Isolation & Connection
Fall Conference 2026
Event Location: Prairie College
- 350 5 Ave E, Three Hills, AB
November 6-7, 2026
The conference considers the isolation that many people face today. Loneliness is a worldwide concern. Widespread use of social media and various devices, rather than helping, actually contributes to our isolation. What does the church offer to remedy this situation? The solution to isolation, as with addiction, is human connection - we know this. Consequently, the conference will pursue the question of how we might actually begin to be truly connected as God’s people, and to help others connect as well.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: NOV. 4TH
Conference Key Purpose
To give Christians the skills and understanding to combat and replace the destructive elements of isolation with life-giving community.
Conference Specific Goals
Admit our tendencies toward isolation
Gain insight into God’s solution for our problem
Develop practical skills for helping with healthy connection
Speakers:
Mark Buchanan
Author, Professor, Speaker
Naomi Holland
Speaker, Consultant and Advocate
Alanna Waines
Social Worker
About Our Speakers
Naomi Holland is currently finishing a MSc. in Applied Social Sciences: Globalization and Crime. She has been involved in the fight against human trafficking for over 25 years. She has worked on the frontlines across Nepal and in Calgary, AB. She has also visited red light districts in several countries to understand the extent of the sex trade problem. Her greatest education however, comes from the two years she was a live-in house mom in an emergency recovery home for women fleeing the sex trade in Calgary. Here, she saw first hand the violence and devastation created at the hands of pimps and buyers. Around 2010 she watched these same dangerous men move online and be given unlimited access to children around the world. She has been speaking up ever since escalating the conversation on online safety.
Alanna Waines holds a Master of Social Work and is a Registered Social Worker in Alberta. With over 15 years of experience in community organizing, mentorship, and recovery support, she draws on diverse professional and lived experience—along with the wisdom and generosity of those she has walked alongside—to continually deepen her understanding of meaningful connection.
Authentic connection in the midst of life’s realities is a foundational value in Alanna’s work. She feels most alive in honest conversations over a cup of tea or while paddling a canoe down the river. When those settings are not available, she is equally committed to creating intentional spaces where stories are heard, dignity is honored, and connection can grow.
Alanna believes one of life’s greatest gifts is to be truly known—and to truly know others. In a culture that often endorses isolation and disconnection, Alanna engages in small, intentional acts of resistance by cultivating connection: to self, to others, and to nature.
Mark Buchanan pastored for 24 years, he is an Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Ambrose University, and has authored many books, including, "The Rest of God, God Walk, Spiritual Rhythm, and Your God is Too Safe." He regularly contributes to the Leadership Journal and Christianity Today. In 2021, he and his wife founded New Story Community, a support recovery residency-based ministry for Indigenous women. Read about Mark’s recent works at www.markbuchanan.net
The information below may change slightly.
Conference Schedule:
Equipped 2026 Conference Schedule
Friday
7PM Welcome / Instructions
7:05 Worship in Song
7:20 Plenary Session 1 - A World of Isolation - Mark Buchanan
8:20 Testimony
Saturday
8:30AM Welcome & announcements
8:45 Worship in Song
9:00 Plenary Session 2 - Social Media: Connected Isolation - Naomi Holland
10:00 Coffee Break
10:45 Workshop Part 1
Conference attendees spend three hours with one of our workshop trainers (either Alanna, Mark or Naomi) More information. The intention of this event is to allow participants to go deeper into their specific area of interest. Videos are made of all the sessions and are available for purchase if people wish to explore the other topics as well.
1:15 Workshop Part 2
2:30 Workshop Part 3
3:45 Plenary Session 3 - God’s Way of Connection - Mark Buchanan
4:45 Closing
Plenary Sessions:
Plenary Session 1 - Out of a World of Isolation - Mark Buchanan
Mark introduces the problem. He explores isolation from a biblical perspective and unpacks isolation’s result on or soul. Why is the world facing increasing isolation and why do some Christians seem to struggle as deeply as anyone? Mark begins to point us to God’s light on this topic and helps us to see what God desires for us.
Plenary Session 2 - Social Media: Connected Isolation - Naomi Holland
Tech companies told us smartphones and social media would connect us. The truth is, this was never their intention. These companies are after one thing only, our time. They do not care who they hurt in the battle for our time and attention, nor do they care how old we are, where we live, or what our mental state is. In fact, the more vulnerable the better. If you are concerned with the impact technology is having on your mental health, or on children, families and relationships, you must hear this powerful presentation which exposes the truth behind social media. You will leave empowered and inspired to resist the lies and fight for healthier connections!
Plenary Session 3 - God’s Way of Connection - Mark Buchanan
The largely untapped potential of the church to connect, if accessed, would go a long way towards helping people struggling with loneliness and addiction. Mark helps us to see the way of accessing what God has provided for us. But he cannot make it happen for us.
Workshops:
Workshop Track 1 (total of 3hrs) - Alanna Waines - Title??
Whether through our own personal struggles or in the work of supporting others, isolation affects us all. Alanna’s workshop will provide a deeper understanding of isolation and its impact on our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We will collectively explore experiential ways of connection and engage with tools for better understanding our own needs for connection as well as supporting others in their journey from isolation to connection.
Together, we will engage in thoughtful dialogue to explore meaningful pathways forward—both personally and within the organizations and communities we serve. Participants will be invited to consider practical and sustainable approaches to moving from isolation toward connection, individually and collectively.
This session is relevant for caregivers as well as individuals in recovery.
Join the conversation and leave with a deeper sense of hope and understanding of connection—for yourself and for those you walk alongside.
Workshop Track 2 (total of 3hrs) - Mark Buchanan - Sabbath Practices for Caregivers
Join Mark as he explores the relationship between being truly connected and Sabbath. How are we to truly help others if we are not experiencing the solution ourselves? If you want to be a better minister to others this session is for you. Sabbath is about coming back into relationship with God, ourselves, creation, and others. Not only do the people you seek to help need that, but so do you.
Workshop Track 3 (total of 3hrs) - Naomi Holland - Social? Media -Title??
They lied to us! We thought social media was going to connect all of us and make the world a better place. We were told it would help us stay connected with loved ones and improve relationships! Instead, it has divided, isolated, desensitized, radicalized, sexualized, and addicted us! The worst part is, our loved ones, who we thought we’d grow closer with, have discovered that their “feed” is more interesting than us!
Well, if you’re sick of this reality, like me, join me for a deep and critical dive into the world of social media! I am exposing how social media has played a role in creating deeper isolation in society and how brokenness has festered in our separation. I reveal the truth about big tech’s true intentions and how they are in the business of isolation and harm. Lastly, I will be looking for people ready to push back, to fight for connections and to become rebels and raise rebels.
It is time to have some candid conversations about social media, Snap streaks, TikTok dances, YT shorts, pornography, sexting, and our own poor screen habits. If you are not content with the way things are, THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR YOU!
