Synergy 2025: Full Schedule

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9:00am EDT

Opening Session-My Prayer Life: For Time and Eternity

Saturday March 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Main Auditorium

Kick off Synergy with an inspiring opening session with General Secretary of the Assemblies of God Donna Barrett

Speakers

Donna Barrett

General Secretary, Assemblies of God

Donna Barrett has served as general secretary of the Assemblies of God since 2018. Prior to her present position, Barrett was a church planter, serving as founder and lead pastor of Rockside Church in Independence, Ohio. Following seven years as a paralegal, Barrett became a credentialed... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Main Auditorium

General Session

10:15am EDT

Building Men through Vulnerability, Authenticity, & Consistency

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Choir Room

Guys, are you ready to get real? Learn strategies to minister to men and see real results. It's time we drop the facade and learn to be vulnerable and authentic.

Speakers

Brett Adams

Campus Director, Faith Church Huron

Brett and his wife, Hillary live in Sandusky with their 4-year-old daughter, Nina. Brett joined Faith Church, Sandusky in 2020 and fully committed his family to the Huron campus launch in June 2024. He has been in and around ministry for several years and is passionate about helping... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Choir Room

Adult & Next Gen

10:15am EDT

Developing a Boy's Ministry in Your Church

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Green Room

We will walk you through creating an engaging boys' ministry within your church. We'll explore practical strategies for building a program that fosters spiritual growth, encourages positive peer relationships, and addresses the unique needs and interests of the young men in your church.

Speakers

Kyle Zeid

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Green Room

Adult & Next Gen

10:15am EDT

Marketplace Discipleship Making - Chick-fil-A Style

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 200

This session will be led by Chick-fil-a Owner/Operator Brian Siktberg and Operations Director Calib Turner, as they share their strategies on raising up leaders in the marketplace who not only experience the ability to expand their skill set but experience overall care. They strive to help each member of their team become the best member of themselves by providing intentional discipleship and hands on training.

Speakers

Brian Siktberg

Born and raised in Anderson, IN. Studied at Milligan College, Anderson University, Anderson Theological Seminary, and Huntington College. Brian is married to Jill Siktberg they have been married for 24 years and have 2 children, Will (20) and Addie (17). Brian was a youth pastor for... Read More →

Calib Turner

Calib Turner, originally from New Jersey, brings over 10 years of nonprofit experience. Upon receiving his B.A. in Practical Theology from Southeastern University he has served in a wide range of capacities managing systems, teams, and personnel. First as a Sports Pastor in Naperville... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 200

Church Health

10:15am EDT

Breakout Bundle

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 210

Do you struggle to pick just 4 sessions to attend because there are too many good choices? Then the breakout bundle is for you! In this session, we will cover 6 hot topics applicable to every church or ministry. Topics include: crisis management/disaster response, effective project management, time management/productivity, building resilience in your staff, staff engagement, and team dynamics.

Speakers

Amy Parsell

Network Operations Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Jeff Parsell

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 210

Church Operations

10:15am EDT

Social Media Roundtable: Creating Content, Current Trends, & More

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Activities Center

Ask questions about current trends, best practices, and get clarity as you start or grow your social media presence.

Speakers

Tara Zimmer

Communications Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Tara Zimmer is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and holds a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership and a master's degree in religion. She has been in full-time ministry for more than a decade and currently serves as the communications director at the Ohio Ministry... Read More →

Courtney Jones

Owner/Designer, Little Creative Company

Courtney Jones is the founder of Little Creative Company, a design studio dedicated to helping kingdom-minded entrepreneurs, Christian leaders, ministries, and small business owners build brands, books, and websites that make an impact. With over a decade of experience in design and... Read More →

DeAndre Patrick

Youth/Young Adults Pastor, Calvary Assembly of God

Bi-vocational credentialed minister. Full time content specialist with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Bringing five seasons of NBA production and personal media business experience to the Kingdom of God.

Derrick Smith

Creative Pastor, Simple Church

Christ-follower, husband, father, Pastor, artist, creative, and bearded wonder. Derrick wears many hats (literally & metaphorically), but none more important than a bridge between a person and their creative calling. “let's bring something beautiful into the world.”

Jackie Kibby

Media & Communications Director, Faith Church, Sandusky

I am a credentialed minister. I am the classic story of how God qualifies the called. Being in the creative field was never on my radar, but it was on Gods and so here I am! I walked into this creative world only knowing how to post on my own social media to now creating, editing... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Activities Center

Communications

10:15am EDT

A Tale of Two Gods: Reconciling the Jesus of the New Testament with the God of the Old

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Education Gym

How can a humble, compassionate, forgiving Jesus say, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father,” yet the Father of the Old Testament seems to be a pro-slavery, jealous, genocidal, misogynistic God? This is a legitimate question with a legitimate answer. In this session, we will explore this topic equipping you and the leaders in your church to respond to this question with confidence.

