NATIONAL COLLEGIATE CONFERENCE
Workshops
Workshops will be offered on Thursday, November 20 from 3:30 p.m.–4:45 p.m., and Friday, November 21 from 1:00 p.m.–2:15 p.m. Please note that some workshops are offered both days, and others are offered only one day, as noted in the description.
From Fear to Hope: Discipling Well in LGBTQ+ Conversations
Facilitated by Bill Miller and Buck Wilson | Worskop offered on both Thursday and Friday.
Research says 20-30 percent of Gen Z identify as LBGTQ. If our goals is to disciple the whole person, how we do incorporate these topics without sacrificing our Biblical worldview? Learn to walk alongside and minister to people with the hope of the gospel in the midst of our current cultural confusion.
Bill Miller
University of Tennessee for 4 years, Belmont University for 3 years, and Vanderbilt University for 5 years. SHAW team for two years.
Kent State University & SHAW Director (we have been at the same location our entire career..... and we like!)
Buck Wilson
Bearing Fruit Without Breaking: Work and Rest
Facilitated by John Teten | Workshop is offered on both Thursday and Friday.
Days are full, students’ lives are complex, and there is a lot on our plates. As Navigators, how do we create rhythms that help us stay connected to the Vine, our source of life? How do we practice sabbath while properly balancing the different responsibilities God has given us with Him, with our families, and in our ministries?
John Teten
Colorado State University, University of Florida University of North Florida, Regional Leader of Florida, Divisional Leader
Mental Health: A Roadmap for Hope
Facilitated by Caitlin Borunda & Clair Alaman | Workshop offered on both Thursday & Friday.
Join us as we discuss mental health and how it intersects with the gospel. We will look at the four “places” we can find ourselves on the “roadmap” of our emotional and mental health journey. Then, we will explore what our calling and purpose as Christians might be when we find ourselves in those places. If you or a loved one struggles with mental health, this could be a helpful workshop for you!
Caitlin Borunda
University of Alabama (2005-2010), EDGE Corps Director’s Team at USHQ (2010-2012) TDC at USHQ (2012-2018), Texas State University (2018-present), Texas Region Leadership Team (2024-present)
EDGE/ SiT at University of Colorado–Boulder (2014-2018), SiT/ NR at Montana State University (2018-2021), SiT leadership team (2021-2024), Pastoral Care Team, TDC (2021-present)
Clair Alaman
Emotionally Intelligent Discipleship: Leading With EQ Across Generations
Facilitated by Taylor Scott and Sarah B. | Workshop offered on Thursday and Friday.
Today, effective campus ministry requires more than strong theology: It demands emotional intelligence, relational wisdom, and the ability to connect across generational lines. This workshop will explore key soft skills to deepen your impact, strengthen your leadership, and help you foster meaningful, resilient discipleship relationships with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Come ready to grow in self-awareness, empathy, and practical tools for cross-generational ministry.
Taylor Scott
University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas (2011-2013) Miami University, Oxford, Ohio (2013-Present)
SE Asia (2003-Present), Leader Development (2020-Present)
Sarah B.
TAWG 301: Connecting With God When Ministry Is Your Job
Bill & Sue Tell | Workshop offered on both Thursday and Friday.
Does your “job” sometimes steal the joy of connecting with God? As Collegiate staff, finding authentic time with God can often feel like another task. This workshop offers practical insight for reigniting your personal connection with God––even when ministry is your vocation––helping you move beyond duty to a deeper, more sustainable spiritual life.
Bill Tell
Sue Tell
Bill came to Christ as a college freshman through a friend involved in The Navigators. Sue met The Navigators as a sophomore the night she trusted Christ. They have served on Navigator staff for 52 years starting at The University of Illinois. They partnered together as Bill served as the Collegiate regional leader for Illinois, field director for California and the northwest, associate US Collegiate director, and on the National Leadership Team. In all their assignments, they have never lost their love for and commitment to the campus ministry. Currently, they thrive on being cross-generational mentors to Navigators Collegiate staff. Bill authored the NavPress book, Lay It Down, Living in the Freedom of the Gospel. Sue pens a weekly devotional blog, Echoes of Grace.
Living in Tension // Practicing Christlike Empathy and Meaningful Conversations in a Divided World
Facilitated by Andrew Duran & Alice Matagora | Workshop offered on both Thursday & Friday.
