Ready to learn and collaborate with like-minded leaders from across the network? This year's Gathering brings together church leaders from around the country to swap insights, build relationships, and dig into the conversations that matter most in ministry right now.
Our main sessions will focus on leadership, volunteer culture, and personal health. Your workshops will dig into ministry-specific topics, shaped by what you share with us on your registration form.
Family Ministry Gathering Speakers
TOD
BOLSINGER
benjamin
crawshaw
Kendra
Fleming
Erin
Mashaw
Chad
Bruegman
Adult Ministry Gathering Speakers
Tod
Bolsinger
Robby
AngLe
Rod
Brown
COMING
SOON
Chad
Bruegman
When | Monday, March 1–Wednesday, March 3
Where | River Pointe Church – Richmond, TX
Check-In | 4:00 p.m. CT
EVENT DETAILS
agenda and details
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4:00–5:00 p.m. – Check-In
River Pointe Church, 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, TX 774695:00–6:30 p.m. – Worship and Main Session 1 with Tod Bolsinger
7:00 p.m. – Dinner and Rodeo-Themed Fun at River Pointe Church, 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, TX 77469
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8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Coffee
River Pointe Church, 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, TX 774699:00–10:30 a.m. – Workshop 1
Kids Ministry: Creative Process with Benjamin Crawshaw
Student Ministry: The Board You Can't Afford
10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. – Workshop 2
Kids Ministry: The Board You Can't Afford
Student Ministry: Creative Process with Benjamin Crawshaw
12:15–3:00 p.m. – Lunch and Free Time with Call Groups
Restaurant Options3:00–4:30 p.m. – Workshop 3
Kids Ministry: Parent Strategy with Erin Mashaw
Student Ministry: Vision with Kendra Fleming
4:45–6:00 p.m. – Workshop 4
Kids Ministry: Vision with Kendra Fleming
Student Ministry: Parent Strategy with Erin Mashaw
6:30 p.m. – Dinner and Fun Onsite at River Pointe Church, 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, TX 77469
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8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Coffee
River Pointe Church, 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, TX 774699:00–10:30 a.m. – Workshop 1: Grow Disciples Talk 1 with Robby Angle
10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. – Workshop 2: Grow Disciples Talk 2 with Robby Angle
12:15–3:00 p.m. – Lunch and Free Time with Call Groups
Restaurant Options3:00–4:30 p.m. – Main Session 2 with Tod Bolsinger
4:45–6:00 p.m. – Workshop 3: The Board You Can't Afford
6:30 p.m. – Dinner and Fun Onsite at River Pointe Church, 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, TX 77469
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8:30 a.m. – Breakfast and Coffee
River Pointe Church (Missouri City Campus), 7057 Knights Ct, Missouri City, TX 774599:00–10:00 a.m. – Behind-the-Scenes Environment Tours at the Missouri City Campus
10:00–11:30 a.m. – Worship and Main Session 3 with Chad Bruegman
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Lunch
12:30 p.m. – Dismissal
Join us for free rooftop coffee at River Pointe’s West End location before you head home
802 Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77007 -
Hyatt Place Houston Sugar Land
$104–$135 per night · About 6–7 miles (10–12 minutes) to Richmond · About 7 miles (20 minutes) to Missouri City
16730 Creek Bend Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77478Courtyard Houston Sugar Land/Lake Pointe
$130–$180 per night · About 6–7 miles (10–12 minutes) to Richmond · About 7 miles (20 minutes) to Missouri City
16740 Creek Bend Dr., Sugar Land, TX 77478Houston Marriott Sugar Land
$181–$201 per night · About 7–8 miles (12–15 minutes) to Richmond · About 6 miles (15 minutes) to Missouri City
16090 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479Hilton Garden Inn Houston/Sugar Land
$106–$129 per night · About 9–10 miles (15–18 minutes) to Richmond · About 7–8 miles (20 minutes) to Missouri City
722 Bonaventure Way, Sugar Land, TX 77479 -
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
A Texas BBQ institution serving brisket, turkey, and ribs by the pound with its signature creamed corn. It’s right down the road from the Richmond campus, and it opens at 7:00 a.m. if anyone wants breakfast tacos.
📍 20500 Southwest Fwy., Richmond, TX 77469
🕐 Mon–Thu: 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | Fri–Sat: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sun: 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
📞 (832) 757-1836Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen
A lively Tex-Mex restaurant known for fajitas, enchiladas, and friendly service. It’s one of the closest sit-down options to the Richmond campus.
📍 19940 Southwest Fwy., Suite 33, Sugar Land, TX 77479
🕐 Mon–Thu: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | Fri–Sat: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sun: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
📞 (832) 449-3920Sandy McGee’s
A small-town staple on historic Morton Street across from Richmond City Hall, famous for its broccoli-cheese soup since 1986. Expect soup, salad, and sandwich combos and big homemade desserts, but arrive before 11:00 a.m. to beat the lunch line.