Speakers

Steve Brannan

Great Lakes Regional Director, Chi Alpha

Steve has served students on secular colleges for the past 24 years as a missionary, trained hundreds of missionaries and preached to thousands of adults on innumerable topics to expand the Kingdom of God.

Is God a Moral Monster Book Cover jpg

Tale of Two Gods Notes pdf

Tale of Two Gods Slides key

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Education Gym

Cultural Conversations

10:15am EDT

Disciple-Making for Everyday People

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Main Auditorium

All of us who are followers of Christ have been given the Commission to go and make disciples. Anyone, anywhere, anytime can find a person of peace and disciple them. This session will discuss practical steps and resources to help us all to make disciples that make disciples.

Speakers

Jaryd Motsinger

CEO, Cincinnati Challenge Ranch

Jaryd is the executive director of the Cincinnati Challenge Ranch where he disciples men to Christ struggling with addiction and other life controlling issues. He attends and serves at Summit City Church in Montgomery in mobilizing prayer, evangelism and discipleship. He has a passion... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Main Auditorium

Engage Community

10:15am EDT

Ministering to the Whole Person as an International Church

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 100

How do international churches position themselves to effectively make disciples amongst their own people group as well as their neighbor? How can pastors of International churches effectively care for the many needs of 1st generation immigrants? Learn best practices for ministering to the whole person and whole world.

Speakers

Petros Yefru

220 William Taft Rd, Peoples Church

SYNERGY 2025 pptx

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 100

International Ministries

10:15am EDT

Taking the "Overwhelm" Out of Planning & Executing a Kids Event

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Mouse House

Whether you are a new plant, a thriving church, or one that is looking for fresh ideas, planning a community event for families can be overwhelming! In this session, there will be planning tips, budget help and community engagement discussions that will give you encouragement and insight in planning future events.

Speakers

Carianne Prior

Executive Pastor of Family Ministries, New Life Church

Carianne Prior felt a call to ministry at an early age at a PennDel Camp. She has been in ministry for nearly 20 years and has had the privilege of ministering alongside her husband, Eric, for the majority of that time. Together with their daughters Lily and Emery, they just celebrated... Read More →

LocalPartnerEvaluationGuide pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Mouse House

Kidmin

10:15am EDT

(Lead Pastors Only) Building TEAMS: Trust, Equip, Assess, Manage, & Serve

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Conference Room

We're better together, so come learn with other lead pastors how to more effectively build healthy ministry teams in every area of your church.

Speakers

Christa Lund

Adult and NextGen Ministries Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Christa is ordained with the Assemblies of God and serves as the Adult & NextGen Ministries Director for the Ohio Ministry Network. She has served as a youth pastor, care & connect pastor and an executive pastor along with various other ministries for over 35 years with her husband... Read More →

Dan Lund

Ohio Ministry Network Superintendent

Dan Lund is the Superintendent for the Ohio Ministry Network, and has served in a variety of ministries for over 3 decades. His wife Christa serves as the Adult & NextGen Ministries Director and they have 4 married daughters with 8 grandkids, all serving in full-time ministry. He... Read More →

TEAMS Acronym Teaching PDF slides pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Conference Room

Lead Pastors Only

10:15am EDT

Best Practices for Sermon Preparation

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Bonus Room

In this session, we'll explore proven methods for crafting impactful sermons, from study techniques to effective message structuring. Gain practical tools to streamline your preparation process and deliver sermons that resonate with your congregation.

Speakers

Chad Gilligan

Lead Pastor, Calvary AG

Chad Gilligan is a husband to Rhonda and father to Clayton, Carissa and Evan. For the last 26 years, he has been privileged to serve at Calvary Church in Maumee, Ohio, first as Children’s Pastor and currently as Lead Pastor. Calvary is a multi-generational church of faith-filled... Read More →

Preaching Notes Handout pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Bonus Room

Leader Development

10:15am EDT

Supporting the Call to Missions

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Room 110

Feeling called to missions or know someone who is? This session is designed to equip both individuals and church leaders with practical steps for answering the call. We'll explore what it looks like to support those stepping into missions, how to nurture emerging leaders, and the process of transitioning from the church or marketplace into full-time missions work. Whether you're discerning your own call, guiding someone else, or seeking to raise up missionaries within your church, this session will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you take the next step in advancing God’s kingdom globally.

Speakers

Carlos Hernandez

Carlos Hernandez has served as Lead Pastor of The Rock Church in Oregon, OH for 16 years. As He engaged in His faith community he was a member of the board for Water For Ishmael, a ministry that teaches English and helps internationals integrate into the Toledo area through the love... Read More →

Supporting the Call Note Sheet pdf

Supporting the Call to Missions pdf

Supporting The Call Detailed Notes pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Room 110

Missions Partnership

10:15am EDT

New Credentials Orientation Session 1

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Family Room

Please note: YOU MUST ATTEND NCO PART 1 AND NCO PART 2. NCO is for anyone who is interested in obtaining first-time credentials or who is new to the Ohio Ministry Network. We explore the credential process, educational requirements, as well as the roles and responsibilities of being a minister.

