The 2017 XP-Seminar was a sold out success …

We limit attendance to 200 people, so that we are a “tribe” not a “town.”
This enables everyone to talk to our distinguished speakers and have a sense of the XP-Community.

Dr. Thom Rainer

Dr. Thom Rainer

Our Featured Guest

Dr. Thom Rainer

Electric Leadership

Our featured guest this year is the renowned thinker, writer and church leader, Dr. Thom Rainer. You have undoubtedly read some of his 26 books, several of which are featured on our free book table (did you know that every attendee gets two free books at the Seminar?)

Thom serves as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, a 5,000 employee organization headquartered in Nashville. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he received his degree in business administration. He received his M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees from Southern Seminary, where he served as Dean for twelve years.

Dr. Rainer has served as pastor of four churches. This will be an unforgettable time with Thom.

Featured Speakers

6 Legal Issues a Church Should Consider Before Building, Even 7

David Middlebrook and Matt Anthony are with The Church Law Group. Every year they bring imperative topics from the field of law, HR, safety, fiduciary responsibility and more. This will be a growing time and invariably you will take away homework and a full to-do list. There are so many “aha moments” with David and Matt. They are electrifying!

6 Parts of the Biblical Basis and Role of the XP, Even 7

Is this role grounded in Scripture? We don’t find the title “XP” there but certainly see strong leaders in similar functions. What are the elements of the XP role? David Fletcher has been a pastor for over thirty years, taught pastors at three seminaries and founded XPastor to help you be the best you can be. Catch some of David’s electric energy about the XP role.

6 Vital Aspects of the XP-SP Relationship, Even 7

Mike Bonem wrote Leading from the Second Chair, Leading Congregational Change, In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership, and the newly released, Thriving in the Second Chair.  He brings experience from his XP role and now as a consultant to churches across the states.

6 Keys For the Soul of the XP, Even 7

Phil Taylor is the XP of Mosaic Church and is a frequent part of XPastor.  He has written Defining The Executive Pastor Role and has a series of books on the XP in the hopper. What do you do when you feel dry and your soul is withering? Leading a church can be 24/7 but it needs balance and spiritual refreshment. Phil will bring power to your soul so you can continue strong in ministry.

6 Ways to Build Up Ministry, Even 7

Darrell Owens is the Lead Pastor at Christ the Rock Community Church. He has worked with an inner city ministry to youth, as an international trainer for Promise Keepers and alongside two pastors leading large congregations. In our Short Ride, Darrell will share his experience and convictions regarding the Pastor Function in the XP role.

19 Workshops by Noted Leaders

Dan Busby—Questions Every XP Should Regularly Ask a Finance Team

Dan Reiland—Essentials to Strengthen the XP and Senior Pastor Partnership

Mike Batts—Effective Church Financial Oversight

Dr. Warren Bird—Learning from the Nation’s Best Internship Programs

Brad Leeper—How to Make Your Church the Primary Giving Destination of More Givers

… and many more

Why Come?

Gene Getz
Pastor and Author of 60+ Books

David Fletcher has been helping Executive Pastors for over a decade through XPastor.org. I love what he is doing through the keynotes and workshops—and I had a great time a couple of years ago when I was a speaker. To learn and grow, this is a fantastic place.

I’ve also seen first hand the results of his own leadership where he serves at the local church level and in helping train leaders in cross-cultural situations—which has added to his ability to structure a dynamic learning environment regardless of the societal factors. Don’t miss this opportunity!!

Clint Smith
XP of NORTH Church

The XP-Seminar has had a huge impact on my leadership and development as a person, as well as an executive pastor. Years ago, when I began the journey as an XP in my late twenties, it provided the networking, mentoring and insight that I needed to grow in this demanding role. I continue to attend the Seminar to increase my knowledge in church law, HR, staff development, budgeting and so much more. The relationships I have built through XPastor grow every time I attend. I believe in this seminar and what it represents and would love to give back any way I can.

Tim Samuel
CFO of Bridgeway Church

The Seminar enables me to create future opportunities. Daniel Rolfe’s talk last year helped shape my year. It connects me with church leaders from around the country so that I can innovate and save money for my local church.

Eddie Park
Assistant XP, EvFree Fullerton

At the seminar, I was exposed to some of the most experienced church leaders from all over the nation. I never thought I would ever be prepared for senior leadership until I came to the seminar and received the invaluable wisdom and resources provided by David Fletcher, the speakers, and participants. 

The Annual Event

XPastor’s unique format combines nationally-known authors, the most current thinking in church leadership and pastors from cutting-edge churches. No one has the mix of thought and practice that XPastor offers.

Now in its 13th year, the XP-Seminar brings together Executive Pastors, Senior Pastors and other church leaders from around North America. We have pertinent and penetrating sessions together.

