Saturday, September 12, 2026


The Gateway Leadership Conference is a day designed to encourage, equip, and inspire everyone who serves in the life of our church. Whether you lead a ministry, welcome guests, teach children, mentor students, serve behind the scenes, or care for others, this day is for you.


As we begin a new ministry year together, eager to serve in this community to the glory of God, we'll gather as one church family to worship, learn, and grow alongside volunteers from every area of Gateway. 


Through engaging keynote sessions, practical ministry-specific breakouts, meaningful conversations, and times of fellowship, you'll receive the tools, encouragement, and vision you need to serve with renewed confidence and purpose.


More than just training, the Gateway Leadership Conference is an opportunity to connect with others who share your heart for ministry, celebrate what God is doing through our church, and discover how each ministry plays a vital role in God's work at Gateway.


Come ready to be encouraged, challenged, and equipped as we step into a new season of ministry—together.


You'll leave with:

  • Practical training for your ministry role
  • Fresh encouragement and renewed passion for serving
  • New connections with volunteers from across Gateway
  • A deeper understanding of Gateway's vision and ministry culture
  • Confidence and excitement for the year ahead

Together, let's grow as leaders, strengthen our ministries, and serve with one heart and one purpose.


Registration is now open!


Scroll down to learn more about our breakouts, answers to frequently asked questions, and more. 


For further information regarding registrations please contact Carol office@gatewaycrc.org


REGISTER HERE

main session speakers

  • recovering the art of neighbouring

    From Tim dickau

    Tim Dickau is the director of Citygate (which develops networks of churches to work on common mission) and an associate at the Centre for MIssional Leadership.  He was the pastor of Grandview church for thirty years, during which the church formed more than 16 community houses, social housing over its parking lot, housing and support for refugees, a social enterprise developer and a performing arts group for kids.  He is the author of Plunging into the Kingdom Way, and Forming Christian Communities in a Secular Age


    Title: Recovering the Art of Neighbouring


    Tim will tell the story of how Grandview church developed a shared life together in a neighbourhood that involved our neighbours in significant ways, and that led to tangible signs of the love of God.



  • jazz-homily: Mender of All Things

    from Mark glanville

    Dr Mark Glanville works as the Director of the Centre for Missional Leadership, University of British Columbia. He is an Old Testament scholar, and has written five books, including Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and Soul, and Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Communities. Mark has published articles in top-tier biblical studies journals such as CBQ, JSOT, and JBL. His vocational goal is to research, teach, write, speak, and play music to nourish Christian leaders to creatively reimagine what the church can be and do in post-Christian societies, with the Bible in our hands. Mark is also a professional jazz pianist, active on the Vancouver jazz scene. Mark’s podcast is Blue Note Theology—“The only podcast in the world hosted from the grand piano!” His personal website is: https://www.markglanville.org


    Title: Jazz-Homily: Mender of All Things


    This jazz-homily, given from the piano, explores how the bible is the story of God mending all things, in Christ. The Spirit is forming a people who display the tenderness of Jesus, up close and personal, in our neighbourhood and workplaces.


breakout Sessions - guest speakers

  • Apprenticeship as a pathway to develop Leaders

    Pastor Tim Sheridan


    As we follow Christ's call to make disciples and invest in leaders, how can we develop a healthy, reproducing culture in our local church? Come explore how an apprenticeship journey can provide a helpful framework for how to develop other leaders and disciples. We will discuss the typical stages of apprenticing others, the challenges and opportunities at each stage and how to navigate these.

  • SPIRITUAL FORMATION FOR church leaders

    Pastor 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.



  • internal LIFE and health of leaders

    Mark Glanville


    The pursuit of holistic health could not be more important for Christian leaders. A recent study of Gen Z’s experience of religion, titled “Navigating Uncertainty,” describes this cultural moment as “a season . . . marked by . . . failures in leadership and broken trust.” A foundation for healthy and effective leadership is our health in every domain of our lives, including the spiritual, physical, emotional, sexual, social, and vocational. None of these domains can be ignored, for they are all intertwined and interdependent. In this workshop we will take time to reflect prayerfully on our holistic health. Participants will not be required to share their personal stories with others. 