📍 314 Morton St., Richmond, TX 77469
🕐 Mon–Sat: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | Sun: Closed
📞 (281) 344-9393Thai Cottage Sugar Land
A Thai restaurant known for flavorful comfort dishes, fast service, and a quiet dining room where you can actually hold a conversation. It closes between lunch and dinner and is closed on Sundays.
📍 4723 Sweetwater Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479
🕐 Mon–Thu: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 5:00–9:30 p.m. | Fri–Sat: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., 5:00–10:00 p.m. | Sun: Closed
📞 (281) 313-0707Thai Town (Thai Eatery and Bar)
One of the area’s most popular Thai spots, serving drunken noodles, curries, and mango sticky rice. It’s also halal-friendly and handles groups well.
📍 222 Hwy. 6, Suite 500, Sugar Land, TX 77478
🕐 Mon–Thu: 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. | Fri–Sat: 11:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sun: 11:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
📞 (832) 992-9990Floyd’s Seafood
A Cajun seafood restaurant serving gumbo, étouffée, fried and grilled fish, and po’boys. Portions are generous, and the crawfish cornbread is a local favorite.
📍 16549 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land, TX 77479
🕐 Mon–Thu: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | Fri–Sat: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sun: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
📞 (281) 240-3474B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar
An Italian bistro in Sugar Land Town Square serving fresh pasta, lasagna, and New York–style pizza. The atmosphere is warm, though it can get loud at peak times.
📍 16250 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479
🕐 Mon–Thu: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | Fri–Sat: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sun: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
📞 (713) 424-7876Jupiter Pizza & Waffle Co.
A fun Town Square spot pairing sourdough pizzas and waffles on one menu, with chicken and waffles as a standout. It has a covered patio and is closed on Mondays.
📍 16135 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479
🕐 Mon: Closed | Tue–Thu: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | Fri: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sat: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sun: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
📞 (281) 313-1008Escalante’s Fine Tex-Mex
An upscale Tex-Mex restaurant in Sugar Land Town Square serving fresh ceviche, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and fajitas. Don’t skip the tres leches cake.
📍 15933 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77479
🕐 Mon: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | Tue–Thu: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Fri: 11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. | Sat: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. | Sun: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
📞 (281) 242-1100Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café
A bright café serving savory and sweet crêpes, paninis, and specialty coffee. It’s a great pick for a lighter lunch or a dessert stop.
📍 15911 City Walk, Sugar Land, TX 77478
🕐 Mon–Thu: 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | Fri–Sat: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sun: 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
📞 (346) 368-2029Lupe Tortilla (Sugar Land)
A Houston Tex-Mex favorite known for its fajitas and handmade flour tortillas. It handles large groups well and has a family-friendly atmosphere.
📍 15801 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land, TX 77478
🕐 Mon–Thu: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | Fri: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sat: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sun: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
📞 (281) 265-7500Velvet Taco Sugar Land
A creative taco shop with globally inspired flavors, from chicken tikka to fish-and-chips tacos. It’s quick, has a drive-thru, and serves a signature red velvet cake.
📍 2330 Hwy. 6, Sugar Land, TX 77478
🕐 Mon–Thu: 10:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Fri–Sat: 10:30 a.m.–midnight | Sun: 10:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
📞 (281) 299-3301Pacific Coast Tacos
A fast-casual spot serving Asian-Pacific fusion tacos, poke bowls, and burritos. The patio sits right on the water and is a relaxed spot to catch up with a group.
📍 1525 Lake Pointe Pkwy., Suite 600, Sugar Land, TX 77478
🕐 Mon–Thu: 7:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m. | Fri: 7:30 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sat: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Sun: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
📞 (281) 980-0403Witt Pit BBQ
A family-owned, mom-and-pop BBQ joint run by Randy and Shaunna Witt, known for salt-and-pepper brisket, big spare ribs, and homemade sides. Save room for the peach cobbler or banana pudding.
📍 2516 1st St., Rosenberg, TX 77471
🕐 Mon: Closed | Tue–Thu: 10:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. | Fri–Sat: 10:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. | Sun: 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
📞 (832) 759-5182 -
Wah Coffee
A locally owned café serving dessert-style lattes like banana bread and tiramisu, plus matcha and cardamom tea. It also has a full kitchen with burgers, chicken sandwiches, and Korean fried wings, so it works for a quick meal too.
📍 6560 Greatwood Pkwy., Suite 100, Sugar Land, TX 77479
🕐 Mon–Thu: 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. | Fri: 7:00 a.m.–midnight | Sat: 8:00 a.m.–midnight | Sun: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
📞 (346) 746-8014Le'Drip Coffee and Tea
A Vietnamese coffee shop serving phin-dripped coffee with condensed milk, plus creative drinks like banana coffee with banana pudding cold foam and pandan lattes.
📍 4120 Richmond Pkwy., Suite 101, Richmond, TX 77469
🕐 Mon–Fri: 6:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. | Sat–Sun: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
📞 (281) 762-2811Blockhouse Coffee & Kitchen
A specialty coffee shop pouring locally roasted coffee, with breakfast and lunch served every day. It's known for cozy indoor spaces and a shady backyard made for gathering.
