LEADERSHIP SUMMITS

PURPOSE

Built to encourage leadership in the local church, the Leadership Summits provide an opportunity for pastors, staff, and ministry teams to be inspired and equipped for a new season of ministry!  Bring all of your leaders – kids leaders, youth workers, men’s and women’s ministry teams, senior adult leaders, board members, small group leaders, and more.  They will be inspired and strengthened during this amazing Summit!

UPCOMING DATES & LOCATIONS

Summit 1
Bakersfield Canyon Hills
Jan 17, 2026

max capacity:
1000

Register

Summit 2
Vanguard University
Jan 31, 2026

max capacity:
500

Register

Summit 3
Covina Hearts on Fire
Feb 7, 2026

max capacity:
800

Register

Summit 4
San Diego CityView
Feb 21, 2026

max capacity:
700

Register

Summit 5
Victorville First Assembly
Feb 28, 2026

max capacity:
800

Register

Due to an overwhelming response to these events; another location has been added for your convenience.  However, there is a maximum capacity on all locations.

MAIN GUEST SPEAKER LINE UP

Rich Guerra, SoCal Network Superintendent

In May 2010, Rich was elected to serve as the 12th SoCal Network Superintendent. Rich continues to champion church planting and moving the SoCal Network forward with the vision of empowering healthy churches that are making an impact in their Southern California communities. Rich earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies at Southern California College in 1978, and a M.A. in Church Leadership at Southern California College in 1987, now known as Vanguard University. Rich and his wife, Coni, have been married since 1978 and have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

Speaking at all locations

John C. Martin, SoCal Network Assistant Superintendent

John joined the SoCal Network as Assistant Superintendent in 2022. Previously, he has served as the lead pastor at Victorville First Assembly for 15 years and in pastoral ministry for 38 years. Additionally, John chaired the Board of Trustees at Vanguard University and taught as an adjunct professor at various colleges. In 2001, focusing on church leadership, John received his D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. He also earned his M.R.E. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL in 1987, and his B.A. from Northwest University in Kirkland, WA in 1985. John has been happily married to his wife, Ronda, for 37 years and has two amazing children, a favorite son-in-law, and one fantastic grandchild.

Speaking at all locations

Ron Gravell, SoCal Network Secretary-Treasurer

Ron Gravell was elected Corporate Secretary-Treasurer for the SoCal Network in 2021. Previously he served as Executive Administrator to the Superintendent for 10 years, focusing on Network affiliated churches and properties. Before coming to the Network office, Ron was lead pastor for three SoCal churches, youth pastor in three churches, and active in youth ministries when Superintendent Rich Guerra was district youth director. Ron’s greatest joy is helping pastors and churches to be healthy, especially financially. Ron has been married to his wife, Vicki, for 42 years and they enjoy spending time with their daughter, Rachel, their son, James, and their daughter-in-law, Jessica.

Speaking at all locations

Ron Haro, Lead Pastor, Fowler Worship Center Church

Pastor Rod Haro has faithfully served in ministry for over 30 years within the Assemblies of God. For the past 24 years, he has been the Lead Pastor of Fowler Worship Centre Church, a thriving multi-campus ministry with five locations throughout California’s Central Valley. In addition to his pastoral role, Pastor Haro serves as the Executive Presbyter for the North Region, providing leadership, mentorship, and spiritual guidance to pastors and churches across the region. Pastor Haro has been married to his wife, Regina, for 37 years, and together they have been blessed with four children and five grandchildren. His ministry is marked by a deep passion for seeing lives transformed by the power of Jesus Christ and a heart devoted to reaching souls with the message of hope and salvation.

Speaking at Bakersfield

Dr. Renea Brathwaite, Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry and Chief Community Care Officer at Vanguard University

Dr. Brathwaite is an ordained Assemblies of God minister, he holds advanced degrees in theology from AGTS and Regent University. Known for his Spirit-filled, empowering teaching, Dr. Brathwaite is passionate about bridging intellect and spirituality. He has been happily married to his wife, Joy, for nearly 30 years, and they share life with two adult children.