Speakers

Josh Willaford

Leader Development Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Josh Willaford is the Director of Leader Development and Network Secretary for the Ohio Ministry Network. In this role, he oversees ministerial credentialing, ministerial development, the SEU Ohio Regional Campus, the Ohio School of Ministry, and the adult and nextgen ministry departments... Read More →

NCO Booklet No Dates pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Family Room

New Credentials Orientation

10:15am EDT

Worship Song Writing

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Multi-Purpose Room

Many worship leaders and teams desire to create songs that are specifically for their house of worship. In this session we will explore keys to writing well as an individual and as a team.

Speakers

Lincoln Williams

Worship/Young Adult Pastor, New Life Poland

Lincoln Williams is a passionate teacher/worshiper who has a huge heart for helping leaders grow, lead, and multiply themselves and their teams. He holds a Bachelor of Arts & Communications and a Masters of Science in Education from Youngstown State University, while serving in ministry... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Multi-Purpose Room

Worship

11:30am EDT

Putting the "Personal" in Personal Evangelism

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Education Gym

How do we use our gifts and personality to touch a broken world? In this session, Dan and Christa will discuss a variety of personalities in scripture and how they were effectively used to personally reach the lost.

Speakers

Christa Lund

Adult and NextGen Ministries Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Dan Lund

Ohio Ministry Network Superintendent

Putting the Personal in Personal Evangelism PDF Slides pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Education Gym

Church Health

11:30am EDT

Church Around the Table - Dinner Church

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 110

A Dinner Church is an expression of church that is effective in reaching people who would normally not come into the church building. It’s a church that creates space for people to live in community with one another in a way that breaks traditional social barriers while engaging the life-changing love and power of Jesus. Come on out to this workshop and explore Jesus’ own meal-centered approach to discipleship, mission, and community.

Speakers

Carl Bauchspiess

Dinner Church Director, OCMN

I’m an old Jesus freak from the 70s. After a career in the USAF, I was licensed in the Assemblies of God in 1995. Ive pastored in South Dakota, Youngstown Ohio, and Wisconsin. I’m currently the Dinner Church Director for the Ohio Ministries Network, helping to start dinner churches... Read More →

Ryan Little

Lead Pastor, Hope Hill

We’re Ryan & Jen Little and we have two sons - Carson & Jase. Together, we have the privilege of leading Hope Hill. We love getting the opportunity to serve and enjoy a hot meal with friends and neighbors each week. But Hope Hill is more than just a meal it's a family reunion! Every... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 110

Church Multiplication

11:30am EDT

The Compassionate Response to the Abortion Issue

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 200

This breakout session will help you understand the deep impact abortion has on the local church. This workshop will help you move away from politics being our only response, to a proactive compassionate response to this issue. God's Word tells us life is precious, life is revered, and that He loves life. You will learn of resources available for you to bring heart change to your church and community. You can help make abortion unthinkable, even before it is illegal in all 50 states.

Speakers

Jack Harper

Men’s Director, US Missionary - SaveOne

Sheila Harper

Founder and President, US Missionary- SaveOne

Sheila Harper is the Founder and President of SaveOne, a global outreach ministry helping men, women, and families recover after abortion. She holds a Master’s degree in biblical counseling, is a certified mental health coach with the American Association of Christian Counselors... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 200

Cultural Conversations

11:30am EDT

Love Your City: Practical Ways to Impact Your Community

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Activities Center

How well do you love your city? If your church moved to another location, would your city miss you? Would they notice? The tips and ideas from this session will be especially beneficial to those needing to stretch a budget. Many takeaways would also be ideal for small group serve opportunities. Become a church your city can't live without!

Speakers

Kelly Zimmerman

Executive Director, Mission 516

I was recently introduced as "lover of Jesus" and while I'll share a little more during our session, that is all I would ever really want anyone to know. I have served on church boards, lead teams, church staffs, non-profit boards - my most favorite roles are disciple-maker, wife... Read More →

Love Your City Synergy25 compressed pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Activities Center

Engage Community

11:30am EDT

Panel Discussion on Foster Care Ministry

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 210

Join this panel of pastors as they discuss and answer questions around foster care ministry in their church.

