Water's Edge Ministries
  • Who We Are
    • Water's Edge Ministries
    • Mission
    • Welcome Statement
    • Sites
    • Staff & Board of Directors
    • Alumni
    • Upcoming Events >
      • Programmed Retreats
    • Employment >
      • Year-Round Employment
      • Summer Staff
      • Serve Boldly Staff
      • Seasonal Employment
      • Associates
    • News & Reports >
      • Blog
  • Summer
    • Youth Camp >
      • Grades K-5
      • Grades 6-8
      • Grades 9-12
      • Resource Staff
    • Ordinary Time
    • Family Camp
    • Camp Joy
    • Day Camp
    • Worship at the Lake
    • Summer Staff
    • Promotional Resources
    • One More Around the Campfire
  • Serve Boldly
    • About Serve Boldly
    • Locations
    • Trip Details >
      • Summer Youth Trips
      • Alternative Breaks
    • Promotional Resources >
      • Trip Promotional Resources
      • Employment Promotional Resources
    • Employment >
      • Leader & Guide Info
      • Worship & Music Leader Info
      • Food Service Info
  • Retreats
    • Retreats
    • Corporate Events & Conferences
    • Programmed Retreats >
      • Adult Retreats
      • Youth Retreats
      • Family Retreats
    • Chapel Gatherings
  • Give
    • Donate >
      • Planned Giving
      • Sustainers
      • Thrivent
      • Wish List
    • At The Water's Edge Campaign
    • Events >
      • Dinner Theater
      • Give to the Max Day
      • Quilt Auction
    • Impact 100
    • Volunteer
    • WEM Awards >
      • Advocate of the Year Award
      • Volunteer of the Year Award
    • Share Your Story
Conversations That Matter
A morning speaker series from Water’s Edge Ministries

Join us at Green Lake Bible Camp for Conversations That Matter, a new speaker series featuring authentic conversations with people whose experiences, leadership, and stories have something to teach us.

Come for breakfast, stay for the stories, and leave with something to think about.
2026 Speaker Series
September 17
October 15
​November 19
Starts at 7:30am

THE CONVERSATION

We believe some of the most meaningful things we can learn from a leader aren’t found on a resume. They’re found in the moments that shaped them. 

The decisions that didn’t have easy answers. The failures that taught them something. The people who believed in them. The unexpected turns in their careers. The experiences that changed how they understand leadership, purpose, faith, community, and what matters most. Conversations That Matter creates space for those stories.
​

Each gathering features a guest speaker in conversation with Water’s Edge Ministries Executive Director Travis Aufderheide, followed by an opportunity for audience questions and informal conversation. Expect honesty, practical wisdom, humor, and stories you won’t hear in a traditional presentation.
Picture
September 17, 2026   ·   ​Jordan Smith
A native of Willmar, Minnesota, Jordan Smith was named the team manager of the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in January of 2026. After graduating from Willmar High School and attending St. Cloud State University, Smith went on to play with the Cleveland Indians and their affiliates, the St. Paul Saints, and the Sioux Falls Canaries before beginning his coaching career with the Cleveland Guardians and their affiliates. During his time as the manager of the Single-A Lynchburg Hillcats, the team never had a losing season. Coaching for a Minnesota Twins affiliate is a full-circle moment and we are excited to invite him to speak about how his faith has guided him along the way.  Read more about Jordan Smith.
Picture
October 15, 2026 
​
Speaker Announcement Coming Soon
Picture
November 19, 2026
​
Speaker Announcement Coming Soon

COME CURIOUS

Conversations That Matter is for anyone who wants to learn from the experiences of others. Our guests and attendees come from across the region and from many different backgrounds, including:
  • Business & civic leaders
  • Educators & healthcare professionals
  • Nonprofit & faith leaders
  • Students & emerging leaders
  • Retirees & lifelong learners
  • Community members & thoughtful adults
You don’t need a particular title or profession to belong at the table. Just come ready to listen.

