I came back raving about the XP-Seminar! It was the best one ever. Everyone was terrific. What a team! —Bob
Featured Guests
Dr. Mark Brewer
Dr. Mark Brewer—Sabbatical & Sayonara?
Mark is the Senior Pastor/Head of Staff of Bel Air Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles, California. He will be featured in our second case study, “Does the Sabbatical mean Sayonara?” The dictionary says about sayonara: “a Japanese interjection for ‘Goodbye.'” This case study with Roger Dermody (XP) and Dr. Mark Brewer (SP) of Bel Air Presbyterian will examine the theological, practical and emotional aspects of a sabbatical.
Why do people think that you are looking for a new job when going on a sabbatical? Why have churches used sabbaticals as a quiet way to get rid of their pastors? We will examine the biblical roots of the sabbatical and see how they apply to pastors.
Roger Dermody
How does a church manage the pulpit while the preaching pastor is away? While the Senior Pastor is away, how much communication (or how much silence) should there be between the pastor and the church? Can the Senior Pastor do a mid-sabbatical visit to the church for a special event, to preach, to do a funeral or wedding? How many major decisions can be made during the sabbatical or does all significant new ministry and initiatives just stop? What are the aspects of re-entry by the Sr. Pastor and how can a church best work on re-integrating the Sr. Pastor into the church?
Mark had a history of staying at a church for 7 years and then moving on, and then his sabbatical came up after 7 years at Bel Air. Roger Dermody, the XP of Bel Air, was left to run the church while Mark was gone. What would happen? What were the pressures on Roger? Would Mark move on?
Ken Sande
Ken Sande on Peacemaking
Ken has devoted his life to biblical conflict resolution. Beginning his career as an attorney, Ken saw a need for people to have a lasting resolution to conflict. A settlement at the courthouse was not giving peace and satisfaction to the litigants!
He wrote The Peacemaker, which became popular throughout the nation. Ken founded Peacemaker Ministries, to help churches and individuals resolve conflict biblically.
Have you ever had conflict in your church? Oops, we all have. Do you have two Christians that won’t talk to each other but will take communion together? When was the last time someone left your church because of gossip, or gossip was left smoldering in the church foyer? Ken will share principles and practices of how to resolve conflict biblically. The case study on Wednesday afternoon will give us all an opportunity to go deeper on this vital subject.
About the Seminar
From across the U.S. & Canada, people are coming to the XP-Seminar, a two-day seminar centered on leading and managing the church. The Executive Pastor (XP) title is the most common one, but many positions function as an XP—such as COO, Ministry Director or Senior Associate.
The XP-Seminar is not just for XPs, as many Senior Pastors and church leaders come to improve their leadership and management skills. This is the only seminar available to hone your team of executive staff. With the new Senior Pastor track in 2008, come as a team!
Hone your work as an XP or prepare to be an XP. Share your church experience and get quality feedback in the discussion sessions. Currently there are no seminaries or seminars to prepare you to be an XP or enhance your XP role. This seminar is an ideal ministry enhancement and resume builder as it gives advanced study on church leadership. The mornings examine the role of the XP and the afternoons feature case studies of significant XP ministries.
31 workshops in 5 Tracks
As a way to categorize our new workshops, we created five tracks. Feel free to “mix and match” workshops from the tracks. You will sign up for your workshop on the first day of the XP-Seminar.
This year we will feature an XP-101 Track, a Women in Leadership Track, a Senior Pastor Track, Large Group Forums and a Vital XP Issues Track. This is an amazing collection of executives in church ministry, talking from their areas of expertise. The workshop leaders will talk as one skilled leader to another. Generally, there will be a structured presentation (except where noted) and then discussion will be facilitated. This is your opportunity to discuss vital areas of your ministry with seasoned leaders. The workshop leaders are both practical and skilled—and they are “in the trenches” doing ministry.
We had 110 Church Leaders at the 2005 XP-Seminar, 150 at the 2006 and 2007 Seminars, and 200 at the 2008 Seminar.
I liked the honest transparency of speakers and willingness to share “trade secrets.”
XPastor’s Unique Educational Format
Few, if any, seminars are run like the XP-Seminar. Dr. Fletcher has devised and put into practice a 20-20-20 format to maximize education and interaction. With 60 minutes as an example, a 20 minute hard-hitting lecture begins the session with cognitive learning. Then, 20 minutes of small group discussion deepens the learning with participatory learning. Finally, 20 minutes of large group Question & Answers, or an Interview, conclude the session with interactive learning. By using auditory, visual and kinesthetic approaches, the attendee takes away practical ideas and skills for ministry “back home.”
Relationships are built around the table groups as people examine the stated topic. This is an ideal opportunity to honestly evaluate an issue, to present a slice of ministry, and to get feedback from people in similar positions.
- What new ideas can you take home from the case study or workshops?
- How will the discussion give you new insight into your church?
- Where can you grow as you interact with others in similar positions to your own?
On Wednesday, the afternoon session will bring church case studies and experienced leaders to challenge our thinking. The case studies present models of ministry from which we derive principles that can be applied to our churches. Please don’t agree with everything you hear—but realize that you often learn a great deal when something challenges you to think out of “your box.” This year, we will examine two cases:
- Resolving Conflict Biblically in the Church
- Does ‘Sabbatical’ mean ‘Sayonara’?
Each Case Study will be accompanied by a 10-20 page report, detailing the facts. But the facts tell only part of the story; the in-person dialogue with the principals allows you to ask the pivotal questions that will help your ministry.
“I liked David’s way of defining terms, probing, acknowledging complexity & interviewing”
More about the Seminar
Existing XPs, Senior Pastors, academics and leading experts address the nature and role of the XP. The host is David Fletcher. Our speakers come from churches of different sizes, as Nathan Baxter is an XP in a church of 700+ and leads the pivotal discussion forum for churches of 300-1,400. Warren Schuh was an XP of a church of 5,000+ and guides the large group forum for XPs of churches with more than 1,400 in worship. Half of those attending come from churches with less than 1,400 in worship—one church had 45,000 in worship. Your church will find a peer here.
This seminar is ideal for new XPs, those desiring an XP position and XPs who want to grow! This is also an excellent time to develop deeper relationships with other XPs, the seminar leaders and the special speakers. Who has recently asked you about your XP ministry? Where else can an XP and Senior Pastor come and be challenged about church leadership and management?
“So great to be with like-minded people, i.e. Kingdom-minded and familiar with the XP world.”