Why XPastor?

XPastor is the market leader with proven capacity in reaching church leaders. XPastor brings together influential decision-makers from churches, both coast-to-coast and around the world.

XPastor.org has hundreds of free, insightful online articles and annually receives hundreds of thousands of visits.

XPastor’s online courses provide training to grow as a church leader. Learn from peers who are in cutting-edge churches around the globe.

Grow with Friends

Meet peers from similarly-sized churches. You are a key decision maker in your church, so grow with others like you. We have a wide assortment of denominations and church polity.

Get cognitive input in the large group presentations and your questions answered in the small group discussions. We always bring in outstanding national leaders. Just to name a few of our past speakers: Sam Chand, Gene Getz, Will Mancini, Reggie McNeal, Larry Osborne, Ken Sande, Jim Tomberlin and Dr. John Townsend.

Short Ride

short-ride

The short ride is our live case study on church leadership issues. To the point. Clear. Impactful. In the XP role, there are the executive and pastoral functions. This year we will examine some of the vital aspects of pastoring a congregation. This first-person story will show you how one pastor is doing just that. Tap into some power here. Horse not provided.

Workshops

DSCN1845
On each afternoon, we have three sets of workshops led by some of the best church leaders from North America—people who are coming up with innovative solutions to practical ministry. Hear from your peers! The workshop leaders speak from their amazing areas of expertise. They talk to you as “one skilled leader to another.”

Location

Hilton-Dallas-Park-Cities-photos-Exterior-Hotel-Exterior
Our 12th year at the Hilton Dallas/Park Cities! Enjoy a special rate at the Hilton. The special rate will be available until January 30, 2017 or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first. Guests wishing to arrive early or stay late may do so, based on availability.

Click here for the special XPastor room rate at the Hilton.

What 6 Attendees Say, Even 7

6 things even 7 300“The most important part to me is the ability to ‘network.’ I loved being able to ask questions, probe and encourage the other folks I spent time with outside of the scheduled events.”

“Thank you for continuing to offer this most wonderful vehicle for growing, learning and stretching in service to Him!”

“A few of the beneficial things for me: The structure of the conference. The speakers are accessible. The large room is comfortable. The free material is amazing. Chatting between speakers.”

“I love that the conference is small. I liked the clarity I received regarding, What I should do as a new XP?” —attendance limited to 200 people—

“Thank you so much for the obvious work that was put into the conference. It was my first time attending and it was very beneficial. The Open Forum Workshop was great. It’s so helpful to dialogue and process out loud with other XPs.”

“On our flight home, my XP said to me, ‘So was the conference worth it for you?’ I answered, ‘Yes it was.’ He agreed as well.”

“I appreciated hearing from two Senior Pastors regarding their partnerships with their XPs. And, it was great to hear from David, Mike and Paul about navigating challenges. Those kinds of stories are unique in seminars where typically it’s all success.”

Learn how to better lead and manage your church

seminar panorama

Thanks to our 2017 Sponsors!

We want to thank Generis for their thirteenth year as a sponsor. Generis has worked with more than 2,000 churches over the past 25 years, during which they have helped raise over $5 billion. They are experts when it comes to capital campaigns, fund-raising, and creating a generous culture within your congregation. Generis’ team of highly experienced consultants meets churches where they are and partners with them to create a strategy unique to their culture in order to fund their God-sized visions. Brad Leeper has served in church leadership roles and has real-life experience to offer far beyond that of most industry consultants. We welcome Generis’ Principal and President, Brad Leeper.

We are very pleased that MinisterSearch is joining us for the thirteenth year. Many of you have met David Lyons, their founder and president, at previous XPastor Seminars and events. MinisterSearch is the most experienced and successful pastoral search firm in the country. During their 15 years leading hundreds of pastoral searches, MinisterSearch has developed an unparalleled process that helps churches to identify their specific needs, to find candidates that they otherwise could not find, and to clearly discern who the right candidate is. David Lyons says, “We have spent years developing a very in-depth process that helps churches find the right candidates–who stick. We identify more than 100 different points about the church and candidate that need to align. If they don’t, we continue searching.”

For the eleventh year, we welcome Fellowship One, which partners with more than 4,000 ministries and 83 of Outreach Magazine’s Top 100 Largest and Fastest Growing Churches. The industry’s premier church management software, Fellowship One enables ministry leaders to offer exceptional member care and engage their communities. New this year, the exclusive patent pending technology used by Fellowship One Giving is transforming donation management. Join their free webinar to learn more at www.fellowshipone.com/giving.