Speakers

James Barton

Lead Pastor, Rush Church

James and Jill Barton started our pastoring journey at New Life Church in Poland Ohio under the leadership of Pastor Bull as youth pastors 23 years ago. A new call to plant Rush church came to us 8 years later. This has been an exciting road as Jesus calls us to love people as He... Read More →

Jill Barton

Rush Church

Greg Glodkowski

Lead Pastor, Chester Christian Center A/G

Greg is the lead pastor at Chester Christian Center A/G in Chesterland, Ohio since 2016. Prior to becoming lead pastor, Greg was a youth pastor for over 21 years with the last 18 years at Chester Christian Center A/G in Chesterland, Ohio. He is married and has two children. In his... Read More →

Jordan Biel

Lead Pastor, Rock of Grace

Jordan Biel is the lead pastor of Rock of Grace, a church passionate about leading people to follow Jesus together and on mission to transform Trumbull county for Jesus! 2005 to 2017, he served under his dad and traveled extensively leading worship and preaching. Jordan's worship... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 210

Father's Heart Foster Care Ministry

11:30am EDT

Habits of Healthy Communicators

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Main Auditorium

How we say what we say matters in ministry every day. When the media is on your church doorstep, that is not the time to decide who will speak on behalf of your organization and what to say. What the receptionist says to an incoming caller can either throw gas on a fire or de-escalate an explosive situation. You get to choose. Is there a time NOT to pray with someone? Is “no comment” the answer to give a media request? When can your words be used against your organization in litigation? When is texting or other communication confidential? Should an anonymous letter be dropped in the shredder? Come tidy up your communication skills and help your team do the same.

Speakers

Donna Barrett

General Secretary, Assemblies of God

Habits of Healthy Communicators pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Main Auditorium

General Session

11:30am EDT

Understanding Trauma

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Mouse House

Understanding the short-term and long-term effects of trauma for individuals and the best ways to respond to behaviors that are triggered by trauma.

Speakers

Jamie Baxter

Jamie and her husband Tom have 3 children Ellie (21), Luke (18), and Ava (15) and have served in ministry for the past 24 years. Jamie is a licensed clinical mental health clinician and has served in community mental health agencies specializing in working with children, families... Read More →

Children and Youth Trauma pptx

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Mouse House

Kidmin

11:30am EDT

(Lead Pastors Only) Adapting Kingdom Builders for Your Church Setting

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Conference Room

Explore with other lead pastors ways to adapt Kingdom Builders for your church to increase giving and generosity.

Speakers

TJ Wolfe

Lead Pastor, Multiply Church

TJ is a husband to Betsy and father to Julian and Levi. For the last 20 years of full-time ministry he has served in almost all areas of church leadership. He has been a Kids Pastor, Outreach Pastor, Small Groups Pastor, Dream Center Director, and more. He currently serves as... Read More →

Chad Gilligan

Lead Pastor, Calvary AG

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Conference Room

Lead Pastors Only

11:30am EDT

Fueling and Sustaining Passion on Your Team

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Multi-Purpose Room

Discover key approaches to maintaining gospel-driven urgency, spiritual enthusiasm, and consistent motivation in your ministry team. This session will help you create a culture that keeps your team inspired and committed to their purpose.

Speakers

Angel Porubsky

Lead Pastor, Radiant Life Church

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Multi-Purpose Room

Leader Development

11:30am EDT

Missions Trip Leader Training

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Bonus Room

Are you called to lead a mission trip? This session is designed to equip you with the tools and insights needed to successfully prepare for and lead a team with a heart focused on serving others. From practical trip planning and logistics to cultivating a servant-hearted mindset, we’ll cover key steps to ensure your trip is impactful and spiritually enriching for both your team and those you serve. Whether you're a first-time leader or a seasoned one, this training will help you lead with purpose, humility, and effectiveness.

Speakers

Stacy Petty

Ohio Missions Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Stacy was called into ministry at church camp when she was only in elementary school. Her love to serve the lost really took off in high school and college when she traveled all over the world during short-term missions trips as well as within the United States. In 2013, Stacy left... Read More →

Matt Sullivan

Youth & Missions Pastor, Radiant Life Church

Matt Sullivan is a Youth and Missions Pastor serving at Radiant Life Church in Dublin, OH. Along with his wife, Kathryn, Matt seeks to spur on missions DNA throughout the Body they serve through prayer initiatives, leading trips, organizing missions emphasis Sundays and conventions... Read More →

Tools for Missions Trip Leaders pdf

Manage Missions

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Bonus Room

Missions Partnership

11:30am EDT

New Credentials Orientation Session 2

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Family Room

Speakers

Josh Willaford

Leader Development Director, Ohio Ministry Network

NCO Booklet No Dates pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Family Room

New Credentials Orientation

11:30am EDT

There’s More to It: Embracing What It Takes to Make Vision a Reality

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Choir Room

Do you have goals and vision for yourself, your family and your church that are bigger than you are? If God doesn’t show up and do it, it’s not going to happen? If not, WHY NOT! God is calling us to be fully dependent on Him and to trust Him with the vision He extends to us, not to minimize it! Join us for a time to break down some of the concepts and disciplines that will be the key to activating your faith in a way that will propel vision into reality. We will close out our time praying down Heaven over our goals and trusting God with the vision He has shared with us. Come expecting practical application and passionate prayer.