The Five Functions of XPs and Church Leaders
Define and examine the five functions of an XP, what you need to know to do the job:
- Administrator of resources
- Catalyst for ministry
- Mentor of staff
- Minister in the congregation
- Overseer of church-wide ministry
Learn in the Workshops About …
- Define the need of the XP:
- Learn how to explain why your church requires an XP.
- Learn the signs of a Senior Pastor nearing burnout.
- See the historical trend in America for the central role of great preaching.
- Define the relationship of the XP and SP:
- Get out of step with your SP and prepare to pack your bags.
- The SP is generally the one who casts vision, but the XP also has vision. What is the balance?
- Who is the “boss?”
- Basics of an XP job description:
- How to write a job description that fits your church policy and polity.
- What should an XP do in your church?
- Have ongoing reviews of your job description.
- How church size varies the role of the XP: Answer the questions, “Is this church too small for an XP?” and “Is this church too big for an XP?”
- Mentoring before and after the seminar is available for any student who desires it.
- Receive help on preparing your resume.
- Based on relationships and interaction in the small groups and workshops, list leaders as references on your resume.
- Continue mentoring by e-mail and telephone.
- Receive advice on XP issues in your church.
Attendees
- Blair Abbott, XP of Grace Evangelical Free Church, Lucas, Texas
- Eddie Adams, XP of Abba’s House at Central Baptist Church, Hixson, Tennessee
- Steve All, Pastor of Administration of Stough Memorial Baptist Church, Pineville, North Carolina
- Craig Albracht, Staff Minister of Amarillo South Church, Amarillo, Texas
- Greg Allen, Associate of The Shepherd’s Staff, Denton, Texas
- Mike Anderson, XP of Olathe Bible Church, Olathe, Kansas
- Ray Anderson, XP of Grace Covenant Church, Austin, Texas
- Rick Anderson, Vice-President of Leadership Transformation Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Jeff Barber, Executive Director of Park Cities Presbyterian Church, Dallas, Texas
- Dave Barrett, XP of StoneWater Church, Granbury, Texas
- Justin Bassett, XP of CityView Church, Keller, Texas
- Dr. Nathan Baxter, XP of Liberty Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Dixie Beard, Director of Business Development with GuideStone Financial Resources, Dallas, Texas
- Andrew Behm, XP of Fellowship Bible Church, Winchester, Virginia
- Gregg Bergman, XP of Blackhawk Church, Madison, Wisconsin
- Praveen Kumar Bhagora, President, Faith Calvary Ministry, Merchantville, New Jersey
- Warren Bird, Director of Research at Leadership Network, Suffern, New York
- Ralph Bishop, Executive Director of Ministries of Mountain Brook Community Church, Birmingham, Alabama
- David Bixby, Pastor of Business Affairs at Westlake Bible Church, Austin, Texas
- Randy Boughton, XP of Agapae International Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Brad Bower, Business Administrator of the Family Church, West Monroe, Louisiana
- Daniel Bowers, XP of Joy Community Fellowship, Pitman, New Jersey
- Dan Boyd, Executive Pastor of LakeRidge United Methodist Church, Lubbock, Texas
- Harvey Bream, XP of Savannah Christian Church, Savannah, Georgia
- Dr. Mark Brewer, SP of Bel Air Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles, California
- Duane Britton, SP of DOVE Christian Fellowship-Westgate, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
- Bob Brunson, Director of Ministry of Highlands Presbyterian Church, Ridgeland, Mississippi
- Tony Burgarello, Stewardship Director of Christ’s Church of the Valley, Peoria, Arizona
- Nathan Burns, XP of Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Springfield, Missouri
- Mike Buster, XP of Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano, Texas
- Bryce Butler, Director of Operations of Sojourn Community Church, Louisville, Kentucky
- JD Calkin, XP of of Spring Branch Community Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Stacey Campbell, XP of Christ Community Church, Greeley, Colorado
- Jamye Cappadonna, Pastor of Strategic Operations of Grace Point Church, San Antonio, Texas
- Mark Carey, SP of Fellowship Bible Church, Winchester, Virginia
- Joe Casiglia, Executive Director of Faith Lutheran Church, Troy, Michigan
- Bob Cavin, XP of Mimosa Lane Baptist Church, Mesquite, Texas
- Robert Cheong, Pastor (Counseling) of Sojourn Community Church, Louisville, Kentucky
- Roger Christian, XP of Piedmont Church, Marietta, Georgia
- Loyd Chumley, Waxahachie, Texas
- Rick Clapp, XP of Vanguard Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Alan Clother, XP of Abundant Life Church, Happy Valley, Oregon
- Patrick Coelho, XP of Redemption World Outreach Center, Greenville, South Carolina
- Glenn Cole, Executive Minister of Saint James United Methodist Church, Athens, Georgia
- JB Collingsworth, Colleyville, Texas
- Jim Crocco, XP of Bethany Community Church, Tempe, Arizona
- Buck Cueni-Smith, Pastor of United Methodist Church, Lawson, Missouri
- Rob Curry, XP of Cypress Bible Church, Cypress, Texas
- Linda Dekker, XP of Crossroads Community Church, Schererville, Indiana
- Bill Dehmlow, Executive Director of Operations of Colorado Community Church, Englewood, Colorado
- Roger Dermody, XP of Bel Air Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles, California
- Joel DeSelm, SP of Woodburn Missionary Church, Woodburn, Indiana
- Mardi Dolfo-Smith, Senior Associate Pastor of Tenth Avenue Alliance Church, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Dave Eberhart, XP of Fellowship Bible Church, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
- Dr. Sue Edwards, Assistant Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas
- Ronald Elwardt, AP of Family Life of Camelback Bible Church, Paradise Valley, Arizona
- Erik Ely, XP of East Lake Community Church, Irmo, South Carolina
- Ryan English, Associate of The Shepherd’s Staff, Denton, Texas
- Gerald Farley, Consultant with Generis Partners, Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Rob Faulk, XP of The Church at Rocky Peak, Chatsworth, California
- Bob Feitl, XP of Richland Bible Church, Richland, Michigan
- Louis Ferguson, AP of Greater Bethany Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia
- Scott Fischer, XP of Temple Baptist Church, Waterford, New York
- Dr. David Fletcher, XP & Founder/Host of XPastor, Grace Covenant Church, Austin, Texas
- Tami Fletcher, Executive Assistant of XPastor, Austin, Texas
- Andrew Forman, XP of Pinnacle Community Church, Amarillo, Texas
- Rob Freeborough, XP of Colorado Community Church, Englewood, Colorado
- Harry Fritzenschaft, Pastor of Business Administration of The Vineyard Church of Houston, Texas