We live in a divided world. A new era of arguments and stalemates is leading to severed relationships, isolation, and fear over areas like politics, race, and spirituality (to name a few). The college campuses we serve on are often the frontlines for these realities. Join this session and explore how Jesus invites us to enter into the tension—to see real people behind opinions, to practice meaningful dialogue, and to be disciplemakers equipped for the time at hand.
Andrew Duran
University of North Florida (2012-2016), University of South Florida (2016-2023), Currently: LDI Program Lead, Leader, Development, TDC. Colorado.
University of California–Irvine (2005 - 2028), University of California–Riverside (2008-2015), University of California–San Diego (2015-2017), University of California–Irvine (2017-2023), Currently: Director of Leader Development, TDC. California
Alice Matagora
The Bridge Over the Pond: Evangelism Lessons From Europe
Facilitated by Bern Dishman | Workshop offered on both Thursday and Friday.
Europe is beautiful and ancient mix of cultures, from secular and post-communist to Orthodox and Catholic. For the last 20+ years Navigators have been pioneering with Christ, trialling missional communities that give access to these beautiful people. Testing out new forms of gospel hope language that can resonate with an often hopeless generation. Come a see if Christ has some lessons from Europe for your culture and your generation.
Bern Dishman
Deb and I have ministered and pioneered at 2 campuses in Leicester, among ballet dances in Birmingham. We have been National Student Leaders for the UK and then European Student Leaders for 10 years. Bernard is now the European Regional Director for The Navigators. We have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.
Does Ben Nugent Think I Am Doing a Good Job?
Facilitated by Vivian Christmas | Workshop offered on Thursday.
Is that the right question? What does “success” mean in campus ministry? Is it the number of people at NavNight? The number of students coming to Christ? How do I know I’m doing a good job? (Hint: it’s not these numbers!) If faithfulness is the standard, how do I measure it? As Collegiate staff, we are constantly internally navigating the tension between healthy evaluation (what is happening in our ministry and why?) and abiding trust in God’ (God will bring what He wants to pass). Let’s explore what it means to “do a good job” as we trust God with our results.
Vivian Christmas
University of Florida, University of Central Florida, University of South Carolina, Blue Ridge Regional Initiatives Specialist
Know Thy Campus: Solving the Mystery of What Drives and Motivates Your Students and What Makes Your Campus Like Nowhere Else on Earth
Facilitated by Stephen Holecheck and Sabrina Tuell | Workshop only offered on Thursday.
Does a one-size-fits-all ministry strategy ever work? How do I decide what our ministry should look like on campus? Come learn what it means to know your campus and your students, and how to adjust your ministry strategy to meet the needs of your campus.
Stephen Holecheck
University of California–San Diego, pioneering at San Diego State University
University of California–San Diego, currently serving in Budapest, Hungary
Sabrina Tuell
Artificial Intelligence vs. Ancient Wisdom: Real Mentorship Over Digital Counsel
Stowe Campbell and Dylan Musser | Workshop offered on Thursday.
In this digital age, so many of our students are settling for artificial relationships. How is this affecting them? How does Life-to-Life® disciplemaking compete with AI mentorship? This workshop focuses on how to help students prioritize being mentored by their community and Scripture rather than by the internet.
Stowe Campbell
Campuses - University of Oregon, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, Director of Biblical Studies and Gulf Coast Regional Director (currently)
Campus Director at Vanderbilt University
Dylan Musser
Dealing With Imposter Syndrome: Owning Your Leadership Even When It’s Unexpected
Facilitated by Andrew Gauggel and Rachel Christofel | Workshop offered on Thursday.
Never saw yourself as the leader? Now you are, and insecurity is knocking. What’s the next step? Learn to own your vulnerabilities and lead with genuine self-awareness, authenticity, and inner confidence.
Andrew Gauggel
University of Cincinnati (Bachelor of Science in Architecture, and Master’s), University of Cincinnati EDGE Corp, University of Cincinnati Staff In Training, University of Cincinnati Campus Staff Trainer, University of Cincinnati Campus Director. To adapt a quote from Tim Keller: “I’ve been on many campuses since coming on staff with The Navigators, and all of them have been University of Cincinnati.”
