florida
• Scott Nelson, Principal, HH Architects, Dallas, Texas
• Brenda Newman, GDirect, Southlake, Texas
• Lendell Nolan, Pastor of Ministries, Grace Community Church, Roswell, New Mexico
• Frank ONeill, Executive Pastor, Shelter Rock Church, Lynbrook, New York
• Dick Ostien, Associate Pastor, Christ Community Church, West Chester, Pennsylvania
• Scot Overbey, Executive Pastor, Faith Bible Church, Edmond, Oklahoma
• Darrell Owens, Senior Pastor, Christ the Rock Community Church, Cooper City, Florida
• Tom Oyler, Lead Pastor, Grace Fellowship Church, Johnson City, Tennessee
• Kim Pagel, Executive Pastor, New Covenant Bible Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Dennis Park, Ministry Development Officer, Evangelical Christian Credit Union, Brea, California
• Dale Peak, Administrator, Reston Bible Church, Dulles, Virginia
• Jon Platek, Senior Associate Pastor, The Chapel, Akron, Ohio
• Darin Poli, Executive Pastor, River Valley Church, Apple Valley, Minnesota
• Derek Prezzano, Executive Pastor, Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle, Smithtown, New York
• Bill Price, Executive Pastor, Autumn Ridge Church, Rochester, Minnesota
• Lane Ransdell, Business Administrator, First Christian Church, Decatur, Illinois
• Allen Ratta, Active Network, San Diego, California
• Dan Reiland, Executive Pastor, 12Stone Church, Lawrenceville, Georgia
• Eric Rojas, Executive Pastor, Christ Community Church, St. Charles, Illinois
• Daniel Rolfe, Lead Pastor, Mountain Springs Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Gary Rothenberger, Executive Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church, Beaumont, Texas
• Luke Samuelson, Connect Director, Christ Chapel Bible Church, Fort Worth, Texas
• Jason Schmidt, Executive Pastor, Harvest Bible Chapel of Orlando, Windermere, Florida
• Paul Sewell, Director of Partnership Ministries, Operation Mobilization, Tyrone, Georgia
• Brandon Shupp, Senior Director of Campus Development, Mountain Springs Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Brad Simmons, Director of Leadership Development, Heart of Kansas Southern Baptist Association, Wichita, Kansas
• Jay Smidt, Senior Director, Operations, Mountain Springs Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Caleb Smith, The Bridge Community Church, Ruston, Louisiana
• Nicholas Smith, Executive Assistant Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Lindenwold, New Jersey
• Wayne Smith, Director, Leadership Network, Dallas, Texas
• Tim Snow, Executive Pastor, University Presbyterian Church, Seattle, Washington
• Matt Steen, Consultant, Church Simple, Lynbrook, New York
• William Subash, Lead Pastor, The Crossroad Church, Irving, Texas
• Bob Tidrow, Regional Manager Large Groups, GuideStone Financial Resources, Dallas, Texas
• John Travis, Director of Operations, Reality LA, Los Angeles, California
• Mark Tuggle, Executive Pastor, Pulpit Rock Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Rick von Albrecht, Executive Pastor for Administration, Christ Community Church, Tuscon, Arizona
• Matthew J. Ware, Executive Pastor & Worship Pastor, Victory Church, Westminster, Colorado
• Garth Warren, Executive Pastor, Christ Church, Lake Forest, Illinois
• Bob Westfall, Senior Pastor, New Covenant Bible Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Josh Whitehead, Executive Pastor, Faith Promise Church, Knoxville, Tennessee
• Tim Whitehorn, Director, Active Network, San Diego, California
• Drew Wilborn, Associate Pastor, The Antioch Church, Dallas, Texas
• Derrick Wilson, Executive Pastor of Ministries, Milestone Church, Keller, Texas
• Bruce Woody, President, HH Architects, Dallas, Texas
• Mike Work, Executive Pastor of Operations, Mission Community Church, Gilbert, Arizona
• Jonathan Wright, XP, Grace Church, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

“The topics were relevant to where I am at both personally and professionally.”