- Jim Funck, Associate Pastor—Adults of Aversboro Road Baptist Church, Garner, North Carolina
- Mike Gafa, Executive of Ministry Support of Beechwood Church, Holland, Michigan
- Jay Ghormley, AP of Clay Road Baptist Church, Houston, Texas
- Will Gilliam, XP of Paddlesack Fellowship, Kingsland, Texas
- John Gordon, XP of Wayside Chapel, EFC, San Antonio, Texas
- John Gray, XP of Chilliwack Alliance Church, Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
- Gary Hahn, Administrative Director of Woodburn Missionary Church, Woodburn, Indiana
- Charlie Halley, Executive Director of Covenant Church, Winterville, North Carolina
- Jay Hancock, XP of Carmel Baptist Church, Matthews, North Carolina
- Scott Hanson, XP of Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee
- Selmer Hanson, Church Administrator of Ellerslie Road Baptist Church, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Don Hay, XP of Trinity Baptist Church, Fairfield, Connecticut
- Richard Hendrix, SP of Bethany Community Church, Tempe, Arizona
- Hess Hester, SP of Southern Hills Baptist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Ray Hill, XP of Grace Outreach Center, Plano, Texas
- Brian Horn, Minister of Ministry Development of Grace Covenant Church, Austin, Texas
- Kirk Horton, XP of Grace Baptist Church, Woodbridge, Virginia
- Deryl Hurst, XP of DOVE Christian Fellowship-Westgate, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
- Cam Huxford, SP of Savannah Christian Church, Savannah, Georgia
- C. Daniel Jackson, XP of New Covenant United Methodist Church, The Villages, Florida
- Erik Jarvis, Associate Pastor of Fellowship Alliance Church, Medford, New Jersey
- Ron Johnson, Chantilly, Virginia
- Kerry Jones, XP of Church of the Saviour, Wayne, Pennsylvania
- Trevor Joy, XP of Providence Church, The Colony, Texas
- David Kasselman, Executive Minister of Central Church of Christ, Amarillo, Texas
- Ron Keener, Editor of ChurchExecutive Magazine, Phoenix, Arizona
- David Kornaros, Administrative Pastor, Cornerstone Church, San Francisco, California
- Les Krober, XP of Wenatchee Free Methodist Church, Wenatchee, Washington
- Tony Kroening, Managing Director of People Management, Minnetonka, Minnesota
- Jim Kuykendall, Associate Pastor of Cross Timbers Community Church, Argyle, Texas
- Kent Lachney, Pastor of Administration and Stewardship of Parkwood Baptist Church, Gastonia, North Carolina
- Garrett Lafferty, XP of First Assembly Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- LaMonte Lawson, XP of Mountain View Community Church, Temecula, California
- Brad Leeper, Senior Stewardship Strategist with Generis Partners, Atlanta, Georgia
- Ka-Tong Lim, SP of Dallas Chinese Fellowship, Plano, Texas
- Peter Livingston, XP of Concord Baptist Church, Jefferson City, Missouri
- James Logan, Executive Minister of Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New York, New York
- David Lyons, Founder and President of MinisterSearch, Lewisville, Texas
- Dr. Stephen Macchia, Founder and President of Leadership Transformation Inc., Lexington, Massachusetts
- Paul Malson, XP of River City Community Church, San Antonio, Texas
- Randy Marsh, Ministry Development Officer of the Evangelical Christian Credit Union, Brea, California
- Todd MacLeod, XP of Allison Church, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
- Ronny Marriott, Lead Pastor of Shady Oaks Baptist Church, Hurst, Texas
- Jonathan Masters, Executive Pastor of Park Community Church, Chicago, Illinois
- Ron May, XP of Wildwood Church, East Moline, Illinois
- Gary Maze, Associate Pastor of Broadmoor Baptist Church, Madison, Mississippi
- Jim McClurg, Executive Director of Bethany Community Church, Seattle, Washington
- Ron McDowell, Senior Regional Manager with GuideStone Financial Resources, Dallas, Texas
- Kim McElfresh, XP of Free Christian Church, Andover, Massachusetts
- Mike McElravy, XP of DOVE Christian Fellowship-Westgate, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
- Dr. Andy McQuitty, SP of Irving Bible Church, Irving, Texas
- Sean McKean, XP of The Church at Rock Creek, Little Rock, Arkansas
- John Messer, XP of Calvary Church, Muscatine, Iowa
- Alan Michael, XP of RockPoint Church, Flower Mound, Texas
- Dianne Miller of Northwest Bible Church, Dallas, Texas
- Dr. Milfred Minatrea, noted author, Founder and Director of the Missional Church Center, Irving, Texas
- Allan Mink, XP of St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Burleson, Texas
- Jack Monroe, XP of Bible Fellowship Church, Ventura, California
- Kendall Moore, Executive Associate of Broadmoor Baptist Church, Madison, Mississippi
- John Mrazek, Executive Director of Pikes Peak Christian Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Doug Murrell, XP of New Life Providence Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Jabulani Mwale, XP of Solid Rock Church of God, CoLouth, Ireland
- Ed Nalle, XP of Reston Bible Church, Reston, Virginia
- Tom Nealley, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
- John Nesbitt, XP of West Shore Evangelical Free Church, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
- Jim Nutt, Associate of The Shepherd’s Staff, Denton, Texas
- Kurt Oheim, SP of Pinnacle Community Church, Amarillo, Texas
- T.M. Onkar, Executive Director, Faith Calvary Ministry, Merchantville, New Jersey
- Scot Overbey, XP of Faith Bible Church, Edmond, Oklahoma
- Rob Pacienza, Executive Pastor of Rio Vista Community Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Kim Pagel, XP of New Covenant Bible Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Rex Pair, XP of Midway Macedonia Baptist Church, Villa Rica, Georgia
- Taylor Park, XP of First Evangelical Church, Memphis, Tennessee
- Dale Peak, Administrator of Reston Bible Church, Reston, Virginia
- Jeff Pelletier, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of Fellowship Technologies, Irving, Texas
- Jeff Pickard, XP of Midpark Christian Assembly, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- David Powers, Executive Minister of McDonough Christian Church, McDonough, Georgia
- Todd Prather, Associate of The Shepherd’s Staff, Denton, Texas
- Derek Prezzano, Administrator of Church Ministries of Smithtown Gospel Tabernacle, Smithtown, New York
- Bill Price, XP of Autumn Ridge Church, Rochester, Minnesota
- Ron Ratzlaff, XP of Bethany Chapel, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Timothy Read, Executive Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, Virginia
- David Reitsema, XP of Highline Community Church, Centennial, Colorado
- Brian Robertson, XP of New Life Church, Gahanna, Ohio
- Erich Roehl, XP of Neighborhood Church of Redding, Redding, California
