Forest Lakes District EFCA

Loving Those God Sends You to Serve (April Warfield, Spring 2026)

God gifts and calls His Church in diverse ways for Kingdom work. This workshop explores how we faithfully respond to His call by engaging the increasingly diverse communities around us. Participants will gain practical ministry tools to cultivate cross-cultural insights, relational outreach, and a faithful presence rooted in the gospel.

Loving the LGBTQ Community (Steve Berg, Spring 2026)

Many of us are walking with students, family members, church attendees or friends who identify as LGBTQ. These relationships naturally raise important questions about gender, sexuality, discipleship, and pastoral care all while holding to a traditional sexual ethic. As leaders, we not only carry our own questions—we’re also helping others process theirs. How do we do that faithfully? How do we reflect the heart of Jesus in conversations that can feel complex, emotional, or tense? In this seminar, we’ll take an honest and practical look at how Jesus engaged with people, what His posture teaches us, and how we can embody His love and truth as we walk alongside the people entrusted to us.

Loving Your Staff Team: Providing financial health through compensation packages, taxation, retirement & other benefits. (Jeff Englin, Spring 2026)

Your staff is a key asset of the church. Is your church leadership addressing their needs so staff can minister without financial stress. We will share the importance of compensation fundamentals like (salary, housing allowance, tax considerations and retirement). We will touch on investment opportunities and strategies for the future.

Loving and Serving alongside the Disabilities Community with Curiosity and Compassion (Karen Maurer, Spring 2026)

By God’s divine design, the beautiful body of Christ is intended to include children and adults of all types of abilities.  And yet, our modern church environments and culture are often inaccessible for individuals with neurodiversity or other types of disabilities.  Come and hear stories and strategies for how to connect the Gospel with all types of learners by removing one barrier at a time and transforming your church culture one step at a time.

Loving the Prisoner (Jamie Thompson, Spring 2026)

“I was in prison and you came to me.” Jesus gives a beautiful description of the kind of people who will inherit the kingdom, yet many Christians and churches feel overwhelmed by prison ministry.  But our churches are filled with people who have been incarcerated or who have loved ones who have been incarcerated.  Obeying Jesus in this vital (and non-optional) area is less intimidating and more fruitful than you might imagine, and you likely have highly motivated saints in your church who will catch the vision quickly. Jamie Thompson currently teaches a bible class at a medium security state prison, currently has a best friend incarcerated, and previously lived with recently released prisoners as they integrated back into life on the outside.  And he’s still trying to figure out prison ministry at the local church level.  Come learn together from those who gather for this conversation.