For the eleventh year as a sponsor, we welcome Evangelical Christian Credit Union. ECCU is an alliance of Christian people and organizations committed to fueling Christ-centered ministry worldwide. While their mission extends far beyond banking, they have been providing ministry-centric financial services and resources for over 50 years to churches and their members, missionaries, and many others.

We welcome GuideStone as a sponsor for the eleventh 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 219,000 individuals and reported $10.1 billion in assets as of December 31, 2015. GuideStone offers its clients access to Christian-based, socially screened investment funds for retirement, endowment and operational assets.

For the eighth year, we welcome The Church Law Group, a practice division of Anthony & Middlebrook, P.C. that focuses on the specific legal needs of nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, including numerous churches, ministries, faith based organizations and their leaders 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.

For the seventh year as a sponsor, we welcome HH Architects. For 45 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 and schools 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.

For the sixth year, we welcome Clark. Clark (formerly Clark ProMedia) is the leading provider of custom audio, video and lighting (AVL) solutions for churches. Clark’s mission is to help you communicate your story, personally connect with your audience and inspire change. Twenty years of experience enables Clark to partner with your organization, transforming your environment into a space that uniquely reflects your core values. We welcome co-founder Houston Clark.

For the sixth year, we welcome CapinCrouse. As a national full-service CPA and consulting firm devoted to serving not-for-profit organizations, CapinCrouse provides professional solutions to organizations whose outcomes are measured in lives changed. Since 1972, the firm has served mission-focused not-for-profit organizations, churches, and higher education institutions by providing support in the key areas of financial integrity and security. With a network of offices across the nation, CapinCrouse has the resources of a large firm and the personal touch of a local firm. Learn more at capincrouse.com

For the fourth year, we welcome Slingshot.  Slingshot Group partners with the local church and ministry minded non-profits to find and develop next level people through relational search and coaching services.  Founded in 2007 by Stan Endicott and Monty Kelso, Slingshot Group has 40 associates nationwide that serve in the following divisions:  Senior Leadership, Students, Childrens, Worship Arts, and Communications.  What sets Slingshot Group apart is their winsome and relational team who provide innovative solutions that facilitate the work of God on the journey of finding and developing the people you need.

For the third year, we welcome the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. ECFA enhances trust in Christ-centered churches and ministries by establishing and applying Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship™ with its members. Founded in 1979, ECFA’s membership includes 40 of the 100 largest churches in the U.S. plus many other leading churches that faithfully demonstrate compliance with established standards for financial accountability, transparency, stewardship, and governance.

For the third year, we welcome Church Community Builder. Church Community Builder is a technology and services company focused on equipping church leaders for better ministry. The Church is called to equip God’s people to do His work, and Church Community Builder exists to support you with a better how—through practical coaching, software, and ‘tribe’-based learning. We focus on the tools and processes so that you can focus on empowering people. Our inspiration is “the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:11b-12).

We welcome for the second year, Ziegler. Since their first financing in 1913, Ziegler has become a recognized leader in providing creative, tailored solutions to religious institutions. Ziegler offers fixed-rate financing for multidenominational churches, religious schools, colleges and universities, and other organizations in the healthcare and senior living sectors. Ziegler is headquartered in Chicago with regional and branch offices throughout the U.S.

We welcome for the second year, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, one of the nation’s leading insurers of churches, Christian schools, and related ministries. Its comprehensive property and liability coverage for ministries fills gaps left by standard insurance policies. Its travel service, Faith Ventures®, helps missionaries reach the world without fear of being sidelined by illness, injuries, or lawsuits. And its payroll service, MinistryWorks®, takes the pain out of payroll administration. More than 50,000 ministries across America trust Brotherhood Mutual, so they can focus on ministry.

We welcome for the first year, Batts Morrison Wales & Lee. They are a national CPA firm dedicated exclusively to helping churches, Christian ministries, and other nonprofit organizations cover their financial bases through professional audit and assurance, tax, and advisory services.  BMWL has a highly experienced and motivated team of professionals, all of whom share a common passion for serving organizations that make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of people.  The BMWL team helps organizations maintain strong donor trust and confidence, produce highly effective financial reports, strategically budget for improved financial condition, adapt structure for better risk management, maximize tax exemptions, protect exempt status, and provide board member orientation and training.  BMWL is honored to serve clients across the United States.  Please visit nonprofitcpa.com to learn more.

We welcome for the first year, Bank of the West. They are a national leader in religious institution banking. They understand religious organizations and how they operate. Their unmatched excellence in religious institution lending is based on their experience, knowledge and commitment. Over the past 25 years, they’ve committed more than $3.5 billion to the religious community, nationwide. Their commitment is carried forward by a dedicated staff of 30 full-time professionals, bringing you expertise in Religious Institution Financing, Equipment-leasing and Cash Management. They’re experienced in every aspect of lending, from refinancing existing debt to underwriting large-scale, multi-phased construction projects. Their knowledge and experience allows them to help religious institutions fulfill their vision, which results in long-lasting, successful relationships.