Speakers

Katrina Del Valle

Executive Presbyter, Region 5 (Cincy & Dayton)

Wife, Mom and Minister. I have served for the last 20 years in various ministries including world missions, us missions, Chi Alpha, the Cincinnati Area pastors and currently I have the privilege of serving the pastors and leaders in the Cincinnati and Dayton area. My specialties... Read More →

Key+Result+Areas+with+statement pdf

OFJ+Half+Sheet png

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Choir Room

Ohio for Jesus

11:30am EDT

Students Sharing Jesus

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Room 100

In this session, you will learn about strategies for empowering students to engage their campus, church, and communities for Jesus. We will focus on practical approaches for leaders to help students know how to share the gospel in their current mission field and how you can partner with Youth Alive to achieve the goal of having a campus missionary in every school in Ohio.

Speakers

Matt Clark

Youth Alive Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Saturday March 15, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Room 100

Youth Ministry

12:30pm EDT

Lunch

Saturday March 15, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT

Activities Center, Multipurpose Room, Education Gym, Cafe

Grab your selected Chick-Fil-A lunch and find a spot to eat either with your team and with other leaders from across the state. See the map in the app (no...it's not Dr. Suess) to find food locations.

Saturday March 15, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Activities Center, Multipurpose Room, Education Gym, Cafe

General Session

1:30pm EDT

Relational Mentoring for the Next Generation of Women

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Choir Room

During this session we will focus on the transformative power of relational mentoring to guide and inspire the next generation of women. Leaders, mentors, and anyone passionate about influencing the lives of young ladies are welcome to join this breakout!

Speakers

Danielle Dickerson

OMNWomen Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Choir Room

Adult & Next Gen

1:30pm EDT

On Purpose with the Holy Spirit

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Education Gym

God has been doing a tremendous work at Lima First. In this session, Lead Pastor Darrell Bucher and Associate Pastor Christian Bucher will be teaching how to structure your church services in a way that can maximize the moving of the Holy Spirit.

Speakers

Christian Bucher

Associate Pastor, LFC - Lima First Church

Darrell Bucher

Lead Pastor, LFC - Lima First Church

Ministering full time for over 32 years, Darrell & Lori Bucher have served in almost every capacity within the local church. Currently pastoring at LFC - Lima First Church, their desire is to see the Holy Spirit empower the church so that entire cities, states & regions be transformed... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Education Gym

Church Health

1:30pm EDT

Planting a Church in Ohio

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Green Room

Are you ready to learn more about planting a church in Ohio? This session is for planters, parent churches, and anyone who wants to discover more about the church planting process. It will give you information about resources, training, conferences, best practices and provide you the opportunity to ask questions.

Speakers

Tom Baxter

Assistant Church Multiplication Director / Men's Ministry Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Tom serves as the assistant church multiplication director and the men's ministry director for Ohio Ministry Network. He is a church planter himself and has over 20 years of full time ministry experience. Tom and his wife Jamie live in Cincinnati and have three children.

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Green Room

Church Multiplication

1:30pm EDT

Increasing Your Productivity

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 110

Discover practical strategies to boost your productivity and increase efficiency in completing your day to day tasks. In this session, we'll explore tools and resources that empower you to give time to the important as well as the urgent.

Speakers

Sarah House

Events & Resourcing Director, Ohio Ministry Network

In 2009, Sarah House joined the Ohio Ministry Network team as an administrative assistant and then as the church multiplication coordinator for the Ohio Church Multiplication Network. She has also served at the network office as the communications & resourcing director and as the... Read More →

Synergy Presentation pptx

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 110

Church Operations

1:30pm EDT

Reaching the LGBTQ+ Community

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 100

Our world around us is constantly discipling us to accept worldly views instead of kingdom views. The truths we are taught do not always align with our God-given identities and the foundation of the gospel. Teachings regarding LGBTQ+ mindsets are potentially the greatest example of this today. This movement has deeply invaded our culture, our churches, our children, and our lives. It is imperative that we are equipped to confront these false beliefs in love and truth, as we hold firmly to God’s heart to renew, redeem, and transform all people.

Speakers

Matt Ostermeyer

US Missionary, Chi Alpha at The Ohio State University

Reaching the LGBTQ Community pptm

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 100

Cultural Conversations

1:30pm EDT

The Why & How of Foster Care Ministry

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Family Room

Learn why we should be involved in foster care ministry, what is involved in it, and how to start it.

