Breakout Sessions

We are excited to offer an array of breakout sessions aimed at equipping you with the tools and insights needed to thrive in your ministry. From developing spaces for the soul and healthy leadership rhythms to addressing contemporary challenges in student ministry and worship leadership, our sessions are crafted to help you lead with purpose and passion.

Breakout Session #1

Breakout Session #2

Breakout Session #3

Breakout Session #1

Tuesday, February 3rd at 11:00 AM

Children/Family/Youth

Cultivating EQ in Children:

Join clinical psychologist, professor, and parenting expert Dr. Andrea Gurney for a practical workshop on Cultivating Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in Children. In this session you will learn the four components of EQ, why it’s so important today, and what you can do to foster emotional intelligence in your homes, churches, and communities.

Dr. Andrea Gurney, Psychologist, Professor, and Author

Church Planting

Do you Feel Called to Plant a Church?

Come learn more about ECO's church planting process and see if planting with us is right for you!

Rev. Luke Parker, Director of Church Planting, ECO and Rev. Nate Stratman, Pastor and Church Planter, Hope Community Church, Wilmington, NC

Creative Arts & Worship

10 Questions Every Lead Pastor Should Ask Their Worship Leader

This session will offer a framework of key questions that can deepen trust, improve communication, and align ministry goals. Whether you’re looking to build stronger collaboration or simply open new conversations, this breakout will help you take meaningful steps together.

Brandon Muchow, Minister of Worship, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach, CA

Engaging Culture

An Open Conversation Around Same Sex Attraction (Part 1)

Same-sex attraction can feel like an isolating struggle—especially in the church. But what if the church could be the safest place for real conversations? In this breakout, Jeff will share his personal journey of navigating SSA while serving in ministry and discuss how church leaders can create spaces of both truth and grace without compromising biblical conviction.

Jeff and Jourdan Johnson, Hosts, Open Spaces Podcast & Staff at Passion City Church, Atlanta, GA

Finance & Business

Five Shifts for a Generosity Culture in Your Church

Building a culture of generosity is essential for churches seeking to thrive in their mission. In this session, discover five key shifts that can help FUEL your mission!

John Terech, Executive Director of Operations, ECO

Global Engagement

Empowering the Next Generation: Raising Up Missional Leaders

Join us for an engaging session focused on cultivating missional leaders among the next generation. This session will explore practical strategies for identifying, mentoring, and equipping young leaders to live out their faith with purpose and impact in their communities. Drawing from biblical principles and decades of raising up missional leaders, Daniel will share how to foster a multiplication mindset, encourage cross-generational collaboration, and empower emerging leaders to navigate the challenges of modern culture while advancing God’s mission.

Daniel Yang, National Director of Churches of Welcome, World Relief

Healthy Teams & Leaders

Daily Practices of Reliance in a Culture of Self-Sufficiency

Why are so many Christian leaders burning out, losing faith, and abusing power? Rather than relying on our self-sufficiency and toughing our way through the tension, we are invited to confess it. In this breakout, we will be reminded of the call that first captured our imagination, directing our passions back to God and God’s people. We will learn to experience the surprising freedom of grappling with a loving God, be released from illusions of control into a lifestyle of healing hope, rediscover your passion for ministry and your love for God and God’s people.

Mandy Smith, Author and Pastor, St Lucia Uniting Church, Australia

Healthy Teams & Leaders

Called to Flourish as a Leader - How is God inviting you to grow as a leader right now?

Flourishing churches need flourishing leaders - that includes ordained pastors, elders, and lay leaders. This session will help you reflect on your own development and share training, assessments, and support pathways including lay leader and coach training, peacemaking, the development of a lifelong learning pathway, and more. Discover the next step in your leadership journey.

