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Executive Directors Gathering
March 31 - April 3
Storytelling for Impact
“So Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ”
(Romans 10:17)
When you are on a fitness journey, you can work out at home, sure. Sometimes it will be a decent workout. Other times it will be packed with distractions, forcing yourself to keep going, and lack of confidence that you are doing the right things. OR, you can go to a gym and workout
where you have time to focus, a coach to help you get the right movements and reps, and the confidence that you are spending your time well.
That’s what this retreat is all about. NOT a physical workout, but a storytelling exercise. With guided facilitation, tons of resources, and support, you will learn, create stories, and practice sharing them. When you leave, you’ll have the confidence you need to share a sermon, present to your stakeholders, write your next fundraising letter, and so much more.
Join fellow executive directors for a retreat focused on the power of storytelling. “Storytelling for Impact” will equip you with the skills and confidence to craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience, enhance your ministry’s message, and deepen the connection with your community. Through guided workshops, collaborative exercises, and peer support, you’ll learn to embrace the essential components of impactful storytelling. Together, we will explore how to shape stories that reflect the unique context of your camp or ministry, while offering opportunities to practice and refine your storytelling technique in a supportive environment.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the key elements of effective storytelling, including problem development, emotional engagement, and clear solutions and calls to action.
- Explore the role of storytelling in advancing your ministry’s mission and vision.
- Practice crafting stories that inspire action and build deeper relationships with supporters, campers, and staff.
- Learn how to tailor stories to different audiences, from donors and stakeholders to campers and community members.
Actionable Steps You’ll Leave With:
- A polished, ready-to-use story that conveys the impact of your ministry in a powerful way.
- A step-by-step framework for creating stories that align with your ministry’s goals and audience needs.
- Practical tips for incorporating storytelling into your communications strategy, fundraising efforts, and leadership presentations.
And, in addition to all of this… • Deepened relationships with other executive directors throughout the Lutheran outdoor ministry network. • Rest and renewal because of time away from normal routines and because of relaxing time spent with colleagues whose work experience is similar to our own. • Renewed enthusiasm and inspiration for the work that lies ahead. • Fun!
Our Presenter
Casey Fuerst has worked with camp leaders for 25+ years to support them in strong messaging, effective strategic marketing planning, strength-based crisis communication, and consistent marketing execution. Casey is a certified StoryBrand Guide and uses this framework to tell stories that are simple, memorable, and powerful. Casey owns and operates Tic Tac Toe Marketing. Prior to starting this business, she served for 18 years as the Director of Marketing and Leadership Development for Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries.
Our Devotional Leaders
Ralph Yernberg, former director of Good Earth Village (MN), Imago Dei Village (WI), and Sky Ranch (CO). Recipient of the 2023 Manlove-Howells Leadership Award.
Margie Fiedler, executive director, Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp. Territory coordinator, LOM West Territory
Our Music Leader
Jesse Klosterboer, executive director, Sugar Creek Bible Camp.
Partner Ministry Presenter
Rev. Todd Buegler, executive director, ELCA Youth Ministry Network
SCHEDULE
Monday, March 31, 2025
1:00 pm – First shuttle trip leaves MSP Airport for Camp Wapo.
3:00 pm – Final shuttle trip leaves MSP Airport for Camp Wapo.
2:30-4:45 pm – Registration; Settle in; Mingle; Good chat time.
5:00 pm – Opening Session – Welcome and community building
6:15 pm – Dinner
7:15 pm – Introduction of the theme and the facilitators – a preview of our time together.
8:15 pm – Worship led by Margie Fiedler, followed by –
Around 9:00 pm – Fellowship
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
8:30 am – Breakfast
9:15 am – Morning devotions led by Ralph Yernberg
9:30 am – Morning session facilitated by Casey Fuerst
12:30 pm – Lunch
1:15 pm – Tour of Camp Wapo
2:30 pm – Afternoon session – the stresses and strains that we are wrestling with.
4:00 pm – Free time
6:00 pm – Dinner
7:00 pm – Ideas to Share, facilitated by Don Johnson – “This is something that worked out great for our
camp during the past year!”
9:00 pm – Evening devotions followed by
Around 9:30 pm – Fellowship
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
8:30 am – Breakfast
9:15 am – Morning devotions
9:30 am – Morning session facilitated Casey Fuerst
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:15 pm – Afternoon session facilitated by Todd Buegler, executive director, ELCA Youth Ministry
Network “The Burning Issues for Youth Directors Today and how they Intersect with the
Resources provided by Outdoor Ministry”
2:45 pm – Break
3:00 pm – Burning Issues LOM
The Immediate Future
Beyond the Immediate Future
4:00 pm – Free time
6:30 pm – Dinner
8:00 pm – Evening Closing Session facilitated by Casey Fuerst – “What Are We Taking Home?”
9:15 pm – Closing worship, followed by Evaluation Forms, and then
Around 10:00 pm – Fellowship
Thursday, April 3, 2025
6:00 am – First Departure to MSP
8:00 am – Breakfast at Wapo
8:30 am – Second Departure to MSP
9:00am – Earliest time to schedule a flight departure from MSP
9:30 am –Final Departure to airport
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Single Occupancy: $550/participant
Double Occupancy: $500/participant
MSP Airport Shuttle Service: $35/participant
Scholarships of up to $250 are available. Download the form.
Registration online: https://www.lomnetwork.org/executive-directors-gathering-registration/
Registration deadline: March 1, 2025
THE PLANNING TEAM
Don Johnson, LOM Executive Director, has been joined by our LOM Territory Coordinators:
West – Margie Fiedler, executive director, Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp (MT)
Western Midwest – Joel Abenth, director of donor engagement, Lake Wapogasset Lutheran
Bible Camp, Inc. (WI)
Eastern Midwest – Eric Knueve, executive director, Bethel Horizons (WI)
East – Deb Roberts, executive director, Lutherlyn (PA)