Schedule

Tuesday, February 21

Wednesday, February 22

7:45	David Lee Full Breakfast sponsored by ECCU with special speaker David Lee on “Six Things Financially Healthy Churches Do Right” It’s true. The economy affects ministry finances. But over the past three years, churches have also learned that their decisions can have profound impact on their financial health. In this session you’ll learn best practices from churches that have thrived and worst practices from those that have struggled.
8:45	Brian Horm Welcome by Brian Horn XP of Harris Creek Baptist Church of McGregor, Texas. In two years, this church has gone from 180 to 1,100 in worship. Talk to Brian about this exciting church when you can!
9:00	Keynote by David Middlebrook and Matt Anthony David and Matt are nationally noted attorneys and will be discussing “Child Abuse, Sex Offenders & Church Best Practices/Worst Practices.” David wrote a book on the topic in 2001 and won the Gold Medallion from CBA.
10:00	Dan Reiland will talk about his latest book, “Amplified Leadership.” Mike Bonem will share his latest book “In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership.” We will have 50+ copies to give away of each book!
11:00	Jarrod Jones Keynote by Jarrod Jones: “A Senior Pastor’s Vision for Ministry” Within a year of Jarrod becoming the Lead Pastor, Grace Community had grown 50%. The church has added services and is looking at multi-site, and it is still growing rapidly. Jarrod leads one of the 100 Fastest Growing Churches in the Nation.
12:15	Lunch sponsored by GuideStone Always a great time at the Seminar! Interactive discussion with Senior & Executive Pastors. What does the Senior Pastor desire for the church? Get out of step with your Senior Pastor and prepare to pack your bags. The Senior Pastor is the one who casts vision, but the XP also has vision. What is the balance? Who is the “boss?” Included in the Seminar is this catered lunch. This year David will be interviewing Bob Westfall (SP) and Kim Pagel (XP) of New Covenant Bible Church of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
1:30	Workshops: Session #1 (choose from a total of 20 workshops)
2:45	Break & Afternoon Snack
3:00	Workshops: Session #2 (choose from a total of 20 workshops)
4:15	Break for the evening. Take a new or old XP/SP friend to dinner!

Thursday, February 23

7:45	Light Conintental Breakfast
8:45	Keynote by Nicholas Smith Nicholas will focus on “A Church Culture with a Variety of Economic Levels.” He will give special attention to the concept of how to help people emerge from dependent and co-dependent lives. Nicholas is a powerful communicator and brings a wealth of experience.
10:00	Keynote by Special Guest, Sam Chand on “Culture—What I’ve Learned Working with Executive Pastors” Author of “Cracking Your Church’s Culture Code: Seven Keys to Unleashing Vision and Inspiration.” Author of 11 books, consultant, worldwide ‘Leadership Guru,’ coach & so much more! Diagnose the state of your church’s culture. Learn what it takes to put in place effective strategies for creating a more positive church culture.
11:30	Lunch options Pick up lunch outside the Ballroom and go to one of 6 lunch Workshops: Session 3
12:45	Workshops: Session 4 (choose from a total of 20 workshops)
2:00	Workshops: Session 5 (choose from a total of 20 workshops)
3:15	Conclusion (early enough for you to catch a flight home)

“I’m truly excited about the excellence of this seminar.”

Sponsors

For the eighth year as a sponsor, thanks to our friends atGeneris Partners. True giving is a deeply transformative act. Generis believes it’s less about raising capital and more about raising the spiritual consciousness of people. It’s about meeting churches where they are and helping them achieve their own true vision according to their unique culture. Whether that entails a video venue, multi-campus site, or raising a daunting amount of capital, Generis consultants are ready to share the Leadership’s risk—because they understand it. Brad Leeper and his counterpart, Gerald Farley have both served in church leadership roles and have real-life experiences to offer far beyond that of most industry consultants. Check out a great article from Brad Leeper: End-of-Year Giving Communication. We welcome Generis’ Principal and President, Brad Leeper, and also Stewardship Strategist Gerald Farley.