Speakers

Paris Yanno

Director of Father's Heart, OMN Father's Heart

Paris is the wife of Al Yanno. They have six children, who are all now adults and two grandchildren. She served at Heart Reach Ministries in Youngstown for 26 years, working with children and youth in the inner-city there. She also served as an associate pastor alongside her husband... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Family Room

Father's Heart Foster Care Ministry

1:30pm EDT

Relational Wisdom

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Main Auditorium

Not if, but when conflicts arise in ministry, the kindest act from a leader is to have already prepared themselves in advance to provide guidance and direction on how to lead in the conflict. Onlookers will be repelled away or drawn toward your ministry, even if subconsciously, based on the tendency to be conflict avoidant or a demonstrated leadership to navigate conflict in a healthy way. As General Secretary for the national office of the Assemblies of God, most every call to Donna Barrett’s office is around a conflict, whether within one of our 66 districts, between a board and pastor, between a minister and someone bringing a complaint, or litigation from the courts. You’ll learn practical helps to use as a leader and gain guidance on developing a culture that is healthy with conflict.

Speakers

Donna Barrett

General Secretary, Assemblies of God

Relational Wisdom Handout pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Main Auditorium

General Session

1:30pm EDT

Doing Church for Immigrants in an American Context

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 210

The great commission and call of the church is to bring the good news of the gospel to every tribe, language and culture (Mat 28:18-20). In light of this great commission, how can leaders of immigrant churches in Ohio adapt their ministries and theology to fit American culture enabling their ministry to impact the wider Ohio community beyond their own?

Speakers

Alexis Muhumure

Assistant Pastor and Discipleship Leader, Rehoboth International Church

My name is Alexis Muhumure. I am married and have one son. I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, grew up in Rwanda, and fled to Uganda with my family for safety. In 2014, we moved to the United States together. Currently, I serve as the assistant pastor at Rehoboth International... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 210

International Ministries

1:30pm EDT

Teaching Kids the Why & How of Prayer

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Activities Center

Imagine if kids could grasp the spiritual discipline of prayer from an early age and the impact it would make in their lives! In this session, you will be equipped to explain to kids why they should pray and how they can do it! It will include a hands-on prayer experiences that you can immediately implement in your church.

Speakers

Edgar Santos

NextGen Pastor, Bethel Christian

Pastor Edgar, an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, joined the Bethel Christian staff in 2019. He currently serves as the NextGen Pastor, overseeing all ministries from nursery through high school. Edgar also serves as the Cleveland Area Kids Rep for the Ohio Ministry Network... Read More →

Teaching Kids the Why and How of Prayer pdf

Synergy Kids Why & How of Prayer zip

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Activities Center

Kidmin

1:30pm EDT

(Lead Pastors Only) Discipleship - Chick-fil-A Style

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Conference Room

Speakers

Brian Siktberg

Calib Turner

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Conference Room

Lead Pastors Only

1:30pm EDT

How to Study Scripture

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Mouse House

This session will focus on learning how to break down a passage of scripture by looking at the cultural and historical background, bringing out the hidden gems of the text itself, and understanding how to find patterns and connections in scripture. You will also leave equipped with some tools to explore all the many riches of the Word of God!

Speakers

Kayla Turner

Director, SEU Ohio

Kayla grew up in Ohio serving in ministry with her parents, Dan and Christa Lund. Upon graduating from Southeastern University she went on to get her Masters in Ministerial Leadership and has done studies at Pentecostal Theological Seminary in Biblical Studies as well. Throughout... Read More →

How to Study Scripture Guide.docx pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Mouse House

Leader Development

1:30pm EDT

Missions Hot Topics

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Room 200

Join us for an open and dynamic Q&A session with experienced missionaries as they tackle the hottest topics in missions today! This is your chance to ask the questions you've always wanted to know about global ministry. From navigating cultural challenges and fundraising to leading effective mission trips and building long-term partnerships, no topic is off-limits. Whether you're a pastor, leader, or passionate about missions, come ready to engage in candid conversations and gain practical insights to elevate your missions efforts.

Speakers

Stacy Petty

Ohio Missions Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Heather Erickson

Director, Ohio Chi Alpha

After serving in the marketplace, Heather and her husband Andy felt the call to return to their alma mater to serve in the Chi Alpha ministry that changed their lives. Now as the campus missionaries for the universities across Dayton, OH, they love the challenge of contextualizing... Read More →

Andy Erickson

Director, Ohio Chi Alpha

Andy & Heather Erickson have served as Nationally Appointed AGUSM Chi Alpha missionaries for the last 15 years both locally on the campus and now as the District Directors for Ohio. They are committed to discipling college students through the intersection of Gospel and culture. Their... Read More →

Cyndi Martin

Career Missionary, Assemblies of God World Missions, West Africa

Joe and Cyndi Martin are high school sweethearts who are also fully appointed missionaries with Assemblies of God World Missions. They first went to Africa with their 2 children, Matthew and Abigail, in 2013. After serving a term in Ethiopia and then for 5 years as staff pastors at... Read More →

