Business Professionals Workshop Information
Business Professionals Convention 2023 Workshop Information
Below you will find information for each of the workshops and times during the Business Professionals Convention 5-8 June 2023. Please click the buttons below to be taken to each days workshops. We hope you enjoy the week.
Planning Future Needs, Francois Keet – Download slide handout here
Church Structure, Compliance and Key Financial Policies, Rodney Brady – Download resource here
Your Role on Boards and Property, Rodney Brady – Download resource here
Church Structure, Rodney Brady – Download presentation here
Ethical Dilemmas: Segregation of duties, Warrick Long – Download resource here
Legal and other (could-become-legal) matters, Igor Radonjic – Download resource here
Role of Treasurer: President and Treasurer working together, Warrick Long – Download resource here
Morning Plenaries
Mission Possible, Paul Douglas – Download presentation slides here
Block 1 start time 1:30pm (55min)
Workshop Option A
Productive meetings: Getting groups to make decisions, accountability and action.

Learn about the most thrilling subject in the world: holding people accountable for their actions after meetings.
I know what you’re thinking – “Wow, I could be doing literally anything else right now,” but trust me, this training session is going to be more exciting than watching paint dry. And if you don’t believe me, well, that’s just one more thing you’re going to be held accountable for!
Seriously now. Come to learn the simple art of running meetings, where tasks are delegated and they actually get done before the next meeting.
Workshop Host: Lyndel Smith
Workshop Option B
Where we are, how did we get here and where are we going?
Brian Parker Australian Retirement Trust

2023 is shaping up to be a challenging year for the world economy, as the world’s central banks continue to battle high inflation with sharply higher interest rates, while the war in Ukraine rages on. In this presentation, Brian Parker, Australian Retirement Trust’s Chief Economist discusses the economic outlook over the coming years and what it all might mean for investment returns.
Workshop Host: Andrew Wanke
Workshop Option C
Emerging Threats to Mission and Ministry
James Winegardner
Adventist Risk Management Service

What happens in the US soon follows in Australia, NZ and the Pacific. Legal liability claims for emerging risks are increasing, how does the Church navigate these new threats?
Workshop Host: RMS Team
Block 2 start time 2:35pm (55min)
Workshop Option A
Legal Basics
Igor Radonjic South Pacific Division Corporate Services

Workshop Host: John Stilinovic
Workshop Option B
Fringe Benefits: Employee Benefit & Employer Risk
Murray Nicholls Saward Dawson

Fringe Benefit Tax: the opportunities, advantages and associated risks for the employee and employer.
Workshop Host: Leny Tukia
Workshop Option C
The Real Me
Warrick Long Avondale University

Who are you? Really?
Who we are is impacted by so many different experiences which shapes how we interact with and respond to the world around us, often in ways we don’t even realize. Being aware of these influences can not only make us more aware but can help us shape the effectiveness of our influence.
This workshop will challenge you to relook at where you have come from in order to steer where you want to be going, both professionally and personally.
Workshop Host: Kalvin Dever
Block 3 Workshops start time 4pm (1hr)
Workshop Option A
Religious Liberty Q&A
Igor Radonjic South Pacific Division Corporate Services

Workshop Host: John Stilinovic
Workshop Option B
Motivating others: How to get people to do what they say they will.

Ever wondered why people don’t live up to their commitments, even when those commitments are good for them? Think diets, exercise, eliminating a bad habit, or teenagers tidying their rooms.
Ever wonder why co-workers say yes but then don’t follow through on their agreements? Think late reports, half finished tasks, “forgotten” priorities.
Ever think that maybe, just maybe, you might be in the same boat as others when it comes to motivation and follow through?
This session reveals the secret of why people (including ourselves) don’t keep commitments, and more importantly shows you how you can make commitments easier to keep. (For yourself and others)
Workshop Host: Lyndel Smith
Workshop Option C
Microsoft Teams
Dean Tichborne AdTech

Microsoft Teams is a business communication platform developed by Microsoft, as part of the Microsoft 365 family of products. Teams provides a platform for workspace chat and videoconferencing, file storage, and application integration. In this workshop you will learn how to use this new application effectively to assist your team to function better.
Workshop Host: Luke Pannekoek
Block 1 Workshops start time 10:45am (1hr)
Workshop Option A
Applying a practical decision making technique to mitigate risks and impacts that comes with change.