For the eighth year as a sponsor, thanks to our friends atMinisterSearch. Many have met David Lyons, their founder and president, at previous XP-Seminars and XPastor events. MinisterSearch empowers churches to have access to a larger, more qualified pool of candidates. They also help reduce the time spent searching for qualified and competent staff and increase the retention rate among pastors and ministers. David Lyons says, “As church leaders, it is critical to utilize all available resources as quickly as possible when filling a pastoral staff position. I have talked with countless pastors and lay leaders who, after months of searching for one or multiple positions, recognize that there must be a better way.” Whether you desire to fill a ministry position or find a new place of ministry, MinisterSearch can help. We welcome the President, David Lyons.

For the sixth year as a sponsor, we welcome theEvangelical Christian Credit Union. The Evangelical Christian Credit Union (ECCU) is a trusted banking resource that shares your passion for kingdom impact. With ECCU’s wisdom gained from more than 40 years of experience serving evangelical ministries, we are helping churches in all 50 states increase their effectiveness through biblically based banking, financing, and investing services.

For the sixth year, we welcome Fellowship Technologies and ServiceU, both of which are now a part of ActiveNetwork. Active Network is a technology and media company powering the largest network of organizations, activities, and people. Fellowship One helps dynamic churches of any size or denomination to effectively care for people, efficiently manage resources, and enable real growth. ServiceU specializes in web-based, event management solutions designed specifically for churches, nonprofits, schools, universities, festivals, and theaters.

We welcome GuideStone as a sponsor for the sixth year. GuideStone Financial Resources is one of the leading providers of retirement, medical, life and disability coverage, investment management and executive planning services to the evangelical Christian community. Since 1918, the organization has enhanced the financial security of more than 200,000 individuals and reported $10.0 billion in assets as of December 31, 2011. GuideStone offers its clients access to Christian-based, socially screened investment funds for retirement, endowment and operational assets. GuideStone’s medical programs offer rate stability, the largest network of healthcare providers in the U.S. and a comprehensive suite of plan options providing quality care and protection for our participants and their families. GuideStone’s insurance agency affiliate, GuideStone Agency Services, makes available full lines of property and casualty coverage as well as risk management education and tools designed with the ministry in mind. For more information about GuideStone, visit the organization’s website atwww.GuideStone.org.

For the third year, we welcome The Church Law Group.The Church Law Group focuses on the specific legal needs of nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, including numerous churches, ministries, faith-based organizations, and clergy throughout the United States.  The Church Law Group is comprised of a talented and diverse group of acclaimed professionals sharing a singular calling and dedication to work with and further the successes of their clients.

One member of the team is a former Assistant District Attorney. Several of the attorneys hold certifications from Cambridge University in Risk Management for Churches and Schools. Other attorneys in the group are trained specialists in the field of mediation.  The Church Law Group … restoring relationship to the Attorney-Client Relationship. We welcome David Middlebrook and Matt Anthony.

For the second year as a sponsor, we welcome HH Architects. For nearly 40 years, HH Architects has had the privilege of working with and planning campuses for many of the fastest-growing and top-attended churches and private Christian schools across America. HH Architects has worked with a broad range of churches on a wide variety of facilities, from first-unit buildings to 7,000+ seat Worship Centers, providing Strategic Positioning, Master Planning, Architectural, and Interior Design services for nearly all aspects of religious facility projects. HH Architects offers a unique skill set of experience and expertise from having served as a ministry partner on a wide variety of projects which includes: Master Plans, Church Relocations, Worship Centers & Sanctuaries, Education Facilities, Dining Facilities, Sports & Recreation Facilities and Parking Garages.
For the first year, we welcome CapinCrouse. With more than 700 not-for-profit organizations and 1,500 tax clients, CapinCrouse is the country’s leading accounting and advisory firm primarily serving the Christian not-for-profit community. Since 1972, CapinCrouse has been serving not-for-profit entities including megachurches, institutions of higher education and secondary schools, and international missions agencies by providing a full range of audit, review, tax, and advisory services. CapinCrouse is dedicated to helping our clients operate with financial integrity so they can dedicate themselves to fulfilling their mission.