Rev. Dr. Kaitlyn Wood, Director of Church Health, ECO

Healthy Teams & Leaders

Called to Flourish: In Seasons of Transition

Is your church preparing for, or navigating, a change in leadership? Pastoral transitions can feel uncertain, but they also hold unique opportunities for growth. In this session, our Flourish Navigators will share wisdom for churches facing a transition. They will also share about the different resources, tools, and assistance our denomination has to offer. Come explore how to lead your congregation through these seasons with hope, clarity, and purpose.

Rev. William Enns and Rev. Dorington Little, Flourish Search Navigators

Local Church

Healing Prayer Ministry

It's not as weird as you think! Many believers hear the words “healing prayer” and immediately think, Isn’t that a little... out there? But what if healing prayer is not only normal, but actually an essential part of the life and ministry of the Church? In this breakout session, we’ll explore the heart of healing prayer ministry—what it is, what it isn’t, why it matters today, and how you can start one in your church.

Rev. Don Feuerbach, Pastor of Congregational Care, First Presbyterian Greenville, SC

Theology

Why do we need Essential Tenets?

Why do we need Essential Tenets? Come and learn about the composition of the Essential Tenets, the theological reasoning for the Essential Tenets, and be encouraged to join an in-depth study of the Essential Tenets in your congregations.

ECO's Standing Theological Committee (STC)

Theology

The Sabbath, Rest, and Ministry

It has been a little over two years since The Lord of Time: Living in the Rest and Reign of God, was delivered to the larger church family. This breakout session will be an opportunity to look again at this important articulation of what Scripture presents as one, if not the, most important of all the commandments. We will explore how and why this is so as well as learn what individuals, churches, and presbyteries are doing to use this study to deepen their discipleship and spiritual health. This will be led by Mark Patterson with help from others from the team that produced it.

Rev. Dr. Mark Patterson, Professor, Flourish Institute of Theology

Breakout Session #2

Tuesday, February 3rd at 2:00 PM

Church Planting

Becoming a Sending Church

Come learn how your church can start a church planting movement.

Rev. Luke Parker, Director of Church Planting, ECO & Rev. Nate Dreesmann, Executive Director of Ecclesiastical Support, ECO

Discipleship & Evangelism

Called to Flourish: As a Small Church

How can your small church thrive in the place God has planted you? Small churches carry unique strengths: deep relationships, flexible ministry, and faithful presence. This session will offer encouragement and vision for what flourishing can look like in smaller contexts, along with ideas, stories, and strategies to help your church grow in vitality right where you are.

Rev. Chelsea Ham, Pastor/Head of Staff, Dinuba Presbyterian Church, CA & Caitlyn Stenerson, Pastor/Head of Staff, Knox Church, Minneapolis, MN

Discipleship & Evangelism

Called to Flourish: As a Disciple

What’s your vision for discipleship (in your life and your church)? Discipleship is more than a program; it’s a way of life. Many of us long to see deeper spiritual formation, but aren’t always sure how to define, lead, or measure it. This session will help you explore what flourishing looks like in your personal walk with Jesus and how your church can cast a clear, compelling vision for making disciples. We’ll share principles and tools to help bring clarity, intentionality, and next steps to the discipleship journey, for both you and your community.

Rev. Dr. Kaitlyn Wood, Director of Church Health, ECO

Engaging Culture

An Open Conversation Around Same Sex Attraction (Part 2)

Join us for a continuation of the conversation from Breakout #1. This session will be dedicated to open Q&A, offering space to engage more deeply with the topic and ask honest questions in a supportive environment.

Jeff and Jourdan Johnson, Hosts, Open Spaces Podcast & Staff at Passion City Church, Atlanta, GA

Finance & Business

Policy & Procedure Playbook: Lessons from Real-Life Scenarios

Join us for a practical session designed to explore real-world experiences related to how we can invest and manage finances. This breakout will highlight key takeaways from actual scenarios and offer space for shared learning.