- Steve Roese, XP of Irving Bible Church, Irving, Texas
- Gary Rothenberger, XP of Calvary Baptist Church, Beaumont, Texas
- Stephen Ruckel, XP of Kempsville Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Ken Sande, Founder & President of Peacemaker Ministries, Billings, Montana
- Mike Sanders, XP of Washington Heights Baptist Church, Ogden, Utah
- Rodney Schell, XP of Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas
- Warren Schuh, President of WS Associates, Thousand Oaks, California
- Haley Schurz, Administrative Pastor of Miracle Life Family Church, Lusaka, Zambia, Africa
- Paul Sewell, XP of Oak Hill Church, Griffin, Georgia
- Zandile Shaba, Building Campaign Chair/Women’s Ministry Director of Miracle Life Family Church, Lusaka, Zambia, Africa
- Tommy Shelton, XP of Fellowship Bible Church Dallas, Dallas, Texas
- Mike Sherman, Executive Director of Calvary Church, St. Peters, Missouri
- Michael Simone, SP of Spring Branch Community Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Lamar Slay, Consultant with Partners in Church Consulting, Southlake, Texas
- Clint Smith, XP of North Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Nicholas Smith, Assistant Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, Lindenwold, New Jersey
- Wayne Smith, Director of the Strategic Church Initiative for Halftime, Leadership Network, Dallas, Texas
- Brian Snyder, XP of Fellowship Alliance Church, Medford, New Jersey
- Larry Sohn, SP of First Assembly Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Frank Sommerville, Attorney with Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber, Arlington, Texas
- Curtis Songer, XP of Southern Hills Baptist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Daniel Sonnenberg, Assistant Pastor of Myrtle Grove Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, North Carolina
- Mark Stevenson, Managing Director of People Management, Minnetonka, Minnesota
- Crystal Tafuro, Associate of The Shepherd’s Staff, Denton, Texas
- Paul Taylor, SP of Liberty Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Phil Taylor, XP of Terra Nova Church, Troy, New York
- Terry Taylor, XP of the Family Church, West Monroe, Louisiana
- Barry Thompson, XP of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia
- Candyce Titus, Wife of Executive Pastor of First Assembly, Fargo, North Dakota
- Winston Titus, XP, First Assembly, Fargo, North Dakota
- Jim Tomberlin, Consultant of Third Quarter Consulting, Scottsdale, Arizona
- Philip Turner, Church Administrator of Bethany Baptist Church, Lindenwold, New Jersey
- Paul Utnage, Senior Associate Pastor of Stonebriar Community Church, Frisco, Texas
- David Van Der Ham, Ministry Development Officer of the Evangelical Christian Credit Union, Brea, California
- Eric Wakeling, XP of Ministry of Calvary Church, Santa Ana, California
- Joe Ward, XP of Walnut Ridge Baptist Church, Mansfield, Texas
- Keith Warren, XP of North Side Baptist Church, Weatherford, Texas
- Steve Watkins, XP of Southern Hills Baptist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Michael Welles, XP of Administration of Calvary Church, Santa Ana, California
- Bob Westfall, SP of New Covenant Bible Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Darrell Whipple, Associate of The Shepherd’s Staff, Denton, Texas
- Jeremy White, Lead Pastor of StoneWater Church, Granbury, Texas
- Tim Whitehorn, Founder & CEA, ServiceU Corporation, Cordova, Tennessee
- Doug Will, XP of Topeka Bible Church, Topeka, Kansas
- Jennifer Williams, XP of CrossPoint Church: A United Methodist Community, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Kelly Williams, SP of Vanguard Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Ashley Wooldridge, XP of Christ’s Church of the Valley, Peoria, Arizona
Sponsors
For the fourth year as a sponsor, thanks to our friends at Generis Partners. True giving is a deeply transformative act. At Generis, we believe 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.
For the fourth year as a sponsor, thanks to our friends at MinisterSearch. 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.
For the second year as a sponsor, we welcome the Evangelical 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.
We welcome GuideStone as a sponsor for the second year. GuideStone Financial Resources is one of the leading providers of retirement, life and health, investment management and executive planning services to the evangelical Christian community. Since 1918, we have enhanced the financial security of more than 180,000 individuals and reported over $10 billion in assets as of Dec. 31, 2007. GuideStone offers its clients access to Christian-based, socially-screened investment funds for retirement, endowment and operational assets. GuideStone’s insurance products offer rate stability, the largest network of health care providers in the U.S. and a comprehensive suite of plan options providing quality care and protection for our participants and their families.
For the second year, we welcome Leadership Transformations Inc. as a sponsor. LTi is a non-profit ministry which exists to encourage the spiritual formation of leaders and equip leadership teams to discern God’s unique will for their life and ministry. It offers leadership development, strategic planning, soul care, and assessments for church and ministry teams. LTI is introducing the Church Health Assessment Tool (CHAT). CHAT is a convenient, affordable, user-friendly online survey that allows you to get an accurate measurement of your church’s health in as little as 30 days. This 72-question assessment covers the cross-denominationally applicable church health principles outlined in Becoming a Healthy Church (Stephen A. Macchia, Baker Books, 2006). The report is designed to help you frame your strategic decision making for increased ministry effectiveness. It’s principle-based not program-based, so it won’t interfere with any of your current ministry programming.
For the second year, we welcome ServiceU as a sponsor. ServiceU specializes in web-based, event management solutions designed specifically for churches, nonprofits, schools, universities, festivals, and theaters. ServiceU offers three core products, EventU: Scheduling of events and resources by providing an online calendar; TransactU: Online donations, online payments, and online event registrations; and TicketU: Online ticketing and box office management. Founded in 1997, ServiceU is a trusted provider of online event management software to the nonprofit market.
Promotional Sponsors
For the fourth year as a sponsor, thanks to our friends at ChurchExecutive 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.
