M4 Pastors' Conference

October 20th & 21st

WHAT IS THE M4 MINISTRY ENRICHMENT CONFERENCE?

M4 is a conference for pastors, or those in ministry leadership, focusing on these four areas of ministry enrichment:

* ENCOURAGEMENT for the emotions of MINISTRY
* INSPIRATION for direction in MINISTRY
* WISDOM from those experienced in MINISTRY
* FRIENDSHIPS with men serving in MINISTRY

The theme for 2025 is “Longevity in Ministry”.  Our main Session speakers, Jim Nicodem, founding pastor of Christ Community Church in St. Charles, Pastor Scott Poling and Pastor Mickey Farlow of Harvest New Beginnings Church in Oswego, are praying you will find your leadership skills enhanced and the burdens of your heart lifted.  

Unlike other conferences where attendees select predetermined breakout topics, M4 participants will be actively involved in setting the agenda for the Interactive Breakout Sessions based on their own personal ministry questions, struggles or difficulties they may be currently dealing with. In addition, there is an option of sitting down one-on-one with one of our main session speakers for mentoring and to discuss any issues in more depth.  

Plan now to join us for this much needed time of ministry encouragement and enrichment.  

Speakers

Pastor Jim Nicodem 

Jim Nicodem is the founding pastor of Christ Community Church and was the senior pastor for 40 years since its start as a church plant in 1984. He recently transitioned leadership and remains on staff to continue to pastor the congregation he loves. Born and raised in the Midwest, Jim received his BA from Wheaton College and his MDiv. and Doctor of Ministries from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. 

Jim and his wife, Sue, have been married for more than forty years, and have three grown children and seven grandchildren. He loves to hang out in Chicago, where he can watch the Cubs play (no better park than Wrigley) or listen to the world-class Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The local coffee shops also see a lot of Jim, accompanied by books (mostly biographies) or friends. Other hobbies he enjoys include hiking and biking. 

He is also the author of Prayer Coach and Bible Savvy. These topics reflect his lifelong pursuit and passion for helping people grow in their walk with Christ. 

Pastor Mickey Farlow 

Mickey Farlow has served in pastoral ministry for 47 years in a variety of roles and church settings in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Iowa. From Senior Pastor to Associate Pastor to Youth Pastor to interim pastor, he has seen pastoral life from many angles and has a passion to use the insights he has gained to encourage others. He currently serves at Harvest New Beginnings as Evangelism, Discipleship and Counseling Pastor, directing the Counseling Ministry which has grown from one trained biblical counselor (himself) to 19 counselors which serve the Harvest family as well as the surrounding communities. 

Mickey grew up on a farm in central Illinois, graduated from Faith Baptist Bible College, received his BA degree from Cedarville University and a Master of Ministry from Baptist Bible Seminary. Outside the office, he loves to read, share the gospel wherever he can, serve in the community as a substitute teacher in the public schools as well as doing biblical counseling at Wayside Cross Mission in Aurora. Mickey was married to his lovely wife, Joyce, 40 years prior to her going home to the Lord in 2015. He has three grown children and 11 grandchildren.

Pastor Scott Poling 

Scott can relate. He knows what it's like to be the only pastor in a very small church answering the phone and opening the mail. He also knows what it's like to practice delegation and oversight of a larger staff. He understands the pressure of ministry and all the criticisms that come with it. After serving as Senior Pastor at Harvest New Beginnings for 30+ years, he has gained a unique perspective on ministry and leadership which allows him to speak into pastors' lives. He speaks your language.  

Scott grew up in and around Ocean City, New Jersey, and at the age of 17 received Christ as his Savior. He graduated from Cedarville University and Dallas Theological Seminary and has been married to his wife, Carla, for 34 years. They have 5 children, ages 18-30, one son-in-law and three adorable grandchildren. Scott's heart is for encouraging and building up pastors and other leaders in ministry. Outside of being a pastor, Scott enjoys trail running and hiking America's national parks.  

Schedule

Hotels

While other options do exist, Harvest is confident in recommending the following hotels. 

AmericInn By Wyndham Oswego 

4.5 miles from Harvest 

1050 Douglas Rd.; Oswego, IL  60543 

630-296-5481 

Best Western Oswego 

5.7 miles from Harvest 

2055 Wiesbrook Rd.; Oswego, IL  60543 

630-844-4700 

Hampton Inn

9.5 miles from Harvest

310 E. Countryside Parkway; Yorkville, IL  60560

630-553-9805

Holiday Inn Express

9.3 miles from Harvest

577 E Kendall Dr. ; Yorkville, IL 60560

630-882-0600

FAQs

Why should I attend M4?

M4 is a conference for those who want to:

• Learn from the ministry struggles and successes of others
• Receive encouragement from the spoken Word
• Catch a vision for the future direction of your ministry
• Network with others in ministry

Who should attend M4?

M4 is geared toward pastors but would be beneficial for any male staff or key volunteers seeking encouragement and enrichment in their ministry. 

What does it cost?

Early Bird Registration (thru September 22nd):  $99

Regular Registration (after September 22nd):     $125

*A $50 discount is available for the following: 

• Lay leaders who attend with their pastors 
• Pastors who serve a church in a community which neighbors Oswego 

Use Promotion Code: SAVE50 when registering to receive the discount. 

(Please Note:  Harvest sees M4 strictly as a ministry to encourage pastors. Your registration fee helps cover a portion of the costs incurred to host M4 and no profit is made by Harvest from your fee. If the cost would prohibit you from attending please contact us for possible options.)

Will refunds be available?

If you must cancel your registration, we will refund your registration fee in full if you notify us by 4:00pm Wednesday, October 15th.  If for any reason Harvest cancels the conference, all fees will be refunded in full. 

What does the fee include?

2 days of ministry enrichment and encouragement 

Conference notebook and general materials 

Monday:  Continental Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 
Tuesday:  Continental Breakfast and Lunch 

What should I wear?

Dress is casual.  Wear whatever you find comfortable. 

Where is the conference taking place?

Harvest New Beginnings Church;

5315 Douglas Road; Oswego, IL  60543

(630) 554-3858

What is an Interactive Breakout Session?

Facilitated by an experienced ministry leader, participants will discuss pertinent topics with peers who understand and appreciate the challenges they face and the solutions they’ve found.  Agenda topics will be set based on the needs and interests of the group.

What is a Discussion Group?
These small groups of 5-8 will work through discussion questions provided by the Main Session speakers
and provide time to encourage, challenge, brainstorm and pray for one another as you look deeper into
the Main Session topics.

What is a One-on-One Mentoring Session? 

These appointments are optional and may be chosen during registration.  Our main session speakers sit down with attendees one-on-one for 30 minutes, allowing you time to discuss specific items that affect you and your particular ministry.  If you choose this option, you will need to complete additional registration questions. Spots are limited and will be filled based on the date of your registration. 

Where can I stay?

A list of recommended hotels close to the church is provided above.  

How do I register?

Use the button below or text: HARVESTM4 to 630-554-3858