BC Leadership Conference – September 20, 2025
Registration is open for the 3rd Annual BC Leadership Conference on Saturday, September 20!
Eight Christian Reformed Churches (CRC) in the Fraser Valley have decided to pool funds and resources together to form one large conference for any and all interested churches. Our goal is to provide a well-planned conference to bless our elders and deacons, staff and ministry leaders.
We have invited gifted leaders to teach us on important topics that include, but are not limited to, safe church, church governance, pastoral care, crucial conversations, missions, diaconal and mercy ministries, and more.
Each participant will be able to choose from a variety of different breakouts based on interest, and their role within the church.
If you are ready to register, click the link below. Otherwise, scroll down to learn more about our breakouts, answers to frequently asked questions, and more.
Registration closes September 13, 2025.
For further information regarding registrations please contact:
Taylor Visser
tvisser@newlifecrc.ca
604-852-1585
General Session Speaker
Tim Sheridan
Tim Sheridan is the Director of Church Planting for Resonate Global Mission/CRCNA and professor of congregational theology at the Missional Training Center, Phoenix. He has served in pastoral ministry for over twenty years in both the United States and Canada and has been involved in church planting in both countries during that time. He is the co-author, along with Michael Goheen, of Becoming a Missionary Church. He lives in Maple Ridge, outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, with his wife Andrea. They have four children, one son-in-law, and one grandson.
Breakout One Session & Speakers
“Surge: Discipleship for Ordinary Life”
with Dave Groen
In this session, we’ll be exploring a 9-month discipleship program called Surge. Developed by a group of churches, Surge was created to provide a space where men and women can reimagine just how integral their everyday lives are to the mission of God. It operates on the conviction that we don’t need to seek a more “spiritual” calling, but rather learn how to faithfully serve Jesus in the neighborhoods and workplaces we’re already part of.
“Strengthening Deacons, Strengthening the Church”
with Gary Veeneman & David Hornor
Discover how your role as a deacon can truly make a difference in your church and community!
Join us for this interactive workshop as we introduce you to the vision and work of Diaconal Ministries Canada (DMC) and the wide range of practical resources, tools, and support we offer to equip and empower deacons. Whether you’re new to diaconal ministry or looking to grow in your leadership, this session will help you better understand your calling, connect with other deacons, and explore new ways to lead your church in mercy and justice.
“Leading as a Woman Part 1: Challenges & Strengths”
with Jenna Fabiano
This is a slightly adapted version of the workshop that was offered last year. This year, with the addition of a part two (see the afternoon sessions), there is more space for dialogue and sharing of stories and experiences.
Being appointed as a leader of the church as a woman can come with unique or unexpected challenges. What are some of these challenges? What are some of the gifts women offer which help them to face some of these challenges? Join us as we share, discuss, and learn about the unique gifts that women offer to the church and how those gifts can be used to the maximum potential.
“Tips for Visiting People with Dementia”
with Steve Berkenpas
Visiting those with dementia has a unique set of challenges, often leading people to be under visited and cared for. I know in my own circles visiting a person with dementia can end up being so discouraging that we can be fearful in even arranging another the visit. This breakout will open with some practical considerations of what dementia is and how a Christian perspective provides hope. It will also focus on some practical tips on how to do effective visits with both those with dementia and their caregivers.
“Spiritual Formation for Church Leaders”
with Brad Sumner
How we define and do our work together as church leaders can either enhance or undo our spiritual formation as people. In this session, we will explore if it is possible or realistic to see our leadership responsibilities such as meetings and administration as spiritual formation moments. We will learn how the means to achieve our mandates must not be at odds to our ends.
Breakout Two Session & Speakers
“Leadership Sexual Misconduct – What does that mean for my church & council?”
with Jiyoung Jung & Faye Martin
Church leaders are most often blindsided when faced with the reality of sexual misconduct by a trusted leader. This session provides an opportunity to learn from a real case scenario & response process with an arm’s length lens. The discussion explores the critical questions to ask – proactively and reactively – to protect your community, thus equipping councils & leaders to exercise their responsibilities in an effective and healthy manner.
“How to Lead a Meeting”
with Andre VanRyk
Using experience and research we hope to provide information and ideas to help you lead a productive and efficient meeting. For beginners and veterans we expect there will be learnings for everyone.
“What does a Deacon actually do?”
with Erik deLange
Whether it’s your first term as a Deacon, or your 10th, come to this session to learn a bit about how to love your church and your community through the office to which you have been called.
“The Art of a Spirit-Filled Visit”
with Mike Koot
How can a simple visit become a moment where someone truly feels seen, known, and loved by Jesus? In this breakout session, we’ll explore how to turn pastoral and elder visits into meaningful encounters that gently fan the spark of faith in those we visit. Through practical “how-to” guidance—covering everything from preparation to follow-up—you’ll gain tools to approach visits with confidence, attentiveness, and spiritual intentionality. We’ll also talk through common pitfalls and “visit traps,” equipping you to navigate difficult moments with grace and purpose. This session is geared toward Elders and Deacons who are newer to visiting.