Promotional Sponsors

We welcome Leadership Network for the twelfth year, www.leadnet.org. Leadership Network’s role is to foster innovation movements that activate the Church to greater impact for the Glory of God’s name. What began in 1984 with 20 leaders now serves over 200,000 leaders all over the world.

Our programs work with entrepreneurial innovators—leaders starting and doing new things. We focus on the practical parts of ministry action. We use what we call a “peer protocol” which means that our approach is to put leaders with leaders and let them learn from one another.

We work with multiple innovations—such as multisite, city impact and generosity—and multiple leaders—including senior pastors, executive pastors and campus pastors—using multiple models and approaches. We help the church teams move from ideas to implementation to impact. Learn more about the programs offered at leadnet.org/programs

We welcome Christianity Today for the fourth year.  Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax Team publishes the award-winning Church Law & Tax Report and Church Finance Today newsletters, the award-winning ChurchLawAndTax.com and ManagingYourChurch.com websites, and numerous print and digital resources that help church leaders keep their congregations safe, legal, and financially sound. The Church Law & Tax Team is led by senior editor Richard R. Hammar, a Harvard Law School graduate, CPA, and author of more than 100 books (including the annual Church & Clergy Tax Guide, Pastor, Church & Law, the biannual Compensation Handbook for Church Staff, and Church Finance, a book co-authored with Michael Batts. The Church Law & Tax Team is led by an esteemed group of Editorial Advisors that include attorneys Chip Grange, David Middlebrook, and Frank Sommerville, and CPAs Michael Batts, Dan Busby, and Elaine Sommerville. We welcome Sam Ogles, Assistant Editor.

For the second year, we welcome the Historic Agency as a sponsor. Like any great novel or timeless work of art, well-built brands endure year after year. We want the same for you and your story. Whether print, digital, physical environments, or video, Historic can help craft and communicate your message in compelling ways that stand the test of time and reach a larger audience. Our people, strategy, and process set Historic apart. We are intentional. We begin with culture. We craft to endure.

Schedule

Our 13th Year of Powerful and Motivating Speakers …

Tuesday—February 21, 2017

7:30-8:30 Registration and Dessert. Evening welcome and social in the Beverly Ballroom. Join us for this informal time to pick up your materials, talk to old friends and meet some new ones. Coffee and a cookie dessert is open to all (and spouses are welcome to join you for this dessert time!)

Wednesday—February 22, 2017

7:45 Full Breakfast sponsored by Clark. This is a fantastic time to start the Seminar and learn the latest. The folks at Clark always bring the best and the latest in the world of innovative audio, video and lighting solutions. Their mission is to help you communicate your story in a way that personally connects with your audience. This breakfast will talk about how to share your story using existing and upcoming tools, trends and styles!
8:45 Welcome by our Emcee, Eddie Park. On a 4-year learning gig at EvFree Fullerton with David Fletcher, he is an Assistant Executive Pastor overseeing teaching and discipleship. Eddie provides church-wide strategic leadership and oversees EvFree’s internship program along with developing his amazing preaching skills. Eddie is a “poster child” millennial and one you should schedule time with to get a vision of the church of tomorrow.
9:00 6 Legal Considerations For Your Church, Even 7, with David Middlebrook and Matt Anthony from The Church Law Group. Every year they bring imperative topics from the field of law, HR, safety, fiduciary responsibility and more. This will be a growing time and invariably you will take away homework and a full to-do list. There are so many “aha moments” with David and Matt. This one session may save you the entire cost of the Seminar in unspent future legal bills. They are electrifying!
10:00

Dr. Thom Rainer

Thom on Theology, Ministry and the Church. Our featured guest this year is the renowned thinker, writer and church leader, Dr. Thom Rainer. You have undoubtedly read some of his 26 books, several of which are featured on our free book table! Thom serves as president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, a 5,000 employee organization headquartered in Nashville. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he received his degree in business administration. He received his M.Div. and Ph.D. degrees from Southern Seminary, where he served at Dean for twelve years. Dr. Rainer has served as pastor of four churches. This will be an unforgettable time with Thom.
11:00 6 Parts of the Biblical Basis and Role of the XP, Even 7 with Dr. David Fletcher. Is this role grounded in Scripture? We don’t find the title “XP” there but certainly see strong leaders in similar functions. What are the elements of the XP role? David has been a pastor for over 30 years, taught pastors at three seminaries and founded XPastor to help you be the best you can be. Catch some of David’s electric energy about the XP role.
11:30 Break
11:45 short-rideLunch sponsored by Church Community Builder with A Short Ride on a Hot Topic: Not Just Equipping but also Pastoring. At XPastor we talk a great deal about the Executive Function of the XP. There is also the Pastor Function. How do you balance equipping others, leading the church, with the vital aspects of pastoring a congregation. This first-person story with SP Darrell Owens will show you how one pastor is doing just that, with a dynamic tension mixed in! Tap into some power here.
1:30-2:30 Powerhouse Workshops: Session #1
2:30 Afternoon snack on first floor
2:45-3:45 Powerhouse Workshops: Session #2
4:00-5:00 Powerhouse Workshops: Session #3
5:15 Take an XP/SP friend to dinner! Schedule it early with someone from your state or similar-sized church. We saw scores of people do this last year.