Speaking at Costa Mesa

Eli Simental, Executive Presbyter for Region 6 and SoCal Men’s Director

Reverend Eliseo Simental began his first business at the age of 23. He is an Ordained SoCal
Assemblies of God minister currently serving as the Executive Presbyter for Region 6 and SoCal
Men’s Director. Rev. Simental is also the Senior Pastor of Centro Familiar Cristiano Ministries, a
thriving multi-campus Church with six locations.  A passionate church planter and revitalizer, Pastor Eli has dedicated his life to developing leaders and strengthening congregations across Southern California.
He has been married for 42 years and is a proud husband, father of two daughters, father-in-law, and
grandfather to two granddaughters.

Speaking at Covina

JoAnn Johnson, Lead Pastor of Newbreak Church

JoAnn Johnson is passionate about helping people discover purpose and grow in faith. Her leadership focuses on collaboration, discipleship, and empowering others to pursue God's call on their life. During her time as Student Ministries Director for the SoCal Network she helped launch initiatives that expanded next-generation leadership training across the network. Previously, she has served as an Executive
Pastor and the President for the Network of Women Ministers. She is ordained with the Assemblies
of God and holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Vanguard University. Outside of ministry, JoAnn enjoys time with her husband Eric and their two sons, Russell and Shane - often exploring San Diego and cheering at their boys' football games.

Speaking at San Diego

Aaron Barham, Lead Pastor of Hope City Church in Ridgecrest

Pastor Aaron and Amber Barham have been in ministry for over 20 years, in that time they served as Youth Pastors & Missions & Outreach Pastors. In August of 2020 they became the lead pastors of Hope City Church in Ridgecrest. God has blessed them with 2 children who are now adults and are both pursuing ministry.

Speaking at Victorville

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT SCHEDULE

8am | Doors/Registration Open

8am - 8:55am | Continental Breakfast Provided

9am - 9:55am | Opening Main Session 1

with Pastor Rich Guerra and Pastor Eliot Bland

10:00am - 10:40am | Main Session 2

with Pastor John C. Martin and Pastor Ron Gravell

11:00am | Breakout Session A

11:50am - 12:30pm | Lunch

12:30pm - 1:20pm | Breakout Session B

1:30pm - 2:20pm | Breakout Session C

2:30pm - 3:00pm | Closing Main Session 3

Location Guest Speaker

3:10pm | Dismissal

LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2026 BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Worship

Vocal Excellence in Worship
In this breakout session, you’ll discover practical vocal techniques to help you lead with confidence and maintain vocal health.  We’ll cover warm-up exercises, breathing, and how to expand your vocal range while keeping your voice strong for the long haul.  Additionally, you’ll learn how to blend harmonies effectively, build dynamics within a song, and work cohesively with your worship team to create a unified sound that enhances the worship experience.
Elevating your Worship Ministry
Discover the keys that unlock excellence and take your worship team to the next level.  In this breakout we will uncover the systems that separate mediocre teams from excellent teams and you’ll walk away equipped with the practical systems and processes that will elevate your worship team and create an environment of excellence and stewardship on your teams.

LEADERSHIP

Leadership Then, Leadership Now: Principles for Every Generation
Every generation faces new challenges and opportunities, but the principles of godly leadership never change.  The Spirit of God continues to call and empower leaders who serve their generation with wisdom, humility, and courage.  In this season, you’ll learn how to apply these principles with the Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha.
Building a Healthy Team Culture
Healthy teams are essential to building a strong, vibrant, healthy church.  The leadership principles discussed in this session are indispensable to creating a climate and atmosphere that foster a positive, encouraging, and unifying ministry.  If you want to build a stronger team, then this session is for you!

NEXT GEN

NextGen: The New Strategy
SoCal Network is launching a whole new Next Gen Department.  If you work in Kids, Youth or Young Adults come catch the vision as we build towards the future.
Keys to Kids Ministries
Effective Kids Ministry is built on creating a safe, engaging environment where children feel known, loved, and excited to learn about Jesus.
Keys to Youth Ministries
A solid Youth Ministry is built on authentic relationships, relevant teaching, and a culture of belonging where students can encounter Jesus and grow in their faith.  Let’s walk through current ways to help build this in your ministry.
Keys to Youth Adults Ministries
Whether you are starting Young Adults or already have an established group, let’s talk through keys to building a YA group that not only lasts, but how they play a vital part in your church’s community.
Making Room: Why and How to Start a Special Needs Ministry
In the breakout session, you’ll learn the Why and How to Start a Special Needs Ministry for any size church, in any size space.

