LIMITLESS
APRIL 25-26, 2025
LIMITLESS APRIL 25-26, 2025
Velocity is a conference for anyone who is influencing and shaping the next generation to be limitless followers of Jesus.
-
The largest generation in recorded human history is currently in childhood and in your spheres of influence in your family, church, school, community and beyond. Those who minister to children and families have incredible positions of influence to lead a generation to be lifelong followers of Jesus and partner with parents in raising world Christians.
CFM Pastors, leaders, ministry workers, parents and others who are part of shaping the emerging generation need spaces to connect, learn and grow.
Velocity is the perfect opportunity to gather with like-minded ministers to dream and be challenged by the limitless plans and destiny God has for the next generation and how we can partner with Him in cultivating resilient faith. Gain inspiration for your ministry, collect resources, and build connection with those who can help.
-
LIMITLESS is our conference theme for Velocity 2025 as we discover the limitless depths of God’s desire for children and families to know Him and be life-long followers of Jesus.
Be encouraged, equipped and empowered by world-class plenary speakers and workshop presenters providing inspiration and practical helps and resources on how to effectively reach, teach and disciple the emerging generation. Be refreshed by dynamic times of worship and connection with others.
-
Early Bird: $85/person until January 31st, 2025 11:59pm EST
Regular: $99/person until March 31st, 2025 11:59pm EST
Late Registration: $120/person until April 7th, 2025 11:59pm EST
Group Rates: Save $10/person when registering a group of 5+.
What’s Included: Cost of registration includes Friday evening After Party, Saturday beverage/snack breaks, lunch and conference content.
-
Four Points by Sheraton Mississauga Meadowvale — Book your room at $149/night.
*Limited rooms available. The blocked rooms will be released on March 28, 2025 and regular rates applied.
Velocity 2025
LIMITLESS
TAKEOFF IN T-MINUS
Mark McCrindle is a social researcher, best-selling author and TEDx speaker. He is a sought after thought-leader in tracking emerging trends influencing society, and is recognized globally as the one to coin the name for the emerging global generation, Generation Alpha.
-
As a renown demographer and futurist, Mark has developed his reputation across two decades as an award-winning social researcher, best-selling author and social commentator. Mark has appeared across all major television networks, radio and print media, and has twice been invited to speak at TEDx events. He has presented thousands of keynotes and workshops in all major industries including, finance, technology, health, mining, energy and education.
Mark McCrindle, BSc (Psychology), MA, is the author of five books on emerging trends and social change. Generation Alpha, Work Wellbeing: Leading Thriving Teams in Rapidly Changing Times, The ABC of XYZ: Understanding the Global Generations, Word Up: A Lexicon and Guide to Communication in the 21st Century and The Power of Good.
Workshop Facilitators
Ashley Speck
Children’s Pastor, Bethel Church, Stratford
-
Ashley has been a children’s pastor at Bethel Church in Stratford, ON since 2016, and graduated from Tyndale University in 2015 with a BA in Human Services and Early Childhood Education. With every chance she had, she would complete her placements with organizations that supported children with special needs. Feeling called to missions when in high school, Ashley realized her mission field would look a lot different than any she’d heard of before. Missions is reaching the unreached and that’s exactly what she is passionate about. Children with special needs and their families need to know they’re loved by God, seen by you and welcome in our churches.
-
Maybe you have no idea what Special Needs Ministry is or maybe you have already started implementing strategies but are feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Either way, when it comes to special needs ministry, it’s critical that you have a strong foundation. In this session, we will discuss what special needs ministry is and why it matters. Whether resources are tight or plentiful, we’ll dream together about what church could look like if we all saw children with special needs through God’s eyes.
Dr. Gerry Tonn
G.E.T. Care Canada
-
Rev. Dr. Gerhold (Gerry) Tonn is married to Elaine, and they have two daughters, two sons in law and five grandchildren. Gerry and Elaine have pastored for over 40 years. Gerry has served as Lead Pastor for 26 years (Cedarview Church in Paris Ontario as well as at Aurora Cornerstone Church in Aurora). In addition, he taught psychology for the undergrads at Master's Bible College and Seminary in Peterborough (for about 15 years), deals with pastoral care and restoration needs for the pastors of the Western Ontario District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, does about 20 mental health seminars per year (including the PAOC), and teaches for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Currently Gerry and Elaine are the Associate Pastors at Bradford Community Church and lead the Elder Team. Gerry and Elaine both graduated from Vanguard College in Edmonton, and Gerry’s further education includes accredited Master's (Liberty University, Lynchburg Virginia) and Doctoral (Tyndale College & Seminary, Toronto Ontario) degrees in the fields of theology, psychology, and leadership.