📍 611 Jackson St., Suite C, Richmond, TX 77469
🕐 Daily: 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
📞 (281) 766-4866
Tod Bolsinger
Tod Bolsinger, MDiv, PhD, is the cofounder and principal of AE Sloan Leadership Inc., an executive coaching and consulting firm that helps church, nonprofit, university, and marketplace leaders lead change. He is also an associate professor of leadership formation at Fuller Theological Seminary, founded the Fuller Leadership Platform, and served as a vice president of Fuller for six years. Before his career in education, he served as a pastor for twenty-seven years.
Tod is the author of nine books, including Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory, Outreach magazine's Resource of the Year in pastoral leadership; Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change, a Christian Book Award finalist; and the Practicing Change series.
He can be reached at bolsinger@aesloanleadership.com.
ERIN MASHAW
Erin Mashaw is a speaker, author, and the chief operating officer of Birds on a Wire, a nonprofit ministry that equips and encourages moms with practical, biblical wisdom.
Before joining Birds on a Wire, Erin spent ten years as the children's ministry director at the Church at South Lake in Clermont, Florida, followed by six years on staff at North Point Ministries as the parent engagement director, where she found new and creative ways to help the church partner with parents.
With a master's degree in counseling, she is passionate about equipping parents to navigate the intersection of faith and real life and helping churches come alongside families in meaningful, practical ways.
Erin is the coauthor of A Student's Guide to Sexual Integrity and the upcoming book Awkward Conversations: How to Talk with Your Kids about Sex, Gender, and Relationships, both written with Jim Burns. Erin and her husband, Reece, have four kids—a college junior, a high school senior, and twin high school freshmen—giving her plenty of real-life parenting experience and keeping her humble along the way.
BENjamin CRAWSHAW
Benjamin Crawshaw is the director of member engagement for Trueface.
Before joining Trueface, he oversaw content development for The Rocket Company, a church resourcing organization, and led the student initiative at the reThink Group, including XP3 Students and High School Camp. He also served as the creative director of high school ministry at North Point Community Church.
Benjamin holds a degree in English from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.
KENDRA FLEMING
Kendra Fleming is the executive family ministries director for North Point Ministries in Alpharetta, Georgia. In this role, she oversees Waumba Land (babies–pre-K), UpStreet (kindergarten–fifth grade), and KidStuf on each campus, which together serve more than 8,000 children every Sunday. She also serves on the NPM leadership team, helping shape North Point Community Church's multicampus strategy.
Her passion is creating irresistible environments that connect kids to their heavenly Father.
Kendra lives in Cumming, Georgia, with her husband, Gary, and their puppy, Penny. She has four grown kids and five grandkids.
ROBBY ANGLE
Robby Angle is the president and CEO of Trueface (now GROW). He stepped into the role in 2019, when its board commissioned him to reimagine how the organization serves the next generation.
Before that, Robby led adult ministry environments and men's groups at North Point Community Church in Atlanta. Earlier, he and his wife, Emily, worked in counseling and with Samaritan's Purse in Pakistan and Myanmar.
Robby holds degrees from Appalachian State University and the University of Florida and completed biblical studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He and Emily live in Dawsonville, Georgia, with their eight children and love epic family adventures.
ROD BROWN
As an executive coach, Rod Brown works with leaders who are carrying more than they can say out loud.
For most of his career, that's meant pastors and executive pastors: leaders responsible for a staff, a board, a building, and a congregation, who often have nowhere to take their own questions. Today he also coaches business owners and executives, and the questions are much the same. Who goes in this seat? How do I lead a team that's outgrown the way I've always led? How long can I keep this pace?
Rod is direct. He listens closely, says the true thing plainly, and makes it practical—the actual sentence to say, the meeting to hold, the decision that's been waiting. His conviction is that how a leader is doing personally and how the organization is doing are the same conversation.
Rod is certified in The Six Types of Working Genius and Primal Question, uses Colorworks and 360-degree feedback, and completed the Townsend Leadership Program.
Learn more about Rod's coaching →
Chad BruegmaN
Chad Bruegman is the Senior Pastor of River Pointe & West End Church.
Chad gave his life to Christ when he was 23 years old and has been a pastor for 23 years, 14 of which were spent as the Founding Pastor at Red Rocks Church in Denver, Colorado. During his time at Red Rocks, he and his team witnessed the church grow from humble gatherings of 18 people to over 15,000 people attending each weekend at one of six campuses and three satellite campuses, located in Colorado State Prisons (in partnership with God Behind Bars).
Chad’s a proud husband to Rachel and dad to Jude, Jane, Benjamin and Cruz. He’s obsessed with fantasy football, has eaten more Dairy Queen blizzards than he cares to admit, is most at peace when mowing his yard and could eat Mexican food for every meal. He’s also a diehard San Francisco 49ers fan.