Joe Martin

Career Missionary, Assemblies of God World Missions, West Africa

Joe and Cyndi Martin are high school sweethearts who are fully appointed missionaries with Assemblies of God World Missions. They first went to Africa with their 2 children, Matthew and Abigail, in 2013. After serving a term in Ethiopia and then for 5 years as staff pastors at Liberty... Read More →

Bob Stetz

Cleveland, Ohio natives, Bob and Erin started as Missionary Associates in 2016 with two years on the German/Swiss Field. They returned to Germany in 2020 as fully appointed Swiss Missionaries. From 2020-2024 they have partnered with the Swiss Assemblies of God to plant churches in... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Room 200

Missions Partnership

1:30pm EDT

Building a Healthy Culture for Worship

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Multi-Purpose Room

In this session, we will explore how to create healthy systems and language to build a solid staff and worship team culture.

Speakers

Lincoln Williams

Worship/Young Adult Pastor, New Life Poland

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Multi-Purpose Room

Worship

1:30pm EDT

What Teens Need to Develop Their Faith

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

Bonus Room

In this session, we will examine key spiritual disciplines and practices that help young people grow closer to God. We will explore practical ways for teens to build a strong faith. Whether you're a leader, parent, or student, you'll leave with tools to guide the next generation.

Speakers

Nate Ortiz

Network Youth Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Nate Ortiz has served as the network youth director since 2015 and has been in youth ministry for 17 years. He has a passion to see leaders empowered and the next generation encouraged to live out the life God has for them.

Saturday March 15, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Bonus Room

Youth Ministry

2:45pm EDT

Effective Ministry to Women

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Choir Room

This session is designed to equip leaders, mentors, and volunteers with practical strategies for effective ministry to women across various life stages and backgrounds

Speakers

Danielle Dickerson

OMNWomen Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Choir Room

Adult & Next Gen

2:45pm EDT

Young Men & the Church

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Bonus Room

Speakers

Andy Erickson

Director, Ohio Chi Alpha

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Bonus Room

Adult & Next Gen

2:45pm EDT

Building TEAMS: Trust, Equip, Assess, Manage, & Serve

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Education Gym

We're better together, so come learn how to more effectively build healthy ministry teams in every area of your church.

Speakers

Christa Lund

Adult and NextGen Ministries Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Dan Lund

Ohio Ministry Network Superintendent

TEAMS Acronym Teaching PDF slides pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Education Gym

Church Health

2:45pm EDT

New Frontiers of Gospel Ministry & Church Planting

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Green Room

Based upon the Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22, Jesus is sending His church to go and reach people who are hesitant to come. The goal of this workshop is to explore and imagine what it's going to take to reach those who are often marginalized or overlooked even by the church. We will take a look at effective & creative strategies to reach everyone with the gospel.

Speakers

Al Yanno

Church Multiplication Director, Ohio Church Multiplication Network

In 1994, Al and Paris Yanno started Heart Reach Ministries, a faith-based, non-profit for inner city youth and their families. Out of that ministry, they launched Metro Assembly in 2002, a multi-ethnic church committed to bringing transformation to the lives of people and their city... Read More →

SYNERGY New Frontiers of Gospel Ministry 2025 pptx

SYNERGY New Frontiers of Gospel Ministry 2025 pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Green Room

Church Multiplication

2:45pm EDT

AI & U

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Room 200

This session will be focused on the "do's" and "dont's of "using artificial intelligence in your ministry context and provide resources for best practices.

Speakers

Kyle Zeid

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 200

Church Operations

2:45pm EDT

Church Marketing Basics: Google Ads, SEO, & Websites

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Room 110

If people can't find you, it's difficult for them to come to your church. In this session, we will explore the basics of setting up a website, making sure you pop up in the right Google searches, and using your marketing budget in the places it makes the biggest difference.

Speakers

Courtney Jones

Owner/Designer, Little Creative Company

ChurchMarketingBasicsWorkshop CourtneyJones LCC pdf

Church Marketing Workshop Resource Packet FINAL pdf

Church Audience Identification Worksheet Download pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 110

Communications

2:45pm EDT

Your Kingdom Come: Activating the Body Christ to Build God’s Kingdom in Your Community

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Mouse House

The goal of this workshop is twofold:
a. To understand the power and anointed potential of the diversely unified Body of Christ (1Cor. 12). The Church is at its best when we collaborate together to build the Kingdom in our city.
b. To understand that God’s Kingdom requires us to go beyond our buildings, theological biases and cultural boundaries. The Church is at it’s best when we work together to make sure that every person has access to the Gospel. This includes the poor, the immigrant, the marginalized, the orphan, the widow, those in the minority.

