April 3, 2026

Christian Business Connections

Christian Business Connections is a group of business owners, professionals, and community leaders desiring to build relationships as they grow in deeper understanding of their ministry opportunities in the marketplace.

Hosted at the Encounter Ministry building in South Reno (9222 Prototype Drive), these Christian leaders have been gathering on a monthly basis to hear empowering speakers, to pray together, and to learn how to share their faith throughout our community.

These networking events called Christian Business Connections are scheduled on the first Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Each month features dynamic speakers and the opportunity to build relationships with others in the business community desiring to live out their faith.

All are welcome to attend, and they feature a catered lunch. Purchase of tickets in advance is appreciated. 

APRIL EVENT

Wes Duncan

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

Join CBC on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Encounter Ministry building (9222 Prototype Drive) as they welcome Wes Duncan.

Wes returns to CBC with a message he is especially passionate about, diving into the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:5–13 to explore what it means to pray effectively. This will be a Scripture-centered, practical, and deeply relevant teaching on prayer that speaks directly to our lives as leaders, professionals, and followers of Christ. He will be looking at how Jesus taught us to pray and how we can experience a more abundant prayer life.

Please consider bringing your Bible, as Wes will be walking closely through the passage and inviting all to follow along.

This is a great opportunity to bring friends, colleagues, and fellow believers who are looking to grow deeper in their faith.

Past Events

MARCH 2026

Pastor Kyle Bateson

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

On Friday, March 6, 2026 Christian Business Connections welcomed Pastor Kyle Bateson.

In his talk titled Embodied Leadership, Pastor Kyle explored the importance of recognizing that we are embodied souls, created and loved by God. Stewarding our physical bodies is not separate from our spiritual lives. It is an act of worship that strengthens our relationship with God and shapes us into more faithful and effective leaders.

Drawing from his background as a former athlete, personal trainer, executive leader, and now pastor, Kyle shared practical wisdom on how physical stewardship impacts mental clarity, emotional resilience, and spiritual vitality.

He also offered simple and accessible habits that can help anyone pursue healthy living in the midst of busy professional and family life.

FEBRUARY 2026

Mike Alger

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

On Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:30 AM CBC welcomed Mike Alger, a retired Chief Meteorologist from KTVN Channel 2. After more than 35 years serving Northern Nevada, Mike shared a personal and faith filled message titled “You Just Never Know.” Through stories drawn from his life, career, and walk with God, Mike reminded us that we are never called to control the outcome, only to faithfully follow where God leads.

Mike’s message encouraged us to resist assumptions about our future and instead trust God’s direction one step at a time. His story was one of faithfulness, humility, and obedience, offering a timely reminder for business and professional leaders navigating seasons of uncertainty, transition, and calling.

DECEMBER 2025

Nathaniel D. Mellum, PMHNP BC

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

Nathanael D. Mellum, a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Mellum Family Psychiatry was December’s featured speaker. Nate shared his personal and professional journey through the world of mental health, helping us understand how faith, psychology, and self-awareness can work together in a way that honors both Scripture and the complexity of the human mind. His message offered a simple, biblical, and practical framework for navigating emotional health with wisdom, courage, and hope.

NOVEMBER, 2025

Chaplain (Colonel, Ret.) George Youstra

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

Chaplain (Colonel, Ret.) George Youstra shared a deeply personal and powerful message titled “Be A Ram.” Drawing from 38 years of distinguished service in the United States Army and Air Force, Chaplain Youstra challenged each of us to live out our faith with courage, conviction, and integrity in our marriages, homes, and businesses. His story and insights inspired every attendee to take action and lead with purpose.

OCTOBER, 2025

Par Tolles & Grant Denton

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

Par Tolles and Grant Denton shared a powerful conversation on the realities of homelessness in Reno. Par began with his personal story of how he became invested in this issue, then he interviewed Grant, who spoke of his journey from homelessness and addiction to leading innovative programs that are shaping real solutions in our community.

Together, they tackled common myths and misconceptions while offering practical insight and hope for meaningful change. It was an honest and inspiring discussion.

THE POWER OF MENTORSHIP

Tim Lewis

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS CONNECTIONS | Facilitator

Tim Lewis talks about stepping into the role of facilitator for Christian Business Connections, a group of business people and community leaders desiring to build relationships as they grow in deeper understanding of their ministry opportunities in the marketplace.

Tim discusses the importance of engaging the youth of the church, and for older generations to take on the role of mentorship in developing the next generation of Christian leaders. He points out how vital it was for him to be blessed with mentors in his leadership growth. We also learn about Tim’s personal faith journey and how he is intentionally passing on his values to his own children.