| MORE THAN CONQUERORS: Overcoming the Challenges of Church Ministry Today 8:00 AM - Registration Opens - Resource Exhibits
8:45 AM - Opening Mega Session - Greeting, Corporate Singing, Announcements
Three Principal Presentations at the beginning of the day…with Q & A Engaging Current Culture for Spiritual Transformation In this season of the 21st century, American culture has become more and more disengaged from traditional faith commitments. There is an almost-anything-goes attitude regarding personal morality; the conventional wisdom is that objective truth is a thing of the past; and as a result the culture expects each person to arrive at their own conclusions about reality and values. In this environment the work of the Church that centers on eternal truths of sin and salvation is increasingly difficult to communicate. The Church must remain faithful to our mission of making disciples even in this challenging environment and with the power of the Word of God it still can be done. Pastor Jeremy Bratcher, Cornerstone Church.
9:50 AM - Exhibit Break
10:20 - Continued Mega Session
Engaging Christians to Serve in the Church The image that the Apostle Paul paints in Ephesians 4 is that the church ideally works together as a unified body in which every part contributes their gifts to accomplish the work of ministry. This full-employment model is rarely seen today in the life of local assemblies. With the range of distractions and other options that occupy people’s time and energy, there are fewer willing church workers today than in times past. With these other priorities competing for the energies of our people, we need to approach the process of enlistment in the work of God with greater intentionality than ever. It involves identifying needed programs and services within the ministry, sizing up the range of gifts present in the congregation to accomplish those services, communicating the tasks that need to be done, inviting people to serve, training and equipping for successful service, and celebration and appreciation for the service that is rendered. Christy Becher, Family Ministries Calvary Church Engaging the Spirit to Enable Our Service The word of the Old Testament prophet rings to this day…not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit says the Lord! No matter what organizational or technological tools we may use in the ministry of the local church, the spiritual state of those serving must be of first importance. Those who have come to genuine faith in Jesus Christ, who intend to use their gifts in ministry, who are exercising disciplines of grace to deepen their spiritual dimensions, and are aiming to obey the word of God and be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit are the ones who will be able to influence others for spiritual life and growth. As leaders in the church we must foster these dynamics in all members of the church so that those who serve will have their own spiritual foundations secure and be prepared and empowered to minister with Christlike love. Rev. Natt Miller, MCMA Associate Director. 12:00 Noon - Lunch & Exhibit Break
12: 45 PM - Workshop #1
Children--Maureen Berger - Kidz at Heart Beyond Information to Transformation Help kids get to know God, not just know about him. Learn to balance the knowledge-based focus of your curriculum with practices that help kids build a personal relationship with Jesus.
Youth--Mark Gold - Global Link Partners Solutions for Your Size Youth Group You only have 4 students, 12 students, 30 students, 130 students – there are specific things that should be in place. Let’s look at the life of Christ to discover those.
Adult--Steve Young - GracePoint Church Taking Bible Discussions from Nice to WOW! Our people hear lots of great Bible teaching and get filled up with Bible information. That can be rewarding and motivating but often has a short shelf-life in their hearts and minds. How can we move people from information to inspiration? Let's explore some simple ways to engage people with the Bible in a way that the lessons linger a bit longer and inspire life change.
Marriage & Family--Natt Miller - MCMA Keeping Marriage Whole & Holy in a Chaotic Culture Our intention during this workshop, is to help participants see marriages as assignments that could be mission stations in and out of the church. This is ever so essential, especially in our current culture where people are increasingly anti-institution and anti-traditional marriage.
1:35 PM - Brief Break
1:45 PM - Workshop #2
Children--Maureen Berger - Kidz at Heart Discipling Your Grandchildren: So much pulls children away from God; yet, impressing Christ into their lives has never been more vital. So… how can churches do this? In this workshop, gain practical knowledge to envision the oldest in your church to grow their faith by impacting children’s faith. Drawing on biblical principles around collaborative memory, practices for sharing faith stories, and alternative forms of prayer, this workshop will help you draw the grand generation into your children’s ministry.
Youth--Mark Gold - Global Link Partners Jesus Style Youth Ministry Christ modeled curriculums, camps, mission trips, and calendars for your youth group.
Adult--Steve Young - GracePoint Church Leadership that Loves Well in Unwell Times We all feel it. It just seems like things are unwell all around us. In the current cultural and political climate, the heat is turned up on leaders. It can be discouraging and demoralizing to a point where it impacts how we lead. Whether you are leading in a ministry, in your work, in your family or just leading yourself, how can you lead well in these unwell times? Your world needs you to!
Marriage & Family--Natt Miller - MCMA Overcoming the 'B.A.T's in Marriage Conflicts are inevitable and human relationships. Dealing with the roots can be very helpful than just focusing on the effects (fruits). This session will help participants to zero in on the core causes (B.A.Ts) and suggest tools that'll help to deal with them.
2:35 PM - Break
2:40 PM - Final Inspiration--We are the Last Best Hope!—MCMA Executive Director Timothy A. Johnson
3:00 PM - Dismissal - With parting gifts for all! Registration Fees: At the Door $45 per person; $299 Church Pass; Early & Member Discounts |
