ELEVATE: A Leadership Conference Series That’s About More Than Construction

At Catalyst, our passion for serving churches and schools runs deeper than bricks and blueprints. That’s why we created ELEVATE, a leadership conference series designed to equip church and school leaders with the tools, insight, and connections you need to thrive in today’s world.

Now in its third year, ELEVATE has grown from a single idea sparked by our Church Development Executive, Steve Widmer, into a multi-state initiative with events this year in Green Bay, Wisconsin; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Phoenix, Arizona.

But what is ELEVATE really about? Why did we start it, and what can you expect if you attend?

The Heart Behind ELEVATE

Steve Widmer came into his role at Catalyst with a unique perspective. Having served as an executive pastor and worked for a campaign consulting firm, he saw firsthand the gaps many churches face, leadership development, communication strategy, fundraising, and long-term planning. In his own words: there just wasn’t enough support.

ELEVATE was born out of that need.

In partnership with clients like The Ridge Community Church and visionary leaders such as Pastor Mark Weigt, the idea took shape: create a space where you and other leaders can gather, learn, and connect—with no pressure, no pitches, just meaningful support.

Register now to save your spot at an upcoming event.

What You’ll Learn

Every ELEVATE event is built around practical wisdom and real-world application. This year’s conferences will explore key themes like:

• Strategic Visioning: How to cast a long-term plan for growth and impact.
• Financial Sustainability: Understanding the balance of income, debt, and stewardship.
• Facilities & Growth: If you’re growing, how do you create space for it?

Whether you’re looking to boost volunteer engagement, improve intergenerational communication, or plan for a major campaign, ELEVATE offers a 360-degree view of leadership and development tailored to you and your team.

Not a Sales Pitch, A Support System

At its core, ELEVATE reflects Catalyst’s mission to serve churches and schools, regardless of whether a project emerges from it. This series is about meeting your real needs, not selling services.

This conference series embodies our core values. If your church or school is stronger because of something you heard at ELEVATE, we’ve succeeded. If you leave feeling seen, supported, and inspired to take the next step—whether that’s launching a campaign, refining your leadership strategy, or simply making a new connection—we’ve done our job.

What’s New This Year

In response to growing interest, we’re expanding ELEVATE beyond Wisconsin and into South Dakota and Arizona, connecting with more churches and schools ready to grow.

• Green Bay, WI: This event brings together Catalyst and Blueprint Schools, a strategic planning consultancy that helps schools and churches improve marketing, enrollment, and long-term planning. With three focus areas—vision planning, financial sustainability, and capital expansion—this session will deliver hands-on insights for leaders looking to grow with intention.
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota: A more intimate setting at the Sanford Barn allows for deeper discussion. Pastor Jeff Gunn, a leadership coach for churches and schools, will lead conversations on identifying blind spots, sustaining momentum, and leading with clarity.
• Phoenix, Arizona: Held at Grand Canyon University, this event includes a prayer service and features both Pastor Jeff Gunn and national consultant Brian Axman. The agenda? High-level leadership insights, networking opportunities, and a strong sense of community.

Register now  for the event nearest you.

Why Attend?

Whether you’re a pastor, board member, administrator, or staff leader, you’ll walk away from ELEVATE with new tools, fresh ideas, and meaningful connections. You’ll hear from people who understand your challenges, because they’ve lived them. And you’ll leave with practical steps you can take right away.

As one past attendee shared, “We brought our whole team and used it as a team-building experience. We left feeling refocused and reenergized.”

The feedback has been clear: the value of ELEVATE is high, but the price isn’t. We’re committed to keeping it free and accessible.

What’s Next?

We’re exploring ways to grow ELEVATE into a webinar series and potentially expand it into an all-day format in more markets. Our vision is to continue evolving based on what church and school leaders need most, whether that’s in-person support, digital learning, or deeper consulting.

So, if Catalyst is new to your community, know this: our ideas aren’t. We’ve helped dozens of churches and schools tackle these very challenges, and ELEVATE is simply one more way we’re committed to walking alongside you.

Join us at ELEVATE to connect, learn, and take the next step in leading your church or school with clarity and confidence. Register now.