Neighbors Conference 2026 Workshops
Workshop Session 1 (9:30-10:15)
Room 1
God’s Heart for the Vulnerable, the Marginalized, and the Stranger
Eric Costanzo, Nathan Hughes, and Yuliet Oropeza
In this workshop we will discuss ways that believers and churches can reflect God's heart for the nations by welcoming and serving immigrants and refugees in our neighborhoods. We'll also discuss how American Christians can pray, think, and address ongoing global challenges.
Room 2
Loving Your Unhoused Neighbors
Kori Hall
Learn more about how homelessness is affecting our neighbors in Oklahoma.
Room 3
The Gift of Proximity: How Churches Can Serve Our Local Schools
Jessica Padgett and Chauncey Shillow
In a time of constant change and transition, schools need committed sources of support more than ever. Churches have a unique opportunity to come alongside local schools and be that source of committed support. In this workshop you’ll hear stories of how God has been working in our schools, discover practical ways to build relationships with schools, and learn how to serve students, staff, and families for long-term flourishing.
Room 4
When the Church Makes Room
Andy McDonald
Jesus’ invitation in Mark 10:13–16 reshapes the life of the church when taken seriously. This breakout examines the long-term impact of welcoming and caring for vulnerable children, including orphans and those with disabilities, not as a ministry program but as a gospel practice. Participants will consider how intentional welcome inevitably requires sacrifice, patience, and shared resources, yet becomes a means God uses to form humility, dependence, and Christlike love within the congregation. Rather than merely serving vulnerable children, churches discover that these children become essential teachers of the kingdom, shaping a community marked by belonging, compassion, and the values of Jesus himself.
Room 5
The Trail of No More Tears: Native Bros on Home and Community
Justin Jefferson and Aaron John
Knowing the paths we've walked show us the path to walk. Join us, your Indigenous brothers, as we talk about how to walk the path together to our forever homeland.
Workshop Session 2 (10:30-11:15)
Room 1
Ministry of Presence: Loving the Refugee for the Long Haul
Evan Fay, Dylan Shelby, and Joshua Williams
Join us to have a conversation about what we've learned from receiving Afghan refugees and loving them through crisis into self-sufficiency and beyond. We’ll talk about what it looks like to continue to engage our neighbors now that they have much less physical need.
Room 2
The 10 Commandments of Community Engagement: A Framework for Engaging Neighbors
Ashley Dickson
The 10 Commandments of Community Engagement is a practical framework designed to help leaders build trust, activate resident voice, and create sustainable change in neighborhoods. Rooted in years of on-the-ground organizing and urban core revitalization, it blends design thinking, equity principles, and relationship-based strategy to move communities from consultation to true collaboration. The framework challenges institutions to engage with—not for—communities, ensuring that those closest to the issues help design the solutions.
Room 3
A Calling to Say Yes: Education and the Flourishing of South OKC
Alivia Barnett and Morgan Shillow
Morgan Shillow and Alivia Barnett will share the story behind the founding and growth of St. Paul’s Community School and the ways God has continually invited them to say “yes” for the sake of South Oklahoma City’s students and families. Through seasons of uncertainty, sacrifice, and deep joy, they have learned that faithful leadership often requires trusting God and continuing to say yes—even when the work is hard. This workshop will offer reflections on calling, perseverance, and the courageous yeses that make educational flourishing possible in South OKC.
Room 4
When Home is Unsafe: How the Church Can Engage Foster Care
Clarissa Watkins and Sam Oswald
Foster Care exists because something in a family has fractured. As followers of Christ, how do we respond to brokenness on such a personal level, and what role does the Church have to play in a government-led system? This workshop aims to offer clarity about foster care and give practical ways that individuals and churches can support homes and families in crisis as well as the families who are trying to bridge the gap.
Room 5
Public Advocacy Leading to Community Flourishing
Joel Kersey and Walter Kim
People often say not to mix religion and politics, but God calls us to be prophetic voices to for justice and mercy. How can Christians in America live out this calling so our neighbors experience God’s common grace and the love of Jesus through our political engagement? Join us to discover tools and resources for becoming an advocate for community flourishing.
Workshop Session 3 (1:30-2:15)
Room 1
Christendoza (Chris) Le
How to live your immigrant neighbors
With so many diverse cultures within the state of Oklahoma, come discuss ways you can show the love of Jesus Christ to immigrants within your spheres of ministry.
Room 2
Housing Your Neighbor As Yourself: Crossover Community Land Trust's Strategy in North Tulsa
Justin Pickard
Building on Crossover’s housing work since 2015, this presentation lays out the next steps to address the housing needs in the Hawthorne and Whitman Neighborhoods of north Tulsa. This approach is integrated into Crossover’s comprehensive approach to Christian community development. The vision is for (1) high quality development without displacement, (2) housing access to low-and moderate-income households on every block, (3) density designed to fit neighborhood character, (4) while creating construction jobs for residents of north Tulsa.
Room 3
Holy Education: Churches and Schools as Allies
Lee Roland
Join us for an inspiring workshop where faith meets education! Discover innovative strategies for churches to engage with local schools, fostering collaboration that mutually benefits students, communities, and churches. Through interactive discussions, real-life success stories, and practical tools, participants will explore how churches can offer support—be it mentorship, tutoring, or community resources. Let’s transform our neighborhoods by creating meaningful partnerships that uplift every child’s potential and enrich our shared mission of service. Come ready to learn, connect, and take action!
Room 4
A Pathway to Home
Chris Campbell
How the Church Becomes the Pathway Home for Every Child through CarePortal.
Room 5
Build. Train. Replace. Reimagine.
Krista Rice
Providing the opportunity for purpose to be found and cultivated fuels one's involvement in any organization. I have learned that purpose drives engagement, engagement drives involvement, involvement drives relationships.
Build. Train. Replace. Reimagine. is the ability to grow your team of volunteers in a way that creates longevity in serving, ownership and leadership in their role, and the freedom to do more in your ministry arm: DREAM!
Support the
STRONGER TOGETHER
Movement