“How to Find Your Missional Identity”
with Albert Chu
How do you develop a missional culture and identity for your church? How can council and leaders help the church be more on God’s mission to redeem and restore all things? After all, God IS a missionary God. Mission is a movement from God to the world and we, the church, is that instrument for that mission.
Breakout Three Session & Speakers
“Crucial Conversations”
with Ken Ritsema
How to embrace conflict with Christian truth and love. This applies to areas of leadership, pastoral care, discipleship, etc. In fact, the health of a congregation is often tied to whether these conversations are happening, or not. This session will give you a perspective and framework to discover how these difficult conversations can become opportunities for growth. They may even be God’s tool to move you to a place you didn’t think was possible!
“Mental Illness and Church Leadership”
with Leanne Koot
This session explores the often-overlooked intersection of mental illness and church leadership. We’ll engage in honest conversation about the unique challenges leaders face when navigating their own mental health or supporting others who struggle. Together, we’ll consider how to foster a culture of compassion, reduce stigma, and create space for vulnerability within leadership teams. Whether you’ve faced mental illness personally or want to better support others, this breakout offers insight, practical tools, and hope for a healthier, more honest approach to leadership in the Church. Let’s build communities where brokenness is met with grace.
“Discipleship ABCs”
with Wilma Vanderleek
In a time of constant change, church leaders often struggle to know where to focus. This session invites leaders to return to the essentials—what 1Life calls the “foundations”—through the lens of the five core callings of the CRCNA (called to worship, to form and pass on faith, to practice justice & mercy, to raise up new leaders, and to live missionally). Participants will explore each calling as a gift that helps illuminate a path toward a more holistic, faithful, and practical Christian life. Attendees will leave with fresh insight into how their congregation can engage the five callings and make the most of 1Life’s resources.
“More than Just “Nice Sermon, Pastor”
with Chris deWinter
How can church councils and elders offer constructive feedback on preaching that supports growth, faithfulness, and encouragement? This session equips leaders with practical tools for sermon evaluation. We’ll explore types of evaluation (content, clarity, gospel-centeredness, delivery) and how to establish healthy rhythms of regular feedback that serve both preacher and congregation. This session will help your team give feedback that’s thoughtful, honest, and actually helpful.
“Leading as a Woman Part 2: A Biblical Defense for Women in Leadership”
with Jenna Fabiano
For many women, stepping into a position of leadership is challenging on a number of different levels, but these challenges often boil down to one specific conversation: What does Scripture really say about women in leadership? This workshop is geared towards anyone who is looking for a clearer understanding of how Scripture speaks about women’s roles in the church. Warning: there is a lot of information and Scripture to pack into a short amount of time, so be prepared for a firehose.
FAQS
When and where is this Conference?
What is the cost per person for this conference and how do I pay?
$25/person.
Payment can be made via etransfer to giving@newlifecrc.ca. Payment can also be made via cash or cheque, please drop this off/mail this to the New Life Church office (35270 Delair Road). Office hours are Tuesday-Thursday 9am-2pm and Friday 9am-12pm. However you pay your fee, please include a memo with the name of the registrant and “BC Leadership Conference”.
The eight churches noted above have committed to help with some of the major costs to keep the cost of registration to a minimum.
Who is it for?
Any and all pastors and church council members are welcome to attend, as well as church staff and ministry leaders. This conference is hosted by 8 different Christian Reformed Churches in the Fraser Valley. The focus is to together train and equip our Church Elders, Deacons and Pastors.
I already registered, but I need to make a change/cancel my registration. What do I do?
Is food provided?
Yes. lunch will be provided, along with snacks and beverages throughout the day. If you have specific food allergies or plan to bring your own food, please note that on your registration.
What is the schedule for the day?
8:30am – Morning Devotions and Worship
9:00am – Large Group Session
10:00am – Breakout #1 (50 mins)
11:00am – Breakout #2 (50 mins)
11:50am – Lunch
1:00pm – Worship & Large Group Session
2:15pm – Breakout #3 (50 mins)
3:20pm – Breakout #4 (25 mins)
3:50pm – Closing Remarks & Prayer
*Schedule may be subject to change
Where can I register?
CLICK HERE to register.
Registration closes September 13.
For further information regarding registrations please contact:
Taylor Visser
tvisser@newlifecrc.ca
604-852-1585
Our entire council is not able to attend. Can I still attend by myself?
- If you come as a full council, we will do our best to give you a space for the 4th and final breakout where you can gather together for your own self-guided custom training (space is limited).
- If you come alone (or in a smaller group), you are still most welcome! Lots of people in previous years have come without their entire council. The fourth breakout session is focused toward each church council meeting to discuss how they can implement everything they learned in their specific council. If you come alone or with a small group, you are welcome to gather with others who are in the same boat and discuss together.