Good Shepherd DIGGING DEEPER Workshops
Good Shepherd is excited to offer a series of engaging workshops designed to deepen faith, strengthen relationships, and spark meaningful conversations. Whether you’re hoping to grow spiritually, navigate a new season of life, or engage with pressing issues in our community, you’ll find a space here to learn, reflect, and connect. These workshops are open to everyone—no matter where you’re starting from. So bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe a friend, too. Let’s grow together!
LEAD PASTOR
Matt Fulmer
There was a season in my life where I was searching for something more. I had grown up in the church but I had made some mistakes that left me feeling like an outsider when it came to church. I still wanted faith to be an important part of my life but I didn’t know how to live that out, especially when I felt very alone. At that point a friend invited me to church. My life was a mess then and I had a lot of questions (still do in so many ways). But I found a community of people that let me bring my mess and my questions and still belong. They loved and encouraged me. And they also challenged me to grow. At that time I realized there were a lot of people like me. People who were hurting or maybe their life was a mess. And the simple invitation to belong changed my life and I want to offer that to others who may feel like I did.
I have 2 small kids, 4 and 7 years old, so I spend a lot of time with them. We play legos, watch Star Wars, jump on the trampoline and try to get outside as much as possible. When I’m not hanging out with my kids I also love riding my bike, going on trips with my wonder wife and just finding an excuse to get outside.
My all time favorite Kansas City restaurant is Meddys or Margaritas...depends on the mood and the kids!
past speakers
PASTOR OF DISCIPLESHIP
Master of Arts degree in Spiritual Formation.
Bryan Rezen
Bryan grew up in the Northland of Kansas City and absolutely loves every bit of being from the Midwest. He has a deep passion for the life changing work Jesus does through the environment of a small group. He loves to write, read, and have conversations around faith and spirituality. Bryan is the Pastor of Discipleship and holds a Bachelor of Science from Friends University in Organizational Management and Leadership and holds a Master's Degree From St. Paul School of Theology focusing on Spiritual Formation.
He has two amazing adult children, Brody & Olivia and has been happily married to his wife Tara for over 30 years.
presenter: Where Are My Reading Glasses? Lenses That We View the Bible Through
Gerry Pickett
Gerry Pickett serves at Good Shepherd through the Free Methodist Church and works as a Software Engineer at Pushpay. Originally from Iowa, he earned his Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and was ordained in 2014. Gerry and his wife, Candace, live in Kansas City with their two kids, Mariko and Hana. He loves all things Kansas City—especially the Chiefs, BBQ, and craft beer—and enjoys reading, board games, and video games in his free time.
Education & Ordination
• B.S. in Management Information Systems, Iowa State University (2007)
• Master of Divinity, Fuller Theological Seminary (2010)
• Elder Ordination, Free Methodist Church (2014)
PRESENTER:Understanding the World of the New Testament
Steve Girald
Holding a Master of Arts in Christian Education, Steve brings both academic insight and heartfelt passion to his role in spiritual formation. Steve has contributed to broader conversations on discipleship through platforms like the Missouri Conference’s “Jump Start” podcast, where he and Pastor Bryan discuss building effective discipleship systems rooted in worship practices.
Education & Ordination
• Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education
What is Methodism and Why Should I Care?
Richard Beatty
Richard has served as a hospital Chaplain for the past 4 years and currently serves at the University of Kansas Health System, main hospital campus, in Kansas City, KS. He has also been instrumental in establishing and leading Good Shepherd’s GriefShare support groups since 2022. Richard is currently in the final year of the Master of Divinity program at Saint Paul School of Theology, working toward ordination as a Board-Certified Chaplin. His favorite hobbies include snow skiing, golf, photography, and enjoying time with his wife of 40 years, three adult children, and 2 grandchildren.
LAughing and crying through the old testament
Karson Davis
Karson serves as the gsKids Director at our Gladstone campus. She is currently in her second year at Saint Paul School of Theology, working toward her Master of Divinity. This past summer alone, Karson led through 4th and 5th graders during camp at Youthfront, Vacation Bible School, and then and less than 24 hours after VBS wrapped she flew to Colombia for a Young Adult Peace Pilgrimage, meeting with churches and communities still healing from decades of conflict. She shared that trip, and what it taught her about faith with hands and feet, when she preached Faith and Works (James 2:14-19) as part of our Under Pressure series and excited to talk more about how biblical writers used humor, grief, and raw emotion to reveal who God really is during her workshop this summer.