For the third year, we welcome Leadership Network as a sponsor. Leadership Network brings together entrepreneurial leaders who are focused on similar ministry initiatives. The ensuing collaboration—often across denominational lines—provides a strong base from which individual leaders can better analyze and refine their individual strategies. Peer-to-peer interaction, dialogue and sharing inevitably accelerate participants’ own innovations and ideas. Leadership Network further enhances this process through the development and distribution of highly targeted ministry tools and resources—including audio and video programs, special reports, e-publications and online downloads. 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.
“It is great that you are putting on this important training event for
Executive Pastors and Senior Pastors. This definitely fills a significant ‘gap’ in training for churches in North America.” Scot Williams, Senior Pastor, Big Valley Grace Community Church, Modesto, California
Workshops
Thursday Workshops
Choose from 30 workshops led by distinguished XPs and Church Leaders
Can it get any better than this? A track for new XPs, large group forums, a track for SPs, a track for women in leadership (men are invited to attend to discuss the role of women in ministry leadership: “How can I better work with women leaders?”), vital topics for XPs and church leaders.
XP-101 Track
Women in Leadership Track
Senior Pastor Track
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Vital XP Issues Track
Large Group Forums
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You asked for more sessions, so we will have 5 tracks & 31 workshops!
Dr. Nathan Baxter
Dr. Nathan Baxter—Mentoring Resources for the XP
XP-101
Nathan, XP of Liberty Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma, will help you as an XP learn the fundamentals of mentoring. In just one hour, you will receive a year’s worth of work. Nathan will help you identify your “big assignments” for developing yourself as a mentor. He will help you formulate a path of personal study and growth by identifying the major areas XPs must refine. He will also be giving a tour of the latest and best mentoring resources available. You will be able to see sample reports from the powerful Birkman Indicator® Tool and hear examples of how XPs have used it to revolutionize the leadership culture of their church.
Dr. Nathan Baxter—Forum of Medium-Sized Churches
Large Group Forum
Nathan, XP of Liberty Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma, will lead this open forum. This forum is a regular favorite of every XP-Seminar. Now in its 4th year led by Nathan, this is a terrific time to talk with others of medium-sized churches. “Bring your questions and issues for our discussion.” The great aspect of this forum is that you can meet with XPs from churches in your size range. You can talk through issues that are common to your size of church and develop lasting relationships with other XPs.
“My conversations with Nathan Baxter were great!”
Dr. Nathan Baxter—Practical Tips for Mentoring and Training for Women in Leadership
Women in Leadership Track
Nathan, XP of Liberty Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma, leads and mentors women at Liberty Church. He also mentors women in the workplace through his Pink Strategies and Lead Self-Lead Others. “As your business grows, you must grow your ability to lead yourself and to lead others. All women in business run out of leadership talent at some point. When they do, we are able to assess their leadership ability and provide the specific training they are needing to enable them to keep the momentum going.” Nathan helps women become more successful in ministry and business—and so is an ideal choice to talk about the working relationships between men and women in ministry. Have a boss who is hard to understand? Do you oversee men who are unaccustomed to a female supervisor? Many men ask “do I manage women the same as I do men?” Bring your questions to this lively discussion.
The Journal Record of Oklahoma City writes about Nathan: “Three years ago Nathan Baxter’s wife, Dianne, asked him to mentor a handful of her friends on leadership and business. Enamored by the idea, the certified Birkman International consultant and executive pastor of Broken Arrow’s Liberty Church started a series of informal lessons backed by e-mailed assignments and other homework. To his surprise, the four ladies started forwarding those e- mails to friends, who forwarded the messages on to others. Seeing and fielding growing interest, Baxter created a regular curriculum for the women leadership training and mentoring program he organized as Pink Strategies.com. This joined with a similar program he’d created to coach ministers, called XPastor.org. Doubled clientele led the one-man organization to establish two audio courses this year for Pink Strategies while leading conferences and workshops in Florida, Texas, Georgia and California. A third course will get its start next month.”
“My conversations with Nathan Baxter were great!”
Andrew Behm
Andrew Behm—Lunch Discussion on “A Violent Assault”
Thursday Lunch
Andrew is the XP of Fellowship Bible Church in Winchester, Virginia. He has raised the topic of “preparing for the unthinkable.”
All of us are well aware of the recent shooting at the church in Colorado. What are other churches doing to prepare for the unthinkable, a violent assault? Come and discuss your plans or need for a plan!
Mike Buster
XP, Prestonwood Baptist
Mike Buster—Saving $80,000 in Utility Costs
Vital XP Interests Track
Mike is the XP of Prestonwood Baptist Church of Frisco, Texas. Did you see the Newsweek article about Mike saving $80,000 in utility bills for Prestonwood? It’s not every day that an XP makes Newsweek!
This workshop will present practical tips and suggestions on how to cut your utility bill and make your church campus more “green.” Keep the “green stuff” in the bank and help the environment too—not a bad combination!
Stacey Campbell
Stacey Campbell—The XP Catalyst’s Sandbox
XP-101
Stacey is the XP of Christ Community Church of Greeley, Colorado. Catalysts dare to take chances and think differently. “No” is never an answer to a question, only “What if….” They tend to look at the horizon and plan for the future. They dream of how people and systems and culture can be improved, streamlined, and re-imagined. But how is this translated throughout an entire church organization? How can one person create a culture of innovation?
A sandbox is basically free space with a few boundaries within which to create, play, take risks, and do whatever one wants. Through a sandbox mentality, XP’s can leverage their influence with leaders, ministries, and their overall church culture to help stir-up creativity and an ongoing passion for Christ. This workshop will explore this concept and give you the tools to more effectively be the catalyst God designed you to be!
Rick Clapp
XP, Mountain Springs Church
Rick Clapp—XPs Empowering Volunteer Leaders
Vital XP Interests Track
Rick, XP Vanguard Church of Colorado Springs, Colorado will help us understand the “Five E’s” of empowerment, with specific application to volunteer leaders. What do you do when you find yourself in desperate situations, where you know what you are trying isn’t working? Have you ever been frustrated as a church leader and couldn’t find help or leaders for your ministries? Do you have thoughts running through your head like, “no one really cares about volunteering, they just care about receiving?” Or maybe it seems like “All church has become is a pool of consumers looking for their next greatest fix” Maybe bitterness and anger have built up over time and you believe that “if I want something done, it’s easier to do it myself.”
