WORKSHOPS

1. Was Jesus Serious?

Austin Melton

LOCATION: Wood Room (map)

Do you ever doubt or question the claims that Jesus made in the Bible? Have you ever wondered what it actually means to have a relationship with God? Have you ever thought, "What is a disciple, and why should I be one?" This interactive workshop will help give a clear understanding of who Jesus is and what He did on earth. During this time, we will connect the dots from Jesus's teachings in the Bible to practically engaging those in our daily lives.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP LEADER: At 22 years old, Austin found himself broken and hopeless at a rehab program. On a dare from his counselor, he decided to give Jesus a chance and his life changed forever. Austin worked for 4 years in church ministry before joining Nav staff in 2023 at Oklahoma State University. He is married to Ashley and they have one son named Sawyer.

2. A Thriving Life In Jesus

James Carter

LOCATION: Water Room (map)

Imagine a way of life where belief, belonging, and becoming like Jesus were places of passion, peace, and purpose. In this establishing breakout session, we will discover and discuss the habits that keep your lifelong relational connection with Jesus thriving and maturing.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP LEADER: James Carter is a disciple of Jesus and serves as the City Director for the Kansas City Navigators. He has 21 years of experience making, maturing, and multiplying disciple-makers and leaders who live knowing the love and freedom of Jesus. James served as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army and the National Guard for over 23 years. He earned his Undergraduate Degree in Psychology from the University of Central Missouri and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with an emphasis in leadership from Liberty University. He is also in the last semester of earning a Master of Business (MBA) from MidAmerica Nazarene University. James is inspired daily by his beautiful bride, Monica, their son, Elijah, and daughter, Lilly. In his free time, James likes to watch the Kanas City Chiefs, read books, and spend time with his family.

3. Evan Seiwert

LOCATION: Metal Room (map)

Evan's Workshop description goes here.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP LEADER: Evan enjoys good coffee and all things bacon. He once performed a Jason Mraz cover in concert in East Asia. Thanks to his passion for quality office supplies he uses a 1950s-era Swingline stapler purchased off eBay. He’s currently restoring several vintage pieces of woodworking equipment and setting up a woodworking shop. Eccentricities aside, Evan's biggest passion is to help college students live a life of significance as they discover their identity in Christ and engage in His mission of taking the gospel to the nations. Evan serves on associate staff with The Navigators at Wichita State University and pays the bills with his day job as a department chair at Butler Community College. He previously served on Navigator staff at his alma mater Kansas State University, and also holds a Master of Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

4. Jared Parsons

LOCATION: Salon B & C/Main Session Room (map)

There is a blanket truth we all agree on: social media can be good. Can be. However, as you talk to your friends, listen to sociologists, watch documentaries, and see the harm some use it for, “can be good” looks like a very distant possibility. If Jesus were here today, what would He say about social media and its role in our lives? What is the spiritual cost of using it poorly and what could it look like to use it well? Come listen to your conference speaker maybe make you really angry (but hopefully more free!) as we learn to interact with social media in a way that applies the truth of the gospel.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP LEADER: Jared served as the campus director for The Navigators at NYU Tandon in Brooklyn, New York for 5 years. He restarted a campus ministry there that has flourished and seen students come to faith, grow in discipleship, and be developed as leaders. Also during that time, Jared served as a teaching pastor at New City Church in Queens, New York, and brought a unique balance of wit and Biblical understanding to the texts that he taught. He felt the call of God to switch roles and move into the lead pastor role of his church in 2023. He has been leading the church with his wife, Jana. They have been married for almost thirteen years and have a two-year-old son, Oliver.

5. Finding Your Strength in the Lord

Laura Riggs

LOCATION: Earth Room (map)

How do you rely on God through all of the ups and downs of life? What rhythms and habits can you develop to find your strength in the Lord no matter what? Come explore the security and peace you can have from relying upon the promises of God. We will look at what it really means to have the Lord as your refuge and shield and how you can enjoy this every day.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP LEADER: Laura began following Jesus at a young age, but it was during her time with the Navigators at Northwest Missouri State that she began having a passion for helping other people grow in their relationship with God. After teaching high school math in Kansas City for four years, she married Brendan and has served with him for the last 12 years leading Navigator ministries at the University of Central Missouri and Oklahoma State. Most of her time is spent having adventures with her three kiddos, but she also enjoys watching sports, going to garage sales, and planning their next family trip!

6. "Come, Follow Me"

Cassidy Purdy

LOCATION: Fire Room (during Workshop A) (map)

We know the call to make disciples, but it can often feel like we don’t have capacity or time in our season of life. It’s easy to postpone our obedience to this call from Jesus for another season: a season when we don’t have exams to study for, as many relationships to juggle, or even a more consistent schedule. Come see how Jesus’ model for apprenticeship is actually for every season of life, including our current season, as we explore Jesus’ life together and learn to make disciples as He did.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP LEADER: Cassidy is a wife to Adam and mom to Judah and Ezra. Currently in her 8th year on staff with The Navigators, she loves coaching college students to reach their friends and family with the Gospel. With an education degree and her experience as a mom, Cassidy is passionate about bringing rhythms of discipleship into daily life and has started a local moms group, Flourish, specifically to help young moms walk with Jesus and train them to help their kids become disciples of Jesus also.

7. The Butterfly Effect

Brian Hopp

LOCATION: Salon A/Exhibit Hall (map)

A single action starts a chain reaction. You see and feel brokenness all around you in the world. You yearn to see God bring transformation and restoration, something beautiful from shambles. This breakout will empower you to adopt a Good News Posture that can introduce all kinds of people to new life in Jesus. We will also look at the life of Epaphras and how his butterfly effect is a key to understanding our own impact in the world.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP LEADER: Brian and his wife, Jamie, serve with The Navigators in Lincoln, Neb. Brian is now the Director of Short-Term Missions with Navigators World Missions after 16 years of ministry leadership at the Univ. Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwest Missouri State. Along with a passion for evangelism and disciplemaking into the nations, Brian is an avid sports fan, enjoys running, camping, and wants to buy a go-kart for his three kids.