Speakers

Jan Beard

Peoples Church Network, Peoples Church

WHAT EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE RELATED TO THE BREAKOUT SESSION TOPIC?Peoples Church Residency Director, Missions Board Chair, Leading alongside Christopher, Peoples Church Uptown since 2001, Global Leadership degree Fuller SeminaryWHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR BREAKOUT... Read More →

Chris Beard

Lead Pastor, Peoples Church

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Mouse House

Engage Community

2:45pm EDT

Strengthening Families: Keeping Kids Out of Foster Care

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Family Room

Learn about My Village Ministry and CarePortal which are resources that can help your church minister to fragile families and provide support so children don't end up in foster care.

Speakers

Aaron Earlywine

Area Director for Ohio, CarePortal

Aaron is the Area Director for CarePortal in the state of Ohio. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of Oregon and Ohio. Aaron and his wife Heidi reside in Springfield, OH. Aaron and Heidi have been married for 25 years and have 6 children and 2 grandchildren... Read More →

Phil Krause

Co-Director, My Village Ministries

Happily married to his wife, Erin, of 17 years and a father of 4 lively kids, Phil resides in Columbus, Ohio. He has almost 20 years of experience serving vulnerable families/children including being a foster, adoptive, and host parent. He currently is the Co-Director of My Village... Read More →

Synergy 2025 Slides pptx

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Family Room

Father's Heart Foster Care Ministry

2:45pm EDT

Kids & Worship: Efficient Ways of Teaching & Leading Kids in Worship

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Activities Center

Have you ever found yourself trying to lead kids in worship and overwhelmed because of their responses? Is it challenging to teach kids about worship because of imagery and theology in songs? You might not be alone! This session will empower attendees with practical methods to effectively teach kids about worship and what it means to have a life of worship.

Speakers

Lindsey Shaffer

Children's Pastor, Calvary Church

Lindsey is a Jesus follower, wife of Josh and mom to Landen, Kylie and Jase. She has served in ministry since she was 14 yrs old and attended Central Bible College for Kids Ministry/ Bible/ Psychology. Lindsey is now a full time staff pastor at Calvary Church in Maumee, serving in... Read More →

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Activities Center

Kidmin

2:45pm EDT

(Lead Pastors Only) Pastoring with Honor

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Conference Room

This session focuses on encouraging lead pastors to shepherd their congregations into the future while honoring the past, celebrating the church’s history, and guiding congregations through challenging seasons.

Speakers

Chad Gilligan

Lead Pastor, Calvary AG

Gary Gray

Lead Pastor, Highway Tabernacle

Gary and his wife Rhonda are lead pastors at Highway Tabernacle in Youngstown. Highway is a strong legacy church that has gone through enormous changes. Highway is located in a city that has undergone even more enormous changes. Gary has a passion for learning how to lead an established... Read More →

Rich Weller

Lead Pastor, Warren First

Pastoring With Honor Handout 03.15.25 docx

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Conference Room

Lead Pastors Only

2:45pm EDT

How to Communicate Scripture

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Main Auditorium

We are ALL called to communicate the Word of God! We just won't all do it the same way, and that is ok! This session will focus on helping equip you with some best practices in communicating to others all that you are studying in God's word. Afterall, we were never meant to keep what He shows us to ourselves. Learn how to piece things together so it feels authentic to you but brings the truth of God's word to others in a way that connects.

Speakers

Kayla Turner

Director, SEU Ohio

How to Study Scripture Guide.docx pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Main Auditorium

Leader Development

2:45pm EDT

Raising a Missional Generation

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Room 210

How can we cultivate a heart for missions in our entire family? This session will explore practical ways to engage your whole family in missions, whether through prayer, giving, or going. From BGMC (Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge) and Speed the Light to family missions trips, we will discover how to inspire a shared passion for reaching the world with the Gospel. Learn how to foster a missional mindset in every family member and create meaningful opportunities to serve together. You'll leave equipped with ideas for praying as a family, supporting global missions, and incorporating missions into everyday life. Let's raise a generation of families with a heart for missions!

Speakers

Stacy Petty

Ohio Missions Director, Ohio Ministry Network

Lynna Mooney

Children's Pastor, Lima First Church

Lynna has been in kids ministry for over 15 years. She currently serves as the Ohio BGMC director and as the children's pastor at Lima First Church. Her heart beats for missions, raspberry or peppermint mochas and all things Disney! She loves to destress by doing puzzles (only Disney... Read More →

Matt Sullivan

Youth & Missions Pastor, Radiant Life Church

Resources for Raising a Missional Generation (1) pdf

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT
Room 210

Missions Partnership

2:45pm EDT

Worship Roundtable

Saturday March 15, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm EDT

Multi-Purpose Room

This session will provide and opportunity for you as worship leaders to ask questions, discuss what you've learned, and explore topics not cover in previous sessions.

Speakers