ADVANCE 2026 More Info. Soon

July 2025 - God Showed Up!

Speaker: Rev. Nikki Nettleton

Nikki has served with Global Partners for 26 years, first for several years in Eastern Europe and then for the last ten years as the Director of Learning & Leadership for Global Partners. She coaches, equips, and partners with organizational leaders worldwide to design and deliver transformational training experiences and multiplication pathways for missionaries and church leaders. She loves coming alongside church leaders to facilitate shared respons-ability, resources, and relationships to reach the unreached with the good news of Jesus for God’s glory among all peoples.

She and Trent have been married for 27 years and have been members of the Tri-State District of The Wesleyan Church for about as long. Together, they have two adult children: Ariela (soon to be married to Vinny) and Luka (a student at OKWU). She enjoys a good cup of coffee with a piece of chocolate. She tends to relax her brain by doing something active like working on a home improvement project.

Speaker: Dr. Wayne Schmidt

Dr. Wayne Schmidt is the General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church, a role he was elected to on June 6, 2016, by the North American General Conference in Buffalo, New York. He was re-elected on May 23, 2022, at the 14th General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri.

Previously, he served as the chief administrative officer of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University from 2010-2016. From 1979-2009, Schmidt served first as a co-founding pastor and then senior pastor of Kentwood Community Church (KCC) in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area. He contributed leadership in planting the church and growing it to a multiethnic and multiplying church, taking a lead role in planting 10 daughter churches during his tenure.

He and his wife, Jan, have been married for 41 years, and their three children and their spouses and seven grandchildren all serve the Lord.

Breakout Sessions

Goals to Grow Your Church

(Justin Metiva)

To equip pastors with Spirit-led rhythms and practical strategies that foster both spiritual and numerical growth—regardless of church size, location, or current momentum. This session emphasizes that sustainable church growth is not rooted in marketing gimmicks or performance-based ministry but in the authentic pursuit of God's presence, consistent prayer, and faithful leadership. Our prayer is that our pastors and laity will walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, a clear growth rhythm to implement, and a conviction that healthy churches—anchored in Christ—will bear fruit in God’s time. Spiritual maturity must be cultivated first in the heart of the leader, then modeled and multiplied among staff, volunteers, and the church body. When we align our mission with God's direction, growth becomes a byproduct of obedience.

An Iranian Conversion from Islam to Christianity to Global Missions

Hamed shares his powerful testimony of encountering Jesus and being baptized in Iran, leading an underground church, facing persecution and torture, and his journey through Austria to a life of ministry in the UK. This session offers an inside look at how God is moving in Muslim communities through bold witness, intentional discipleship, and the resilience of the persecuted church. You’ll gain practical insights for engaging immigrants and refugees from Muslim-background with the gospel and discover how local churches can support and disciple believers who risk everything to follow Jesus. Whether you're passionate about evangelism, missions, or ministry to refugees and immigrants, this breakout will challenge and encourage you to join in God's global work.

Finding Your Calling

(Jackie Fussner)

How do you know what God has called you to do? Jackie will share about how to discern God's will as you lean into the ways God has gifted and wired you. Sometimes the discovery involves a few steps of faith. Jackie just might share with you how listening to a sermon at her local Wesleyan church began the next steps in the Fussner journey.

Immigrant Connection: Who, What, Why, and How

(Melissa Hedge)

Immigrant Connection is a church-based response to the biblical mandate to love, welcome, and serve immigrants.

We will look at Scripture, policy, what it means for your church and community, and how you - and your church - can get involved.

Finances, USF, Budgeting

(Jim Perry)

What is USF? How do you set up a church budget? Veteran church and district treasurer, Jim Perry, will take you through these questions and more about church finances.

Building a Missions Program

(Nikki Nettleton & JW)

Nikki & J will help you explore all the ways you and your church can engage in mission around the world

Kids' Ministry will be offered during District Conference business sessions, Friday afternoon breakout sessions, and Thursday and Friday evening services. Coral is an elementary teacher and a graduate of Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She and the rest of the crew have experience in kids' ministry and are looking forward to meeting your kids. They have Bible lessons, worship songs, games, crafts, and more to learn more about God's love. Key verse: Ephesians 3:18-19.

Youth Activities will be offered on Friday and Saturday. Katelee is a 17-year-old senior at Alva High School in Oklahoma. She loves talking about Jesus, agriculture, and more Jesus. She is highly involved in her school, church, and community, and wants to spread Jesus’ love to each person she meets. She can’t wait to see everyone at District Conference! The youth will have lots of fun games, activities, fellowship, and of course, snacks!

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