  • CAP Level 1 (Child Abuse prevention)

    Jiyoung Jung, BC CRC Safe Church Ministry


    CAP Level 1 introduces three essential areas of child protection: understanding child abuse and recognizing its signs, learning prevention strategies and risk factors, and implementing policies and practices that help keep children safe. This breakout session will equip participants with foundational knowledge and practical tools to create safer environments where children can thrive and be protected.


  • rear-view leadership essentials

    Pastor Ken Ritsema


    The saying is true, “God develops leaders over a lifetime.” That is both encouraging and daunting! We may want to fast-forward our learning but usually God doesn’t work that way, as shown repeatedly in the Bible. Leading is not just about discussing, deciding and doing. It’s also about learning to trust, love, and staying faithful to God and others. It’s about character formation and “washing feet”; and so much more. 


    We’ll look at how to stay “grounded” as a leader in order to be effective. We’ll talk about how God sometimes uses our weaknesses to accomplish something he couldn’t do as well through our strengths. We’ll also touch on managing complaints and navigating conflicts. As well as how to maintain confidentiality without being held hostage to it. Finally, how to have fun together as a team and grow in your relationship with Jesus through your time as leader!


  • becoming a visitor

    Slowing down enough to see each other

    Pastor Steve Berkenpas


    Visiting can be hard. Pastor Steve from Living Hope will explore some practical questions that can help us become better visitors: What can we do to prepare? What do we say (or not say)? And how do we reflect and grow after a visit? Together, we'll consider how visiting can become a countercultural practice—one that helps us slow down, be present to one another, and recover the art of being present.



  • Listen Up!

    Bill Strom, PhD.


    What kind of communicator are you?  A bowler, ping-pong player, or charades enthusiast? Your answer will reveal why you struggle—or not—with listening to friends, family, and people at church. With insights from studies in human communication, and experiences serving with Telecare Crisis & Caring Line, Bill Strom leads a principled and practical discussion on what supportive listening looks like, and how you can grow in God’s call to support people in your home and ministry.

  • Helping not hurting when supporting others

    Bill Strom, PhD.


    Ever try to help someone who was hurting but your words came out wrong? Or did you think you supported well but the recipient disagreed? In this session we look at what genuine support looks like, principles for responding with grace and care, and what to do when you sense the hurting person is responsible for their problems. Facilitated by Bill Strom, executive director at Telecare Crisis & Caring Line and retired professor of interpersonal communication at Trinity Western University.

breakout sessions - Gateway leadership

  • Pastor adam van dop

    Leading a Small Group


    No matter what kind of Small Group you lead, or the ages within it, there are core principles in how to lead it! Join a discussion to discover and be reminded of the core values of leading a Small Group.


    New Life Group Leaders Session


    Are you new to leading a Life Group this coming year? This is the session to get further aquainted with how we envision Life Groups to be the hub of Gateway's Adult ministry.

  • Pastor Jason mcnabb

    Gateway Worship - Ministry Foundations


    For everyone who serves with Gateway Worship, and anyone else who would like to join us, this session will dig into the "what" and "why" of our ministry work together. 


    Sound Fundamentals


    A session especially for Sound Operators, with special emphasis on the fundamentals of the live sound mix and beyond. As part of our time together, we will talk about best practices in general as well as specific application for Gateway Worship.

  • pastor justin carruthers

    First Impressions - Start with the Why: 

    Serving as the Face of Jesus


    Before a guest hears the sermon, joins in worship, or meets a pastor, they meet you. As a member of the First Impressions Team, you are the very first representation of Jesus that people experience when they walk through Gateway’s doors.


    In this breakout session, we will dive into the heart behind our ministry and rediscover why our roles truly matter. Moving beyond basic tasks, we’ll explore how practicing "ridiculous hospitality"—going the extra mile, seeing people as image-bearers, and creating a warm, intentional environment—can lower barriers and open hearts to the Gospel. Whether you serve as a greeter, usher, parking host, or at the HUB, join us as we align our hearts, sharpen our game plan, and prepare to meet every guest with the love, comfort, and presence of Christ.



  • Shena gorter, Director of Children's Ministries

    Kids Ministry: It's Not Just Babysitting


    Kids ministry is far more than childcare—it is a sacred opportunity to introduce children to the love of Jesus and help shape a faith that can last a lifetime. Every game, conversation, and Bible story is a chance to disciple, encourage, and point kids toward Christ. Join us as we rediscover the eternal impact of investing in children and embrace the calling of ministry that goes far beyond babysitting.

