January 12 – 14, 2026
The Park Event Center
500 Division St
Waite Park, MN 56387
CONNECT CONFERENCE
The heart of this event has always been to connect pastoral teams and friends in ministry from all over Minnesota, and that remains unchanged. Our goal is to equip quality Christian leaders and build healthy faith communities to fulfill the Great Commission. We are in this together!
We believe God wants to do incredible things in us and through us in 2026 as we strive to reach the lost throughout Minnesota and our world.
Bring your spouse and pastoral team to Waite Park for a time of fellowship and leadership growth with our guest speakers, Aaron Hlavin and Jim Weigand.
.
SPEAKERS
In 1998, Aaron Hlavin began his ministry journey by accepting a youth pastorate at Warren Assembly of God, later known as Freedom Christian. For 23 years, he and his wife Jaime faithfully served the church in various roles, including 13 years as Lead Pastor, while deeply loving their multi-site congregation and community. In 2021, they were elected as Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Michigan Ministry Network, continuing to follow God’s call and serve leaders and churches across the state.
Jim, his wife Dena and their two sons have served Freedom Center Church in Fenton Michigan since 1995. Their lives and ministries are marked by evangelism and discipleship, and developing leaders, growing the church for 30 consecutive years and planting, parenting and partnering with dozens of church plants. Every pastor, leader and volunteer has come from the pews of FCC as the church continues to multiply into the next generation. Jim serves as Church Planting Director for the Michigan Network.
SCHEDULE
The Park Event Center
500 Division St
Waite Park, MN 56387
MONDAY, JANUARY 12
3:00 PM Check-in Opens
6:00 PM Banquet
8:45 PM Connect for Newcomers
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13
9:00 AM Session
10:15 AM Break
11:00 AM Session
12:00 PM Connect for Women in Ministry
Afternoon Free
6:30 PM Session
9:00 PM Connect Pie Fellowship
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14
9:30 AM Session
11:00 AM Check-Out
REGISTRATION
LODGING
To reserve rooms, click the links here for room blocks and event pricing at each hotel.
Hilton Garden Inn
550 Division Street Waite Park, Minnesota 56387
Residence Inn
450 Division Street Waite Park, Minnesota 56387