Pastors Conference
Each year in mid-February, Rosedale Network hosts a major training event for Rosedale Network ministers and their wives. While the program is designed especially with pastors in mind, missionaries, ministry leaders, and congregational lay leaders are also encouraged to attend.
76th Pastors Conference
February 17-20, 2025
Helper
WELCOME TO SARASOTA, FLORIDA!
Greetings and welcome to Sarasota, Florida! We know that many of you are escaping the cold up north and are eager to enjoy the warmth and beauty of our city. As you explore, we hope you leave refreshed, ready to continue the ministry God has called you to.
Abundant Life Church
6461 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, Florida 34241
2025 Pastors Conference Information
Session Speakers
PLENARY SESSION 1
Jesus and the Holy Spirit: Our Example
This session will unpack how Jesus, our Example, modeled being empowered and led by the Spirit.
Dean Plumlee
Guest Speaker
Dean serves as strategic ministry catalyst for Sonlife ministries in northeast Florida. He and his wife, Amy, actively make disciples and train disciple-makers as they abide, obey, and engage in the mission of Jesus.
PLENARY SESSION 2
Walking in the Spirit: Our Personal Lives
How do we, as pastors, personally walk in the Spirit and allow the Spirit to lead us? Are we being spirit-empowered in our personal lives?
Timothy Gakunju
Guest Speaker
Timothy and his wife, Anne, live in Austin, Texas, where they recently planted a church. They have four adult children, one granddaughter, and are mourning the loss of their son Seth, who passed away in January 2024.
PLENARY SESSION 3
Leading in the Spirit: Our Pastoral Ministry
How can we lead and pastor our congregations empowered and guided by the Spirit?
Linden Good
Guest Speaker
Linden has been married to Charlene for 46 years and has a degree in civil engineering. Before retiring in 2018, Linden served with MCC and pastored Mechanicsburg Christian Fellowship for 38 years. He lives in Mechanicsburg, Ohio.
2025 Pastors Conference Moderator
– John Risner
2025 Breakout Session Titles and Speakers
Test
Discipleship: The Four Chair Model
– Dean Plumlee –
Hippos to Honeybees: Youth Ministry
– Josh Good –
Parenting the Prodigal Child
– Joe & Naomi Byler –
Pastoral Rhythms: Rest, Ministry, Work
– Phil Mast –
Preaching: The Skill of Communicating
– Reuben Sairs –
Processing Criticism: A Pastor's Reality
– Duane Detweiler –
Explore Gator Wilderness Camp
Enjoy Florida, fellowship, a Gator Wilderness Camp School tour, a barbeque dinner including brisket, ribs, chicken, and all the fixings, homemade ice cream, and a program and songfest hosted by the boys living at the camp. This event was made possible by a grant from Everence.
Gator Wilderness Camp School, a parachurch affiliate of Rosedale Network, is a year-round camping program designed specifically to serve adolescent boys. Located on a 250-acre property, they are a private, non-profit organization dedicated to sharing Christ’s unconditional love with families and their sons.
Transportation to and from Gator Wilderness Camp School on Wednesday evening will be provided using charter buses on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Sign up online when registering for Pastors Conference.
1:30 pm Board Charter Buses
3:30 pm Presentation & Tour
5:00 pm DINNER
6:00 pm Evening Gathering
Program and Song Fest
7:00 pm Board Charter Buses
8:15 pm Arrive at Abundant Life Church
Gator Wilderness Camp School
44930 Farabee Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982
Registration & Lodging Information
- Registration opens no later than December 8 of each year. Free will offerings will be received for meals and other conference expenses.
- You can register for both Pastors Conference and in-home lodging using the registration button below.
- Note: In-home lodging registration closes January 31. In-home lodging registrants will receive lodging information after February 5.
- The following hotels have a block of rooms reserved for Pastors Conference with special rates.
Childcare
Childcare will be provided for children ages 2 to 5 and school-aged children (K-5th) during the morning and afternoon plenary and breakout sessions at Abundant Life Church and Ministries, Inc. No childcare will be provided during Tuesday evening’s evening gathering (6:30 pm). A homeschool room will be available for parents to supervise their children as there will be no assigned supervisors.
Donations
Pastors Conference has always been a donation-only event. Below is a suggested donation amount per adult to cover the cost of the conference.
Suggested Donation
Adults – $125 (Covers the cost of sessions and meals for the entire week.)
Children and youth, ages 17 and under – free
Donations may be made in the following ways:
- Using the “Donate” button in the header or footer when you register
- During the Tuesday evening service
- In the food line at any of the meal times
- With your credit card at the registration desk
If possible, consider giving a little more to help those who aren’t able to give as much.
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Upcoming Pastors Conference
2026 – February 16-19 at
Fairlawn Mennonite Church
Apple Creek, Ohio