Isolation & Connection
Fall Conference 2026
November 6-7, 2026
The conference subject is the isolation that many face today. Loneliness is a worldwide concern. The widespread use of social media and various technologies, 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 real human connection. 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
This event takes place at Prairie College
- 350 5 Ave E, Three Hills, AB
Speakers:
Mark Buchanan
Author, Professor, Speaker
Naomi Holland
Speaker, Consultant and Advocate
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.
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
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 ?, 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
The information below may change slightly.
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) - ???
In this workshop ___ will…
Workshop Track 2 (total of 3hrs) - Naomi Holland - Social Media?
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!
Workshop Track 3 (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.
