Daniel Copeland is the Senior Lead Researcher of Barna Group and oversees the strategy, operation and execution of the firm’s published and proprietary research. Daniel is trained as a social researcher and is passionate about producing objective knowledge that inspires meaningful change in the world. In his Barna tenure, he has conducted more than 150 individual studies.

Keynote:
“7 Contemporary Myths”

Barna Group's aspiration to provide knowledge to navigate a rapidly changing world. We believe that research is an opportunity to listen, represent and reflect. This presentation will use data to investigate 7 myths we often tell about the church today. Whether it's the decline of Christianity or the extreme rate of pastoral burnout, our Church is full of stories that are actively organizing how we are approaching ministry. By utilizing data as an objective perspective, this presentation will ask "how true are these stories?" and help us all lead with greater clarity.

Workshop:
“7 Contemporary Myths”

Join Daniel Copeland, Barna Group's Vice President of Research, in a workshop environment to dig deep into the stories and myths that often organize the contemporary Christian church. Utilizing Barna Group's research as a foundation for objective perspective, this time will create space to dialogue, hypothesize and workshop the stories we tell ourselves as church leaders. Attendees can expect a highly collaborative environment through which we will acknowledge these stories and then dream together about what stories we would like to tell instead. 

Liz (she/her) is the Assistant Director of the Institute for Youth Ministry, where she oversees the Certificate in Youth and Theology Program and develops training and resources for youth workers. Liz has more than a decade of experience in youth ministry and pastoral leadership, most recently as a church planter with the Vineyard. A sought-after teacher and preacher, Liz is passionate about listening prayer, sustainable ministry, and social change. Liz is also an accomplished cook and believes in the profound connection between ministry and hospitality. She holds a BA in Religious Studies from Trinity College in Connecticut and an MDiv from Duke Divinity School.

Workshop:
"Reimagine Your Youth Ministry"

Young people’s spiritual lives are evolving—how can our ministries evolve with them? This workshop will explore emerging trends in the spiritual lives of young people and equip youth leaders with tools to assess the unique needs of the youth in their context. Through reflection, discussion, and practical strategies, participants will gain fresh insights and the confidence to experiment with new approaches to caring for and engaging the young people they serve.

Susan De George is Hudson River Presbytery’s Stated Clerk and Congregational Assessment Specialist. Prior to becoming the Stated Clerk, Susan pastored three different congregations, all in Hudson River Presbytery. She is also a trained mediator, a ICF-trained coach, a lawyer, a GreenFaith fellow, and an adjunct professor at Mercy University. She holds a MA and MPhil from Union Theological Seminary (NYC), a MPhil from Columbia University, a JD from Pace Law School, a DMin from Drew University, and a certificate in sustainable gardening from the New York Botanical Garden. Susan enjoys swimming, playing fiddle, guitar, flute, and mountain lark, doing several different kinds of crafts, and having interesting conversations with folks who really want to change the world.

Workshop:
Clerks of Session Day

Cathy Smith McCarty is the EVP and Co-Owner of William A. Smith & Son, Inc. Cathy leads the William A Smith & Son Agency's team for the religious institutions program, providing both hands on service to the agency's clients as well as setting the internal strategic direction for the program. Cathy has 40 years of experience in the insurance industry with both company and agency background. She holds a Master of Science in Insurance from the University of Hartford as well as the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation and the Certified Insurance Counselor designation.

Workshop:
“Protecting Your Church, Your Congregation & Your Insurability Through Risk Management Best Practices”

In this workshop attendees will be able to learn proactive ways to increase safety and mitigate risk and injury to your building and congregants. Interactive discussions will revolve around Facility Use Agreements, Abuse Prevention, Maintenance, and more. We will provide best practices and resources on how to implement these practices. We look forward to seeing you in class.

Chad Cunningham, Loss Control Director for the Insurance Board Prior to joining the Insurance Board, Chad worked for Navigate360 (ALICE Training Institute) as the VP of Education and Curriculum.  During this time, he led a team of designers and trainers in developing and delivering training and curriculum to their clients. Chad also served in law enforcement for 24 years. Chad achieved the rank of lieutenant while working at the University of Akron Police Department.   Chad led the community policing and training division of the department for the majority of his career. Chad was also a member of the department's SWAT team.  He holds an associate degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree in Technical Education, and a master’s degree in Instructional Technology

Workshop:
“Protecting Your Church, Your Congregation & Your Insurability Through Risk Management Best Practices”

In this workshop attendees will be able to learn proactive ways to increase safety and mitigate risk and injury to your building and congregants. Interactive discussions will revolve around Facility Use Agreements, Abuse Prevention, Maintenance, and more. We will provide best practices and resources on how to implement these practices. We look forward to seeing you in class.

Rev. Dr. Blaine Crawford serves as pastor at Irvington Presbyterian Church and as adjunct faculty at Mercy University. At the presbytery level, he is involved in the Nurturing Leadership Team, the Healthy, Vital Communities of Faith Team, and chairs the Finance Committee.

Workshop:
“Cultivating a Spiritual Life”

According to the Book of Order, Ruling Elders are called to ministries of governance and discernment. While the ministry of governance may be more straightforward (setting budgets, maintaining facilities, following church order), the ministry of discernment can be more difficult to describe and to practice. In A Spiritual Session, participants will explore the ministry of discernment for ruling elders; its undergirding spirituality; and foundational practices critical to this dimension of their call.

Jen Van Zandt is a seasoned pastor, retreat leader, church consultant and executive coach who is passionate about helping churches function at their highest level, including implementing smart infrastructure and workarounds with shrinking staff and volunteers. Prior to her 18 years in Ministry, Jen was the founder and CEO of Bullseye Training Inc., a company that focused on executive coaching, sales training, negotiating skills and leading managers to peak performance. She has an M. Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and a B.A. from Ithaca College and is delighted to be back sharing new strategies to church challenges, especially in ministry anxiety church decline and global and economic turmoil and uncertainty.

Workshops(s):
Personnel and Finance

Jen will be returning as a workshop leader after popular and successful sessions last year. This year, she will once again lead two essential workshops relating to personnel and finance practices (topics we often receive questions about from churches).