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IT’S DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE! — TAKE THIS...
Jesus has given His church a mission. The Gospel writer John recorded these words of Jesus, "As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."
In the 1980s video game, The Legend of Zelda, Link is given some sage advice by an old man before he heads out on his adventure: “It’s Dangerous to go Alone!” — Then the man gives him a sword and says, “Take this.”
Being sent by Jesus is a great adventure, too! But like Link's adventure, "It's Dangerous to go Alone!” Thankfully, as we go on this mission, God gives us three things to “take" with us: The Word of God, the Presence of God, and the People of God.
Join us at GLDCON 25 as we open up the Gospel of John to be encouraged and strengthened from God's Word for the mission Jesus has sent us on together!
BRETT GLEASON
Sent By Jesus
Brett is the District Superintendent of the Great Lakes District.
GARY RIDLEY
Rooted in the Word of God
Gary is the Lead Pastor of Trinity Church in Ludington, Michigan and serves on the GLD Board of Directors.
COLIN SMITH
Abiding in the Presence of God
Colin is the Founder and Teaching Pastor of Open the Bible
CARLTON HARRIS
Sent with the People of God
Carlton is the Acting President of the Evangelical Free Church of America.
GLDCON25 SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Oct 7
Pre-Conference Gatherings
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9a - Preconferencia en Español w/ Kerwin Rodriguez (TEDS)
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9a - Pastoral Mentoring w/ Gary deBock (Pastoral Coach)
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10a - Welcome to the Family (pastors and ministry leaders new to the GLD/EFCA)
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* You must pre-register for these events. All include lunch.
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12:30 > Session 1
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Sent by Jesus
Brett Gleason (District Superintendent)Take This: Rooted in the Word of God
Gary Ridley (Trinity Church, Ludington, MI)
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1:45 * BREAK *
2:00 > Family Meeting
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Join us as we look to the future, celebrate what God is doing, welcome new churches to the GLD Family and more!
This time will include the Annual Business Meeting of the GLD.
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3:15 * BREAK *
3:45 > AFFINITY GROUPS
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Connect in an Affinity Group with others serving in a similar ministry to your own. Scroll down for more info.
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5:30 > Dinner
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Attend either the General Dinner or optional Women’s Dinner w/ Carol Harris (indicate your choice when registering)
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7:00 > Session 2
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Take This: Abiding in the Presence of God
Pastor Colin Smith (Open the Bible)
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Wednesday, Oct 8
9:00 > AFFINITY GROUPS
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Connect in an Affinity Group with others serving in a similar ministry to your own. Scroll down for more info.
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10:30 * BREAK *
11:00 > Session 3
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Take This: Sent With the People of God
Carlton Harris (EFCA)
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12:15 > Lunch
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Attend the GLD Family Lunch (a great time to connect with others across our GLD Family before heading home) or the Trinity Lunch (for allumni and friends of TEDS – scroll down for more info).
Indicate your preference when registering.
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CHILD CARE IS AVAILABLE!
Are you in need of child care?
You can add it to your registration for an additional $10 per child, but no more than $20 per family.
Available Tuesday, October 7 from 9-11:30am, 12:30-5:30pm and 7pm-End. Available Wednesday, October 8 from 9am-12:15pm
AFFINITY GROUPS
At GLDCON you’ll have the opportunity to connect with and learn from others serving in a similar ministry to your own. You will be led by a faithful guide for the journey together.
NORMAL CHURCHES
Designed for Pastors and Leaders of GLD Churches under 200 in weekly attendance. This is an opportunity to learn, encourage, and connect with other leaders while exploring the joys and challenges of loving and leading the normal-sized church!
Mark Burks
GLD Area Superintendent
MID-SIZE CHURCHES
Connecting Lead Pastors of mid-sized churches (200-500), this group will focus on peer learning. Topics and questions submitted by attendees shape the agenda. We believe the answer is in the room—we want to draw out the wisdom, knowledge, and experience of those attending.
Josh Weiland
Wawasee Bible
LARGE CHURCHES
Designed for Lead Pastors and a 2nd Chair Leader in churches near or greater than 500 in weekly attendance, this group will explore topics and questions submitted by attendees. Learn from, encourage, and network with other leaders in a similar context of large-church ministry.
Darrell Cloud
The Compass Church
WOMEN in MINISTRY
The gifts and ministries of women are essential to the health and fruitfulness of the Church. This group is designed to support women serving in ministry roles at local churches across the GLD. Topics and questions discussed will be shaped by those attending for learning, encouragement, networking, and prayer.
Cyndi Leamon
GLD Director for Women in Ministry
HISPANIC MINISTRIES
Come connect with other leaders in the growing movement of Hispanic churches across the Great Lakes District. Share principles and experiences related to the growth and multiplication of Spanish-speaking congregations. Ricardo Palmerin will lead this gathering alongside other members of the Hispanic Leadership Team
Ricardo Palmerin
GLD Director of Hispanic Ministries
*not your typical* pastor’s wife
Being married to a pastor carries with it many unique dynamics. Join other spouses of pastors in this affinity group for a time of learning, encouragement, and prayer for one another.
