Midwest Regional Conference

October 19, 2012 | Rockpoint Church, Lake Elmo, MN

Plenary Sessions

Ward Tanneberg with Jeff Mattesich

Sticky ELDERS: Let’s Start the Generational Conversation!
Your world is changing. The kids are growing up! Influence is shifting. Taking our place as the young and master elders (adult singles, parents and grandparents) in families and churches has never been more important.

Sticky FAITH: Let’s Help the Kids Develop Lifelong Faith
There is a sweet spot among older adults and kids—both feel marginalized in the church.
Be the church that weaves people of all ages together in relationship.
It’s not just a youth ministry issue; it’s a whole church issue!

Sticky CHURCHES: Let’s Get Adults Out of Their Seats and into Kids’ Lives
Fun and practical ideas that really work in shaping an intergenerational church!
Build a spiritual legacy that will last your lifetime ~ and theirs, too.
Partner with parents and youth ministry in your church.
Rediscover the ministry of presence.

 

Special session with Bob Bardwell 

Miracles Happen | In 1973 Bob was injured in a heavy construction accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Bob’s many accomplishments since then have left us all an example of what perseverance, faith, determination and an “attitude of gratitude” lifestyle can achieve. Bob’s philosophy is “It’s Not What Happens To You; It’s What You Do About It.”

Among his accomplishments was the founding and directing of a 200 acre youth ranch in southern Minnesota called Ironwood Springs Christian ranch that serves over 23,000 people each year. He is the founder and direction of Operation Welcome Home, a free retreat for soldiers. Bob has completed 100 marathons in his wheelchair and has pushed his wheelchair over 10,000 miles.

Workshops

Chris and Kathleen Holck | Boomers – Choose ’em or Lose ’em
This workshop examines the differences between the Boomer and Builder generations and how churches need to shift their approach if they want to effectively reach and unleash the next generation of older adults.

Paula Frakes | Where to Begin? Ministry Ideas and Resources for Adults 50+
In this workshop you will gain a better understanding of the unique needs and interests of the three generations that make up senior adults 50+ in your congregation. Each generation has its own unique values and interests that have been influenced by historical events and social trends in their formative years up until today! These values and interests will, in turn, influence what they like to do and how they wish to do it within the parameters of your church’s ministry opportunities. Based on research you will learn about additional areas that the church could build upon to better meet the needs and interests of adults 50+ in your congregation and beyond your church doors.

Mark Eliason | Bridging the Gap: Tools to Build Meaningful Relationships from Generation to Generation
Inter-generational ministry is a concept that few would argue with as a valuable asset when considering the needs of today’s youth and adults.  Yet, how can we move from talking about building relationships to actually being proactive in creating those relationships?  It takes more than just getting people in the same room!  In this workshop, we will introduce practical tools that can help give us the confidence to “bridge the gap” and initiate a relationship which could open the door to life-changing relationships, be a way to share the love of Christ and lead to ministry opportunities.

Workshop Leaders

Mark Eliason, staff member from Tentmakers Ministry, based in Hopkins, MN. Mark has been involved with Tentmakers since 1987, when he went through Tentmakers training in preparation for being a youth leader in La Crosse, WI.  Mark has invested himself in recruiting, preparing and supporting youth ministry leaders over the last 20+ years. He lives in Minnetonka, MN with his wife Ann and their boys Seth (14) and Brett (10).

Paula Frakes, M.A., Life Enrichment Consulting. Paula has a B.A. in Sociology from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa and an M.A. in Gerontology from Bethel University in St Paul, MN.  Since 1991 Paula has worked with adults 50+ as a therapeutic recreational professional in various senior living environments and community settings. See her website: www.enrichretirement.com.

Chris and Kathleen Holck, are planting a new church in The Villages, FL., an age 50+ community with a population of 85,000 people. Chris has been a pastor for over 25 years and has also served in a consulting role with a focus on helping Boomers finish well.