Equip 2026

8:00am-8:30am: Doors Open/Registration
8:30am-9:55am: Worship & Plenary Session with Mark Bane

9:55am-10:05am: Break
10:05am-10:55am: Session A Workshops

10:55am-11:05am: Break
11:05am - 11:55am: Session B Workshops

12:00pm: Catered Lunch (Must Register by 9/17)

Coaching, Mentoring, and Nurturing New Leaders to Maturity – Mark Bane
Learn to understand the differences between coaching, mentoring, and nurturing. Discover how to recognize what is needed at different stages of leadership development, and learn the best practices for developing potential leaders into people who will influence the church and the Kingdom moving forward.

The Art of Seeing – Andy Monnin
How to recognize potential, undiscovered leaders before their gifting is obvious—where to look, what to look for, and how to engage as that calling develops. Learn and develop the skills required to recognize and assist in the development of new leaders. 

Children, Disability, and the Church – Ryan Nelson (Disability Ministry Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene – Global NDI Office)
The gospel is for everyone, and church should be too. If you want to create church environments that are accessible to people with disabilities, you will want to learn about Nazarene Disability Ministry and the Adapted Discipleship Library. You will discover how these FREE online resources can help your church become a place of true belonging for families impacted by disability. Learn how to use training videos more effectively with your teams, why classroom tools are needed and how to use them, and how to teach the Bible in a way that connects with all learners.

Confessions of a Blue Collar Teacher: Improving Adult Teaching – Joe McLamb
In this seminar we will look at what one non-professional adult teacher has learned in more than 30 years of teaching within the Church of the Nazarene and explore simple strategies to make volunteer teachers more effective in this critical task of the church.

Prioritizing Mission: Church Revitalization Through Missional Outreach – Jeremy Reese
A practical, real-world workshop designed to help pastors and church leaders re-center their ministries around the mission of God. Through biblical insight and hands-on strategies, participants will explore how prioritizing outreach - especially to the marginalized and unchurched - can breathe new life into declining congregations. This session emphasizes sustainable, community-based engagement that reflects the heart of Jesus, equipping churches to move beyond maintenance mode into transformative ministry.

Wills and Trusts Seminar-What is your plan? – Steven Lester
God has put resources in our Hands that He wants to use to build His Kingdom.  When His Vision becomes our Vision, God multiplies Provision.  When our eyes finally see what His eyes have always seen, and we put back into His hands which came from His hands in the first place, then after God blesses it, it will always be enough to meet needs. 

Expectations vs Unmet Expectations – Kevin Sprague
How can we as the church communicate clearly our expectations? We will discuss unrealistic expectations, expectations that can be too high/unattainable, and how to ensure both you and the church communicate clearly what all expectations are.

Generations in the Pews and Pulpit: Understanding Differences and Building Collaboration – Mark Vaughn
The objectives of this workshop are to understand generational differences in church context, recognize communication and leadership gaps, and apply biblical principles to generational unity.

Friendship Evangelism – Jerry Branham
Workshop Synopsis: Purpose is to help individuals understand and apply the easy process of making friends as we live in a world of strangers and developing opportunities to present the gospel of Christ.

Scripture-Guided Worship – Michael McAdory
What is worship? Why do we worship? What are some practical tips in planning all aspects of the worship service (well, except the sermon...we'll let the preaching pastor handle that one)--the welcome, song selection, scripture reading, prayer, sacraments, closing/benediction/dismissal. We'll take a look at a couple practical formulas that everyone from volunteers to full-time worship leaders can use to aid in planning services.

The Nuts and Bolts of NMI – Libby Newman
The purpose of this interactive session will be to provide church leaders and pastors the information they need to sustain a lively and productive missions mindset within their congregation. Topics will include the NMI calendar, big yearly events and emphases, advertising local and district NMI events, getting out into individual communities, and being a part of district Missions Teams, including Work and Witness, disaster relief and compassionate ministries. Participants will receive links to district and global NMI resources.

Building Sticky Faith: Helping Teens Answer the Questions That Matter Most – Andy Barnette
Based on the research of Kara Powell and Brad Griffin from the Fuller Youth Institute, this workshop equips youth workers and volunteers to help teenagers develop a faith that lasts. Through the lens of the three foundational questions every teen is asking—Who am I? Where do I belong? What is my purpose?—participants will gain practical strategies to build authentic relationships, foster lifelong discipleship, and help students discover their identity, belonging, and purpose in Christ.

Children’s Ministry Resourcing, Equipping, and Sending – Ryan Nelson (Disability Ministry Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene – Global NDI)
Don’t you wish you had a way to access free resources for children’s ministry? Don’t you wish we had some different or some new creative ways to engage your church in children’s ministry? Don’t you want to leave encouraged to try something new? In this breakout you will receive an overview of various Nazarene children’s ministry resources, you will have an opportunity to think outside the box when it comes to the life of the church and children’s ministry, and you will leave with information and ideas to encourage you as you go back into your ministry setting.

AI as a Ministry Assistant. Using Artificial Intelligence to Strengthen Bible Teaching and Discussion – Roxi Snodgrass
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming one of the most influential educational tools of our time. While AI can never replace the work of the Holy Spirit, careful study of Scripture, or the wisdom of an experienced teacher, it can serve as a valuable ministry assistant when used thoughtfully and biblically. This workshop introduces Sunday School teachers to practical ways AI can support lesson preparation, deepen biblical understanding, generate meaningful discussion questions, create engaging class activities, and adapt lessons for different learning styles. Participants will also explore biblical principles for using AI wisely, recognizing both its tremendous potential and its limitations. Drawing from Brave New Words by Salman Khan and The Tower and the Cross by Lorne C. Ray and Pat Scott, this session demonstrates how Christian educators can embrace new technology without compromising biblical truth, always remembering that AI is a tool to assist teachers—not replace prayer, discernment, or the transforming work of God's Word.

Making Christlike Disciples – Greg Pressley
The Great Commission calls us to make Christlike disciples. This seminar introduces an 8-week Bible study designed to guide new and growing Christians on a path of spiritual growth. Participants will receive an overview of each lesson, practical training on how to lead the study effectively, and a complete leader’s guide for every session. Whether you're preparing to lead your first group or looking to strengthen your teaching, this session will equip you to confidently guide others in their walk with Christ.

Resources for Pastors: Benefits of Professional Coaching – Jay Earles
Pastoral ministry is both deeply rewarding and uniquely demanding, requiring leaders to balance spiritual care, organizational leadership, personal and family well-being, and the expectations of their congregations. This workshop explores how coaching can equip pastors to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and resilience. Participants will discover how coaching fosters healthier boundaries, enhances decision-making, strengthens leadership skills, and promotes sustainable ministry effectiveness. Through practical insights and reflective discussion, pastors will learn how a coaching partnership can support both their personal growth and professional development, empowering them to thrive in ministry while faithfully serving others. Coaching options and other resources for pastors will be shared.