For the first year, we welcome Clark. Sixteen years ago, Clark (formally Clark ProMedia) began focusing on Audio, Video and Lighting systems for churches.  Today, its offerings go beyond Technology and include Strategic Facilities Planning and Project Management.  More than 20% of Outreach Magazine’s top 50 churches have relied on Clark to turn their visions into realities.

For the first year, we welcome Gdirect as a sponsor! Gdirect serves God’s kingdom by helping the local church Identify its business community. We Connect and Engage church leaders, business leaders and the congregation with each other through the creation of socially driven church branded business directories.

Pomotional Sponsors

For the eighth year as a sponsor, thanks to our friends atChurchExecutive magazine. ChurchExecutive is a monthly how-to business information resource for 20,000 readers, reaching pastors, executive pastors and business administrators of larger and megachurches—throughout the United States. We welcome the Editor, Ron Keener.

For the seventh year, we welcome Leadership Network as a sponsor. Leadership Network is a Dallas-based nonprofit that seeks to accelerate the impact of 100X leaders. Leadership Network brings together innovative church leaders, creating an environment for collaborative discovery, dialogue and sharing. Leadership Network further enhances this process through the development and distribution of highly targeted ministry tools and resources—including video, podcasts, concept papers, special research reports, and e-publications. Resources are available as free downloads atleadnet.org/papers. In addition, Leadership Network partners with two important publishers, Jossey-Bass and Zondervan to give leaders access to the thought leadership and best practices of effective 21st century churches. Learn more at leadnet.org/books. We welcome the Director of Research and Intellectual Capital, Warren Bird.

“This is my first conference since becoming the XP at our church. I attended an XPastor ‘Staffing Workshop’ in Phoenix that helped me make a decision toward an XP pathway. Thanks for your ministry!”

Workshops

Two Afternoons of Workshops

Workshop leaders are executives who speak from their areas of expertise. They talk to you as “one skilled leader to another.”

“I liked the honest transparency of speakers and willingness to share ‘trade secrets.'”

“Thank you for your foresight and tenacity for creating XPastor, including this conference.”

“I liked David’s way of defining terms, probing, acknowledging complexity and interviewing.”

It’s unique!
No church leadership conferences are like the XP-Seminar.
It’s more like a session of the Harvard Business School
than a churchy event.

“You do a conference well—the notebook, content, organization,
website, and communication were ALL top notch
—I enjoyed the presentations and the people.”

Workshops

“All the workshops I attended were very relevant and applicable.”

The workshop leaders are a stunning collection of executives who speak from their areas of expertise. They talk to you as “one skilled leader to another.” This is your opportunity to discuss vital areas of ministry with seasoned leaders. The workshop leaders are both practical and skilled—they are “in the trenches” doing ministry.

Dr. Nathan Baxter—Growing Leaders: Practical Ways to Strengthen the Leadership Culture of Your Church for Staff and Volunteers

Nathan has taken his many years of experience as an XP and SP and developed one of the nation’s premier XP-SP team coaching services. Few have his experience in both realms! Nathan is a premier coach to XP & SP teams.

How do you grow the next generation of leaders? What are some of the practical steps and what are the pitfalls? Nathan will share from his extensive experience and have a lively discussion.

“Baxter’s sessions were incredible, both personally and for those we lead!”

Dr. Nathan Baxter—Mentoring Staff in their Own Spiritual Journey: Simple Tools to Use with Your Staff to Help Them Maintain Their Spiritual Vitality, Thursday Breakout Lunch

The purpose of this lunch is to provide XPs with practical tools and methods for helping their direct reports grow spiritually. Nathan will let you tour some of his systems that he uses to keep track of conversations as well as provide take-home templates that are easy to use and effective for guiding mentoring conversations. It is important that XPs provide professional development for staff but not at the expense of neglecting spiritual conversations. Oftentimes these conversations are neglected and we wonder why our leaders are not producing at the level they are capable of serving the church.

