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. Get your ticket when you register for Ministers Gathering, or contact our office to add tickets to your registration!
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 MG26 registration is completed, chaplains and counselors will receive a personal invite from the hosts, Al & Yvonne Downey.
Invitations to register will be sent based on indicators selected in your conference registration form.
RURAL CHURCH LUNCHEON
Date: Tuesday, 12:30 PM
Tickets: Pre-Registration Required ($)
Hosts: Stephen Valcourt & Kevin Driver
This is a time for rural pastors to connect, hosted by Stephen and Embree Valcourt, pastors at Abundant Springs Community Church in Pincher Creek, as well as Kevin Driver, Pastor of Banff’s Full Gospel Church. We’ll be enjoying good food and company at a nearby restaurant.
WOMENS LUNCH
Date: Wednesday, 12:30 PM
Tickets: Pre-Registration Required ($)
Host: Chanda Randell
Join us for a life-giving Women’s Lunch; a time to laugh, connect, and reignite the call within you. Whether you’re just starting out or have led for years, let’s empower one another to walk it out together.
YOUNG LEADERS BRUNCH
Date: Tuesday, 12:30 PM
Tickets: Pre-Registration Required ($)
Host: Kevin Janzen
At the heart of our network are the relationships that shape us. This brunch is for leaders in their 20s and early 30s. We will hang out, eat family-style brunch, and hear from our national leaders, David & Susan Wells, who greatly see the value of young leaders in the PAOC.
CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY LEADERS BREAKFAST
Date: Wednesday, 7:30 AM
Tickets: Pre-Registration Required ($)
Host: Kathy Zelman
At this Meetup, children and family ministry leaders will gather over breakfast for connection and meaningful conversation. Guest Speaker Caroline Bergeron will lead an intentional discussion on cultivating a healthy volunteer culture and building strong, sustainable teams. You’ll leave with practical components to begin shaping your own volunteer engagement and team-building 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: Joel & Kristen Derdall
New to the ABNWT, new to MG or just looking for someone to have lunch with? Meet up with Joel & Kristen Derdall in the lobby, walk to lunch, and make connections. Free to join, simply cover the cost of your meal.
AI IN MINISTRY
Date: Tuesday, 2:30 PM
Location: Glacier
Type: Drop-in Activity
Host: Steven Valcourt
Discover how to use powerful, affordable digital tools to streamline sermon prep, content creation, and scheduling. Learn how AI can save you hours each week, reduce burnout, and expand your ministry—without increasing your budget.
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: Mike & Lori Hinger
New to the ABNWT, new to MG or just looking for someone to have lunch with? Meet up with Mike & Lori Hinger in the lobby, walk to lunch, and make connections. Free to join, simply cover the cost of your meal.
NORTHERN CONNECTION
Date: Wednesday, 2:30 PM
Location: Glacier
Type: Drop-in Activity
Host: James Clarence
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.
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.