Thursday—February 23, 2017

7:45 Breakfast–a great time to network
8:45 6 Vital Aspects of the XP-SP Relationship, Even 7, by Mike Bonem. Mike wrote Leading from the Second Chair, Leading Congregational Change, In Pursuit of Great AND Godly Leadership, and the newly released Thriving in the Second Chair. He brings experience from his XP role and now as a consultant to churches across the states.
9:45 6 Keys For the Soul of the XP, Even 7 with Phil Taylor. Phil is the XP of Mosaic Church and is a frequent part of XPastor. He has written Defining The Executive Pastor Role and has a series of books on the XP in the hopper. With insights from a church plant and his current thriving ministry in Orlando, Phil brings resources and insights about the XP. What do you do when you feel dry and your soul is withering? Leading a church can be 24/7 but it needs balance and spiritual refreshment. Phil will bring power to your soul so you can continue strong in ministry.
11:00 Break for Lunch—Pick up lunch outside the Ballroom and take it to a workshop
11:30-12:30 Lunch Workshops—Powerhouse Workshops: Session 4
12:45-1:45 Powerhouse Workshops: Session 5
2:00-3:00 Powerhouse Workshops: Session 6
Have a safe trip home

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

“Powerhouse Workshops”

Most workshops will be offered twice. No pre-registration for the workshops is necessary–but it is advised to get to the room as soon as possible as some rooms fill up fast.

5 Essentials to Strengthen the XP and Senior Pastor Partnership

Dan Reiland will share practical insights and field level wisdom from twenty-eight years of experience with two senior pastors who are strong visionary leaders. There will be candid conversation centered around five essentials to help your partnership flourish.

Dan Reiland serves as Executive Pastor at 12Stone Church® in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He previously partnered with John Maxwell for 20 years, first as Executive Pastor at Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, then as Vice President of Leadership and Church Development at INJOY. He and Dr. Maxwell still enjoy partnering together on a number of church related projects. Dan is best known as a leader with a pastor’s heart; he truly loves the local church, but is also described as one of the nation’s most innovative church thinkers.

His passion is developing and empowering leaders, who want to grow, are willing to take risks, and enjoy the journey. In addition to leading the staff of 12Stone Church, Dan coaches many pastors across the country every year. Dan’s leadership blog can be accessed at http://danreiland.com. His semi-monthly e-newsletter, The Pastor’s Coach is distributed to over 40,000 subscribers, www.injoy.com. He is also the author of Amplified Leadership – released January 2012.

7 Questions Every XP Should Regularly Ask A Finance Team

You may be charged as an XP with the overall responsibility for your church’s finances. More than likely, you’re not involved in the day-to-day details but rely on a capable team to provide you with information necessary for decision making. Walk away from this workshop with 7 key questions you should be regularly asking your finance team to strengthen stewardship at your church.

Dan Busby is the president of ECFA, an organization that accredits Christ-centered ministries in the areas of governance, financial management and stewardship/fundraising. Dan has over forty years of experience serving the Christ-centered church and nonprofit community and frequently speaks nationally on related issues. He is a prolific writer with 55 volumes of five book titles published including a 2015 release, TRUST: The Firm Foundation for Kingdom Fruitfulness.

Dan received a masters of business administration degree from Emporia State University, Emporia Kansas. The University also named him as a Distinguished Alumnus in 2014. Dan served as a member of the Commission on Accountability and Policy for Religious Organizations, a national legislative advisory commission convened to address legislative proposals for the nonprofit sector. Nonprofit Times named him as one of the 50 Most Powerful Nonprofit Leaders from 2010-2015. These organizations have annual revenue of nearly $25 billion, receiving charitable contributions of nearly $17 billion.

Brand and Communication Strategies for Today’s Local Church

Ted Vaughn

It’s never been more difficult to get the attention of those we most want to reach; both inside and outside our church. Learn how effective brands engage and retain their audience and which communication strategies your church should be taking advantage of in 2017.

