Wisconsin / Northern Michigan Ministries Network

2026 Family Camp Dr. Rick Dubose Wednesday Evening

Session 2: Big Churches, Small Churches: What’s The Difference?Small churches are different from big churches. It’s not a matter of scale, but of type. Many big church principles just don’t translate well to a small church context. In this session, Karl Vaters will share those principles in a way that helps small and large churches work together more effectively. We’ll also explore the role of the Law of Large Numbers and how a church’s culture affects everything. Session two of our May Next Level Leadership Series.

Session 1: Redefining Success In MinistryWhat is successful pastoral ministry? And how can we break away from the usual attendance-based focus? In this session, Karl Vaters will discuss how chasing a false view of success can harm the pastor and the church, and how to embark on the essential journey of redefining successful ministry from a biblical standpoint. This was part of the Next Level Leadership Series

Dr. Michael Rakes, president of Evangel University, spoke during the Network Summit 2026 credentialing service, offering a powerful reminder that ministry credentials are not simply an achievement but a sacred commissioning. He challenged leaders to live surrendered, Spirit-empowered lives marked by obedience, integrity, courage, and humility. His message called every minister—newly credentialed or seasoned—to say yes again to God’s calling and serve with fresh dependence on the Holy Spirit.

John Davis, our Network Superintendent, preached “Life Should Be an Adventure,” a study from Acts 4:32–37 on Barnabas and the kind of life that follows Jesus with faith, calling, generosity, and mission. In this message, he invited leaders to see ministry not as something to merely manage, but as an adventure of obedience—where Spirit-filled believers encourage others, release what they have, and step boldly into God’s purpose.

Dr. Darla Rakes, Evangel University’s Ambassador to Students and Donors, spoke at Network Summit 2026 with a compelling call to awaken a generation to reality—the truth that God is Creator, Christ is Lord, and the gospel sends us into the world with clarity and compassion. Drawing from Scripture, she challenged leaders to reject false realities, fix their thoughts on what is true, and “go” with renewed conviction to make disciples of all nations.

In this episode, we revisit a powerful moment from our 2026 Network Summit credentialing service, where Dr. Darnell K. Williams Sr., President of North Central University, brought a timely message titled “The God of Helps.” Dr. Williams, who became president of North Central University in May 2025, brings decades of experience in ministry, higher education, and Spirit-led leadership.
Speaking into one of the most sacred moments of Summit—the credentialing service—Dr. Williams reminded ministers, candidates, families, and church leaders that the call of God is never carried alone. Ministry may be weighty, but God is not distant. He is present, empowering, sustaining, and faithful to help those He calls.

🎧 Servant Leaders — In this powerful credentialing message, Superintendent John Davis unpacks the call to servant leadership through the lens of 1 Thessalonians 2. With humility, passion, and decades of ministry experience, he outlines eight marks of a servant leader—trustworthy, God-pleasing, generous, Spirit-empowered, compassionate, real, encouraging, and faithful. A timely challenge for every minister to love God, love people, and lead well.

🎧 Delayed Destiny — What do you do when your calling feels stalled? Dr. Jeffery Portmann shares a heartfelt message on navigating discouragement, waiting on God’s timing, and staying faithful when your destiny seems delayed. Packed with humor, biblical wisdom, and real-life insight, this episode challenges pastors and leaders to pray, process with trusted friends, and position themselves for God’s next move.

Dealing With Discouragement — In this hope-filled message from the 2025 WNMMN Summit, Dr. Jeffery Portmann speaks directly to leaders battling discouragement. With honesty and humor, he unpacks practical ways to confront, process, and overcome the weight of ministry struggles. You’re not alone! This is your reminder to lean on God, trust others, and keep going.