About us
Our commitment to
small church leaders: Inspiration, support, and spiritual growth.
The Great Plains Small Church Connection Conference/Retreat, held annually at Calvin Crest Camp, is designed for leaders in small church ministry. Emphasizing support, fellowship, and learning, this event offers a valuable opportunity for community growth. Planned by pastors and laity experienced in small church ministry, the conference features worship, plenary sessions, and various smaller group learning sessions on relevant topics.
Our next event
so we're small. get over it!
celebrating god's abundance
September 21-23, 2026
Calvin Crest Conference & Retreat Center
What you can expect
Learn & Grow
Engage in worship, plenary sessions, and small group learning opportunities on relevant topics, all designed to help you gain new insights and skills for your ministry.
Be Encouraged &
Feed Your Soul
Experience encouragement and spiritual nourishment through a supportive community of fellow pastors and lay leaders dedicated to small church ministry.
Be Renewed
& Refreshed
Find renewal and refreshment in a serene retreat setting, with activities and fellowship that rejuvenate your spirit and reinvigorate your passion for ministry.
Guest Presenter
Rev. Catherine Neelly Burton
Mission and Ministry Connector for the Presbytery of Southern Kansas
Our planning team
Rev. Kim Nofel
Pastor, Elizabeth Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth, Colorado
Rev. Newell Krogmann
Retired Presbyterian
Church (USA) Pastor,
Le Sueur, MN
Rev. Lyn Seiser
Pastor, Grace United Methodist Church in Crete, NE
Rev. Steve Nofel
Interim Pastor, First Presbyterian Church in Brighton, Colorado
Rev. Darin Bentzinger
Pastor, Panama Presbyterian Church
Kris Peterson
Leadership Coach with Leadership Harbor
Claudia Krogmann
Worship Team Leader at United Methodist Church, LaSueur, MN
The details you want to know
When
Dates: September 21-23, 2026
Theme: So We're Small. Get Over It!
Celebrating God's Abundance
John 10:10
Where
Calvin Crest Conference & Retreat Center
2870 County Road 13, Fremont, NE 68025
Costs
Single // $300 per person
Double // $ 255 per person
Commuter // $155 per person
Registration includes:
-
2 nights lodging in motel style rooms
-
6 delicious meals & Snacks
-
Conference materials & registration fees
2026 Event Schedule
Monday
Welcome
>> Dinner
Gathering 1 Get over it: From Lament to Hope with Rev. Kim Nofel
Tuesday
Devotional Time with Brian Peterson (opt)
>> Breakfast
Gathering 2 with Rev. Catherine Neelly Burton
Gathering 3 Creative Arts in the Church with Rev Lyn Seiser
>> Lunch & Break time
Gathering 4 Kneeling with Giants
with Lana Likens (CRE) & Claudia Krogmann
>> Dinner
Gathering 5 As For Me and My House - We Will SERVE the Lord with Rev. Catherine Neelly Burton
Wednesday
Devotional Time with Brian Peterson (opt)
>> Breakfast
Gathering 6 Choose Joy with Kris Peterson
Gathering 7 Wrap-Up with Newell Krogmann
Gathering 8 Go Out Celebrating Worship
>> Lunch
Registration for 2025 is now closed.
Subscribe to our email list below to receive communication about our next conference in 2026!