Southern/Western Refresh: A Leadership Summit Recap
Attendees actively participating in the divine worship experience.
Free event? Count us in! What better way to close out January than gathering with fellow leaders and friends with a common goal: empowering the next generation to serve. Saints travelled from near and far, braving the cold to unite for this special occasion. The summit’s theme, “Refresh,” delivered revitalizing insights that leaders could immediately apply.
Friday Night
We kicked off with engaging workshops. Pastor Anthony Kern facilitated Developing the Next Generation of Youth Leaders for Active Leadership Roles. He challenged leaders to adopt proactive, inclusive practices that equip youth to take initiative and lead with confidence within the body of Christ. He also highlighted the importance of stronger community partnerships, creating a natural bridge to Diana Achim & Compassion Ministry’s How to Engage the Community workshop.
Pastor Sean Folkes presented How to Answer Difficult Questions from Your Youth, normalizing the reality that leaders won’t always have immediate answers when young people ask hard questions. Sometimes, he noted, it’s enough to connect with others who can help. There is wisdom in pausing and seeking counsel.
Chantal Gray, in How to Support Young People Going Through Life Transitions, reframed the leader’s role, not as the solution to every problem, but as a steady resource walking alongside youth during seasons of change.
A common thread throughout the evening was holistic leadership—supporting young people spiritually, emotionally, and practically.
Pastor Ivan preaching during the summit.
Sabbath Morning
Pastor Scott delivered a plenary titled Maintaining Spiritual Health and Wholeness as a Leader, bringing the focus back to the heart—the well from which leadership flows. “You can’t pour from an empty well,” he said, underscoring that spiritual vitality is not optional but foundational. Our example often speaks louder than our words, and an intentional relationship with God anchors leadership in integrity and faithfulness.
Drawing from 1 Kings 18 & 19, Pastor Ivan Uriegas preached Victory and the Fiasco, illustrating that leadership holds both triumph and disappointment. He explored the courage required to stand for truth, the humility to acknowledge setbacks, and the necessity of rest and renewal. True leadership, he reminded us, is shaped not by popularity or visible success but by faithfulness; listening for God’s voice even when outcomes remain uncertain.
Sabbath Afternoon
The afternoon sessions shifted from inspiration to implementation, moving us from vision to execution.
Communication came first. Thank goodness for Selena Ly’s mid-afternoon intervention in Communications: Principles of Design, because nothing stalls an event faster than poor design and unclear messaging.
In Succession Planning: Passing the Torch, Natasha Nithiarajan highlighted the importance of intentionally developing emerging leaders by assigning clear roles and shared responsibility. Emerging leaders must remain teachable, while experienced leaders stay attentive to those already demonstrating initiative, ensuring no potential goes unnoticed.
VP for Western regional youth association, Rafael, listening to the group discussion.
Program Planning: Ideas on How to Develop an Inspiring Program, led by Kemunto Maranga and Larnelle Gutu, centered on a simple but critical principle: people come before programming. Events flourish when purpose, accessibility, and audience remain at the forefront.
Meanwhile, James Niyomugabo, in Equipping Youth Leaders with Enterprise-Grade Digital Tools, demonstrated how strategic communication systems can strengthen collaboration, organization, and overall ministry impact.
Across these sessions, one conviction became clear: effective leadership grows through clarity, intentionality, and capability.
Final Thoughts
There was no better way to finish the weekend than with worship—a theme woven throughout. If one message lingered, it was community: “No man is an island.” Isolation is dangerous. Collaboration not only strengthens our ministries but also advances the Church’s collective mission, building up the body of Christ. We stand stronger together.
By refreshing our spirits, sharpening our skills, and reconnecting with one another, the summit delivered exactly what its theme promised.
And yes—Pastor In Pyo Hong’s charcuterie board helped fuel us for the road ahead, and a huge thanks to the Kitchener-Waterloo team for their warm welcome and delicious food throughout the weekend. What an experience!
Check out the photo album from the summit on our Flickr!