• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
ETCH NextGen Ministry Conference

ETCH NextGen Ministry Conference

  • Home
  • Event Info
  • Speakers
  • Schedule
  • Resources

Join us for ETCH 2022!

ETCH NextGen Ministry Conference will excite, inspire, and engage your Kids, Student, NextGen, and Family Ministry teams.

At ETCH you can expect:

  • inspiring main session speakers and heartfelt worship
  • training designed for your specific ministry needs
  • meaningful moments together with your team

Make plans to join us this October.

REGISTER NOW
EVENT INFORMATION

October 3–5, 2022 | Nashville, TN
Music City Center

As ministry leaders, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking our identity is wrapped up solely in what we do. “I’m the children’s minister.” “I’m the student pastor.” We all need the reminder that our identity is not in what we do, but in Whose we are. You were uniquely created and masterfully designed by a God who knows you completely. He calls you His own. He called you to Himself and He called you to serve Him. He calls you by name.

God has made you who you are and placed where you are for a reason. At ETCH, you’ll find a community of calling as you worship, celebrate, and connect with others who’ve been called to the same work. You’ll come away refreshed and encouraged in your calling. You’ll learn from ministry experts who will help you sharpen your skills and equip you for ministry in your local context.

Event Location:
Music City Center, 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203

Pricing


INDIVIDUAL

$350 

REGISTER NOW

Rate good through 9/15


GROUPS 4–9

$325/ea

REGISTER NOW

Rate good through 9/15


GROUPS 10+

$315/ea

REGISTER NOW

Rate good through 9/15


STUDENT

$299

REGISTER NOW

Rate good through 10/3


INDIVIDUAL

$350 

REGISTER NOW

Rate good through 9/15


GROUPS 4–9

$325/ea

REGISTER NOW

Rate good through 9/15


GROUPS 10+

$315/ea

REGISTER NOW

Rate good through 9/15


STUDENT

$299 

REGISTER NOW

Rate good through 10/3

SPEAKERS

Learn more about this year’s speakers.

David Thomas & Sissy Goff

Authors and Speakers

Katy Boatman

Author, Sr. Copywriter and Content Manager at IF:GATHERING

Ricky Chelette

Executive Director of Living Hope Ministries

Kevin Jones

Pastor, Dean of the School of Education at Cedarville University, Managing Editor for Lifeway’s The Gospel Project

Gregg Matte

Author, Founder of Breakaway Ministries, Pastor of Houston’s First Baptist Church

Darren Whitehead

Founder and Lead Pastor of Church of the City, Author of Holy Roar and Rumors of God 

Christy Nockels

Singer/Songwriter, Author

SL/Worship

Worship Collective

More to be announced soon!

Pre-Conference

New2Ministry 

Wildly practical training specifically designed for new ministers—FREE with ETCH registration! New2Ministry is a 1-day intensive for new preschool, kids, and student ministers who’ve been in their position two years or less. Intended for professional church staff (not volunteers). Advance registration required. Space is limited to maximize networking opportunities. 9am–4pm Monday, Oct. 3rd (lunch and dinner included). 

At New2Ministry, we’ll help you learn to:

  • Examine your ministry philosophy
  • Communicate vision
  • Build a healthy ministry
  • Develop new leaders
  • And more!

SIGN UP WITH YOUR REGISTRATION

Pre-Cons
(Monday, Oct. 3rd, 2:00-5:00pm // check-in begins at 1:00pm)

Mental Health in Ministry — David Thomas & Sissy Goff ($49.00)
Mental health issues impact not only the kids, students, and families in your ministry but also your own personal health. In this 3-hour session, licensed professional counselors will explore the issues plaguing today’s kids & teens—anxiety, depression, loneliness, etc. and give practical tools to help you respond effectively. You’ll also learn some best practices for safeguarding your own mental health when ministry is draining.

Raising Gender Healthy Kids & Teens in a Gender Confused World—Ricky Chelette ($49.00)
Did you know there are over 100 gender identities?  Did you know that men can have babies? Did you know that there is no cultural definition for a woman or a man?  How do Christian leaders respond with compassion, understanding, and God’s truth in such a confused and conflicted world?  In this seminar you will discover why many people feel the way they do and how you can respond. You’ll also discover some of the root causes of our current cultural crisis and how you can make a difference with the kids and teens you serve.