Dr. Warren Bird—Senior Pastor Succession

Warren is the Director of Research and Intellectual Capital at Leadership Network, author and former pastor. He always bringsthe very latest in research in church ministry.

This workshop will be an evaluative discussion on Senior Pastor Succession. Bring your past experiences to share. Bring your ideas about best case scenarios. Bring your existing plans and policies for Senior Pastor Succession at your church.

Dr. Warren Bird & Dr. Ryan Hartwig—Make Your Senior Leadership Team Great

Warren is the Director of Research and Intellectual Capital at Leadership Network, author and former pastor. He always brings the very latest in research in church ministry. Ryan is a professor at Azusa Pacific University who helps churches and ministry organizations to Think Deeply, Act Wisely, and Work Better Together.

If your church is like most, you have moved to a senior leadership team model. But do you know how to help that team work better, grow healthier, and be more effective? In this workshop, Ryan will discuss factors that research has shown impact leadership team health and effectiveness and offer practical tips to help you strengthen your team. Warren will discuss emerging trends among senior leadership teams, drawn from his extensive study last year of over 100 high-influence pastors. In addition, they’ll share details about their forthcoming study that will enable you to Strengthen Your Church’s Senior Leadership Team. Come learn how you can make your senior leadership team great.

David Bixby

David Bixby & Dave Brandolini—A 2 Headed Monster? Shared Leadership and the 5 Functions of the XP

David Bixby and Dave Brandolini are co-Executive Pastors at Austin Ridge Bible Church. They have divided the XP role into two components. Each person uses his gifts to complete part of the XP ministry.
This workshop will explore two things. First will be the content of the 5 Functions, those functions that are required for the XP role. The second aspect will be how they have divided the role by the 5 Functions. This will give an opportunity for each attendee to consider how they use their strengths and limitations in the 5 Functions. Improve your serve by understanding the needs of the role!
On todays church landscape many churches have moved to a shared leadership model. Teaching and leading responsibilities are shared in an effort to not build ministry around the gifting, personality and leadership abilities of one person. Some churches have also moved from one executive pastor to two as they seek build and model team leadership. This workshop will take a look at how Austin Ridge Bible Church is navigating the 3 lane highway and sharing the 5 roles of the XP.

Mike Bonem—In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership

Mike co-wrote an XPastor favorite, Leading from the Second Chair. He will join us for a live interview about his new book, In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership.

About the book: “Is it possible for church leaders to use biblical and secular leadership concepts in a way that keeps Christ—not the marketplace—at the center of their mission? Drawing on biblical material and business wisdom,In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership explores the critical leadership decisions and practices that shape the success of Christian organizations. These decisions are illustrated in compelling interviews with over forty leaders of churches, universities, denominational bodies, and international ministries. Mike leverages his background as an MBA-trained manager and an experienced church leader to bridge the gap between the analytical and structured world of business and the faith-driven approach that is essential for healthy churches. Written to offerpractical solutions for senior pastors, executive pastors, key laypeople, and leaders of other Christian entities, In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership clearly shows the ways that secular practices can be imported into their organizations. Bonem addresses a variety of topics such as planning, finances, personnel management, measurement, team dynamics, and organizational change. In doing so, he points to the AND that every spiritual organization should strive to achieve.”

Kason Branch—Notes to a New XP

Kason is XP at Concord Church in Dallas. His Senior Pastor is Rev. Bryan L. Carter and has served as Senior Pastor since October 2003. He succeeded the church’s founder, the late Dr. E. K. Bailey. Concord was established in 1974 and has a membership exceeding 6,000 members.