After 21 years of staff leadership in multiple contexts, Ted serves multiple congregations in America, Africa, and the UK as a consultant and strategic advisor in areas of brand, strategy, and staffing. His most recent staff position (’09-’14) was as Chief Creative Officer for the Rock Church in San Diego, California—a young, urban, and forward-thinking church of roughly 16,000 weekly worshippers. With an additional 14 years of executive leadership experience in mainline denominational churches, Ted has unique insight into local church leadership, healthy cultures, staffing, branding, and strategy. Today Ted leads the Communication and Tech Arts divisions for Slingshot Group (slingshotgroup.org) and is a partner in Historic Agency (historicagency.com).

Coaching Your Staff

What does it look like to coach your staff to excellence? There are so many books, blogs and other leadership insights to glean from. Join these two practitioners in an interactive, discussion-based learning environment. Clint Smith has served as the Executive Pastor of NORTHchurch in Oklahoma City for thirteen years. He founded and owns Full Capacity Coach LLC. Clint is committed to personal growth, leader development and passionately serving the local church.

Jim Moss is fully committed to seeing people discover and live out God’s unique mission for their lives. He currently serves as the XP of City Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is one of the founding pastors and has seen the church grow from zero to nearly 500 in less than six years. Jim also founded 320Coach with a focus on executives and entrepreneurs.

Effective Church Financial Oversight

Geared for non-accountant church leaders, this session focuses on financial oversight, including liquidity, cash flow, financial position, compliance, and key internal controls. Participants will discuss nontraditional, simple, and efficient ways to obtain and analyze critical financial information to facilitate better-informed leadership decisions for the direction of their church.

This will be led by Mike Batts. Mike is the president and managing partner of Batts Morrison Wales & Lee, CPA firm dedicated exclusively to helping churches, Christian ministries, and other nonprofit organizations cover their financial bases through professional audit and assurance, tax, and advisory services Mike has more than 30 years of experience serving churches and ministries in a variety of ways. He advises churches on matters related to board governance, financial reporting, tax compliance and strategy, risk management, corporate structure, international activities, and related topics. Mike recently co-authored, together with attorney and CPA Richard Hammar, the book Church Finance, published by Christianity Today. Church Finance has become the “go-to” reference in America providing practical guidance for church financial administration.

Executive Pastor 101

What we wish we knew when we were new: Congratulations, you just became an XP! There are a lot of things to know, but not many people to ask. In this session, we will cover the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for new executive pastors. We’ll talk through the best areas on which to focus, common pitfalls and practical resources for XPs. There will also be time explore the questions you have about being a freshman XP.

Finding, encouraging and building new givers

Some say that giving is the last step in the assimilation process of a new person. Can we overcome that being the last step? Yes! You will learn the mind of a potential giver, what prevents them from giving, what prevents them from giving sooner and how to develop the rhythm of giving so they give more sooner and stay with you as a financial giver. Increase your giving streams with this usually untapped source.

Brad Leeper is the President and Principal of Generis Partners. Based on experience and affinity, he is drawn to innovative, growing churches and the challenges of helping them expand practically and spiritually.

Forum for Churches Under 2,000 in Worship

This forum will be for XPs in churches with under 2,000 people in worship. Gather with your peers to talk through an open agenda. We will identify specific issues to the church in this size range and then “have at it.”

The discussion will be open to all, rapid and exciting! Bring your questions, issues and thorny problems! Meet people who serve in the same size church as yours. This is a great way to form friendships with other XPs.

Kent Lawrence is the XP of Grace Bible Church of Dallas. Kent brings a warm pastoral spirit to his role, effectively leading a medium-sized church. He is one to get to know!

Forum for Churches Over 2,000 in Worship

This forum will be for XPs in churches with over 2,000 people in worship. Gather with your peers to talk through an open agenda. We will identify specific issues to the church in this size range and then “have at it.”

The discussion will be open to all, rapid and exciting! Bring your questions, issues and thorny problems! Meet people who serve in the same size church as yours. This is a great way to form friendships with other XPs.

The Future of Social Security

This workshop will look at various considerations for the future of Social Security and your involvement.  Get answers to churches’ frequently asked Social Security questions. Some pastors have opted out but is this the right choice? We will explore the benefits of staying in Social Security and the relative merits of opting out.  If you rely on Social Security, what are the potential pitfalls ten or twenty year from now? Don McLeod is a Regional Director with GuideStone Financial Services.

Hiring to New Levels

While placing hundreds of people into ministry positions, David Lyons 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 twelve months, then this workshop will help you. David Lyons is the Founder and President of MinisterSearch.

How to Grow Disciples Utilizing Online Tools

Every day we use data and metrics to explain events, evaluate progress and tell stories. Data and metrics don’t necessarily give you all the answers and, by themselves, can’t make you better.