Amy McCausland
LCPC & Regional Superintendent's Wife
DISABILITY & SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY
For anyone serving and/or interested in disability & special needs ministry in a local church setting. We all have something to offer, something to learn about how to make the gospel accessible to EVERYONE in our neighborhood.
Jim Baker
EFCA Disability & Special Needs Ministry
STUDENT MINISTRIES
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with other Student Ministry pastors and leaders, discuss the challenges you face in reaching and releasing the next generation with the gospel, and how EFCA ReachStudents can help you from the district and national level.
Paul Miller
EFCA Student Ministries Director
EFCA Multi-Ethnic Ministries
The challenges and rewards of leading minsitry in a multi-ethnic context are immense! Come connect with others doing the same and leave encouraged and built up. We’ll explore topics submitted by those in the room and learn from one another.
April Warfield
EFCA Director of Multicultural Ministries
Jonathan Pierson
Campus Pastor, Park Hills EFC, Freeport, IL
KIDS MINISTRY
This group is designed for those leading and minsitering to children and families in the GLD. Jesus loved kids and so do we! Come learn from and connect with others serving in this vital area of ministry!
Judy Crocket
Retired Children's Ministry Director, Lakeland EFC, Gurnee, IL
HEALTHY BOARD DYNAMICS
Do you serve in some capacity on a church board? Come learn about the dynamics of church boards at various sizes of growth, how best to support and engage with your pastor, healthy relationships between board and staff, and more!
Gary deBock
Pastoral Coach
EFCA MISSIONS
Being a transformational church… globally. Come and explore the theology of transformational international missions and practical ways to increase your missions impact and engagement.
Tom Pankratz
EFCA ReachGlobal
Craig Ott
TEDS Professor of Mission and Intercultural Studies
Pastor-Theologians
Join us for an engaging presentation and robust conversation around the question, "Why does the church need pastor-theologians?" This serves those aspiring to grow as pastor-theologians in their service to the church.
Greg Strand
EFCA Executive Director of Theology and Credentialing
PRE-CONFERENCE
GATHERINGS
LUNCH IS INCLUDED!
(MUST PRE-REGISTER TO RECIEVE LUNCH)
NEW PASTOR OR MINISTRY LEADER IN THE GLD/EFCA?
GET AQUAINTED WITH THE GREAT LAKES DISTRICT & EFCA
If you are a new-to-the-GLD Lead Pastor, Associate or Youth Pastor, or Ministry Leader, join us for this informative pre-conference gathering. We’ll do our best to help you get a lay of the land and connect you with other leaders in our movement. We’ll even pay for your lunch!
When you register, please sign up for the "Welcome to the Family Pre-Conference." (And if you’re married, bring your spouse!)
We want you connected.
It’s dangerous to go alone!
PRECONFERENCIA EN ESPAĂ‘OL
w/ KERWIN RODRIGUEZ
CHAIR OF THE PASTORAL THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT, TEDS
¡Pronto habrá más detalles!
Queremos que estés conectado.
¡Es peligroso ir solo!
PASTORAL MENTORING
w/ GARY deBOCK
PASTORAL COACH
More details to come!
We want you connected.
It’s dangerous to go alone!
SPECIAL DINNER
& LUNCH EVENTS
WOMEN’S DINNER
WITH CAROL HARRIS
OPTIONAL DINNER ON TUESDAY
(INDICATE WHEN REGISTERING)
God has created us for relationship, not only with Himself, but also with other people. He finds great delight in watching His children dispense His love to others. Let's look together at how we, as ministry leaders in the church, can love the variety of people God brings across our paths.
TRINITY LUNCH
OPTIONAL LUNCH ON WEDNESDAY
(INDICATE WHEN REGISTERING)
This lunch is for alumni and friends of TEDS. Enjoy lunch together, receive an update from TEDS representatives, and learn how TEDS continues to provide accessible Certificate and Masters Degree programs that serve the local church.
PRESS START
Register by September 1, 2025 for the best rate!
(Scroll down for hotel options.)
EARLY-BIRD RATE
Register by September 1, 2025 for this rate. Registration cost includes access to all sessions, breakouts, and meals.
$59
REGISTER NOWREGULAR RATE
This rate takes effect after September 1, 2025. Cost includes access to all sessions, breakouts, and meals.
$79
REGISTER NOWCONFERENCE LOCATION
HOTEL OPTIONS
We’ve secured preferred rates at the hotels below using the links listed.
You can also call a hotel listed below and mention the Great Lakes District.
Rates are for October 6-8, 2025 if reserved by September 6, 2025.
(Scroll up to the section above to register for the conference.)
Fairfield Inn
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2101 E. Morthland Drive
Valparaiso, IN 46383 -
219-465-6225
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$124
If Reserved by Sept. 6, 2025
Holiday Inn Express
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1251 Silhavy Road
Valparaiso, IN 46383
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219-464-9395
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$128
If Reserved by Sept. 6, 2025
Hampton Inn
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1451 Silhavy Road
Valparaiso, IN 46383 -
219-531-6424
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$159
If Reserved by Sept. 6, 2025