There is a desire, deep down, in every person’s heart to contribute, maybe even lead, and leave something lasting with his/her life in the lives of other people (Eccl. 3:11). This truth or belief is foundational in empowering leaders. All of us like to be pursued. Many of us want to be a part of something that is bigger than ourselves. There is an unlocked potential in every church in America and around the world. The potential is volunteers, God’s people. We will discuss from Exodus 18 how you and I can develop a very practical process in our churches to help empower those God has entrusted to us and raise up new volunteer leaders.
Dr. Sue Edwards
Dr. Sue Edwards—Mixed Ministry, Working as Brothers and Sisters in an Oversexed Society
Women in Leadership Track
Sue is a Professor of Christian Education (with a specialization in Womens Studies) at Dallas Theological Seminary. The role of women is changing in the contemporary church. More women are in leadership roles. Sue has done extensive research on the role of women leaders and is positioned to lead this workshop with authority and experience.
The Women in Leadership Track will examine the unique challenges of being a woman leader in what is often a male role. What are the transitional issues? What are the plusses and minuses? How can one lead within the unique polity of a given church?
In 2000 George Barna reported that women comprise sixty percent of American churches, yet there has been a 22% slip in women’s church attendance since 1991. A 2004 DTS doctoral dissertation surveyed 377 female seminary graduates, learning that their most difficult leadership challenge relates to working with men. Men and women partnering together—it’s a complex and thorny topic but one that significantly affects the health and strength of the Church. We will explore Scripture’s mandate in 1 Timothy 5:1, 2, calling men and women to work together as sacred siblings. We will discuss practical methods to help them create safe relationships, not forgetting fences to protect from sexual misconduct, without segregation. Healthy churches, just like biological families, need both men’s and women’s ideas, gifts, and perspectives in order to thrive. In many ministries the male presence is strong but the mother’s touch is missing. In others, the female influence is so dominate that the father’s guidance is absent, and that lack skews ministry decisions and effectiveness. Join us to learn how to bring men and women leaders together, within biblical parameters, to change ministry ethos, attract unbelievers, and glorify God in the process.
Can men come to the Women in Leadership Track? Yes, they can. And, male leaders probably should come, even be required to come! Men need to learn from women about their perspective in church leadership. Do you know the struggles and joys of being a woman in church leadership?
Bob Feitl
Bob Feitl—3 Keys to a Successful Building Project
Vital XP Interests Track
Bob, XP of Richland Bible Church of Richland, Michigan, asks “Thinking about a building project? …already started one?” This workshop will give you practical tools and strategic principles that you can begin to use next week. Taught by an XP with 20 years of experience as an architect and construction manager, this session will focus on how to set up, organize and empower your team to get the building you need on time and within budget.
Bob Feitl—Aligning XP Title, Job & Expectations
XP-101
Bob, XP of Richland Bible Church of Richland, Michigan, asks, “So, you are new to the role, it’s not quite what you expected and you’re trying to figure out how to make sense of it.” You need to balance leadership with managing, administration with pastoring, your Senior Pastor’s expectations with yours and everyone else’s … and have a job description that reflects that well. Facilitated by an XP with 20 years experience in three churches of 1,500 to 4,500; together we will hammer out ways to bring clarity and understanding to this job that often requires more finesse and balance than any other on the team.
Dr. David Fletcher
Dr. David Fletcher—The 5 Functions of an XP
XP-101
David, Founder & Host of XPastor, and XP of Grace Covenant Church of Austin, Texas will cover the basics of the 5 Functions. Every XP is strong in certain areas, do you know your leadership strengths? From David’s research of hundreds of XPs, he developed the 5 Functions.
There are 5 Functions to leading and managing a church—Administrator, Catalyst, Mentor, Minister and Overseeer. To get a handle on the 5 Functions, more than 1600 people have taken David’s free XP-Indicator. This workshop is foundational for new XPs and those who want to review the basics of what an XP needs.
“5 functions—would be very effective as a break-out small group with new XPs”
Dr. David Fletcher—The SP & XP Relationship
Senior Pastor Track
David, Founder & Host of XPastor, and XP of Grace Covenant Church of Austin, Texas will lead this workshop for SPs & XPs. “We will discuss the hallmarks of great working relationships.” David has worked as an XP in two churches and seen the dynamics of great SP-XP relationships. This roundtable discussion is specifically designed for SPs and will come from the perspective of an XP.
The Senior Pastor Track is an opportunity for SPs to examine and discuss leadership and management issues in the church. Considering an XP? Have a great XP or need to hone a relationship? Then this track will give you the chance to hear from established leaders, hear from peers and introduce your own ideas and questions.
David teaches doctoral classes at Dallas Theological Seminary and chairs the Doctor of Ministry department at the Evangelical Theological Seminary of India. This puts him in touch with leaders throughout the United States and the rest of the world. Be prepared to look at “macro” and “mega-cultural” issues that are changing the church—and how SPs and XPs together can be effective in reaching the world.
Scott Hanson
Scott Hanson—A Catalytic Outreach: A Blueprint for Adopting a Public School and Community
Vital XP Interests Track
Scott, XP of Second Presbyterian Church of Memphis, Tennessee will
provide a visual tour and blueprint for adopting an impoverished urban
public school of primarily first generation Hispanics and Afro-American children.
It is an exemplary model and vision that captivated the imagination and hearts of church volunteers from all ages of this 169 year old urban Memphis church. The vision moved people from the pews to adopt classrooms and teachers, and more. Today the vision has grown beyond the campus to developing a community and a future new church plant. Learn the steps to growing a vibrant church/school partnership. The results can be astounding as demonstrated by state test proficiency scores skyrocketing from below average to the mid 90th percentiles. The catalytic impact from this one initiative has been so pronounced to Memphis public schools that in 2006, after seeing an army of volunteers regularly descend upon two of her impoverished schools, the Superintendent of Memphis Public Schools boldly declared to her principals: “Because we lack resources, go befriend a church.” Learn how adopting a school can just be a tipping point for a church desiring to be externally focused, and to make a difference in a community.
Kerry Jones
Kerry Jones—Implementing Policy Governance
Vital XP Interests Track
Kerry, XP of Church of the Saviour, Wayne, Pennsylvania will help us understand how to implement Policy Governance. His church recently implemented policy governance and Kerry will present the mechanics of that implementation. What is policy governance? Often called “Carver Policy Governance,” it is a method how a board can lead the church without micro-managing it. If you are considering this style of governance, or if you have implemented it (successfully or as a glorious failure), then share your perspective in this workshop.