WOMEN of SOCAL

Unhurried: Living at God’s Pace in a Culture That Never Stops
In a culture that never allows slowdowns, women in ministry often carry more than they realize.  In a world that glorifies hustle, Jesus invites us to something different – an unhurried life that dwells in His presence.  Designed for women in ministry leadership, this session explores how to lead from stillness, find rest for your soul, and live at the pace of God’s grace. 
(Spanish) Christ and Culture: Leading with Faith in Modern Times
Explore how women can be a voice of hope and truth in today’s culture.  A call to lead with wisdom, grace and courage wherever God has placed you.  How to represent Christ in every space from the home to leadership without losing your essence.

MENS MINISTRY

The Warrior Credo
A Credo is any guiding principle or set of principles for our life.  A personal covenant or commitment made to God.  As Men, we must understand and accept our identity in Christ!
(Spanish) El Credo del Guerrero
Un credo es cualquier principio guía o conjunto de principios para nuestra vida.  Un pacto o compromiso personal hecho a Dios.  ¡Como hombres, debemos entender y aceptar nuestra identidad en Cristo!

SECOND HALF MINISTRY

The Purpose and the Plan
The greatest opportunity for the church to reap a harvest in the next 20 years, will be in the area of reaching the 50+ adult population! Why? Because they are the fastest growing segment of the population….but how do you do it?  Join us as we share steps on launching or revitalizing Senior Adult ministry in your church.
The Next Chapter
Empowering the Boomers and Beyond Generation to be all that God wants them to be filled with vision, passion, and God’s presence.

HISPANIC

En Tiempo de Crisis Busque la Oportunidad de Servir
La inglesia desde sus comienzo siempre ha sido desafiados con crisis, pero igual la iglesia siempre ha tenido oportunidades de servir a pesar de las crisis.
Siempre Piense Afuera de la Caja
Uno de los males que enfrenta la iglesia, es hacer iglesia con estrategías antiguas el Señor desafío a sus oyentes a no poner vino nuevo en odres viejos.
No Resistas Hacer Cambios
Los cambios son necesarios para el funcionamiento de una iglesia saludable y los cambios deben de ser intencionales porque sino las crisis van hacer los cambios por nosotros. 

GENERAL SESSIONS

Addiction in the Pews: A Holistic Path to Liberation for Every Congregation
Substance abuse impacts every church and most families in today’s culture, yet many churches lack the tools to offer effective support.  Regardless of size, any church can embrace a holistic approach and apply liberation principles to help individuals overcome addiction.  No specialized training is required – just a commitment to help, an understanding of addiction, and practical tools.  Join us to learn how.
Top 5 Greatest Hits
Ted type talks alongside your Q & A for the Top 5 Topics which can help you personally and also your church!  Issues like Wills & Trusts, Credit Card Reimbursement policies, Retirement, Insurances and more!  Come ready to ask any question you want!!
SoCal Network Credentialed Ministers
All SoCal Network credentialed ministers are requested to attend this session with Pastors Rich Guerra, John C. Martin, and Ron Gravell.  Important vision and strategy for 2026 will be communicated by our Network Leadership Team.  Special emphasis will be placed on equipping the pastors and churches for successful ministry.
Ready, Set, Go: Equipping your Church for Short-Term Mission’s Trips
A trusted method for guiding your church team into the mission field without the stress or uncertainty of starting from scratch.
Run to the Brokenness: Living on Mission Where You Are
You were made to make a difference right where you are.  Learn how ordinary believers can bring hope and healing to the broken places in their community.  Discover how God can use your gifts, your story, and your compassion to transform lives right where you are.
Speaking to the Head and Heart
In this session, you’ll learn how to share Jesus from both your head and your heart, so that your words will truly connect.  Whether speaking to a group or one-on-one, you’ll learn how to share truth clearly, tell stories that move people, and inspire change for Christ with honesty, integrity, and trust.
“Who is my Muslim Neighbor?”
California is home to more than half a million Muslims – yet most have never had a Christian friend.  Together we’ll learn what Muslims believe and how we can build genuine friendships with our Muslim coworkers, classmates, and neighbors so that they can experience the love of Jesus.
The Forgotten Frontline: First Responders as a Forgotten Mission Field
First responders stand on the forgotten frontline, geared for danger yet carrying trauma, exhaustion, and rising suicide in their ranks.  This breakout session will show leaders how to see them as a true mission field and take simple, practical steps to bring the hope of Christ to those who serve and to their families.