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Tristan Kruse is a husband and father to three beautiful kids. He is currently serving as the National Director for Christar Canada and participating member of the Sending Collective, a multi agency organization that focuses on reaching out with the Gospel to those who have yet to hear the good news of Jesus. He has been active in youth ministry both in Canada and overseas and has a heart to see the next generation equipped to fulfill Christ's call on their lives, wherever that might be. < Back Tristan Kruse Tristan Kruse is a husband and father to three beautiful kids. He is currently serving as the National Director for Christar Canada and participating member of the Sending Collective, a multi agency organization that focuses on reaching out with the Gospel to those who have yet to hear the good news of Jesus. He has been active in youth ministry both in Canada and overseas and has a heart to see the next generation equipped to fulfill Christ's call on their lives, wherever that might be. Leading Your Youth Towards Missions 2:45pm | Breakout 03 Read More

There are few things more central to deep discipleship than helping students see the beauty of Jesus in His Word. Scripture is the place we see Jesus most clearly, and Jesus Himself said we should teach others to obey all that He has commanded. But sometimes leading a bible study feels like the opposite of discipleship. It feels like painful discipline! In this session we will walk through steps for leading an effective bible study. < Back Track 3 | Ministry Tools How to Lead a Bible Study 1:15pm | Breakout 01 YK Room SESSION SPEAKER Sid Koop Learn More There are few things more central to deep discipleship than helping students see the beauty of Jesus in His Word. Scripture is the place we see Jesus most clearly, and Jesus Himself said we should teach others to obey all that He has commanded. But sometimes leading a bible study feels like the opposite of discipleship. It feels like painful discipline! In this session we will walk through steps for leading an effective bible study. Apply Now

Josh Thompson serves as the Director of Operations and Development for The Pastorate, where he is passionate about strengthening pastors for faithful ministry across Canada. He has previously served as a young adults pastor in Edmonton and in the Greater Toronto Area. Josh and his wife, Jenaye, live in Edmonton with their two sons, Elliot and Miles, and have been part of Beulah Alliance Church for over 25 years, where he currently serves as an elder. < Back Josh Thompson Josh Thompson serves as the Director of Operations and Development for The Pastorate, where he is passionate about strengthening pastors for faithful ministry across Canada. He has previously served as a young adults pastor in Edmonton and in the Greater Toronto Area. Josh and his wife, Jenaye, live in Edmonton with their two sons, Elliot and Miles, and have been part of Beulah Alliance Church for over 25 years, where he currently serves as an elder. Living with the End in Mind: A Eulogy Exercise 2:45pm | Breakout 03 Read More

The destination is just part of the story. Great student trips don’t happen by accident—they’re the result of thoughtful preparation, intentional leadership, and a plan to build relationships and discipleship along the way. Whether you’re taking students to a weekend retreat or a week-long mission tour, this workshop will help you plan what happens before, during, and after your trip. We’ll talk about logistics, team culture, and the leader’s ongoing role while on-site—because even when someone else organizes the big event, your leadership still matters. Learn how these events can strengthen your ministry and make space for God to move in students’ lives. < Back Beyond the Car Ride: How to Prepare for Trips that Matter 1:15pm | Breakout 02 Family Centre SESSION SPEAKER Dan Pyke Learn More The destination is just part of the story. Great student trips don’t happen by accident—they’re the result of thoughtful preparation, intentional leadership, and a plan to build relationships and discipleship along the way. Whether you’re taking students to a weekend retreat or a week-long mission tour, this workshop will help you plan what happens before, during, and after your trip. We’ll talk about logistics, team culture, and the leader’s ongoing role while on-site—because even when someone else organizes the big event, your leadership still matters. Learn how these events can strengthen your ministry and make space for God to move in students’ lives.

The stereotype of middle school ministries comes in one phrase: out of control! The label is understandable when you think of the chaotic combination of hormones, drama, and energy. Is it possible to have chaotic fun and structure? Absolutely! We'll look at creative and effective programming for middle schoolers-- activities that will leave your students wanting more. Plus, we'll introduce simple and essential guidelines that will allow you to retain your volunteers, parents' respect, and personal sanity! < Back Effective Programming for Middle School Ministry: Celebrating Chaos & Implementing Structure 2:45pm | Breakout 03 Family Centre SESSION SPEAKER Heather Flies Learn More The stereotype of middle school ministries comes in one phrase: out of control! The label is understandable when you think of the chaotic combination of hormones, drama, and energy. Is it possible to have chaotic fun and structure? Absolutely! We'll look at creative and effective programming for middle schoolers-- activities that will leave your students wanting more. Plus, we'll introduce simple and essential guidelines that will allow you to retain your volunteers, parents' respect, and personal sanity!

After ten years as a youth pastor and speaker, Ben joined Alpha Canada to create and host the Alpha Youth Series. He currently devotes his time to coaching youth workers, speaking, and creating content to help make faith come alive for youth, kids, and adults. Ben has a joy and enthusiasm for life that is infectious. He and his wife, Melissa live in Vancouver with their daughter, Livia. Find him on Instagram at @benwoodman. < Back Ben Woodman After ten years as a youth pastor and speaker, Ben joined Alpha Canada to create and host the Alpha Youth Series. He currently devotes his time to coaching youth workers, speaking, and creating content to help make faith come alive for youth, kids, and adults. Ben has a joy and enthusiasm for life that is infectious. He and his wife, Melissa live in Vancouver with their daughter, Livia. Find him on Instagram at @benwoodman. The Preacher’s Lab 1:15pm | Breakout 02 Read More

Small groups can be a catalyst for inspirational fellowship and growth… or they can be draining spawns of destruction. Which kind is yours? This workshop will offer 4 tips on improving small group dynamics. < Back How to Lead a Better Small Group 10:45am | Breakout 01 Auditorium SESSION SPEAKER Ken Castor Learn More Small groups can be a catalyst for inspirational fellowship and growth… or they can be draining spawns of destruction. Which kind is yours? This workshop will offer 4 tips on improving small group dynamics.