WHAT YOU'LL HEAR

Every conversation is different, but we may explore questions like:
  • What experiences most shaped who you are today?
  • Who believed in you before you believed in yourself?
  • What setback taught you the most?
  • How has your understanding of leadership changed over time?
  • What role have faith, purpose, or community played in your journey?
  • What advice would you offer the next generation?
  • What matters most to you today?

join us at the lake

Gather with us on the shores of Green Lake for breakfast, conversation, and a morning set apart to listen and learn from one another.
Green Lake Bible Camp
Chrysalis House Dining Hall
9916 Lake Avenue South
Spicer, Minnesota 56288
7:30 am
Breakfast & Networking
8:10 am
Moderated Conversation
9:00 am
Audience Questions
9:10 am
Informal Conversation
9:30 am
Conclusion
Bring Your Team: There are limited seats available! Order tickets for your business group or come as individuals. Choose accordingly in the order form.
​
Parking: Come to Green Lake Bible Camp and park either in the main Chrysalis House parking lot or the large parking lot across the street by the Stave Chapel.

About Water's Edge Ministries

Water’s Edge Ministries invites all people to experience the life-changing love of Jesus in vibrant settings of community and creation. Formerly known as Green Lake Lutheran Ministries, Water’s Edge Ministries serves thousands of children, families, congregations, and retreat guests each year through camps, retreats, service opportunities, and leadership experiences. We believe meaningful stories and authentic relationships have the power to shape lives, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations. Learn more about Water’s Edge Ministries.

Questions

Kirsten Palan, CFRE
Associate Director of Development
[email protected]
​320-796-2181
Travis Aufderheide
Executive Director
[email protected]
​320-796-2181

WATER'S EDGE MINISTRIES

Green Lake Lutheran Ministries is now Water's Edge Ministries - new name, same mission. Learn more.
Inviting all to experience the life-changing love of Jesus through vibrant settings in community and creation.

HOME

give today
Phone: 320-796-2181
[email protected]

camp house

1411 Camp House Road
Brimson, MN 55602
​Phone: 218-848-2277

green lake bible camp

9916 Lake Ave. S.
Spicer, MN 56288
Phone: 320-796-2181

shores of st. andrew

19080 16th St. NE
New London, MN 56273
​Phone: 320-354-2961

serve boldly

A ministry of Water's Edge Ministries
  • Who We Are
    • Water's Edge Ministries
    • Mission
    • Welcome Statement
    • Sites
    • Staff & Board of Directors
    • Alumni
    • Upcoming Events >
      • Programmed Retreats
    • Employment >
      • Year-Round Employment
      • Summer Staff
      • Serve Boldly Staff
      • Seasonal Employment
      • Associates
    • News & Reports >
      • Blog
  • Summer
    • Youth Camp >
      • Grades K-5
      • Grades 6-8
      • Grades 9-12
      • Resource Staff
    • Ordinary Time
    • Family Camp
    • Camp Joy
    • Day Camp
    • Worship at the Lake
    • Summer Staff
    • Promotional Resources
    • One More Around the Campfire
  • Serve Boldly
    • About Serve Boldly
    • Locations
    • Trip Details >
      • Summer Youth Trips
      • Alternative Breaks
    • Promotional Resources >
      • Trip Promotional Resources
      • Employment Promotional Resources
    • Employment >
      • Leader & Guide Info
      • Worship & Music Leader Info
      • Food Service Info
  • Retreats
    • Retreats
    • Corporate Events & Conferences
    • Programmed Retreats >
      • Adult Retreats
      • Youth Retreats
      • Family Retreats
    • Chapel Gatherings
  • Give
    • Donate >
      • Planned Giving
      • Sustainers
      • Thrivent
      • Wish List
    • At The Water's Edge Campaign
    • Events >
      • Dinner Theater
      • Give to the Max Day
      • Quilt Auction
    • Impact 100
    • Volunteer
    • WEM Awards >
      • Advocate of the Year Award
      • Volunteer of the Year Award
    • Share Your Story