-
Are you ready to lead with vitality, passion, and purpose? The Thriving Leaders Project is more than just an assessment—it’s a powerful journey designed to ignite personal renewal and unlock your full leadership potential. If you’re feeling drained, disconnected, or overwhelmed by the demands of ministry or leadership, this project will guide you toward a life of balance, growth, and lasting impact.
What to Expect:
• Personalized Assessment – Take an honest look at your personal, spiritual, and leadership health, identifying areas of strength and areas for growth so you can move forward with clear, actionable steps.
• Practical Insights – Discover simple, effective strategies to nourish your body, mind, and soul, empowering you to lead with energy and clarity.
• Leadership Transformation – See how your personal revitalization can lead to transformational leadership, inspiring others to grow and thrive alongside you.
Participants at Velocity Conference will be the first in Ontario to experience the new mental health assessment wheel that has just been released.
Andrea Foster
Disability Education, MSEd., BTh., ECE
-
Andrea Foster is a speaker, writer, disability advocate/educator, wife and mom. She has been married to Kirk since 1998, and they are parents to four young adults. Their youngest, Audrey and Annie are identical twins who were diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex at age five months. This resulted in further diagnoses of epilepsy, autism, intellectual disability and other medical complexities.
Andrea and Kirk have experienced grief at the loss of dreams and face daily challenges as they fulfill the role of parent-caregivers for their twin daughters. They live in Brampton, Ontario where Kirk is a professional Firefighter and have been part of the Bramalea Alliance Church family since 2001.
Andrea holds a Master of Science in Education (Disability Studies), Bachelor of Theology and Early Childhood Education Diploma. She shares her experiences through speaking and writing. Her articles are published in Testimony Magazine (PAOC), Alliance.ca magazine, ChristianWeek online magazine and in Women Together online magazine. She was a guest writer for Key Ministry and guest blogger for the Huffington Post. She was interviewed on 100 Huntley St., The Drew Marshall Show and by other podcast hosts. Andrea guest lectures at Bible Colleges and Seminaries and is working to make Disability Studies part of all such curriculums. She is currently working on her D. Min - Disability and Ministry, through Western Theological Seminary.
-
Do you have students who don’t quite “fit” in your group? Are there special needs parents who continually request accommodations for their child? And what about the non-disabled kids? Can you really address all the needs?
Families affected by disability need the Church and the Church needs them. But how do we make kids ministry a place where everybody fits?
In this workshop, Andrea presents practical strategies for making kids ministry accessible, tips for handling tough situations, and tools for cultivating friendships amongst kids of all abilities.
She believes acceptance and inclusion are good places to start but going beyond these will enable every person to play their God-given role as disciples of Christ, so that Church is a place of belonging for everybody.
Dale Ruttan
Children’s & Jr. High Pastor, Bethel Pentecostal Church, Sarnia
-
For 32 years +, Dale has passionately served children in several Western Ontario District churches and also served as a Children's Pastor in Honduras, as a PAOC Global Worker. He desires to train, equip, and empower the next generation to be a lifelong followers of Jesus! He is married to Carolyn have three adult children, one grandchild, and Dale is obsessed with peanut butter with chocolate!
-
Have you ever wondered, "are the students listening and learning anything right now?" We are going to take a look at ways that can transform the way we teach and communicate so that our students are engaged which leads to life transformation.
Natalie Dickert
Children’s Pastor, Movement Church, Woodstock
-
Natalie Dickert has been the Children’s Pastor at Movement Church in Woodstock, ON since 2013 and has also ministered in Cambridge, Barrie and London. She has a contagious passion to teach kids about Jesus using fun stories, puppets, creative skits and crafts. Natalie loves to partner with parents to help raise up a new generation of Jesus followers and future church leaders.
-
Children are the greatest evangelists on the planet! They are fearless, uninhibited and undaunted about things they are passionate about. Discover simple activities and practices that uncomplicate sharing one’s faith and empower kids to share their faith with others and lead them to Jesus.
Mike Martin
PAOC Mission Global Mobilizer
-
Mike serves with Mission Global as a missions mobilizer. After 16 years abroad as a church planter and leadership trainer in Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye, he is now dedicated to inspiring the next generation to reach the least reached areas of the world and embrace a global vision.
-
The emerging generation will be the most mobile, global and largest ever born in recorded history. They have incredible potential and unprecedented access to resources. Discover why more than ever before we need to cultivate a global vision in the lives of children and families at an early age for them to be effective followers of Jesus and ambassadors of the Kingdom.
Blair Mercer
Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries, Western Ontario District, PAOC
-
Blair Mercer has been in ministry for over 2 decades and has fulfilled roles such as Youth Pastor, Church Planter, and Lead Pastor. He loves working with teams of people who want to make an eternal difference. Blair is currently the Youth Director for the WOD and has previously served on the District Executive, Creative Resource, and the New Churches Network. Blair and his wife Angela love spending time with their two amazing college-aged kids whenever they are home. As a couple, they love music, travelling, playing games, hosting and making amazing food together.