Jim Kuykendall
Jim Kuykendall—Multi-Site at Cross Timbers
Vital XP Interests Track
Jim is the XP of Cross Timbers Church of Argyll, Texas. We featured Cross Timbers and their multi-sites at the 2007 XP-Seminar. Read the 2007 case study on Cross Timbers. This workshop is for those who want a follow-up or get the inside scoop from a multi-site church. Jim was on staff at Life Church in Oklahoma, another multi-site church, before coming to Cross Timbers.
Brad Leeper
Brad Leeper—Raising Funds for Your Vision
Vital XP Interests Track
Brad is a Senior Strategist of Generis Partners. Based on experience and affinity, Brad is drawn to innovative, growing churches and the challenges of helping them expand practically and spiritually. As a Generis Senior Strategist, he 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.
This workshop has received high marks in previous XP-Seminars. If you are going to be building soon, then you will need to know how to raise funds for the construction!
“Fundraising workshop was so helpful!”
David Lyons
David Lyons—Hiring: What is Fit and Gifting?”
Vital XP Interests Track
David is the Founder and President of MinisterSearch. 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 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”
Dr. Steve Macchia
Dr. Stephen Macchia—Caring for the Soul of the XP
Vital XP Interests Track
Stephen is the Founder and President of Leadership Transformation Inc., Lexington, Massachusetts. LTi is a ministry which focuses on the spiritual formation needs of leaders and the spiritual discernment processes of leadership teams in local church and parachurch ministry settings nationwide.
Three of Steve’s books are critical to XPs Becoming A Healthy Church, Becoming A Healthy Disciple and Becoming A Healthy Team. Steve is wonderfully qualified to speak to XPs on caring for one’s soul while in the role!
Dianne Miller
Dianne Miller—Your Church’s Position Statement on Women in Ministry
Women in Leadership Track
Dianne has taught with Bible Study Fellowship and has been the Minister of Community at Northwest Bible Church of Dallas, Texas. Dianne took a small groups ministry from “zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds,” to use a car racing metaphor (although Dianne would prefer a basketball analogy!). She developed her leadership skills while implementing a church-wide program, shaping the leaders of over 50 small groups in the church. Want to know the challenges and benefits of being a woman leader? Bring your ideas to Dianne’s presentation and discussion.
Your Church’s Position Statement on Women in Ministry. Does you church have one? Why should you? Is it important or even revelant to your church’s current ministry impact? What are other churches “best practicies” in developing a statement? How is Your Church handling this issue? Come only if you have the courage to enter into this discussion.
The Women in Leadership Track will examine the unique challenges of being a woman leader in what is often a male role. What are the transitional issues? What are the plusses and minuses? How can one lead within the unique polity of a given church? Can men come to the Women in Leadership Track? Yes, they can. And, male leaders probably should come, even be required to come! Men need to learn from women about their perspective in church leadership. Do you know the struggles and joys of being a woman in church leadership?
Dr. Milfred Minatrea
Dr. Milfred Minatrea—XPs & Missional Thinking
Vital XP Interests Track
Milfred is a noted author & leader in the Missional Church Movement. This workshop will focus on “Connecting the Dots: Missional Strategy Beyond Activity.” Most churches invest significant human and financial resource in mission activity, offering multiple ministries in various arenas.
Frequently, new ministries continue to develop as needs are identified without significant attention being given to the underlying mission strategy. Neither congregational size nor activity level ensures mission investments that are Kingdom strategic.
The XP is uniquely positioned to ensure a missional focus that unifies rather than “silos” the various segments of congregational life; connecting the dots. In this workshop, participants will explore metrics of strategy rather than activity as the criteria for mission investment.
“Milfred was excellent, more time needed for his presentation”
“Milfred’s presentation gave me a fresh way to look at church”
Doug Murrell
Doug Murrell—XPs in Cross-Cultural Ministry
Vital XP Interests Track
Doug, XP of New Life Providence Church of Virginia Beach, Virginia will share about leading with intentionality—Acting as a catalyst to lead your ministry beyond race, socio-economic, gender, and age.
Cross-cultural ministry does not just happen. Intentionality, pastoral care, an eclectic approach to the arts, and authentic community are the keys to breaking down walls. Changes in leadership, music, outreach, and philosophy of ministry must be taken to create an environment where all are welcomed and equally befriended.
Jabulani Mwale
Jabulani Mwale—XP International Perspectives
Vital XP Interests Track
Jabulani is the XP of the Solid Rock Church of God, CoLouth, Ireland. He brings a rare mix of Irish-African perspective to the role of the XP.
There are many XPs in other nations, and they have lessons to share about cross-cultural ministry, common issues with other XPs, and unique challenges.
Steve Roese
Steve Roese—Catalyst: Making Things Happen
Vital XP Interests Track & Wendesday Lunch
Steve is the XP of Irving Bible Church of Irving, Texas. The pace of day-to-day duties and change in ministry is relentless. Everyone wants to start something new. Everyone wants things to be simpler and more enjoyable. Everyone seeks the space to be innovative. Everyone wants to have fun AND make an impact.
“I believe it is one of the key roles of the Executive Pastor to catalyze a culture, to catalyze the space, to catalyze the heart so that the most innovative and creative team around is inside the church. In our session we will dream of what might be and then look at practical ways to make it happen.”
Warren Schuh
Warren Schuh—Forum for Large Churches
Large Group Forum
Warren has served as an XP in two churches and in several leadership roles in non-profit organizations (such as Leadership Network). From his experiences, contacts around the country and gifts, he is ideal for leading roundtable discussions. This forum is a regular favorite of every XP-Seminar. Now in its 4th year, this is a terrific time to talk with others from large churches. Bring your questions and we will set the agenda for our time together.
“Warren’s morning session was fantastic”
“Warren’s large church forum was what I needed”
Warren Schuh—Senior Pastor Roundtable
Senior Pastor Track
Warren has served as an XP in two churches and in several leadership roles in non-profit organizations (such as Leadership Network). From his experiences, contacts around the country and gifts, he is ideal for leading roundtable discussions. New for the XP-Seminars is this Senior Pastor Roundtable, just for SPs. “We will discuss the issues of church leadership, the role of the Executive Pastor (and similar roles), all from the perspective of the Senior Pastor.” Bring your slate of questions for an open discussion.
The Senior Pastor Track is an opportunity for SPs to examine and discuss leadership and management issues in the church. Considering an XP? Have a great XP or need to hone a relationship? Then this track will give you the chance to hear from established leaders, hear from peers and introduce your own ideas and questions.
