FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14-15

Small Church Conference

Held each fall, the Small Church Conference is a gathering specifically designed for pastors of small churches (congregations of 100 or less) to enjoy a low-cost weekend of encouragement and connection. This year, we are thrilled to invite you to join us November 14–15 at the beautiful Canaan Valley Resort with special guests, Karl Vaters and Dr. Jason Karampatsos!

This year’s conference includes an expanded conference schedule packed with powerful sessions, practical tools, and meaningful connection - PLUS - we’re also offering one-on-one sessions with Christian Licensed Counselor, Dr. Jason Karampatsos throughout the weekend. These sessions are a rare opportunity for personal guidance and encouragement—details coming soon!

This is more than just an event — it’s a time for pastors and their spouses to pause, refocus, and connect with fellow leaders who understand the joys and challenges of ministry. Space is limited, so save your spot today!

Registration & Cost

Deadline: Friday, October 10th

$30 per couple -or- $20 per individual

  • Includes all on-site meals, lodging, and sessions

  • Childcare is available for children (ages 0-10) (Space is limited, please pre-register.)

  • Each church may register up to 4 attendees, so act fast!

Conference Schedule

NOTE: Some details are tentative and subject to change.

Friday, November 14, 2025

11:00 AM – Registration Opens

12:30 PM – Super Session (Includes Lunch)

2:00 PM – Breakout Session

4:00 PM – Registration Reopens & Hotel Check In

5:00 PM – Hors d'oeuvres

6:00 PM – Dinner

7:00 PM – Main Session 1

Saturday, November 15, 2025

7:00 – 8:45 AM – Breakfast

9:00 AM – Main Session 2

10:30 AM – Break & Hotel Check-Out

10:50 AM – Breakout Sessions

12:00 PM – Lunch

12:45 PM – Main Session 3

1:45 PM – Giveaways

2:00 PM – Main Session 4

2:45 PM – Final Thoughts

3:00 PM – Conference Concludes

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

  • Karl Vaters

    Karl Vaters

    GUEST SPEAKER

    Karl Vaters is the author of five books, including the brand-new De-Sizing the Church: How Church Growth Became a Science, Then an Obsession, and What’s Next. Karl’s other books are: The Church Recovery Guide, 100 Days to a Healthier Church, Small Church Essentials, and The Grasshopper Myth.

    Karl produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com. His heart is to help pastors of small churches (up to 90 percent of us) find the resources to lead well, and to capitalize on the unique advantages that come with pastoring a small church – something virtually every pastor will spend at least some of their ministry years doing. He also believes that big and small churches can and should work together more often – to the benefit and blessing of everyone.

    Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry. Episodes feature in-depth interviews about the topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context.

    Karl has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience. He and his wife, Shelley have three children and two grandkids.

  • Dr. Jason Karampatsos

    Dr. Jason Karampatsos

    GUEST SPEAKER

    Dr. Jason Karampatsos is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He received his B.S. in Bible from the University of Valley Forge, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland.

    He has had the privilege of leading churches over the past 25 years that range from revitalizing churches under 100 to pastoring established churches of 1,000; as well as being a part of the staff of churches ranging from plants to mid-size, to a large multi-site congregation.

    This unique diversity of ministry has opened doors for him to speak into the lives of leaders of a wide range of ministry backgrounds in both the conference setting as well as one-on-one counseling.

    He is the author of The Elephant in the Marriage, proud father of three and husband of over 30 years to his best friend and ministry partner.

SPECIAL WORSHIP GUESTS

Roselyn & Jocelyn - Gospel Twin Duo

Reaching the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ through heartfelt, inspirational music that uplifts the soul.

BREAKOUT SESSION SPEAKERS

Rev. Benjamin Rainey, Jr.
Topic: Personal Finance

Rev. Bobby Basham
Topic: Dealing with Conflict in the Local Church (Acts 2 Series)

Pastor Joshua Wesley
Topic: Worship in the Small Church

Mike Badolato
Topic: Evangelism

  • Rev. Benjamin Rainey, Jr. serves as Secretary-Treasurer for the Potomac Ministry Network and blends a pastor’s heart with a CPA’s precision. Whether advising leaders on church finance, ministers’ taxes, or navigating organizational challenges, Ben communicates with warmth, wisdom, and a touch of humor. Outside the office, you’ll find him exploring historical landmarks and natural wonders with his family—proof that he can balance both spreadsheets and a good road trip itinerary.

  • Bobby Basham is an ordained Assemblies of God minister and the Director of Church Health and Revitalization for the Potomac Ministry Network, with over 40 years of ministry experience. A former Lead Pastor for 17 years, he now empowers churches to grow and thrive through revitalization efforts like the Acts 2 Journey and Extreme Church Makeovers, which has completed over 35 projects since 2009. Since 2007, he has also served as Network Men’s Director, championing men’s spiritual leadership in homes and communities. As founder of the Small Church Conference, Bobby equips churches under 100 with tools to thrive. He’s preached in over 10 nations and brings cross-cultural insight to church health and leadership development. Outside ministry, he’s a certified NRA Shotgun Instructor, reflecting a commitment to diverse personal growth.

  • Pastor Josh Wesley has been leading worship since the age of 13 in various worship settings. He currently serves as an Executive Pastor of Community Life at Chapel Springs Church and is also the Creative Director for the Potomac Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God. With a heart for authentic discipleship, Josh’s passion is to help create spaces and opportunities for people to encounter God in practical and sustainable ways. Both Josh and his wife, Leah, are products of spiritual mentorship, and because of that, they dedicate their lives to pouring into others. Josh and Leah have been married for 25 years and have a vibrant 9-year-old son, Justice.

  • Mike Badolato is an Evangelist, Speaker, Revivalist and Author. His ministry is distinctly marked by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. He is a gifted teacher of the Word of God and is uniquely anointed in evangelistic preaching. Mike has an uncommon grace to guide believers into closeness with the Holy Spirit. Mike travels to preach the gospel, to equip God’s people, and to bring revival and evangelistic zeal to churches. By sharing inspiring stories of divine appointments from his witnessing and street ministry, he is able to motivate people to move “from the seats to the streets.” Mike lives in Frederick, Maryland, with his wife Shari and their two children.

Questions?

Contact our Church Development & Revitalization team about this event!