Jake Wilson, Relationship Manager, TPF

Flourish Institute of Theology

Update, Progress, Plans, and Partnering with FIT

This session will provide an overview of recent developments at the Flourish Institute of Theology. Learn more about current and future plans, updates on accreditation, how individuals and churches can explore opportunities for partnership and engagement, and meet our new President!

Rev. Dr. Christopher DiVietro, President, Flourish Institute of Theology and Rev. Dr. Mark Pattersons, Professor, Flourish Institute of Theology

Global Engagement

Partnering with the Fastest-Growing Church in the World

Be part of what God is doing through the fastest-growing church movement in the world: the Iranian Church. In this session, Persian-speaking Christians and ECO leaders will share stories, insights, and opportunities to partner together in this dynamic move of the Holy Spirit.

Rev. Dr. Brian Stewart, Director of Global Engagement, ECO & additional ECO leaders

Healthy Teams & Leaders

Faith and Mental Illness: A Practical Approach for Pastors and Spiritual Leaders

Mental health challenges are a reality for many in our congregations—and in leadership. This session offers a thoughtful and practical approach for pastors and spiritual leaders who want to respond with compassion, clarity, and faith. Together, we’ll explore how to walk alongside others while also tending to our own mental and emotional well-being.

Rev. Liesel Ackley, Pastor of Administration, Park Road Presbyterian Church, Wyomissing, PA

Local Church

AI Tools to Optimize Ministry: From Sermon Prep to Service Excellence

Explore how artificial intelligence tools can support and enhance your ministry workflows. From sermon preparation to worship planning and team coordination, this session will introduce accessible ways AI can help leaders steward their time, creativity, and resources more effectively.

Rev. Dr. Matt Merrill & Dr. Chris Wilms, Elder, Crestwood Church, VA

Local Church

Exploring What is Different in the Landscape for Church in the Past 70 Years

The cultural, theological, and organizational landscape of the church has shifted dramatically over the past seven decades. In this session, we’ll reflect on major changes impacting church life, leadership, and mission—and consider how these shifts inform where we are headed next.

Rev. Dr. Jim Singleton, Professor, Flourish Institute of Theology & Rev. Dr. Dana Allin, Synod Executive, ECO

Synod Business Meeting

Parliamentarian for Commissioners

Whether you’re a first-time commissioner or a seasoned participant, this session will help you better understand the parliamentary process used during the Synod Business Meeting. Learn how to engage confidently, follow procedure effectively, and participate with clarity in this essential part of our gathering.

Connie DeFord, Parliamentarian

Breakout Session #3

Wednesday, February 4th at 2:00 PM

Finance & Business

Integrated Funding Strategy to Fund Your Ministry

In today’s changing landscape, churches and ministries need clear, strategic approaches to funding their mission. This session will introduce integrated funding principles designed to align with your ministry’s vision and help you build long-term financial sustainability.

Joe Park, CEO, Horizons Stewardship

Global Engagement

Forming Partnerships with Egyptian Churches

Did you know that, in some cases, the Egyptian government is giving Christians land to plant new churches? Come learn about the possibilities for partnering with Egyptian congregations, as our brothers and sisters there seek to plant new churches in a predominantly Muslim country. ECO leaders will be on hand to share about their own experiences in these partnerships.

Rev. Dr. Brian Stewart, Director of Global Engagement, ECO & other ECO leaders

Healthy Teams & Leaders

Called to Community: Don't Try this Alone - How to Build Deep Community When You Want to Hide From Your Pain

It can be tempting to isolate when we’re hurting—but healing often happens in the context of safe, honest relationships. In this session, Toni Collier will share a hopeful invitation to embrace authentic community even in seasons of pain. Discover how vulnerability, support, and grace-filled spaces can become a foundation for healing and transformation.

Toni Collier, Speaker, Author and Founder of Broken Crayons Still Color

Healthy Teams & Leaders

Resolving Church and Community Conflict - A Discipleship & Outreach Pathway to Equip the Church

Conflict within a church or between a church and its surrounding community can be difficult, however, it also presents an opportunity for growth, healing, and deeper discipleship. This session will introduce a pathway designed to equip congregations for reconciliation through intentional ministry. Learn how your church can take practical steps toward building bridges and restoring relationships.

