Mission Critical -- Education

Each Mission Critical Seminar tackled a strategic issue that is vital to examine for Christian camp and conference center success. These included:

The apostle Paul wrote, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities” (Rom. 13:1), and yet the apostle Peter instructed the Sanhedrin, “We must obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29, NIV). What do we do when the laws of men and those of God seem to conflict? Christian camps and individuals must know their rights as citizens and their responsibilities as believers to advocate for Jesus. This session presents what we can do and what we ought to avoid in representing Jesus in our increasingly secular age.


	John Stewart is a lawyer, theologian, author, and award-winning radio personality. A former co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show, "The Bible Answer Man," he has also served as a professor of law and apologetics and as senior pastor of two churches. John, and his wife, Laurie, have their own law practice in Southern California.

Major paradigm shifts and rapid changes of the past quarter century have created a challenging environment for a leader to form an intergenerational team that shares not only a common vision but also a commitment to its achievement. This Mission Critical Seminar addresses the scope of the problem. It also casts a compelling vision for uniting the emergent and pre-emergent generations under the banner of timeless truths related to humanity’s beauty and brokenness, and God’s matchless love and invitation.


	Richard Dahlstrom is the senior pastor at Bethany Community Church in Seattle, Washington, where he has served since 1995. A graduate of Talbot School of Theology, he has helped strengthen the church with his heart for Christ and a relevant, engaging speaking style.

Living intentionally is the key to abundant living. The problem is that many of us camping professionals aren’t doing it. We’re either postponing life, letting someone else call the shots for us, or even avoiding life altogether. It’s possible to miss the main event! This Mission Critical Seminar helps you have an ongoing conversation with yourself about you. Explore five key questions that help frame that conversation and provide some helpful hints for ways to improve the intentionality of your life.


	Reggie McNeil is the missional leadership specialist for Leadership Network. He has served as a denominational executive and leadership development coach, in local congregational leadership, and as a consultant to local church, denomination, and parachurch leadership teams.

Every person, regardless of social class or ethnicity, needs "protest and invest" skills in order to thrive. Research shows that many young people have protested (sometimes referred to as advocacy or standing up for one's rights), or been encouraged to do so, but have comparatively little capacity for practicing the type of personal investment that can dramatically change their circumstances. Explore ways to use camp settings to inspire and kick-start youth toward a life that is balanced in "protest and invest.".


	Rudy Carrasco is the executive director of the Harambee Christian Family Center in Pasadena, California. Since graduating from Stanford University, Rudy has focused on indigenous leadership development at Harambee and beyond. In 2001, he joined a group of nine Hispanic leaders who advised President George W. Bush on the faith-based initiative.

Are you confident that your camping ministry is making a difference in the lives of young people? Many camp and conference center leaders feel successful if the return rate is good or if camps are full. Others bask in positive evaluations from guests and parents. But other organizational leaders face declining enrollment and struggle to keep relevant ministry alive. In this Mission Critical Seminar, learn specific ministry-strengthening strategies that meet proven youth needs, resulting in increased retention at your place.


	Marge Scanlin worked at ACA for 24 years in roles including director of accreditation, division director of camp and member services, and executive officer of research. She's also served as project director of three camp-related national research projects, speaker at numerous conferences, consultant for camps and other organizations, and camp director.

Establishing healthy relationships with your board members is critical—and, at times, challenging. You may ask: What does a healthy president-board chair relationship look like? Is there a model available that provides a clear description of staff-board relationships? The Carver Policy Governance model is one approach for addressing these questions. In this session, observe first-hand the dynamics of a healthy, productive president-board chair working relationship. Plus, explore how your camp or conference ministry may benefit from an application of the topics discussed.


	Rick Hicks, president of Operation Mobilization USA, was formerly on staff at Forest Home Ministries in California. He and his wife, Kathy, wrote Boomers, Xers and Other Strangers. Rick does team-building seminars, and he speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars with a focus on generational issues.
	David Passman is president/CEO of IBS-STL US. A CPA, he was formerly a senior partner at Deloitte and Touche, LLP, where he served for more than 20 years in roles including associate national tax director in Washington, D.C., and managing partner in Atlanta. David also served as president of Harland Printed Products.

Leaders have a definite challenge. And when they don’t know what they don’t know, the law of unintended consequences kicks in quickly. Join us for practical and integrated insights about the 20 core competencies (in the cause, community and corporation arenas) that every business, nonprofit, camp, and conference leader must master to create a sustainable and God-honoring organization. Young, new leaders get a Management 101 crash course and veteran leaders learn approaches to attacking the sticky, recurring problems. Leave with five leak-proof new ideas—guaranteed!


	John Pearson is president of John Pearson Associates, Inc., a management consulting firm that helps nonprofit organizations. His experience includes heading up Christian Management Association, Willow Creek Association, and CCCA as well as working as a camp director and leading numerous conferences and workshops.



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