-
As children mature, their faith must gradually become their own, shaped by their personal decisions and understanding. How can parents continue to guide their middle schoolers toward Jesus without hindering their growth? How can parents create a home environment through words, values, and actions that make following Christ feel natural for their kids? Let’s explore how to be a launching pad for our kids' faith rather than an obstacle.
Rev. Patrice Wheeler
Children’s Ministries Director, Eastern Ontario & Nunavut District, PAOC
-
Rev. Patrice Wheeler has served as the Next Generation Lead and Children’s Pastor for the past 23 years at Global Kingdom Ministries. Patrice is passionate about discipling kids and creating a culture of intentional lifelong discipleship in children’s ministry environments both locally and internationally.
An avid learner, Patrice loves interacting with the next generation of leaders, both in a local church context, and in an academic setting engaging with Bible College students. Her role as adjunct faculty at Master’s College and Seminary has provided opportunity for the latter. Patrice’s educational achievements include: ECE, BSc, BRE, MWS, MTS, Pentecostal Studies Diploma, and is currently a Doctoral Studies Candidate in Practical Theology at McMaster University.
-
Level of understanding and the ability to apply learning vary depending on a child’s age and stage, especially about spiritual things. Travel through the roadmap of child development that will help you better understand the levels of learning for the children that you minister to.
-
How do you know if you’re children’s ministry is being effective and fruitful? Discover foundations that every children’s ministry should be built on to effectively reach, teach and disciple children and families.
Judi Smeltzer
Abuse Prevention, Risk Management Specialist
-
With 30+ years in the Insurance Industry specializing in the charitable sector, working with Churches and Charities on a daily basis, Judi has extensive experience in all aspects of Insurance including Abuse Prevention, Risk Management and Underwriting. Judi enjoyed direct contact with board members, pastors and children’s and youth ministry leaders. She shares their passion in accomplishing their mission and purpose. She has also had the opportunity to be the founding director of a Christian Charity through its launch, infancy and early years. Although recently retired from the insurance industry, she is currently on the board of directors of a National Denomination.
-
We will discuss Abuse Prevention through implementation of plans with an emphasis on screening, operational procedures, facility considerations and training. Practical examples will be discussed. Having questions in advance are welcome so we can make this productive for everyone!
Hailey Armoogan
Director of Children & Family Ministries, Western Ontario District, PAOC
-
Hailey was raised in Western Ontario District but has spent most of her ministry career away having served overseas as the Children’s Pastor at King of Kings Community in Jerusalem, Israel, Children’s Specialist for PAOC Missions, Family Ministries Pastor in Sherwood Park, AB, Lead Pastor in Fort Smith, NT and Director of Northern Initiatives & Church Partnerships at the Alberta & NWT District Resource Centre. She is ordained with the PAOC, a graduate of Eastern Pentecostal Bible College (BTh/Missions), Fuller Theological Seminary (Master of Arts in Global Leadership) and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Ministry, Church Culture & Semiotics at Portland Seminary. She is passionate about effectively reaching, teaching, and discipling children and families to be life-long followers of Jesus and supporting and equipping those who lead them. Preschoolers are her favourite people having taught this age group for seven years in the local church.
-
How do we partner with parents in helping them shape their child's faith beyond baby dedication Sunday and events? Discover practical and engaging ways to encourage and empower parents to be active disciplers of their children from birth setting foundations for life.
Kathy Mead
Children’s Pastor, Waterloo Pentecostal Assembly
-
Kathy Mead is ordained with the PAOC and has served as the Kids Pastor at Waterloo Pentecostal Assembly for 13 years. As a Kids Ministry veteran, she has served in Edmonton, Sault Ste. Marie, and Guelph, before landing in Waterloo, Ontario with her husband Glen. Kathy believes that kids are called to be a part of the Mission of God, and is passionate about children finding and experiencing Jesus. Kathy is currently enrolled in the Masters of Theology program at Tyndale University in Toronto, loves to travel, loves Starbucks, and loves to get to know people over coffee.
-
Description coming soon…
Eldon Wright
Founder and Executive Director, Global 180 Youth Communications
-
For 41 years Eldon has served in church youth ministry, Christian Education and community youth work in three provinces of Canada (Saskatchewan, B.C. and Ontario)
Currently, Eldon serves as the Dean of Students (formerly Director of the Youth Ministry program) at Master’s College and Seminary in Mississauga, Ontario, is the founder and Executive Director of Global 180 Student Communications, a community youth charity and is a Mental Health First Aid Trainer for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. He has also served on multiple committees and leadership teams, including two years as the Chair of the Canadian Short Term Missions Network, Lead team member on the Billy Graham Association’s “2000 Acts” Project and short-term Mission projects in England, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Kyrgyzstan, Estonia, China, Poland and Ukraine.