A practical exercise that can boost your chances of successful change implementation by applying Lewin’s force field analysis technique using a live case study.
Kurt Lewin’s Force Field Analysis is a structured and scalable decision-making technique that helps identify driving and restraining forces of change.
Workshop Host: Eva Ing
Workshop Option B
Accounting Standards Report Update
Andrew Rigele Grant Thornton

Workshop Host: Andrew Wanke
Workshop Option C
RMS Masterclass: Demystify Your Cover

We lift the veil on insurance secrets to get the most out of your cover, we’ll answer your tricky questions and bring clarity to complex insurance clauses.
Workshop Host: RMS Team
Evening Plenaries
A Worldwide Treasury Perspective, Ray Wahlen – Download presentation here.
Morning Plenaries
Michael McQueen, Resources – https://michaelmcqueen.net/
Block 1 Workshops start time 1:30pm (55min)
Workshop Option A
Cyber Security and You: Addressing the Organisational Human Element
Matthew Mulligan AdTech & Haley Tosen RMS Team


The world is getting more digital. Business, banking, healthcare, etc. is all online. Crime is following the same trend. Increasingly high-profile hacks are in the news. Phishing emails are getting more sophisticated each day. The Dark Web is a flourishing with criminals running big businesses making more money than ever. So what is the Dark Web? Lets take time to explore the darker side of the internet so we can better understand the risks online and be better prepared to protect ourselves.
As we run our churches we collect and store personal information. Lots of it. Membership, giving, Events, AdSafe, Pathfinders, youth groups, church directories, interests, visitations and so much more. We can’t separate from this information as it is part of what we do. With this information comes great responsibility as this sensitive information in the wrong hands can be harmful. We don’t want to be on the front pages of the news with a data breach. We have a duty to keep it safe. Join us as we discuss the challenges of handling sensitive information and look at some of the ways we can work together to keep it safe.
Workshop Host: Luke Pannekoek

Workshop Option B
Transparency & Accountability: Ethical Decision Making
Robyn Kajiura GCAS

We are Seventh-day Adventists, so obviously we make ethical decisions. Right?
Or are we so busy with “God’s work” that we don’t recognize ethical dilemmas until it’s too late?
Starting with a story, this workshop will challenge you to evaluate your preparedness for ethical dilemmas. We will identify potential ethical judgement traps, and outline practical steps for navigating the complex landscape of making an ethical decision.
Workshop Host: Jeremy Smith
Block 2 Workshops start time 2:35pm (55min)
Workshop Option A
Discipleship Tips for Busy Church Leaders
Glenn Townend SPD

Being a disciple of Jesus, living in connection with Holy Spirit, and modelling faith sharing are the key purposes of being an Adventist church leader. We all know the ideal but struggle along the journey. There are so many committees, reports, emails and expectations in work. What are the tips or disciplines from the Bible and life experience that can bring more freedom and joy to the demands of service? Learn from each other in this interactive workshop.
Workshop Host: Julian Archer
Workshop Option B
The Innovator Mindset: Processes and Tools – Part One
John Montgomery Sanitarium

Feeling stuck …
Or
Simply want a fresh approach to unlock ideas and value in your context.
Strap in for a fast-paced two part journey that takes you to…
5 capabilities
4 mini case studies
3 Perspectives
2 Tools
1 Question
Already looking forward to seeing you at the workshops.
Workshop Host: Kalvin Dever
Workshop Option C
Excel Masterclass: Intermediate Users
Tim Tew RMS

How to format for readability and improved functions, understanding new Excel functions, how to build in error checking.
Workshop Host: RMS Team
Block 3 Workshops start time 4pm (55min)
Workshop Option A
Digital Transformation
Luke Pannekoek AdTech

