2025 CCA Heartland Pastors’ & Leaders’ Conference

These videos are from the conference on September 18–20, 2025 with the theme of “A Shepherd’s Heart”

Session 1 – Pastor Mike Focht

  • The session encourages pastors and anyone who teaches God’s Word to recover the joy of preaching by looking at Paul in Ephesians 3. Preaching, he says, is first and foremost a gift of grace — none of us deserves it — and it’s meant to bless others, not elevate ourselves. Real power comes from the Holy Spirit, not clever methods or hype, so we can rest in God to work. We should speak simply, so normal people can understand, keep the focus on Jesus rather than our own stories, and love the church we’re called to serve. Even when ministry is hard or discouraging, joy returns when we see preaching as a privilege, trust God’s strength, and stay amazed at Christ and His people.

Session 2 – Pastor Patrick Farrell

  • This message is from Titus 2–3, and urges believers—especially pastors and church leaders—to stay grounded in sound doctrine, so their lives match their message. In a climate of fear, anger, and calls for violence after tragedies like Charlie Kirk’s murder, Christians must reject hate and vengeance and instead show Jesus through integrity, gentleness, and love, even toward enemies. Our mission isn’t to win culture wars, but to worship, witness, and lead people to Christ by living differently from the world. Change won’t come through retaliation but through prayer, humility, repentance, and asking God for revival that begins in our own hearts and overflows into the church and nation.

Session 3 – Pastor Jared Clements

  • The message walks through Mark 1 and encourages pastors and ministry leaders to serve like Jesus: remember He often chooses the unlikely, so lead with humility; prioritize making disciples, not just sermons; keep teaching the Word simply and clearly; expect spiritual pushback when God is moving; stay steady through busy seasons but anchor everything in prayer; be ready to follow God’s unexpected directions in faith; and show deep compassion to the “lepers” of our day. Bottom line: hold the line on God’s unchanging Word, love people well, and be faithful where you are—God will open the right doors at the right time.

Session 4 – Pastor David Rosales

  • This teaching is from John 6:60–71: Jesus makes exclusive claims, many walk away, and He asks, “Do you also want to go?” It’s a call for pastors to preach the Word (not entertainment), rely on the Spirit, endure discouragement, and accept God’s breaking that makes us useful. Through personal stories of salvation and trials, he urges self-examination (Judas/Demas), steadfast faith, and finishing well.

Session 5 – Pastor Wes Denham

  • The talk moves from “katan to king” (1 Sam 16) to practical leadership and soul care: God chooses the overlooked; don’t fear man like Saul; raise leaders slowly (watch for “Agags”); cultivate humility, intimacy with God, and Jonathan/Nathan friendships; expect spears and stay pure. Part two contrasts brain (physical, trauma, pathways) with mind (eternal): renew the mind by Scripture and the Spirit, use biblical counseling, and boldly speak truth in a confused culture.

Session 6 – Pastor David Rosales

  • This message (Mark 10:46–52) uses Bartimaeus to paint “the heart of a minister”: Jesus stops for hurting people, so pastors should cultivate compassion, not just technique—spending time with teams, mentoring, noticing pain, and guiding folks to Christ. Don’t fear disruptions; help the needy get to Jesus. Train and equip others, keep a shepherd’s heart, and keep your eyes open for the harvest.

Session 7 – Pastor Mike Focht

  • This talk unpacks pastoral correction as central ministry, not a detour. From 2 Timothy 2:23–26 and 4:1–2, we’re called to be non-quarrelsome, gentle to all, able to teach, patient, and humble—using Scripture to convince, rebuke, and exhort so people repent and escape the enemy’s snares. It’s messy, often uncomfortable, but real love speaks biblically in season and out, trusting God to work even when reactions vary.

Session 8 – Pastor Josh Blevins

  • Matthew 20’s vineyard parable confronts pastoral entitlement: God owes us nothing; service is a grace, not leverage. Framed by Peter’s “what do we get?” (Mt 19:27–30) and James/John angling for rank (20:20–28), Jesus shows the landowner’s generosity exposes our hearts. Three entitlement tells: (1) “I deserve more than promised,” (2) “I have a right to complain,” (3) “I deserve more because I did more.” Three servant counters: (1) God always keeps His promises—rejoice in what He has said, not stories we invent; (2) God always gives what is right—trade comparison for gratitude; (3) the problem is my perception—“Is your eye evil because I am good?” Pastors aren’t owed outcomes, platforms, or comfort; we’re invited to downward, cross-shaped greatness: losing life to find it, seeing people as the mission, serving with thanks whether hired at dawn or the eleventh hour. Let our ministries be marked by gratitude, faith, and joy in the Master’s goodness.

* Worship Workshop | Holland Davis.

  • Holland Davis, a seasoned worship leader and pastor, shares practical insights on leading worship effectively, drawing from his time under Pastor Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. He emphasizes aligning worship with a pastor’s vision, using Psalm 100 to guide services from joyful praise to awe-filled reverence, and encourages writing original songs tailored to the local congregation. He advises against imitating popular worship trends or using overly complex songs, advocating for authenticity, simplicity, and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit. He offers tips on seamless transitions, minimal reliance on tech like click tracks, and building trust with pastors through open communication. This engaging, practical workshop is ideal for worship leaders seeking to minister biblically and effectively.

* Tech in Ministry & the Home Workshop | Jon Medina

  • Jon Median, has worked in Youth Ministry and shares actionable strategies for using technology to amplify church outreach and strengthen family devotions. From setting up affordable home streaming stations to navigating digital tools for discipleship, he provides biblical insights and practical tips to help leaders and parents harness tech without letting it dominate life. This insightful session reminds us that innovation should always point back to God’s glory—perfect for anyone blending faith with modern tools. Watch now for ideas that could transform your ministry or home setup!

* Church Administration Workshop | Ryan Cline and Adam Przybylski

  • This workshop helps equip church leaders with biblical and practical strategies for effective ministry management, from budgeting and volunteer training to digital tools that free up time for what matters most. The speakers dive into real-world challenges like nonprofit compliance and team coordination, all grounded in Scriptures like Nehemiah for building sustainably. Whether you’re a pastor juggling roles or an admin streamlining operations, this session offers actionable wisdom to glorify God through organized excellence. Tune in for inspiration that turns admin headaches into opportunities for growth!