Wisconsin / Northern Michigan Ministries Network

Big Churches - Small Churches What's The Difference?

Session 2: Big Churches, Small Churches: What’s The Difference? Small churches are different from big churches. It’s not a matter of scale, but of type. Many big church principles just don’t translate well to a small church context. In this session, Karl Vaters will share those principles in a way that helps small and large churches work together more effectively. We’ll also explore the role of the Law of Large Numbers and how a church’s culture affects everything. Session two of our May Next Level Leadership Series.

Redefining Success In Ministry

Session 1: Redefining Success In Ministry What is successful pastoral ministry? And how can we break away from the usual attendance-based focus? In this session, Karl Vaters will discuss how chasing a false view of success can harm the pastor and the church, and how to embark on the essential journey of redefining successful ministry from a biblical standpoint. This was part of the Next Level Leadership Series

Summit 2026 Dr Michael Rakes - A life Surrendered to the Call

Dr. Michael Rakes, president of Evangel University, spoke during the Network Summit 2026 credentialing service, offering a powerful reminder that ministry credentials are not simply an achievement but a sacred commissioning. He challenged leaders to live surrendered, Spirit-empowered lives marked by obedience, integrity, courage, and humility. His message called every minister—newly credentialed or seasoned—to say yes again to God’s calling and serve with fresh dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Network Summit 2026- John Davis - Life Should Be An Adventure

John Davis, our Network Superintendent, preached “Life Should Be an Adventure,” a study from Acts 4:32–37 on Barnabas and the kind of life that follows Jesus with faith, calling, generosity, and mission. In this message, he invited leaders to see ministry not as something to merely manage, but as an adventure of obedience—where Spirit-filled believers encourage others, release what they have, and step boldly into God’s purpose.

Network Summit 2026- Dr Darla Rakes - Go Awakening A Generation To Reality

Dr. Darla Rakes, Evangel University’s Ambassador to Students and Donors, spoke at Network Summit 2026 with a compelling call to awaken a generation to reality—the truth that God is Creator, Christ is Lord, and the gospel sends us into the world with clarity and compassion. Drawing from Scripture, she challenged leaders to reject false realities, fix their thoughts on what is true, and “go” with renewed conviction to make disciples of all nations.