Digital transformation is about integrating digital technology into all aspects of an organisation, fundamentally changing how it operates and delivers value to its customers. It is driven by advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the internet of things, and data analytics. It requires a significant shift in mindset and culture within an organisation, as well as investments in new technology. Come and listen and share ideas about how we can navigate the future together, taking advantage of the opportunities and benefits technology now offers.
Workshop Host: Matthew Mulligan
Workshop Option B
The Innovator Mindset: Processes and Tools – Part Two
John Montgomery Sanitarium

Continue the journey in part two of this workshop of unlocking fresh ideas and value in your context which will encompass…
5 capabilities
4 mini case studies
3 Perspectives
2 Tools
1 Question
Workshop Host: Kalvin Dever
Workshop Option C
Excel Masterclass: How to be lazy and get things done
Tim Tew RMS

Learn how to automate your spreadsheets to improve
efficiency.
Workshop Host: RMS Team
Block 1 Workshops start time 10:30am (55min)
Workshop Option A
Doing the right thing?
Warrick Long Avondale University

If it’s legal, it must be right. Right?
Just because an action is legal doesn’t automatically make it right. Today’s businesses operate in an environment where wicked problems are an almost daily occurrence. Are we satisfied in just meeting the legal standard? And how can you discern between multiple options, none of which are “good”? And what factors go into making of those decisions?
This workshop applies a Christian perspective on not just ensuring you are doing the legal thing, but also the right thing.
Workshop Host: Kalvin Dever
Workshop Option B
Audit Manager Software
Russell Halliday & Owen Ryan

This workshop is designed to showcase an automated solution for Local Church Financial Audits and Risk Assessments.
Learn how to provide churches with a professional audit report that is user friendly and drives continuous improvement.
Learn how to manage Local Church Audits in an efficient and timely manner.
Learn how to provide consistent, high quality audit recommendations and risk assessments regardless of your team’s expertise and experience.
Learn how to tailor the solution to the needs of your local churches, using the flexible design.
Learn how to operate in offline mode for remote field audit work and much more.
Workshop Host: Andrew Wanke
Workshop Option C
Is there a Lawyer in the house?
Igor Radonjic

Everyone needs a lawyer. Why? Because when you break a mirror and get seven years of bad luck, a lawyer can get you five, ha!
People usually remember lawyers when things don’t go to plan. But, contrary to popular belief, lawyers can add value from the start and in all sorts of situations. It’s called ‘legal by design’. So, this workshop aims to explore this idea.
Since November 2022, SPD has been working to establish an in-house legal capability. As an organisation, we are working through what that means and what working with an in-house lawyer looks like. This workshop aims to examine our journey thus far. It will look at how in-house legal can – as an enabling function – equip, empower and strengthen your decision making, engagement with risk, and strategy development.
Through examples and current legal trends, we will compare differing focuses of an external legal counsel and in-house legal.
Workshop Host: John Stilinovic
Block 2 Workshops start time 11:35am (55min)
Workshop Option A
State of the Insurance Market
Ian Maybury Lockton

Meet your new Brokers. Find out about the insurance cycle. What is with this protracted hard market? Is there light at the end of the tunnel? What can I do at my site to keep insurance costs down?
Workshop Host: RMS Team
Workshop Option B
Accounting, Auditing and Fun Times – relevant topics for accounting professionals
Jeremy Smith GCAS

Join us for a fun discussion on accounting matters, risk assessment, and preparing for a great audit.
Workshop Host: Warren Hassen
Workshop Option C
Explaining Structure
Rodney Brady

Ever been asked “How is the church structured”? This practical workshop will teach you how to answer this question and educate (or run a training program) in a way that builds confidence through a better understanding and shows how we are structured for Mission. A sample training program on church structure will be given to participants that can be adapted for your own needs.
Workshop Host: Fraser Alekevu
Block 3 Workshops start time 1:30pm (55min)
Workshop Option A
The Chair – a unique leadership role
Rodney Brady

Already a Chair? If not then you soon could be or have to support one. Church life is based on meetings and the Chair is a critical role. Being Chair is more than just attending a meeting. Learn more about meeting dynamics plus the skills and preparation the Chair needs for effective meetings. Practical tips and illustrations will be shared with participants.
Workshop Host: Kingsley Wood
Workshop Option B
Deconstructing Construction Insurance

