April 23 & 24, 2026
FEC’s Leaders Conference
Our Location:
Conference 2026 will be held at the beautiful Mirro Event Center in Fort Wayne, IN – 10622 Parkview Plaza Dr, Fort Wayne, IN 46845. The Mirro Center partners with non-profits to provide an elegant, state-of-the-art facility that promises to create a unique and memorable two days.
Our Theme:
Pressing On: The Power of Pursuing Christ Together
This year’s theme draws inspiration from Paul’s letter to the Philippians—an encouraging and joy-filled call to persevere in faith. As Paul reflects on the deep relational bonds and gospel partnership he shared with the Philippians, he presses on with unwavering commitment to Christ. In the same spirit, we aim to encourage, empower, and envision FEC leaders to pursue Christ with renewed passion—together. Through shared ministry, mutual encouragement, and a clear focus on the gospel, we press on—united in purpose and fueled by joy.
Our Goal:
These two days of sharing in worship, teaching, and fellowship together are designed to unite, encourage, and empower FEC leaders for their specific contexts and ministries.
Featured Speakers
Dr. Walter Kim
On Thursday, Dr. Walter Kim will get us started by exploring the value of pressing on in gospel partnership together.
We’re thrilled to once again welcome Walter Kim back to our conference. He is the president of the National Association of Evangelicals. He previously served as a pastor at Boston’s historic Park Street Church and at churches in Vancouver, Canada and Charlottesville, Virginia, as well as a campus chaplain at Yale University. He preaches, writes and engages in collaborative leadership to connect the Bible to the intellectual and cultural issues of the day. He regularly teaches in conferences and classrooms; addresses faith concerns with elected officials and public institutions; and provides theological and cultural commentary to leading news outlets. He serves on the boards of Christianity Today, World Relief, and The Salvation Army, USA. Kim received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, his M.Div. from Regent College in Vancouver, and his B.A. from Northwestern University.
Dr. Dave Rahn
On Friday Morning, Dr. Dave Rahn will explore the necessity of pressing on in joy propelled leadership.
Dave Rahn is mostly retired, enjoying his five grandchildren, serving his local church, and offering research contributions to TENx10.org. He co-mingled 41 years with Youth For Christ and 30 years as a professor at Huntington University. He’s published over 100 articles and numerous books and loves integrating social science research (Ph.D., Purdue) with practical theology (M.A., Wheaton) as long as he can be playful and testify about Jesus. He and his wife Susie are nearing 50 years of marriage and live in Middlebury, Indiana.
Focus Speakers
During each afternoon, we’re excited to have FEC pastors lead us through Philippians 3:4-14. Each will briefly explore different parts of Paul’s powerful testimony of chasing after Christ, letting go of the past, and pressing forward with joy and purpose. These sessions are designed to inspire and encourage us all to keep moving forward together in faith.
Pressing on in Loss – Philippians 3:4-7
Eric Dubach – Lead Pastor, Brookside Church
Eric will share his personal journey of letting go of past ministry achievements and aspirations, learning what it means to consider all loss for the sake of Christ alone.
Pressing on in Gain – Philippians 3:8-11
Mike Drury – Lead Pastor, Pine Hills Church
Mike will describe his own discovery of true gain—the priceless value of knowing Christ above all else—and pursuing Him alone.
Pressing on by Holding On – Philippians 3:12
Eric Coblentz – Associate Pastor of Discipleship, Evermore Community Church
Eric will share his experience of holding tightly to the hope and calling we have in Christ, refusing to let go no matter the challenges life and ministry throw our way.
Pressing on in What is Ahead – Philippians 3:13-14
Nate Hamblin – President, Fellowship of Evangelical Churches
Nate will focus on pressing on toward what lies ahead personally and collectively—embracing progress over perfection.
Practical Workshops
Thursday Workshops
The Art of Adaptability: Leading Faithfully Through Change
Lead Pastor Chris Freeman and Executive Pastor Sarah Hooley, City Church, Fort Wayne, IN
Rapid growth, shifting contexts, and unexpected challenges demand adaptable leadership. Learn from City Church’s journey as they share practical insights on staying mission-focused amid change. This workshop equips leaders to navigate transitions with clarity, resilience, and faith.
Pathways to Freedom: Helping People Experience Life in Jesus
Cal Rychener, Founding Pastor, Northwoods Community Church, Peoria, IL and Levi Stuckey, Lead Pastor, Crossroads Church – Napoleon, Napoleon, OH
Many people long for spiritual freedom but don’t know where to begin. Receive practical insight and coaching from experienced leaders who will share how their churches help individuals discover freedom in Christ through intentional pathways, discipleship, and pastoral care.
RARE Leadership: Four Habits That Build Trust and Joy
Greg Neumayer, Associate, Deeper Walk International, Carmel, IN
Healthy leadership cultures are rarely accidental. In this workshop, explore four uncommon—but essential—habits that help leaders cultivate trust, joy, and engagement in those they serve. Learn how these practices can transform not only how you lead, but the spiritual and relational health of your ministry context.