SIGN UP WITH YOUR REGISTRATION

Pre-Conference

New2Ministry 

Wildly practical training specifically designed for new ministers—FREE with ETCH registration! New2Ministry is a 1-day intensive for new preschool, kids, and student ministers who’ve been in their position two years or less. Intended for professional church staff (not volunteers). Advance registration required. Space is limited to maximize networking opportunities. 9am–4pm Monday, Oct. 3rd (lunch and dinner included). 

At New2Ministry, we’ll help you learn to:

  • Examine your ministry philosophy
  • Communicate vision
  • Build a healthy ministry
  • Develop new leaders
  • And more!

Pre-Cons
(Monday, Oct. 3rd, 2:00-5:00pm // check-in begins at 1:00pm)

Mental Health in Ministry — David Thomas & Sissy Goff
Mental health issues impact not only the kids, students, and families in your ministry but also your own personal health. In this 3-hour session, licensed professional counselors will explore the issues plaguing today’s kids & teens—anxiety, depression, loneliness, etc. and give practical tools to help you respond effectively. You’ll also learn some best practices for safeguarding your own mental health when ministry is draining.

Raising Gender Healthy Kids & Teens in a Gender Confused World—Ricky Chelette
Did you know there are over 100 gender identities?  Did you know that men can have babies? Did you know that there is no cultural definition for a woman or a man?  How do Christian leaders respond with compassion, understanding, and God’s truth in such a confused and conflicted world?  In this seminar you will discover why many people feel the way they do and how you can respond. You’ll also discover some of the root causes of our current cultural crisis and how you can make a difference with the kids and teens you serve.

Schedule

9:00am — New2Ministry Check In
9:30am— New2Ministry Begins
1:00pm — Check In Begins for Precons (additional fee applies)
2–5:00pm — Precon Intensives
4:00pm — ETCH Check In Begins  
4:30pm — ETCH Market / Solutions Zone Open
6:30pm — Main Session 1 

8:30am — Doors Open 
9:00am — Main Session 2 
10:30am — Breakout 1
11:30am — LUNCH 
1:00pm — Breakout 2  
2:15pm — Breakout 3 
3:15pm — ETCH Hangout / ETCH Market & Solutions Zone Open 
4:00pm — Main Session 3 
5:30pm — Nash Bash (evening on the town)

8:00am — Doors Open / Morning Break 
9:00am — Breakout 4 
10:00am — Breakout 5 
11:15am — Main Session 4 
12:00pm — DISMISS 

Hotels

Holiday Inn Express          

920 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Rate: $229 (Single/Double)
Included: Breakfast, WiFi, Discounted Parking ($30)
Distance from venue: 5 blocks
Cutoff Date: 9/2/22
Reservations: 877-666-3243 
Mention: Lifeway ETCH

BOOKING LINK
Hampton Inn Capitol View

530 11th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203

Rate: $209
Included: Breakfast, WiFi, Parking
Distance from venue: 1.3 miles
Cutoff Date: 8/19/22
Reservations: 615-780-2000 
Use code: LET

BOOKING LINK
Holiday Inn Vanderbilt

2613 West End Ave Nashville TN 37203

Rate: $179
Included: Shuttle, Discounted Parking ($15)
Distance from venue: 2 miles
Cutoff Date: 9/2/22
Reservations: 1-877-327-4707
Mention: ETCH Family Ministry Conference

BOOKING LINK
Home2 Suites Downtown

500 5th Ave S A.Nashville, TN 37203

Rate: $219 (King Only)
Included: Breakfast, WiFi, Discounted Parking ($39)
Distance from venue: 1 block
Cutoff Date: 9/2/22
Reservations: 629-255-0300
Mention: Lifeway ETCH

BOOKING LINK
Tru by Hilton Downtown

500 5th Ave S A.Nashville, TN 37203

Rate: $219 (2 Queens)
Included: Breakfast, WiFi, Discounted Parking ($39)
Distance from venue: 1 block
Cutoff Date: 9/2/22
Reservations: 629-255-0300 
Mention: Lifeway ETCH

BOOKING LINK
Farfield Inn Vanderbilt

109 29th Ave N Nashville, TN 37203

Rate: $179
Included: Breakfast, WiFi, Discounted Parking ($20)
Distance from venue: 2.3 miles
Cutoff Date: 9/2/22
Reservations: 629-216-2331 

