Karl Vaters is a pastor, author, and speaker known for championing healthy small-church ministry. He has served more than 40 years in ministry, including over 25 at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in California. He writes at KarlVaters.com, contributes to Christianity Today, and is the author of The Grasshopper Myth, Small Church Essentials, and De-Sizing the Church, helping pastors lead churches with confidence and impact.

John K. Jenkins Sr. is the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Maryland, where he has served since 1989 and grown the church significantly. In August 2022, he was appointed president of Converge, our movement of over 1,700 churches— becoming the first African American to lead the 170-year-old organization. He began preaching at age 15 and has been licensed in ministry since 1973. He is a friend and an advocate for Converge Rocky Mountain.

Dr. Ken Castor’s 35 years of NextGen ministry have made him more convinced than ever that Jesus is amazing and is changing lives. From the Award-winning Jesus-Centered Bible and the Make a Difference Youth Bible, to resources like Grow Down, and the Bible Trivia Devotional, Ken wants to help people discover a dynamic relationship with Jesus. Ken has served as a Pastor at Wooddale Church, regularly coaches NextGen youth leaders, and currently serves as a Faculty-in-Residence for the University of Northwestern. Ken enjoys life in Minnesota with his brilliantly witty and slightly freezing family.

Coletta loves seeing women in ministry embrace their Calling from God and walk in courageous faith. Come learn how to navigate the challenges of ministry, strengthen yourself in the Lord, and lead others to thrive in their spiritual journeys.

Peter T. Vogt is the Dean of Bethel Seminary at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he leads faculty, accreditation, and online education initiatives. He earned his M.Div. from Bethel Seminary in 1997 and later completed a Ph.D. in Old Testament at the University of Gloucestershire in England. His academic work focuses on the book of Deuteronomy and theological interpretation of the Old Testament. Peter has also pastored a church in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a friend of CRM and has tackled challenging issues in several Friday seminars.

Check-in begins at Authentic Life Church. Childcare available.

Dr. John Jenkins will encourage our regional family and highlight the worldwide Converge movement we are part of.

Equipping Gen Z & Gen Alpha for Kingdom Growth – Ken Castor
Understand the cultural and emotional challenges facing the next generation and learn practical ways to disciple resilient, mission-minded followers of Jesus.

​Getting to the Heart of the Matter – Coletta Smith
Designed especially for pastors’ wives and women in ministry, this session introduces the “PEEL” tool to help navigate emotional complexity and shepherd people toward clarity and hope.

A built-in pause to reconnect with family, grab a meal, and prepare for the evening session.

An additional check-in window for evening attendees and late arrivals.

Childcare resumes so parents and leaders can fully engage in the evening gathering.

Redefining Success in Ministry – Dr. Karl Vaters
A biblical re-examination of pastoral success and how unhealthy expectations can quietly harm both leaders and churches.

Wrap up the evening, reconnect with family, and rest up for Saturday’s sessions.

A brief gathering for updates, shared vision, and alignment across the Converge Rocky Mountain family.

De-Sizing the Church – Dr. Karl Vaters
Exploring the dangers of the “bigger is better” mindset and how churches of every size can pursue faithful Kingdom effectiveness.

Choose focused workshops designed to equip you with practical tools for ministry leadership, discipleship, and church health.

• Big Churches, Small Churches – Karl Vaters
  Understanding church types and how different sizes can collaborate effectively.
• Walls for Protection & Bridges for Transformation – Don Ziel
  Legal safeguards paired with relational gospel engagement.
• Finance Made Fun – Jill Bryant
  Practical accounting tools and financial best practices that build trust and stability.
• The Worship / Tech Adventure – Danny Erbaugh
  Creating authentic, Spirit-led worship cultures and strong volunteer teams.
• Caring for Challenging Kids – Kayla Maxey
  Insight and Q&A for helping children and students thrive in church environments.
• Reaching LDS Neighbors – Loren Pankratz
  Compassionate strategies for sharing Jesus with clarity and grace.
• Winning the Unseen Battle – Paul & Jan Mitton
  A biblical and practical approach to spiritual warfare and standing firm in faith.
• Artificial Intelligence & the Church – Dr. Peter Vogt
  Thoughtful guidance on engaging AI wisely while maintaining ministry integrity.

A relaxed opportunity to recharge, process what you’ve learned, and build relationships with fellow leaders.

Head home encouraged, equipped, and ready to lead with renewed clarity and confidence.