Shepherding Through Political Extremism
Dr. Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals
Political volatility presents unique challenges for church leaders and faith communities. This workshop offers biblical insight and pastoral wisdom for responding to political extremism with the character of Christ. Participants will gain tools for fostering unity, guiding difficult conversations, and helping congregations remain centered on the mission of Jesus rather than the divisions of the culture.
From Strangers to God’s Household
Pastor Haytham Mazahreh, Jordan Initiative, Amman, Jordan
Pastor Haytham shares ministry experiences and practical insights from working among refugees, grounded in the biblical call to love the alien, foreigner, and stranger. Drawing from Ephesians 2:19, this workshop highlights God’s vision of welcome, belonging, and gospel-centered hospitality, equipping participants to engage refugees and immigrants with faith and compassion.
Building to Last: Christian Service Foundation Shares Tools for Long-Term Church Maintenance Planning
Bruce Wright, Christian Service Foundation (CSF) President; Greg Doolin, CSF Board Member; Steve Shaffer, CSF Board Member
Church facilities are more than buildings—they are ministries that require care, foresight, and stewardship. This workshop equips church leaders with practical tools to clearly understand their facilities, assess current conditions, and create realistic long-term maintenance plans. Participants will learn how to prioritize repairs, budget wisely, and plan proactively so their church buildings remain safe, functional, and ready to serve future generations.
Friday Workshops
Building a Culture of Reproduction
Jared Mehrle, FEC Director of Church Multiplication, Fort Wayne, IN
Discover practical ways your church—regardless of size, context, or resources—can play a pivotal role in establishing reproducing churches around the world. Learn how cultivating a culture of multiplication can move your church from participation to lasting global impact.
Hope for Bewildered Families: Helping Teens Grow Grit and Joy
Dr. Dave Rahn, Youth for Christ / Huntington University
Many families feel overwhelmed as they navigate the emotional, spiritual, and cultural challenges facing today’s teens. This workshop equips ministry leaders to better support parents and caregivers by fostering the kind of grit that leads to resilient life-size joy in young people.
RARE Leadership: Four Habits That Build Trust and Joy
Greg Neumayer, Associate, Deeper Walk International, Carmel, IN
Healthy leadership cultures are rarely accidental. In this workshop, explore four uncommon—but essential—habits that help leaders cultivate trust, joy, and engagement in those they serve. Learn how these practices can transform not only how you lead, but the spiritual and relational health of your ministry context.
On Israel
Pastor Mark Clausing and Pastor Nashwan Saadoon, Hayat Jadida, Toledo, OH
Mark Clausing and Nashwan Saadoon are planting an Arabic and English speaking church in Toledo, Ohio home to over 15,000 Arab background people. As a westerner, how Mark responds to the question of Israel often dictates the opportunity to build trust in the Arab community. Additionally, like politics, local churches are becoming more polarized on their views of Israel as war continues. Mark, with the help of Nashwan, is sharing his research and understanding of the American Church’s theological and cultural divide between those who support and who oppose the modern State in order to bring clarity and promote unity in local FEC churches.
Serving Those Who Serve: Practical ways to love your pastoral and volunteer teams
Pastor Ross Miller, Evermore Community Church, Hartville, OH
Leadership is not only about vision and strategy—it’s about people. This workshop explores tangible, relational practices that communicate care, respect, and trust among leadership teams, helping cultivate environments where leaders can thrive together.
Schedule
Questions?
You Have Questions – We Have Answers
Here are some of the most common questions about conference. If you have other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Conference will end at 3:30 PM on Friday afternoon.
On Thursday morning, check-in will begin at 8:00 AM.
The dress code for conference is casual.
Weather in the Midwest in late April can be unpredictable. Highs are generally in the mid-60’s and lows drop to the low 40’s.
We will provide lunch on both Thursday and Friday as well as snacks, water, coffee, and tea throughout each day.
For the lunch meals, we can accommodate gluten free and vegetarian options. Please be sure to check the appropriate boxes when registering.
The Mirro Center is located at 10622 Parkview Plaza Dr, Fort Wayne, IN 46845. The Mirro Center is part of the Parkview Hospital Medical complex.
From Dupont Rd., turn North onto Parkview Plaza Dr. (this is the main entrance to the Parkview Hospital Medical complex). The Mirro Center is located on the right at the first stoplight.
Ample parking is available free of charge in front of the event center.
While we don’t have any specific hotel “blocks”, we recommend using one of the three hotels listed below. All three are newer properties that are less than five minutes from the event.
Hilton Garden Inn Fort Wayne North
10650 Diebold Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46845
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/fwanhgi-hilton-garden-inn-fort-wayne-north/
Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Wayne North
10650 Diebold Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46845
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/fwantht-home2-suites-fort-wayne-north/
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Wayne North
10040 Diebold Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/fort-wayne/fwano/hoteldetail
This year the Credentialed Workers Appreciation Dinner will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. (EDT) at Ceruti’s Diamond Room, 6601 Innovation Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46818 (view Google map).
Registration for the Credentialed Workers Appreciation Dinner is a part of the conference registration (register below). Dinner is free to credentialed workers and spouses and $30 per attendee for non-credentialed workers.
More information about the Credentialed Workers Appreciation Dinner will be available soon.
Register Now
Registration is now closed. Please contact us if you have any questions.