UNITE ​’22

COVID has been really hard on pastors and ministry leaders, or as pastor Leanne Friesen says, we’ve been “kicked in the call.” Leanne humorously shares from her own struggles in COVID and how the pain exposed places where meaning, worth, and identity were not so rooted in Jesus. This talk is a profound call for leaders to stay and be resiliently rooted in a Jesus-centred focus in the face of the hardships & heartbreaks of leadership. Want more content from Leanne? Check out her blog at https://leannefriesen.com/.

The fastest growing religious demographic in North America are those who no longer identify with having any religious background or affiliation. Author David Zahl shares insights into the secular landscape, challenges, and opportunities in our increasingly post-Christian culture.

After her talk on Power the Jesus Way, Cheryl Nembhard joins a panel conversation featuring Danielle Strickland, author, spiritual leader, and co-founder of Hagar’s Voice; Adam Dyer, Pastor of Yeovil Community Church, an innovative church bringing transformation in the South West of England; and Jon Hand, Leadership Development Pastor at Jesus Collective.

Canadian author, playwright, and advocate Cheryl Nembhard powerfully communicates how a Jesus-centred approach impacts how we hold, use, and distribute the power we’ve been given. This talk speaks to the heart of our moment where parts of the church have lost their way and are perpetuating false versions of the Kingdom.

Betty Pries is a professional church consultant, conflict mediator, and author of "The Space Between Us: Conversations about Transforming Conflict." Betty’s talk will invite you to examine if peacemaking is core to your understanding of the gospel and the difference it makes in living it out.