Just two years ago, Kason was in business. Now as the XP at Concord, he can share the principles and practices about his own transition into full-time ministry. This workshop will help any newer XP to understand the transition into the role and how to best work in the first five years of XP ministry.

Dave Brenner

Tim Snow

David Brenner & Tim Snow—When Pastors Do M&A: Practical and Legal Tips for Kingdom-Wise Mergers, Acquisitions, and Separations

David heads both the Nonprofit and Insurance Coverage practice groups at Riddell Williams, a 50-attorney firm in Seattle, Washington. He has represented regional governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and numerous churches over the past 25 years, along with an active litigation practice for other nonprofit and for profit corporations in the Pacific Northwest. Tim recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as a pastor with University Presbyterian Church in Seattle, with the last 18 as Executive Pastor. Over the past five years, he has overseen the development of Union Church, a satellite congregation of UPC.

More and more churches are engaged in the world of “mergers and acquisitions” and in some cases, “de-acquisitions.” The recent recession has caused strategic changes for many faith-based nonprofits, including churches that seek to survive by joining forces through merger or by being acquired by a larger body. For large churches embracing the currently popular satellite model for church growth, economic hard times have posed significant opportunity for expansion through existing congregations and facilities. Growing satellite congregations from the ground up is also a popular approach. And theological differences in mainline denominations have made for many recent individual church departures.

Each of these types of church expansion and change raise issues that are familiar to leaders and their attorneys in the corporate world but often overlooked in the church world where optimism sometimes trumps practical analytics. Based on long term experience and a particular recent example of a large church “acquisition”, David says, “When strategic change happens, a lot of aggravation can be saved by recognizing and dealing overtly with conflicts of interest on the part of the pastor and staff who may stand to benefit, the concerns of dissenting members who object to the deal, and preexisting arrangements for distributing church assets.” Tim adds from the perspective of a large congregation pastor, “Satellite churches, like any congregation, develop a life of their own. It’s very helpful to build in flexibility for the long term relationship between the ‘parent’ and ‘subsidiary’ from the outset.”

Join this pastor and attorney, who have worked together for many years, in considering practical ideas to address the organizational and legal risks that arise when churches do “M&A.”

Dr. Sam Chand—A Discussion with Sam

Sam Chand is our keynote speaker for Thursday, February 23. There will be a large group discussion with Sam at lunch.

Whether from one of his 11 books, or from the keynote, bring your questions!

Sam Chand Promo from Ryan Leak on Vimeo.

Rob Cizek—Develop A Culture Where Multiple Ministries Can Thrive

Rob (@RobCizek on Twitter) is the XP of Northshore Christian Church of Everett, Washington. He comes from the business world, having won awards for running newsrooms for broadcast television. As such, Rob brings a unique perspective to the XP role.

Churches with schools have one of the best ministry opportunities anywhere. Then why is there so much tension (and sometimes dissention) in church-school relationships? From managing finances … to sharing space … to staying on spiritual mission, these multi-ministry environments are a challenge. What is the best way to lead in these environments? How does ministry work when there are “competing” desires for limited resources? What are the priorities and how are decisions made? Rob’s church has a weekday school ministry of over 1000 students and staff. Rob will share from his experience and allow for plenty of time for discussion of your ministries. Be ready to learn the principles of multiple ministry!

George Clark

George Clark & Aaron Hawthorne—Science and Psyche of Multi-Site Video

George is a co-founder & Principal of Clark. Aaron is the guy who famously and infamously popularized the three screen projection model used in so many churches today. More information on this dynamic workshop coming soon.

Join the most experienced technical panel and learn about different approaches to multi-site video teaching. Discover when to use each method and why.  Dig into the nuts and bolts of budgets, both startup and operational. This session is full of application.  It will conclude with Q&A to answer your real world challenges.

Dr. Bill Egner—Good Guy or Great Fit … and How Do You Know?

Bill is XP of Christ Chapel Bible Church of Fort Worth. In the 2009 XP-Seminar, we featured Bill in a keynote on the vital topic of “Hiring Examples.”

