Church leaders from across Michigan gathered at Camp Au Sable from April 24–26 for the annual Church Leadership Workshop, a weekend designed to encourage, equip, and unite local church leaders for mission-focused ministry.
Centered around the theme “United in Mission,” the retreat drew 75 attendees representing churches from across the state, including locations stretching from the Upper Peninsula to southern Michigan. While the event primarily focused on training and supporting elders, deacons, and deaconesses, many other church officers and ministry leaders also participated, including clerks, treasurers, community service leaders, Sabbath School leaders, and personal ministries representatives.
The diversity of attendees reflected the central emphasis of the weekend; every role in the church contributes to the mission of sharing the gospel and strengthening the body of Christ.
Inspired by Ephesians 4:4–5, the retreat focused on helping leaders serve together with greater unity, spiritual clarity, and practical purpose. Through worship services, breakout sessions, fellowship, and presentations, attendees were reminded that the mission of the church is not carried by individuals working independently, but by believers serving together as one body in Christ.
Featured speakers included Tom Hubbard, Bob Stewart, Kameron DeVasher, and Ted Huskins, each bringing biblical insight, ministry experience, and practical instruction tailored to local church leadership. Throughout the weekend, speakers challenged attendees to embrace both the spiritual and relational aspects of leadership while remaining grounded in the mission Christ has given His church.
A recurring theme throughout the presentations was the call for Christians to live compelling and authentic lives that reflect the character of Christ. Leaders were encouraged to see ministry not merely as fulfilling church responsibilities, but as an opportunity to influence others through faithfulness, humility, and service.
One of the key takeaways from the weekend was the importance of simplifying and reinforcing the church’s mission. Participants were reminded that believers are called to be “the salt of the earth,” sharing the gospel not only through preaching and programs, but also through the way they conduct themselves, interact with others, and steward the work of the church.
Attendees described the retreat as refreshing, practical, and spiritually encouraging. Workshops and discussions provided actionable principles that leaders could immediately bring back to their local congregations and ministry settings. Whether serving in visible leadership roles or behind the scenes, participants left with renewed clarity about how their service contributes to the broader mission of the church.
The setting of Camp Au Sable also contributed to the spirit of the weekend. Surrounded by the beauty of northern Michigan, leaders had opportunities to step away from the busyness of ministry, connect with fellow church members from across the conference, and spend intentional time in worship and reflection.
More than a training event, the Church Leaders Workshop served as a reminder that effective ministry flows from unity in Christ. As leaders return to their churches across Michigan, the prayer and hope of the organizers is that the encouragement, relationships, and practical tools gained during the weekend will strengthen local congregations and advance the mission of the gospel throughout their communities.
Communication Team