However, used well, they can help you assess church engagement and measure the intangibles of discipleship.  From Church Community Builder, Chris Mavity and Shannon Neely will lead this discussion.

Keeping the “Human” in Human Resources

Although this is a day of HR complexities and compliance, it’s still possible to put people first as we navigate delicate situations, departures of teammates, and development of staff spiritually and professionally. This session will look at some very practical practices of how to “pastor” people as an executive.

This will cover staff engagement steps Mitch has taken as a result of their Best Christian Workplace Survey, how they let people go and bless them as they leave, with many staying healthy and active in our church family. It will deal with how to handle a divorce on our staff, crisis communication, re-org/reporting structures and new hires.

Dave Michener is the Executive Pastor of Bridgeway Community Church in Columbia, Maryland.

Make Your Church the Primary Giving Destination of More Givers

In an increasingly complex giving environment, churches battle factors that constantly reinforce not to give to a church. This workshop will cover not only the mounting pressures but will give you practical skills to overcome the threats. You will know how to make the complex simple. Turn threats into strengths to have your church as the primary giving destination–not just one of many.

Brad Leeper is the President and Principal of Generis Partners. Based on experience and affinity, he is drawn to innovative, growing churches and the challenges of helping them expand practically and spiritually.

Mentoring Your Staff

Mentor your staff and help them move their lives and leadership forward—helping them strengthen their gifts, talents and abilities while keeping balance in their lives. Dr. Nathan Baxter, founder of Lead Self Lead Others has been leading teams and helping people move their stories forward for over twenty years. Before starting his Executive Coaching career, he served for 28 years in full time ministry, filling the roles of Youth Pastor, Senior Pastor, and Executive Pastor.

The Nation’s Best Internship & Residency Programs

Whatever your church size and budget, you can launch and sponsor a strong internship and/or residency program. Gleaning from a Leadership Network survey of over 300 churches, plus follow-up interviews/visits with the top 20, you’ll get best-practice ideas that you can tailor to your context. Warren conducted the internship study, which is available for free download at leadnet.org/intern.

Warren is the Director of Research and Intellectual Capital Development for Leadership Network, co-author of 29 books for church leaders and a former pastor. He always brings the very latest of research in church ministry.

Overtime in Review

The new Department of Labor overtime rule was in the news. It is blocked, for now, but there are still thorny issues of ministerial exempt versus administrative exempt. This workshop will look at: Why is the ministerial exemption not tied to salary? How should churches handle administering overtime? What fiduciary responsibilities must a church must perform? What are the implications for an external audit? Can an audit help in identifying areas that need improvement?

Stan Reiff is a Partner with CapinCrouse and serves as the Professional Practice Leader – Consulting. His professional experience includes over 20 years in ministry operations, public accounting, government accounting, and missionary work.

Shelf Life + Denial = Expiration

There is no secret formula to the life-expectancy of a church leader. No matter how much you may try to preserve your position, there will come a day when you are no longer your church’s first or best choice for the future. It’s real and natural—and even biblical. Become the first in your church to recognize it. Take proactive measures to preserve your role. Learn the things you can do to extend your effective ministry. Monty Kelso is the President of Slingshot Group.

Attendees

We limit attendance to 200 people of our tribe.

The Seminar is the time for XPs, SPs and church leaders
to come together, hear from national leaders
and peers, and be life-long learners.

Those who have enrolled for the 2017 XP-Seminar:

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

Special Pre-Seminar Workshop

How to Be a Better Coach to Your Staff and Volunteer Leaders

Pre-Seminar Special with Dr. Nathan Baxter
Tuesday, February 21, 1:00-4:00 pm
Hilton Dallas/Park Cities

We all know that one of our key roles is coaching our leaders towards higher levels of effectiveness. But not all coaching results in change and that can be frustrating. Why not learn from an expert?

Here’s a fantastic opportunity to be with a gifted and national-level coach. XPastor has partnered with Dr. Nathan Baxter to bring this coaching resource to the 2017 XP-Seminar.

What you will learn

  • How to create customized coaching templates to fit your ministry culture.
  • The latest research that identifies the key components for healthy leadership cultures.
  • Practical tips for using assessments to develop your leaders.

And

  • How to structure 20 minute coaching conversations that bring the best results.
  • Best practices for holding leaders accountable.
  • The 10 Commandments of Coaching

Before the workshop

A reading list will be provided as an option for those that want to take a deeper look into leadership coaching.

About Dr. Baxter

Nathan is a former XP and SP and now is an executive leadership coach. Every month, both corporate and ministry leaders from around the country fly to Tulsa for a two-day private coaching session with him.