    Every child is unique, and small groups often include children with a wide range of abilities, learning styles, and support needs. Come discover simple strategies for building meaningful connections and helping all children belong and grow together.

  • Thomas mccullough, Director of youth Ministries

    Summit Leaders Training


    Summit leaders will learn about the 2026/27 schedule and curriculum. We will also discuss the goals of our Summit program and go over some strategies for discipling teenagers!


    EDGE Leaders Training


    EDGE leaders will learn about the 2026/2027 schedule and curriculum. We will also discuss the goals of our EDGE program and go over some strategies for discipling Middle Schoolers!

  • nevaeh letourneau, Youth Ministries coordinator

    Summit Leaders Training


    Summit leaders will learn about the 2026/27 schedule and curriculum. We will also discuss the goals of our Summit program and go over some strategies for discipling teenagers!


    EDGE Leaders Training


    EDGE leaders will learn about the 2026/2027 schedule and curriculum. We will also discuss the goals of our EDGE program and go over some strategies for discipling Middle Schoolers!

  • christine gross, GEMS ministry

    GEMS Theme of the Year


    Gems leaders will gather together to go over the 2026/27 schedule and curriculum. We will also discuss the goals of the GEMS program and how we intend to build meaningful relationships and create a Biblical foundation for these girls attending.

faqs

When and where is the conference?

The Gateway Leadership Conference will take place on Saturday, September 12 at Gateway Church.

  • 8:00 a.m. – Check-in opens | Coffee
  • 8:30 a.m. – Conference begins

We look forward to welcoming you for a day of learning, encouragement, and connecting with fellow ministry leaders.



Who is the conference for?

The Gateway Leadership Conference is for all Gateway volunteers.


Whether you serve on the First Impressions Team, Worship Team, Tech Team, Coffee Team, Care Ministries, as a Life Group or Coffee Break leader, with GEMS, Cadets, EDGE, Summit Youth, Children's Ministry—or in any other volunteer role—this conference is for you.


No matter where you serve, you'll find encouragement, practical training, and opportunities to connect with others who are passionate about serving Christ and His church.



How will breakouts be assigned?

Everyone will participate together in the main sessions throughout the day.


Breakout sessions will be assigned, based primarily on the ministry area where you currently serve, ensuring you receive training and encouragement that is most relevant to your role. If there are ministry-specific breakouts, volunteers serving in those areas will be given priority.


When you register, you'll also have the opportunity to share other ministry areas you're interested in exploring. While we can't guarantee we'll do our best to take your interests into account as we create the breakout schedule.


Our goal is to provide each volunteer with a meaningful experience that equips you for your current ministry while also encouraging growth in other areas.



What is the cost?

If Gateway is your home church and you serve in any volunteer role, there is no cost to attend.

Guests from outside Gateway are welcome to attend for $25 per person.



What does the schedule look like?

Something like this:       
Time		Session
8:00–8:30 a.m.Check-In | Coffee
8:30 a.m.Morning Devotions & Worship
9:00 a.m.Main Session
9:45 a.m.Coffee & Tea Break
10:00 a.m.Breakout Session #1
11:00 a.m.Breakout Session #2
11:50 a.m.Lunch
1:00 p.m.Worship & Main Session
2:00 p.m.Breakout Session #3
3:00 p.m.Breakout Session #4
3:50 p.m.Closing Remarks & Prayer



Is food provided?

Yes! Your registration includes:

  • Coffee/Refreshments
  • Lunch
  • Snacks and refreshments throughout the day

If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please indicate them when you register.



Will childcare be available?

Childcare will not be provided during the conference.

While we love your children, the Gateway Leadership Conference is designed to be a focused day of encouragement, learning, and connection for our adult volunteers. We encourage you to do what you can to make arrangements to attend, especially if both parents serve at Gateway.


We understand that childcare can be a challenge and an added expense. If the cost of childcare would prevent you from attending, please let us know. We may be able to assist with childcare costs so that you can participate in the conference.



How do I register?


Register Here


Registration closes September 5.



I still have questions.

For questions about breakout sessions or conference programming, please email justin@gatewaycrc.org.

For registration questions, please email Carol office@gatewaycrc.org.