Refresh Conference
- Date: Apr 16, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM
- Location: Corban University Psalm Center
Corban alum and ministry leaders throughout the NW are invited to Corban’s campus for a day of fellowship and a “refresh” on core ministry topics with Corban’s School of Ministry faculty.
Join us for worship, a keynote address, connection with fellow ministry leaders, and personal and professional encouragement as we explore this year’s theme of “Healthy Ministry Identity.”
You’ll also choose from a variety of breakout sessions on topics such as emotional health in ministry, biblical archaeological discoveries, theology, missions, and more!
Registration opens January 15!
Conference Theme: “Healthy Ministry Identity”
Resiliency in ministry requires a healthy identity and healthy rhythms. Ministry is not a sprint but a marathon, and to finish well, we must find a sustainable pace. Blowing up, burning out, and becoming bitter are not inevitable for those in ministry.
In Christian ministry, it’s not how you start that matters; it’s how you finish. Tragically, current statistics indicate that 70-90 percent of Christian leaders do not finish well. What does it take to sustain the pace of ministry and stay strong to the last breath? To finish strong, we need resilience to overcome the daily challenges we face.
Refresh Conference offers a time for ministry leaders to recharge, be encouraged, and continue to serve well.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. James Gleason
Dr. James Gleason serves as Executive Director of Church Venture Northwest, where he leads and supports churches across the region in pursuing their mission to make disciples. A Corban University alum, he holds a degree in theology and pastoral ministries, along with master’s and doctoral degrees from Multnomah University.
Dr. Gleason has served in ministry for nearly 40 years, including 25 years as senior pastor at Sonrise Church in Hillsboro, Oregon. He is passionate about making disciples both personally and corporately and has trained and coached pastors locally and in places as far away as East Africa and Cuba.
His life vision is to lead people in a growing relationship with Jesus and to see God move through His Church.
Conference Schedule
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome | Psalm Center |
| 9:30 a.m. | Worship and Keynote Speaker | Psalm Center |
| 10:15 a.m. | Breakout Session 1 | Pavilion Rooms & Psalm Center |
| 11:15 a.m. | Lunch & Fellowship | Dining Hall |
| 12:30 p.m. | Breakout Session 2 | Pavilion Rooms & Psalm Center |
| 1:30 p.m. | Breakout Session 3 | Pavilion Rooms |
| 2:30 p.m. | Keynote Speaker | Psalm Center |
Breakout Sessions
Get insights and encouragement from theology experts, seasoned ministry leaders, and mental health professionals through breakout sessions on a wide variety of ministry-related topics.