Rev. Nicholas Smith
Nicholas Smith—The Biblical Basis of the XP
XP-101
Nicholas, the XP of Bethany Baptist Church of Lindenwold, New Jersey, will share the biblical basis of the XP as revealed through the Scriptures. While the term “XP” is not seen in the Bible, the role and its work are seen. From Joseph to Elisha, the role is shown. This workshop will focus on the biblical work and calling of the XP. Some XP’s are meant for the 2nd position, while for others it’s a transition period to the Senior Pastor role. Whether the calling is to Senior Pastor or like Joseph remaining a 2nd chair leader, this workshop will be beneficial. Though young, Nicholas is a strong XP in a church of 18,000 members.Read the 2006 case study on Bethany Baptist.
Wayne Smith
Wayne Smith—XPs & the Steps of Leadership
Vital XP Interests Track
Wayne is the Director of the Strategic Church Initiative for Halftime, a division of Leadership Network in Dallas, Texas. From his para-church experience, as an XP, and as an elder at Irving Bible Church, Wayne knows great leaders. But what makes a great leader? What are the steps to becoming a great leader and how can you identify potential leaders?
Frank Sommerville
Frank Sommerville—Legal Issues in the Church
Vital XP Interests Track
Frank is a nationally noted attorney, author and a CPA. This is a roundtable discussion on the current and pressing legal issues in your church. Bring your questions and issues!
Frank led a legal roundtable at the 2007 XP-Seminar and received high marks from the participants. This is a prime opportunity to discuss your issues with a nationally noted attorney.
“Frank Sommerville always does a great job—the legal issues small group was very good”
“Frank started by asking us what we wanted to discuss so that he met our needs.
Caused me to rethink many areas.”
Paul Taylor—A Senior Pastor: From One SP to Another
Senior Pastor Track
Paul is the Senior Pastor of Liberty Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He brings a wealth of experience in talking and coaching other Senior Pastors. This roundtable discussion will focus on how Senior Pastors balance being an active leader and delegating leadership and management. How can it all get done? Sunday comes around every week, with another sermon to give, and there is so much else to do.
The Senior Pastor Track is an opportunity for SPs to examine and discuss leadership and management issues in the church. Considering an XP? Have a great XP or need to hone a relationship? Then this track will give you the chance to hear from established leaders, hear from peers and introduce your own ideas and questions.
Phil Taylor
Phil Taylor—Church Planting & the XP
Vital XP Interests Track
Phil is the XP of Terra Nova Church, a church plant in Troy, New York. Read about his “Climbing Down the Ladder” and “Letters from the Front Lines of Church Planting. Whenever possible, Phil attempts to promote and serve the XP community within the Acts 29 Church Planting Network of which he is a member.
Phil describes the workshop: “There is a growing number of Lead Pastors in church plants that are recognizing the need to partner with an Executive Pastor or someone with those skills. The XP in a church plant functions differently than in a larger more established setting, such as the initial size of the church, the entrepreneurial nature of church planting, the total lack of pre-existing systems, an undefined church culture, little or no staff and volunteers who almost all need extensive training. In addition, a church plant is a moving target. You build a system that works for your core group of 50, then you launch, grow to a 100 and your system is shot. So you build a new system and a year later you’ve doubled or tripled again, and the systems need to be trashed and rewritten. All of this happens with hardly any money and a staff of volunteers who are still a little fuzzy on the vision. Welcome to the world of church planting!”
Also, Phil will be hosting a church planters meet and greet party during the conference.
Thanks for diving deep into the cases. Great interaction. This has been an amazing resource!
Thank you for your foresight and tenacity for creating XPastor, including this conference.
I look forward to partnering with you for years to come.
Schedule
Wednesday, February 6
| 8:30 | Registration—Continental Breakfast—coffee, breads & fruit |
| 9:00 |
Stacey Campbell Welcome by Stacey Campbell, XP of Christ Community Church of Greeley, Colorado |
| 9:15 |
 Dr. Mark Brewer  Roger Dermody Case Study #2: Sabbatical: Siesta, Study or Sayonara? The dictionary says that sayonara means: “a Japanese interjection for goodbye. So if your Senior Pastor, or other staff member, goes on sabbatical, are they getting ready to leave the church? What should a sabbatical mean and accomplish? We will examine the biblical, practical and emotional aspects of a sabbatical with Roger Dermody (XP) and Dr. Mark Brewer (SP) of Bel Air Presbyterian of Los Angeles, California. |
| 10:30 | Break |
| 10:45 |
 Ken Sande Keynote Address: Executives Who Resolve Conflict Biblically |
| 11:45 | Break |
| Noon | Lunch Discussion
 Hess Hester Always a great time at the Seminar! Interactive discussion with Senior & Executive Pastors. From Southern Hills Baptist Church (Tulsa, Oklahoma) we will have Hess Hester, Senior Pastor. 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. |
| 1:15 | Break |
| 1:30 | Case Study #1: Peacemaking in the Church |
| 1:45 | Small Group Discussion: Resolving Conflict Biblically |
| 2:15 | Large Group Discussion with Ken Sande |
| 2:45 | Break |
| 3:00 | Case Study #2: Sabbatical. Large group discussion with Roger Dermody |
| 3:15 | Small Group Discussion: Issues of Sabbaticals |
| 3:45 |
Dr. David Fletcher Keynote: Joseph: An Executive with Spiritual Leadership. Are my leadership skills based in Scripture, culture or dysfunction? Dr. David Fletcher, Founder & Host of XPastor.org |
| 4:30 | Break for the evening. Take some new or old XP/SP friends to dinner! |
Thursday, February 7
| 7:00 | Continental Breakfast—coffee, breads & fruit |
| 8:00 | Workshops: Session 1 (choose from a total of 30 workshops) |
| 9:45 | Break |
| 10:00 | Workshops: Session 2 (choose from a total of 30 workshops) |
| 11:45 | Break |
| 12:00 |
Steve Macchia Dr. Nathan Baxter In the ballroom on the first floor, we will have lunch with affinity groups, seminar leaders or new friends, catered lunch included in Beverly Ballroom. Or, we have two other lunch options this year. Pick up a lunch outside the Ballroom, go the second floor and join …
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| 1:15 | Workshops: Session 3 (choose from a total of 30 workshops) |
| 2:30 | David Fletcher on “Ten Things to Take Home” (including free books) |
| 3:00 | Conclusion (early enough for you to catch a flight home) |