BOOKING LINK
Faifield Inn MetroCenter

100 French Landing Dr Nashville TN 37228

Rate: $179
Included: Breakfast, WiFi, Parking
Distance from venue: 2.6 miles
Cutoff Date: 9/7/22
Reservations: 615-432-4677

BOOKING LINK
Home2 Suites MetroCenter

410 Dominican Dr Nashville TN 37228

Rate: $169 (Single w/ Pullout Sofa)
Included: Breakfast, WiFi, Parking
Distance from venue: 2.6 miles
Cutoff Date: 9/7/22
Reservations: 615-985-7444

BOOKING LINK

Contact Us
Copyright © 2022· Lifeway Christian Resources·All Rights Reserved

Christy Nockels

Christy began singing and writing music in the church from a young age, as the daughter of a pastor in Oklahoma. She met Nathan in 1993, at the Christian Artists Seminar in Estes Park, Colorado, and they married in 1995. An invitation from Louie Giglio came later to join the first ever Passion Conference in Austin, Texas, which flourished into a fruitful fifteen years of writing and leading worship for the Passion movement. Christy’s devotion to creating earnest and honest songs prepared her to be an integral author and voice in songs like “Healing Is In Your Hands,” “Waiting Here For You,” “Let It Be Jesus,” and “Lord, I Need You.” She recently launched a podcast entitled “The Glorious in the Mundane,” which is intentionally focused on helping women in all places in life, finding the wonder and awe of God in the moments of the here and now. 

Christy & Nathan live in Franklin, Tennessee with their three beautiful children: Noah, Elliana, and Annie Rose. When they’re not focused on parenting, producing, and writing, they love to spend time making their house, affectionately called Keeper’s Branch, a place of rest for their family. Whether it be a season of growth, pruning, or rest, God has been faithful to carry Christy and Nathan and give them songs and prayers for the sharing. 

Darren Whitehead

Darren Whitehead is the lead and founding pastor of Church of the City. In 2013, he and a small team had a vision to plant a family of churches that live in the way of Jesus for the renewal of global cities. Every weekend thousands of people join in person and online at one of 3 regional church congregations across the Nashville area. Originally from Australia, Darren has lived in the United States for over 20 years. He holds both Masters and Doctorate degrees in Ministry, with his dissertation focus on millennials and the future of the Western church. He recently released his second book, Holy Roar: 7 Words That Will Change The Way You Worship, co-authored with worship leader Chris Tomlin. Darren and Brandy have three daughters and live in Nashville.

David Thomas & Sissy Goff

Bio coming soon!

SL/Worship

SL/Worship is a worship collective powered by Student Life Camp. Leading students across the U.S. through camp and on tour by bringing energy and depth that leads to moments students won’t forget as they meet with God through worship.

Gregg Matte

Gregg Matte was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and trusted Christ as his Savior at the age of 16.  Since then, God has done a tremendous work in him and through him.  In 1989, as a Texas A&M sophomore, Gregg and his roommates started a small Bible study named Breakaway in their apartment. Under Gregg’s leadership, Breakaway exploded, reaching thousands of students each week.  In 2004, God called Gregg to become the pastor of Houston’s First Baptist Church.  Today, this great church has grown tremendously and is impacting the world as never before.  Gregg holds a marketing degree from Texas A&M and a master’s degree in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He is an author of numerous books, the latest being “Capture the Moment.” Most importantly, Gregg is married to Kelly and is a father of two: Greyson and Valerie. 

 

Kevin Jones

Kevin M. Jones serves as the Dean of the School of Education at Cedarville University. He also serves as the Managing Editor for Lifeway’s The Gospel Project. Kevin is a graduate of Kentucky State University, two-time graduate of the University of Kentucky, and earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Spalding University. He began his career as a first grade teacher and has taught in various K-12 and post-secondary settings. Kevin currently serves as a pastor at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. His longing is to see fathers build resilient sons and to see Christian teachers and leaders influence the lives of students nationally and internationally for the glory of God. He and his high school sweetheart, Demica, have three children: Kennedi, Kevin Jr, and Karsynn.  

