September 25th, 2025
9 AM – 4 PM
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
EQUIPPING PASTORS & LEADERS
The Southwest Ohio Leaders Conference is a one-day conference that exists to equip pastors and leaders within the church to overcome the unique obstacles and challenges of ministry leadership in the 21st century. In an age of social media-fueled conflict, competing cultural narratives, and increasing hostility towards a Christian worldview, our churches need Christ-centered, Gospel-formed leaders who will stand together as we engage the world with the hope of the gospel and the glory of Jesus. Join us as we worship together in unity, hear from kingdom-minded leaders from around the country, and collaborate with local pastors and ministry leaders familiar with the unique nuances of ministry in Southwest, Ohio.
ABOUT THE THEME
LEADERS CREATE URGENCY.
Confusion about evangelism has left the church with a lack-luster approach to reaching the lost. There is a solution! We must be about the mission of Jesus: “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). That means we must revive missional engagement. A church with a culture of missional engagement will hold the Biblical values of evangelism, share the compelling narratives of God’s story in our lives of change and redemption, and live out the white-hot faith behaviors of an evangelistic church.
Through engaging keynote speakers and thought-provoking breakouts, participants will gain practical tools and theological insights on how every Jesus follower in your church can share the gospel effectively in their community. And we think they all should come if they can with YOU! Key themes will include conversational evangelism, hospitality, sharing a testimony, overcoming barriers to talking about faith, every day evangelism, and creative missional engagement ideas fo your community . Attendees will learn how to integrate gospel-mindedness into their daily lives — at work, with family, and in social settings — while addressing common fears and cultural challenges that can make evangelism feel daunting.
Whether you’re a pastor, small group leader, member, or missionary, or simply someone who wants to share your faith more naturally, this event is for you.
Join us on September 25th, 2025 from 9 AM – 4 PM, as we hear from nationally known speakers who will equip and encourage you and your team to be leaders who raise up leaders. This is a perfect conference for you to bring your ministry leaders (Student leaders, Children’s leaders, Worship leaders, future leaders, and other key leaders) with you as you work to create urgency for the Gospel in the leaders within your church.
Meet Our Speakers
He also founded Knowing Jesus Ministries, a non-profit organization which exists to proclaim timeless truth for everyday life. This ministry provides resources for Christians to grow in their daily walk with Jesus, withstand the onslaught of cultural pressures to conform, and prepare Christians for the suffering that comes in this life. Resources includes books, daily devotions, articles, theology videos, conferences, and weekend respites for families who have lost children.
He’s been married to Katrina since 2002, and has three children: Kaleb (who went to be with the Lord on December 1st, 2019), Kaleigh Grace, and Kyra Piper.
He serves as the Sr. Pastor of WALK Church in Las Vegas, NV where he preaches regularly. Along with pastoring, Heiden serves as the Las Vegas City Missionary for the church planting network Send Network. Heiden also has a passion and calling for sports ministry and has the honor of serving the NFL Las Vegas Raiders and the WNBA Las Vegas Aces as their Lead Team Chaplain.
Since 2003, JJ has served as a children’s pastor, youth pastor, assistant pastor, and campus pastor. JJ currently serves as the North American Mission Board’s national director of personal evangelism. He loves preaching and sharing the gospel! His hobbies are training his kids in their sports careers, vacationing with his family, and watching football. He and his wife, Tamara, have two children.
BREAKOUTS
Breakout Speakers
Meet our team of breakout speakers, most of whom serve in local churches right here in Southwest Ohio. In each breakout, you'll hear from leaders who are familiar with your local context and ask questions that apply directly to you.
Local Perspectives from Local Leaders.
Heather Wagoner
Worship/Women's Director, Grace Point Fellowship
Corey Flynn
Student Pastor, Grace Point Fellowship
Bryson Jackson
Church Planter, Gospel Heights Church
Stephen Betts
Lead Pastor, FBC New Lebanon
Kirk Kirkland
Lead Pastor, Revive City Church
Clint Bicknell
Band Director, Grace Point Fellowship | Franklin Campus
Travis Smalley
Lead Pastor, Lakota Hills Church
Mark Snowden
Associational Missionary, Cincinnati Area Baptist Association
Jim Tinch
Executive Pastor, Berachah Church
Terry Lee Kirkland
Lead Pastor, The Oaks Church
Jim Corbin
Executive Pastor, University Baptist Church
Justin Rahmes
Lead Pastor, Sacred Mission Church
Jason Wing
Lead Pastor, University Baptist Church
Worship together with
Grace Point Worship
SCHEDULE
8:30 AM
Registration & Check-In
9:00 AM
Leadership Session 1
Erik Reed & Grace Point Worship
10:15 AM
Break (15 Minutes)
Coffee, Snacks, & Drinks Available
10:30 AM
Leadership Session 2 (Lunch included)
Evangelism Training w/ JJ Washington | *All specialized breakouts are offered during both sessions.
1:30 PM
Break/Networking
Coffee, Snacks, & Drinks Available
1:45 PM
Missional Engagement Breakout Session
2:45 PM
Leadership Session 3
Heiden Ratner & Grace Point Worship
4:00 PM
Dismiss
OUR PARTNERS
“You have heard it said that if you want to go fast, go alone. However, if you want to go far, go together. I say to you this is more than a leadership line, but a leadership truth. Come join us on September 25th and let’s grow together!”
– Jeremy Westbrook, SCBO Executive Director
Now more than ever is a time for pastors and church leaders to stand together. To learn together, grow together, serve together, worship together, and lead together. Don’t miss a chance to join our leaders across Southwest Ohio as we do just that!