In this workshop, Bill will address a vital issue in churches. Have you ever caught yourself a couple of years down the road with a new employee saying “You’re not the person I hired!” Have you ever wondered why that “good guy” you had lunch with on a couple of occasions didn’t turn out to be the “great fit” you thought he’d be for your open role? How do you get it right when you can’t afford to get it wrong? Cultural fit—the match between a candidate’s and your church’s spiritual DNA—is one often overlooked factor for “right fit” hiring. But in truth, it’s only one of four key areas every church should be pressing into for new hires … especially pastors. Come and learn four key take-aways on what the Scriptures, Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, Willow Creek Community Church and best business practices have to teach us about getting it “right” in our hiring processes.

Bob Feitl

Bob Feitl—New to the Culture … Adapt or Lead Change?

Bob is the “Dean” of XPs. One of the first XPs in the country, he has been serving for many years. Bob can relate his business or ministry experience to a wide variety of audiences. It is always a pleasure to have Bob at the Seminar.

This workshop is for XP’s new to their role—two years or less. It will examine the very real issues of learning, adapting and changing your new staff and church culture.  You have probably been hired to bring change, alignment, organization and structure to the staff and church, yet you find there are competing pressures, expectations and “sacred cows.” These can occasionally be easy to identify but most times only a careful journey into the unspoken and unclear will keep you from stepping on these land mines. This workshop will attempt to normalize your experiences, and encourage and equip you with practical tools for figuring out the balance.

Dr. David Fletcher

Dr. David Fletcher—Church Leadership Yesterday, Today and in Twenty Years

David is the Founder & Host of XPastor. One of his passions is the area of leadership. This workshop will have a round table discussion of:

• How have we led the church in the past?
• What are the current paradigms? What is working and where are the trouble spots in leading the church? What are your current issues?
• Where will church leadership be in twenty years?

These questions, and more, will be covered in this workshop. This will be an interactive discussion, so come ready to share your current leadership issues and experiences. This is a great opportunity to talk with David about leadership issues. It will be held both hours on Thursday afternoon; come at either workshop hour. Seating is limited to 12 people.

Michael Heflin

Michael Heflin—Blending the Business and Ministry Worlds for Maximum Impact

Michael is the XP of PromiseLand West in Austin, Texas. Michael has years of experience in the business world, running mid-size to large companies.

Then, God opened a door for him to be an XP. What did he bring with him from the business world? What did he leave behind? Michael will explore how to integrate the two worlds.

This workshop will focus on: Most churches have or are in the process of casting a vision for their congregation. Yet pastors feel shackled contemplating dramatic innovation to fulfill those visions. A handful of business world practices can transform your ability to lead people into the great unknowns of God’s dream for your church’s impact.

Vonna Laue—Addressing Financial Oversight from Congress to Your Congregation

Vonna is a partner with CapinCrouse, LLP. Her activities include review of audit procedures and processes, interaction with client personnel and the audit team, and involvement in complicated audit areas. She has served local organizations in a variety of positions and has published articles in national publications. Vonna has co-authored Essential Guide to Church Finance. In 2010, she was inducted into the Church Management Hall of Fame.

There are a variety of risks that your church faces. Those may come from legislation or regulators. They may also be the result of poor internal controls or financial reporting. This session will discuss what some of those risks are and how they can be addressed. We will also look at the role an audit or other external service may provide in mitigating risk.

Gerald Farley

Brad Leeper & Gerald Farley—A Culture of Generosity

Brad is the President and Principal of Generis Partners and Gerald has been a Strategist with Generis for many years. Based on experience and affinity, they are drawn to innovative, growing churches and the challenges of helping them expand practically and spiritually.

With Generis, Brad is well served by his experience as a consultant to churches across the nation, a staff leader in resource development for local ministries, a Campus Director for Campus Crusade for Christ, and his role as church elder in his own 4,000-member home church, Perimeter Church in Atlanta. Gerald brings a similarly rich experience, having been an XP for many years. This workshop will explore how to have a culture of generosity in a local church. What are the markers for it? How you can get a culture of generosity and how to keep it?

