Ministry in Times of Global Crisis

Lead with clarity when the world is in chaos.

Join us November 9–11, at The Potter’s House of Dallas for the 2025 JDS Fall Symposium—our annual leadership experience for those called to serve in ministry, business, and community.

This year’s theme, Ministry in Times of Global Crisis, is more than timely—it’s necessary. As the world faces uncertainty, today’s leaders must be spiritually grounded, theologically equipped, and practically prepared to respond with wisdom and compassion.

Whether you’re navigating trauma in your community, stewarding limited resources, or reimagining worship in a digital world—you’re not alone. This year’s Symposium is designed to equip you for the challenges you’re already facing and inspire new approaches to ministry that are bold, resilient, and Spirit-led.

What to Expect:

• Thought-provoking breakout sessions on trauma-informed ministry, worship innovation, spiritual formation, and crisis leadership

• Mainstage moments and keynote conversations that address leadership in global disruption

• Expert-led panels on worship, resilience, and community collaboration

• Live worship experiences that refresh and refocus your soul

• Connection opportunities with fellow students, pastors, scholars, and faith-based professionals

Register Today!

SPEAKER LINEUP

President Sam Chand

Who would have thought that when student Sam Chand was serving his college in 1973 as a janitor, cook, and dishwasher, he would one day return in 1989 as President of that same institution?

Today, as a leadership consultant, Dr. Sam Chand serves leaders around the world who seek personal and organizational growth and change. He has authored 38 books on leadership, is the publisher of AVAIL Journal, and has been named among the Top 30 Global Leadership Gurus.

Dr. Chand is also the founder of the Sam Chand Leadership Institute, which trains leaders worldwide in both English and Spanish through a unique “pay-what-you-can” tuition model.

Married to his wife, Brenda, since 1979, together they launched Dream Releaser Coaching in 2010 to train and certify professional coaches. Their shared vision is simple yet profound: to help others succeed.

SESSIONS

Main Stage Session – President Sam Chand

Main Stage Conversation & Q&A – President Sam Chand & Chancellor T.D. Jakes

BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

Navigating Worship Cultures Through Diverse Seasons – Dr. Oscar Williams

Course Summary:
This session explores how worship practices must adapt across diverse seasons—culturally, spiritually, generationally, and globally. Participants will examine how worship leaders discern and respond to the changing dynamics of local and global worship cultures, including post-pandemic realities, sociopolitical tension, and generational shifts in music and liturgy preferences.

Trauma-Informed Ministerial Care: Guiding Communities Through Crisis (Panel) – Dr. Cynthia James

Course Summary: When disaster strikes, trauma ripples through every layer of a community. This session equips ministry leaders with practical tools for recognizing trauma responses in individuals and groups, responding with empathy, and creating safe spaces for healing. Participants will explore faith-based frameworks for trauma care, learn to balance spiritual guidance with psychological sensitivity, and practice approaches for supporting both congregations and themselves in the aftermath of crisis.

Worship and Technology – Dr. Marcell Steuernagel

Course Summary:
This session examines the expanding role of technology in worship—before, during, and after the service. It addresses ethical use, creative tools, and technological discipleship while exploring how to maintain spiritual depth amid digital innovation.

Resilient Ministry Networks: Preparing for and Responding to Global Crises – April Glosten

Course Summary: From hurricanes to pandemics, no ministry operates in a vacuum. This session focuses on how to build and maintain resilient ministry networks—locally and globally—before, during, and after crisis events. Leaders will explore best practices for communication, resource mobilization, and collaborative planning. The goal: to ensure ministries are prepared, adaptable, and able to offer effective support when it matters most.

Creating Congregational Worship Leaders – Tonya Baker

Course Summary:
This session focuses on equipping and identifying worship leaders from within the congregation. Moving beyond platform performance, it explores how to develop spiritually grounded, theologically trained, and musically capable worshipers who can lead others with authenticity and humility right from the pew.

Spiritual Formation During Uncertainty – Dr. Elizabeth Wachira

Course Summary: Crisis shakes the foundations of belief, meaning, and hope. This session delves into spiritual formation practices that can sustain leaders and communities through prolonged uncertainty and disruption. Participants will reflect on time-tested spiritual disciplines, communal rituals, and theological resources that foster resilience. The discussion will center on helping individuals maintain their faith, hope, and sense of purpose even when the world feels unsteady.

Singing a New Song in a Strange Land – Dr. Oscar Williams

Course Summary:
Rooted in Psalm 137:4, this course explores worship in exile—how believers maintain authentic praise in unfamiliar, hostile, or transitional environments. From diaspora to digital displacement, this session delves into the prophetic and pastoral role of music in crisis and cultural tension.

Making Much of Little; Stewardship and Resourcefulness in Crisis – Dr. Cheryl Jackson

Course Summary: Economic instability challenges leaders to do more with less—yet it also creates opportunities to rethink stewardship and generosity. This session will unpack biblical and practical strategies for resource management, fundraising, and creative problem-solving. Participants will hear stories of ministries and businesses that not only survived but thrived by embracing new mindsets about abundance, collaboration, and giving.

Stay tuned for updates on speakers, schedule, and everything you need to prepare for this powerful gathering.
You won’t want to miss what’s coming.