In 2008, Dr. Baxter founded Lead Self Lead Others and has coached with over 3,300 people—from CEOs to pastors to physicians. Also, he has recruited and trained five Leadership Coaches who work with him to meet the demand for his services.

Nathan and his coaches work with leaders to help them create a personal and professional growth strategy. He loves to follow up with each person to help keep them on track.

I had reached a point of frustration in not knowing the next step in my personal leadership development and he helped me bridge that frustration gap and send me on my way into the next season of my journey. Each session and contact was like connecting with a friend.

Jim Kuykendall, Executive Pastor

Dr. Baxter Has Coached …

Nathan has all the necessary tools and experience to meet you where you are, to speak your language quickly and, in a disciplined manner, guide you towards your objectives.

Doug Welsh, President, Strategic Sales Planning, Cincinnati, Ohio

Non Profit Organizations

  • John Sharp, Regional Director, Young Life, Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Dave Jewitt, Founder/Director, Your One Degree, Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Adam Donyes, Founder/Director, LinkYear Kanakuk, Branson, Missouri
  • Dr. David Fletcher, Founder/Director, XPastor, Fullerton, California
  • Chris King, Founder, GPS Tulsa, Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Dr. Scott Barfoot, Director of DMin Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas
  • Eric Hill, Founder/Director, Withyou, Atlanta, Georgia
  • Jeff Anderson, Founder, Acceptable Gift, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Dr. Baxter cares genuinely about helping people. He does what it takes to help folks understand and use the tools to find their way. As a result I have more focus in my life. The tools he uses and the approach he takes are better than many other similar consultants.

Randy Welsch, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Ministry Leaders

  • Micah Davidson, Lead Pastor, Real Life Fellowship, Corpus Christi/Austin, Texas
  • Toby Slough, Lead Pastor, Crosstimbers Church, Argyle, Texas
  • Daniel Rolfe, Lead Pastor, Mountain Springs Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
  • Dwight Yoder, Executive Pastor, Asbury Methodist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Eric Bryan, Senior Pastor, Fellowship Bible Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Fred Neal, Executive Pastor, Harvest Community Church, Kittanning, Pennsylvania
  • Marc Evanger, Elder, Crossroads Bible Church, Bellevue, Washington
  • Keith Duff, Elder, Village Bible Church, Chicago, Illinois
  • Matt Roberson, Campus Pastor, The Met, Houston, Texas
  • Rob Curry, Executive Pastor, Cypress Bible Church, Cypress, Texas
  • Terry Langenberg, Executive Pastor, New Beginnings Church, Bixby, Oklahoma
  • Thomas Thompson, Lead Pastor, Pulpit Rock Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
  • Tom Messer, Senior Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida

Nathan knows what he is doing and does it well. He has good insight and recommends realistic behaviors to improve performance.

John Urbin, Business Unit Manager, Linde Process Plants, Inc.

Executives

  • Bob Skaggs, Northwestern Mutual Insurance Agency, Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Dustin Parker, President, Box Insurance Agency, Grapevine, Texas
  • Aaron Shelby, Executive Vice President, Legacy Texas Bank, Plano, Texas
  • Paul Fredette, President, Legacy Texas Insurance Services, Plano, Texas
  • Brandt Hamby, Managing Partner, Six Pillars Partners, Addison, Texas
  • Chris Cadeiux, Board Member, QuikTrip, Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Chuck McDaniel, President, Lockton Insurance, Denver, Colorado
  • Dwight Mankin, President, NCN, Dallas, Texas
  • Mike Greer, Owner/Director, Ironman Buffalo Springs Lake, Lubbock, Texas
  • Mike Loomis, Owner, Loomis Consulting, Winter Park, Colorado
  • Ron Decker, Founder/President, Innovative Health Care Systems, Edmond, Oklahoma
  • Ronnie Dunn, Client Partner, MicroStrategy, Dallas, Texas
  • Sean Kouplen, President, Regent Bank, Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Hank Coleman, President, TriggerPoint, Austin, Texas
  • Dan Peckenpaugh, MD, President, HEB Emergicare, P.A., Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
  • Rob Kenagy, MD, Senior Vice President, St. John Health Network, Tulsa, Oklahoma
  • Tom Ellis, Vice President/Partner, MHBT (Commercial Insurance), Dallas, Texas
  • 32 National Sales Directors, 25 Top Sales Directors, Mary Kay Cosmetics

Dr. Baxter’s coaching has allowed me to take my strengths, understand them and ultimately begin to incorporate them into my ever changing role as CEO. Working with Dr. Baxter is worth the investment because we have seen results in effectiveness in communication, efficiency in decision making.

Ron Decker, CEO, Innovative Healthcare Systems, Inc., Edmond, Oklahoma