After ten years as a youth pastor and speaker, Ben joined Alpha Canada to create and host the Alpha Youth Series. He currently devotes his time to coaching youth workers, speaking, and creating content to help make faith come alive for youth, kids, and adults. Ben has a joy and enthusiasm for life that is infectious. He and his wife, Melissa live in Vancouver with their daughter, Livia. Find him on Instagram at @benwoodman. < Back Ben Woodman After ten years as a youth pastor and speaker, Ben joined Alpha Canada to create and host the Alpha Youth Series. He currently devotes his time to coaching youth workers, speaking, and creating content to help make faith come alive for youth, kids, and adults. Ben has a joy and enthusiasm for life that is infectious. He and his wife, Melissa live in Vancouver with their daughter, Livia. Find him on Instagram at @benwoodman. The Preacher’s Lab 1:15pm | Breakout 02 Read More

In this breakout, youth workers will learn practical ways to help students grow in their faith through intentional rhythms to engage with spiritual disciplines. The session blends teaching, discussion, and resources so leaders walk away with tools they can implement immediately in their small groups. < Back How to Help Your Students Practice Spiritual Disciplines More Regularly 2:45pm | Breakout 03 Chapel SESSION SPEAKER Christine Kliewer Learn More In this breakout, youth workers will learn practical ways to help students grow in their faith through intentional rhythms to engage with spiritual disciplines. The session blends teaching, discussion, and resources so leaders walk away with tools they can implement immediately in their small groups.

Join Ben Woodman as he reviews real sermons - some live, some recorded - and puts those preachers on the hot seat for real-time feedback. Drawing on years of experience preaching to students, Ben will give honest yet encouraging feedback as he unpacks what makes messages clear, engaging, and memorable for students. Want to be one of the preachers in the hot seat? Apply here, to have your sermon reviewed live." < Back The Preacher’s Lab 1:15pm | Breakout 02 3011 SESSION SPEAKER Ben Woodman Learn More Join Ben Woodman as he reviews real sermons - some live, some recorded - and puts those preachers on the hot seat for real-time feedback. Drawing on years of experience preaching to students, Ben will give honest yet encouraging feedback as he unpacks what makes messages clear, engaging, and memorable for students. Want to be one of the preachers in the hot seat? Apply here, to have your sermon reviewed live."

Join Nadia Henderson as she shares how God is powerfully at work in the digital space — meeting people in their most vulnerable moments and drawing them to Himself. Through stories from Search for Jesus Canada, discover how the Gospel continues to change lives online. This session will encourage and challenge leaders to see the mission field that exists right at our fingertips. < Back Track 4 | Moving Students to Mission Sharing Jesus in the Digital space: Equipping leaders to see the internet as a powerful tool for connection. 1:15pm | Breakout 02 CR 15/16 SESSION SPEAKER Nadia Henderson Learn More Join Nadia Henderson as she shares how God is powerfully at work in the digital space — meeting people in their most vulnerable moments and drawing them to Himself. Through stories from Search for Jesus Canada, discover how the Gospel continues to change lives online. This session will encourage and challenge leaders to see the mission field that exists right at our fingertips. Apply Now

Heather Flies is in her 29th year as the Junior High Pastor at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. She LOVES students and people in general! Outside the walls of Wooddale, Heather spends a great deal of time and energy as a communicator. During the school year, she is invited into local schools to speak on abstinence, self-esteem, and other current issues. She also encourages women in all seasons of life, trains youth workers, and helps parents understand how to love their teenagers well. In addition, Heather is an author too! FUN STUFF: Heather loves football, dominating on the tennis court, Tigger and listening to Christmas music all year long. She owns 319 bottles of nail polish and 98 pairs of shorts (which she wears all winter long!). She is the daughter of a long distance truck driver, the youngest of six children, and grew up in southern Minnesota. Heather lives in Minnesota with her husband, Chad, and their two St. Bernards. < Back Heather Flies Heather Flies is in her 29th year as the Junior High Pastor at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. She LOVES students and people in general! Outside the walls of Wooddale, Heather spends a great deal of time and energy as a communicator. During the school year, she is invited into local schools to speak on abstinence, self-esteem, and other current issues. She also encourages women in all seasons of life, trains youth workers, and helps parents understand how to love their teenagers well. In addition, Heather is an author too! FUN STUFF: Heather loves football, dominating on the tennis court, Tigger and listening to Christmas music all year long. She owns 319 bottles of nail polish and 98 pairs of shorts (which she wears all winter long!). She is the daughter of a long distance truck driver, the youngest of six children, and grew up in southern Minnesota. Heather lives in Minnesota with her husband, Chad, and their two St. Bernards. Effective Programming for Middle School Ministry: Celebrating Chaos & Implementing Structure 10:45am | Breakout 01 Read More