Katy Boatman

Katy Boatman is the author of You Can Rest: 100 Devotions to Calm Your Heart and Mind and lives in Nashville, TN with her mini goldendoodle. She’s on staff with IF:Gathering, but her favorite role is being an aunt to Shelby, Blake, and Ellie. Katy has spent fifteen years mentoring girls through student ministry, and she is passionate about helping them understand who God is and reminding them they are not alone. If she’s not writing or walking her dog, you can typically find Katy eating Mexican food with her friends! You can connect with Katy on Instagram: @katyboat. 

Ricky Chelette

Ricky Chelette is Executive Director of Living Hope Ministries and has been involved in ministry in the church for over 35 years. Having spoken to thousands who struggle with their sexual identity, Ricky brings vast experience and personal knowledge to this difficult subject. His logical, humorous, and straight-forward approach makes sense of a very complex and often confusing topic. Ricky holds a BA in Political Science/Pre-Law and a Masters in Religious Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. A sought-after speaker, he has taught at seminaries, colleges, and universities, throughout the US and around the world. Ricky also serves on the pastoral staff of First Baptist Church, Arlington, TX., where he has ministered for over 27 years. 

Kandi Gallaty

Kandi Gallaty is a pastor’s wife, a mother of two precious boys (Rig and Ryder), a speaker, and a writer who is devoted to making disciples by cultivating a passion in women and girls for God’s Word. She and her husband, Robby, coauthored Foundations, and together they lead Replicate Ministries, a ministry that educates, equips, and empowers believers to make disciples who make disciples. Kandi and her family live outside of Nashville, Tennessee and serve at their church, Long Hollow Baptist Church.

Jana Magruder

Jana Magruder serves as the Strategic Initiatives Director for LifeWay Kids. She is a Baylor graduate and offers a wealth of experience and passion for kids ministry, education, and publishing. She is the author of Kids Ministry that Nourishes and Nothing Less: Engaging Kids in a Lifetime of Faith. She and her husband, Michael, along with their three teenagers reside in Nashville.

 

 

Keith & Kristyn Getty

Keith and Kristyn Getty are passionate about hymns. Their hymns, including “In Christ Alone” and “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death,” are sung by more than 100 million people annually throughout the world. The couple also love sharing hymns in diverse settings, from sing-alongs in their home and at local churches to annual events at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Grand Ole Opry House. They have also featured in television specials on PBS, CBS, TBN, BBC, and have sung for presidents, prime ministers, and the UK National Prayer Breakfast at Houses of Parliament.

Keith and Kristyn are award-winning recording artists as well as advocates for the fun and joy of singing in the family. Their recently released “Hymns from Home” album (drawing from their daughters’ favorite songs during the season of lockdown) is the latest installment in their popular Getty Kids Hymnal series.

Keith and Kristyn serve as founding leaders of the Getty Music organization, which will release the Sing Hymnal in 2024. They recently established the Getty Music Foundation, an initiative that seeks to foster Christ-centered singing in under-resourced parts of the world.

Keith was recently awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II—the first contemporary Christian musician to receive this honor. Together with their four daughters, Keith and Kristyn live between Northern Ireland and Nashville.

SL/Worship

SL/Worship is a worship collective powered by Student Life Camp. Leading students across the U.S. through camp and on tour by bringing energy and depth that leads to moments students won’t forget as they meet with God through worship.

Dr. Mark Croston

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; served as pastor to an urban congregation in Virginia for 26 years; a Doctor of Ministry concentrating in Christian Education; and traveled, been on mission or preached in almost 40 countries — Mark Croston now serves as National Director of Black Church Partnerships at LifeWay Christian Resources.  He is General Editor of the YOU Bible Study Curriculum, Executive Editor of Deacon Magazine, and author of his latest book is Big Results: Sunday School and Black Church Life.

Michael Kelley

Michael Kelley lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife, Jana, and three children: Joshua, Andi, and Christian. He serves as the Sr. Vice President of Church Ministries for LifeWay Christian Resources. He is the author of Growing Down: Unlearning the Patterns of Adulthood that Keep Us from Jesus, Wednesdays Were Pretty Normal: A Boy, Cancer, and God; Transformational Discipleship; and Boring: Finding an Extraordinary God in an Ordinary Life. 

 

 

Ben Trueblood

Ben Trueblood serves as the Director of Student Ministry for Lifeway Christian Resources and has twenty years of student ministry experience, fourteen of which were spent in the local church as a student pastor. In addition to his role at Lifeway Ben is involved in training, consulting, and speaking to student ministries throughout the U.S.