Rev. Nate Dreesmann, Executive Director of Ecclesiastical Support, ECO

Church Planting

Learning to Live Sent: What Exile, Scripture, and the Global Church Reveal About Our Mission Today

In an increasingly post-Christian Western culture, followers of Jesus must relearn how to live as a faithful, missional presence in the world. Drawing from Scripture, historic experiences of exile, and the wisdom of the global church, this breakout will help young leaders understand what it means to embody the Gospel in everyday life and calling. Participants will explore practical ways to live as "sent ones"—rooted in God's kingdom while creatively engaging their local communities with hope, humility, and winsome witness.

Rev. Clint Leavitt, Pastor/Head of Staff, Midtown Presbyterian Church, Phoenix, AZ and Hovan and Pegah Hovsepian Mehr, ECO Church Planters, Dallas, TX

Local Church

No More Spectators: How to Build a Church Where Everyone Plays

Too many people come to church to watch others work. This session invites leaders to move from a “watch and give” culture to an “engage and grow” culture by equipping every believer to live out their calling. We’ll explore practical tools to help you assess congregational engagement, identify and deploy spiritual gifts, and reshape staff roles from ministry doers to ministry developers. You’ll leave with actionable strategies and access to ECO resources that can help your church activate its people for everyday mission and ministry.

Rev. Dr. Dana Allin, Synod Executive, ECO

Local Church

Called to Flourish: As a Church

What is your next faithful, flourishing step as a church? Whether your congregation is seeking clarity, renewal, or focus, this session will offer tools and resources to help your church grow in health and impact. We’ll explore how Cultivating Flourishing Congregations, FUEL generosity cohorts, vision framing, our Resource Library, and other resources can help your church take meaningful steps toward flourishing.

Rev. Dr. Kaitlyn Wood, Director of Church Health, ECO

Local Church

Why I Returned to the Local Church

Join Esau to hear his story about why he feels called to be in a particular place with particular people. While many are running away from the local church, he felt God calling him to run towards it. Esau is a pastor, a professor, a podcaster, a parent, not to mention a New York Times opinion writer AND author...What keeps him from burning out? The key is the local church. Everyday church members living faithfully grounded his faith. Come renew your vision for the importance and impact of the particular congregation where God has called you!

Esau McCaulley, Senior Pastor, All Saints Naperville, IL & Jonathan Blanchard Associate Professor of New Testament and Public Theology, Wheaton College

Local Church

Beloved Elders: Understanding and Blessing the Spiritual Journey of Aging

Aging is not just a physical process—it’s a deeply spiritual journey. This session will offer space to reflect on how the church can honor, support, and walk alongside older adults with compassion and intentionality. Together, we’ll explore how to affirm the value and purpose of every season of life.

Rev. Elizabeth Nielsen, Assistant Pastor of Congregational Care and Prayer Ministry, First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach, FL

Local Church

Called to the Bethany Life: What if Your Church Offered Families More Than Activities—What if It Offered a Way of Life?

In this 60-minute workshop designed for pastors, we’ll explore how to help families live The Bethany Life—a rhythm of love, hospitality, spiritual depth, and shared mission modeled after Jesus’ time in Bethany. You will receive practical tools and frameworks to guide families toward deeper connection with Christ and one another. This session will inspire a shift from programmatic ministry to formational community—equipping you to lead families into a way of life that transforms homes, churches, and neighborhoods.

Kelly Kannwischer, OptUp Consulting

Theology

ECO's Essential Tenets for Officers & Staff

Learn a model and method for training church officers in the Essential Tenets that can be applied to staff as well. Receive guidance on methods and expectations for non-ordained staff in adopting and being formed by our Essential Tenets.

ECO Standing Theological Committee (STC)