Meet-ups are a way to connect with new people over informal, shared experiences. They are an invitation for everyone at Ministers Gathering to do something fun with people outside of your regular network.
These Meetups are designed for specific ministry workers and require a ticket to attend. Invitations to register will be sent based on indicators selected in your conference registration form.
CHAPLAINS BREAKFAST
Date: Wednesday, 8:00 AM
Tickets: Pre-Registration Required
Hosts: Al & Yvonne Downey
This Meetup is an opportunity for chaplains and counselors, who serve in many different scenarios in our District, to meet, greet and interconnect. After your MG25 registration is completed, chaplains and counselors will receive a personal invite from the hosts, Al & Yvonne Downey.
RURAL CHURCH LUNCHEON
Date: Tuesday, 12:30 PM
Tickets: Pre-Registration Required ($)
Host: Bob Jones
This is a time for rural pastors to connect, hosted by Stephen and Embree Valcourt, pastors at Abundant Springs Community Church in Pincher Creek, as well as Bob Jones, Advance Coach, at the ABNWT District. We’ll be enjoying good food and company at a nearby restaurant.
WOMENS LUNCH
Date: Wednesday, 12:30 PM
Tickets: Pre-Registration Required ($)
Host: Carrie Taitinger
This year’s theme is, ‘My Story, My Call.’ If you are a woman registered for Minister’s Gathering this event is for you! Enjoy a hot buffet, life-learnings from presenters, and fun + focused conversation around your table. You won’t want to miss this! Space is limited so get your ticket early.
YOUNG LEADERS BRUNCH
Date: Tuesday, 12:30 PM
Tickets: Pre-Registration Required ($)
Host: Kevin Janzen
At the heart of our network are the relationships that shape us. This brunch is for leaders in their 20s and early 30s. We will hang out, eat family-style brunch, and hear from our national leaders, David & Susan Wells, who greatly see the value of young leaders in the PAOC.
CHILDRENS MINISTRY LEADERS BREAKFAST
Date: Wednesday, 7:30 AM
Tickets: Pre-Registration Required ($)
Host: Kathy Zelman
At this Meetup, children and family ministry leaders will join together for a time of connection and discussion over breakfast. Our facilitators will guide an intentional discussion on leadership resilience. You will leave with the components needed to create your own resilience plan.
These Meetups are free for conference registrants and require no pre-registration. We have a variety of options to choose from throughout your time in Banff.
YOUNG LEADERS AFTER-AFTER PARTY
Date: Monday, 10:00-11:00 PM
Location: Black Bear
Type: Drop-in Activity
Host: Kevin Janzen
Yeah, that's right, after the After Party, young leaders in their 20s and early 30s will gather for a riveting game of high-stakes BINGO. Do you feel like a winner? You should - you are a child of the Most High. But bingo night will separate the winners from the other winners.
TUESDAY LUNCH WITH FRIENDS
Date: Tuesday, 12:30 PM
Location: Meet in Hotel Lobby
Type: Drop-in Activity
Host: Murray and Patricia Coughlan
New to the ABNWT, new to MG or just looking for someone to have lunch with? Meet up with Murray and Pat Coughlan in the lobby, walk to lunch, and make connections. Free to join, simply cover the cost of your meal.
SUCCESSION SEMINAR
Date: Wednesday, 2:30 PM
Location: Aspen Room
Type: Drop-in Activity
Host: Bob Jones & Al Downey
Pastoral transition is a critical moment in church life. Succession planning can work in a rural church. Retirement planning can never start too soon. You and your family will never regret it. Al Downey and Bob Jones will host this meet-up for succession and retirement planning.
STORYFEST
Date: Wednesday, 9:00 PM
Location: Ballroom
Type: Drop-in Activity
Host: Thunder and Light Studios
A film-fest style experience featuring the stories of people who encountered the living Christ from all sorts of backgrounds. There is nothing more compelling than our testimony. StoryFest is a compilation of stories that were featured in the Calgary StoryFest Event.
PARENT & TOTS DROP-IN
Date: Tuesday, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Location: Lynx Salon
Type: Drop-in Activity
Host: Michael & Jillian Zabiran
Join us for a cozy gathering where parents and toddlers can connect. Enjoy a delicious hot chocolate while your little ones play and explore. Perfect for socializing, sharing parenting tips, and making new friends. Bring your toddlers and come have fun with us.
WEDNESDAY LUNCH WITH FRIENDS
Date: Wednesday, 12:30 PM
Location: Meet in Hotel Lobby
Type: Drop-in Activity
Host: Boniface & Happy Mgonja
New to the ABNWT, new to MG or just looking for someone to have lunch with? Meet up with Boniface & Happy Mgonja in the lobby, walk to lunch, and make connections. Free to join, simply cover the cost of your meal.
VISION NORTH : HEAR THE DREAM
Date: Wednesday, 2:30 PM
Location: Glacier Salon
Type: Drop-in Activity
Host: Corey Randell
Come and meet the northern workers who will be coordinating ministry projects, missional community outreaches, kids camps, and short-term missions teams. This is a perfect opportunity for your church to be a part of making an eternal impact on the Northwest Territories.
VANGUARD ALUMNI HANG-OUT
Date: Tuesday, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
Location: Glacier Salon
Type: Drop-in Activity
Host: Vanguard College
Vanguard, NBC & CNBI alumni, grab a churro while you test your skills at Peso Toss or prove your knowledge of hot sauce. Take a trip down memory lane by finding your old graduation picture (and hairstyle). Meet our current faculty and enter to win a Vanguard hoodie or shirt.
If you’re in a Cohort, ask your leader about scheduling a Cohort Meetup.
If you have an idea for a Meetup for next year, contact bob@abnwt.com.
Not in a cohort yet? Learn about cohorts.
Our premier event for refreshing, connection, and equipping is here to elevate your life in ministry. Space is limited. Register today.
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, please check our FAQs or reach out to us via email and we’d be happy to help.