He is the author of three books: A Different College Experience, Within Reach, and Student Ministry That Matters, and is the host of The Student Ministry Podcast by Lifeway. Ben has also recently started a YouTube channel aimed at encouraging and investing in fellow youth pastors.

Ben is driven by a desire for student ministries to expand God’s Kingdom, to see the lives of students transformed by the gospel, and to develop students who shape the culture in which they live.

Ben and his wife Kristen have four children. In his free time Ben enjoys family, hunting, is a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, and is a collector of hobbies.

Dr. Noe Garcia

Dr. Noe Garcia is the Senior Pastor at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona. He and his wife have four children and celebrate 11 years of marriage. Dr. Garcia holds a Doctorate of Ministry and Executive Leadership from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He currently serves on the Evangelism team for the North American Mission Board, is a Trustee for Union University, and serves on the ERLC leadership council team. He is a writer for Lifeway Voices blogs and serves as the Second Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Garcia is passionate about reaching and equipping people with the gospel of Jesus Christ, in Phoenix and around the world.

 

 

Jonathan Evans

Jonathan Evans, a mentor, author, speaker and former NFL fullback treasures his relationship with Christ along with the opportunity to use his life to glorify God. Jonathan seeks to impact today’s athletes, men and young adults by equipping and encouraging them in their faith.

Jonathan serves with his pastor, friend and father, Dr. Tony Evans, both in the local church and the national ministry. They also teamed up together to write Get in the Game, a practical guidebook filled with sports analogies and spiritual truths aimed at strengthening readers with the skills they need for living victoriously.

Jonathan is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a masters degree in Christian Leadership. He also serves as the chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys and co-chaplain of the Dallas Mavericks. Jonathan is a dynamic speaker at churches, conferences, men’s events, banquets, youth, and FCA events. He is committed to developing the next generation of devoted Christian leaders.

Jonathan and his wife Kanika are the proud parents of Kelsey, Jonathan II, Kamden, Kylar, and Jade Wynter. They reside in Dallas, Texas.

David Thomas

David Thomas, L.M.S.W., is the Director of Family Counseling at Daystar Counseling (daystarcounseling.com) in Nashville, TN, the co-author of eight books, including the best-selling Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys. He is a frequent guest on national television and podcasts, including his own podcast called Raising Boys and Girls, has been featured in publications like USA Today, and speaks across the country. He recently completed Are My Kids on Track? The 12 Emotional, Social & Spiritual Milestones Your Child Needs to Reach. He and his wife, Connie, have a daughter, twin sons, and a feisty yellow lab named Owen.

Sissy Goff

Sissy Goff, M.Ed., LPC-MHSP spends most of her days talking with girls and their families, with the help of her counseling assistant/pet therapist, Lucy the Havanese. She has worked as the Director of Child and Adolescent Counseling at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee since 1993, with a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University. Sissy speaks to parents across the country and is the author of eleven books including Raising Girls and her newest books, Raising Worry-Free Girls and Braver, Stronger Smarter (for elementary school girls). Sissy is a regular contributor to various podcasts and publications, including her own podcast called “Raising Boys and Girls.”

Speaker Name

Content

ETCH 2021 Simulcast Church/Group Host Package will include:

  • Host a group digitally or in-person at the location of your choice!
  • Includes access to the event simulcast during the live event hours and for two weeks after the event.
  • Digital seats for the individuals in your group are issued with this ticket. (You assign the seats to your guests. You may host your group digitally or together in the location of your choice. A strong internet connection is recommended.)

Pricing:

  • Up to 5 people $149
  • 6-10 people $275 
  • More than 10 $425

Individual Simulcast Event Package will include:

  • 3 Main Sessions, 4 Breakouts aired live with two weeks additional access

In Person Event Package will include:

  • 3 Main Sessions
  • 4 Breakouts (Choose from 16 options: 4 preschool, 4 kids, 4 student, 4 leadership)
  • Digital Pass with 30 new pre-recorded breakouts (Bonus sessions to equip your team/church)
  • Block Party Monday evening
  • T-shirt and other swag

Individual Simulcast     Event Package will include:

  • 3 Main Sessions, 4 Breakouts aired live with two weeks additional access
  • Digital Pass with 30 new pre-recorded breakouts