As a Canadian youth specialist, Eldon has been involved extensively with youth and adults, developing strategic programming for church and community youth, leadership development and team management and has been involved in youth leadership training in numerous leadership conferences in Canada and overseas. With Global 180, his ongoing vision is to help establish local, national and international strategies for empowering youth in their schools and communities and is currently developing a franchiseable model for youth work in middle schools.
Eldon and his wife Jacqui have been married for 40 years and have three amazing adult children. They reside just outside Toronto, Ontario in Mississauga.
-
Too many middle schoolers lose interest and disappear from church either during the grade 6-8 years or in the transition to high school. In this workshop we will define some reasons for this problem, but spend most of our time discussing how we can effectively find some solutions by altering church systems that may be contributing to this issue.
Dorothy Pang
Director of the Tyndale Intercultural Ministries Center, Toronto
-
Dorothy is the Director of the Tyndale Intercultural Ministries (TIM) Centre. She is passionate about helping faith leaders and churches to embody the Revelations 7:9 vision of every nation, tribe, and tongue worshipping in unity together. With over 25 years of experience, Dorothy's career started as a litigator, then a business owner and eventually a senior leader of an intercultural church in northeast Toronto. Dorothy holds a Certificate in Intercultural Studies from UBC and is a qualified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (ID) and a certified facilitator of the Intercultural Conflict Styles (ICS) assessment. Dorothy is a dynamic facilitator and public speaker. Dorothy is married with two children and lives in the GTA. When she is not working, she enjoys exploring the multiethnic tastes and sounds of the city.
-
Now, more than ever, we need culturally-competent Kingdom-minded leaders. We need culturally agile leaders who can create spaces of belonging where every child can experience Jesus' love in a culturally meaningful way. Intercultural competency is an essential component of a ministry leader's toolbox — cultivating self-awareness and bridging across cultural differences - in order to serve in a multicultural context in the way of Jesus. This interactive workshop will explore how your cultural lens impacts cross-cultural interactions and will outline a developmental process for growing in intercultural competency.
Kerri McIntosh
Intercultural Leadership Consultant, Tyndale Intercultural Ministries Center, Toronto
-
Kerri is one of TIM Centre's Intercultural Leadership Consultants and a qualified IDI administrator. She also is developing online course content for a new Intercultural Certificate program offered by TIM Centre rolling out Fall 2025! Kerri attended a teeny tiny denominational bible college shortly after committing her life to Christ and has been on a whirlwind adventure following Jesus ever since. Kerri was the Director of Children's Ministries at a large intercultural church in Markham for 9 years. Watching children navigate their cultural differences in classrooms taught her a lot about intercultural competence. Kerri calls herself a strategic joy-bringer and likes to add a little spice to any project she's a part of. She lives in Markham with her husband, four teenagers and two guinea pigs.
-
Now, more than ever, we need culturally-competent Kingdom-minded leaders. We need culturally agile leaders who can create spaces of belonging where every child can experience Jesus' love in a culturally meaningful way. Intercultural competency is an essential component of a ministry leader's toolbox — cultivating self-awareness and bridging across cultural differences - in order to serve in a multicultural context in the way of Jesus. This interactive workshop will explore how your cultural lens impacts cross-cultural interactions and will outline a developmental process for growing in intercultural competency.
Event
Schedule
Friday, April 25, 2025 EST
6:30PM – Doors Open/ Check-In
7:00PM – Main Session #1
8:30PM – After Party/ Exhibitors/ Networking
9:00PM – End of Evening
Saturday, April 26, 2025 EST
9:00am - 8:30AM – Doors Open
9:00AM – Main Session #2
10:20AM – Workshop #1
11:30AM – Workshop #2
12:30PM – Lunch
2:10PM – Workshop #3
3:30PM – Main Session #3
5:00PM – End of Conference
Event Sponsors
EKKUIP will have a live bookstore on site for the duration of the conference.
Exhibitors
FAQs
-
This event is primarily for pastors and leaders who work in children and family ministries and/or in next-gen ministries in the local church, community, and other spaces. Parents, teachers, and others who influence the lives of children and families will also find value in attending this event.
-
Most workshops will be recorded and made available after the event.
-
Yes! Register before the Early Bird Deadline (January 31, 2025) and save!
There is also a discount for groups numbering 5 or more. Save $10/ticket when registering with a group!
There are discounts available for anyone flying in to join us for this event. Please contact hayley@wodistrict.org to get promo codes for your flight bookings.
-
If you're interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, please reach out to hayley@wodistrict.org for a sponsor package list, and next steps.
-
If you’d like access to promotional materials, please use this link to download the Velocity Promotion Materials file — Download