Campuses: FSU (volunteer/CID) UNL(Edger) USF- (SIT/NR) Roles: Women’s Regional Liaison, Campus Trainer, Associate Campus Director, Associate Regional Director, Campus Co-Director, Cultural Development Trainer, CLT Member, Interim Regional Director, Regional Director (current), Professional Coffee Drinker (Current)
Rachel Christofel
The Power of Presence, Listening, and Asking Insightful Questions
Facilitated by Gina Holm and Andrew Hagemaster | Workshop offered on Thursday.
Imagine having the keys to truly understand and connect with those around you. Our workshop equips you with three essential coaching skills––presence, listening, and asking insightful questions––for impactful disciplemaking in every sphere of life.
Gina Holm
Director of Life and Leadership Coaching, TDC
Leader and Organizational Development Specialist, Licensed Psychologist, ICF Professional Certified Coach
Andrew Hagemaster
From Friction to Flourishing: Cultivating Unity Within Your Ministry Team
Facilitated by Ellen Susman and Sheri Underwood | Workshop offered on Friday.
What if team disagreements could actually become catalysts for stronger relationships and a more impactful ministry? “From Friction to Flourishing” will equip you with the tools to transform conflict into a pathway for cultivating unity. Learn actionable steps to address tension, foster understanding, and build a thriving team that can effectively reach your campus.
Ellen Susman
I have been serving with TDC for the last 17 years using my psychology degrees and training in many assessments. I love serving Navigator teams by helping them see the good work that God has done in designing each member. My goal is to help Navigator teams be healthy, effective, and Gospel-centered so that the kingdom of God will reach the ends of the earth.
“You are not a normal Navigator staff woman.” I have heard that a lot in my Navigator experience and I embrace it as a great compliment through my 27 years on staff. God has created us all differently and as we live out of His identity and design in us we are freed to be truly who He has created us to be. I love helping staff experience these “ah-ha” moments when they learn about themselves which frees them to live more fully in their calling.
Sheri Underwood
Leaving Campus, Not Christ: Will Your Students Thrive After Graduation?
Facilitated by Navigators 20s Leadership | Workshop offered on Friday.
Are your students ready to make disciples after college, whether it is in the 25 with a 20s ministry or the thousands of cities without a ministry for young adults? This workshop will not help you put your student’s name on a spreadsheet, it will include necessary lessons for upperclassman to gain and how you can help them find or build a disciplemaking community after they graduate
Ministering Through Suffering, Loss, and Unmet Expectations
Facilitated by Ben and Melissa Nugent | Workshop offered on Friday.
Everyone has pain, suffering, and unmet expectations. We’ll look at how to continue to walk with the Lord and minister to others in the midst of that journey, and how to trust the Lord’s goodness for the long haul when your current circumstances seem anything but good.
Ben Nugent
Melissa Nugent
The Nugents have served with Collegiate at Colorado State, the University of Florida, and in Kansas City. After moving to Colorado Springs, Melissa worked with the Field Director Team while Ben led the Navigators 20s, and they have been leading in Collegiate for the past six years.
Worship Me: How Hyper-Individualism Impacts Faith, Sex, Identity, and Our Communities
Facilitated by Glenn Packiam | Workshop offered on Friday.
On campuses preaching hyper-individualism, Navigators face the challenge of guiding students toward a deeper, communal understanding of faith. California based pastor, author, and NCC guest lecturer Glenn Packiam will unpack his observations of Gen-Z and explore how embodiment, identity, and community practically intersect with the gospel message.
Glenn Packiam
Glenn is the lead pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California, and an author of several books, including The Resilient Pastor and The Intentional Year, co-written with his wife, Holly. He holds a Doctorate in Theology and Ministry from Durham University and serves as a senior fellow at Barna Group. An ordained Anglican priest, he has written over 65 worship songs, including Your Name. Glenn and Holly make disciples in Orange County, California, along with their four children.
Missions Influencer Training
Facilitated by Brian Hopp and Katie Greiner
Select this option only if you received an email invitation. Presenter Info: Brian Hopp and Katie Greiner
This workshop is invitation only and will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, November 21, at the same time as lunch, and conclude at 2:15 p.m. Please pick up your boxed lunch after Plenary 4 and head immediately to the workshop room.