Brad’s and Gerald’s workshops have received high marks in previous XP-Seminars.

Dr. Josh Whitehead

David Lyons & Josh Whitehead—Hiring for a Church Culture

David is the Founder and President of MinisterSearch and Josh is the XP of Faith Promise Bible Church. While placing hundreds of people into ministry positions, David has seen the centrality of fit and gifting. Is one more important than the other? Can we compromise because “we know that person,” or “he or she is an insider” or “their gifts are just so strong that we … ?”

If you are going to hire staff in the next 12 months, then this workshop with David and Josh will help you. He has led workshops at each of the previous XP-Seminars, to rave reviews. Bring your questions for the discussion portion of the workshop as well.

“The breakout session with David Lyons on Staffing was tremendous.”

Bruce Woody

Scott Nelson & Bruce Woody—A Culture with Buildings

Scott and Bruce are architects with HH Architects in Dallas. This workshop will bring their expertise to bear on your next building project.

Many churches talk about “getting back to normal” but most experts say back to normal no longer exists! The old normal has been replaced with a new paradigm of pervasive uncertainty. As a result of the new normal, today’s leaders are utilizing a Strategic Positioning process as the launching pad for their next church building. This process helps develop effective ministry plans that consider key factors as they relate to your ministry objectives. Strategic Positioning focuses on helping churches to quickly explore options that account for planning in four different areas: People, Space, Time, and Money, in an effort to make informed decisions as you prepare for future development. Experience how this process centers around an interactive work session with your key leaders allowing you to participate in “real-time” analysis of “what if” scenarios. This will enable you to arrive at value-based decisions after reviewing the pro’s & con’s of various scenarios before engaging in major capital expenditures

Allen Ratta

Allen Ratta—Optimizing Organizational Church Health: Creating a Process Oriented Culture

Allen has served as a lead pastor of fast growing churches for over 20 years. In 2002 Allen founded ConnectionPower.com, using lessons learned from working with thousands of churches. With its unique ministry tool sets, the firm grew into a market leader in web-based Church Management Systems. In 2011 Allen and ConnectionPower joined the Active Networks along with Fellowship Technologies and Service U.

In this session we present an entirely new way of looking at and doing “church” by walking through a highly visual process map that empowers you to lead in new ways. We explore how to translate the spiritual, biblical purposes that Christ has articulated for His Church into practical and real manifestations of obedience. Discover the key processes and metrics that are essential for organizational church health. Learn how to contextualize the work of the ministry in ways that provides maximum motivation for staff and volunteers.

Dan Reiland—Amplified Leadership

Dan is a favorite at the XP-Seminar. This year we will be featuring his new book, Amplified Leadership. Just released in January 2012, this is hot off the presses. And, we will have 70 copies to give away.

About the book: “If you want your ministry to reach its maximum potential, all that God wants for you, it is essential that you develop strong leaders. InAmplified Leadership, “pastor’s coach” Dan Reiland gives you a proven process for developing new leaders that are established spiritually and trained practically. Not just a checklist of things you should do, Amplified Leadership provides an intentional development process that starts with your relationships and ends with empowered leaders who are ready to make an impact.”

Daniel Rolfe—Shared Leadership

Daniel is the Lead Pastor of Mountain Springs Church of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He began his journey at Mountain Springs as the XP, and then they changed to a shared leadership model.

Against the backdrop of declining church attendance and resources, is a new leadership trend on the horizon? How has the emergence of giga-sized churches rendered our traditional senior pastor role? In the words of Henri Noewen, have we created a culture of ‘stardom and individual heroism’ with our weekend gatherings? In this workshop on Shared Leadership, we’ll have a conversation around the five implications and opportunities of shared leadership in your church.

Is now the time for you to reenvision the why and what of leadership authority?