Assumptions about cover during construction projects can cause major problems in achieving your goals. Find out how you can work with RMS to best navigate the fine print.
Workshop Host: RMS Team
Workshop Option C
The role of the CFO: Exploring solutions to the key challenges of this unique missional calling
Ben Thomas

The CFO is one of the key leaders within the church and has unique responsibilities and challenges which extend beyond finance. This session explores the key challenges facing the four union CFOs in our Division. A panel discussion will consider potential solutions for these challenges, and examine ways to support CFOs at all levels of the church in the fulfilment of their unique missional calling.
Workshop Host: Paul Rubessa
Block 4 Workshops start time 2:35pm (55min)
Workshop Option A
Building Relationships with Adventist Business Owners
Julian Archer

“You have felt that business is business, religion is religion, but I tell you that these cannot be divorced…. You are not to put asunder that which God has joined—business and religion.” (Ellen G. White, MR 19 p17) Yikes! Really?
William Miller had a farming business. Joshua Himes had an advertising company. Uriah Smith invented a prosthetic leg. John Kellogg revolutionized breakfast and invented gym equipment. So why are some Adventist business owners today sometimes made to feel like they’re second-class Christians? How can we more effectively partner with these men and women to build the kingdom of God?
Workshop Host: Peter Cameron
Workshop Option B
What’s hybrid work doing to our brains? How can we adapt and flourish?

Lyndel Smith & David Potter
With all the upheaval the workforce has experienced in the last few years, it’s easy to forget that the hybrid model of working is still relatively new. While hybrid working benefits employees in many ways, it also poses unique cognitive challenges. How can we help our brains to adapt to the new world of work? Employers are still learning from trial and error, and there is still plenty of progress to be made. (Referencing the work of NeuroPower Group https://www.neuropowergroup.com/)
Workshop Host: Carol Boehm
Workshop Option C
Building Resilient Pacific Communities
Jonathan Hale & Peni Bolatui


How does insurance protect mission and ministry in the Pacific Islands? Find out the answer to this question in this workshop with Peni and Jonathan.
Workshop Host: RMS Team
Plenary Topics and Speakers
Adventist Risk Managers: Make Mission Possible & Mission and Ministry Resilience till Jesus Returns
James Winegardener

Adventist Risk Managers: Make Mission Possible
Risk Management industry terms can seem abstract within our Church context. In this plenary session, pastor, Texas lawyer and President of Adventist Risk Management, James Winegardner, explores church mission and risk management from a perspective of awareness, responsibility and community. James will delve into church as community and how our communal relationships impact claims.
Mission and Ministry Resilience till Jesus Returns
How the learnings from this week will help us address our blindspots and protect our ministry and mission until Jesus returns.
‘Preparing Now for What’s Next‘
Michael McQueen

Disruption is something that every organization and leader has experienced at scale in recent years. In the aftermath of one of the most tumultuous chapters in human history, now is the time for audacity, adaptability and agility. Enormous opportunities lie ahead for those that can identify the trends of tomorrow and gear up for them today. In this fast-paced & compelling keynote presentation, audiences discover:
- The key trends that will shape the coming decade with a specific focus on the impacts of AI, hybrid work and the metaverse
- The role GEN-Z will play in redefining industry norms and consumer expectations
- The common culture and mindset traps that will set any organization on a collision course with obsolescence – and how to avoid them
- Proven and practical strategies for staying one step ahead of change and remaining relevant.
You will leave the presentation with a clear action plan for navigating disruption and emerging stronger than ever.
‘Harnessing the power of transformation for long lasting change.‘
Ginger Nocom

There is an argument that ‘Organisational Transformation’ is critical for organisations to accelerate change and growth to compete more effectively, become more efficient, and gain competitive advantage. As organisations undergo business transformations to create additional value, it also brings about seismic changes that impact our people. In this session, we will talk about the importance of leadership and the duty of care as we bring our people along the journey and how we can make change sustainable for the future.