Featured Seminars, Workshops & Bible Studies

ReJesus, ReDisciple: Re-aligning the Church Around Jesus and His Purposes in the World
Sponsored by Logos Bible Software
Alan Hirsch, Mission Training Network

This session will explore the absolute centrality of Jesus for the ongoing renewal and mission of the Church. It will draw ideas from Alan’s books ReJesus and Untamed. It is not for the faint-hearted.  

The Most Important Part About Missional
Sponsored by Church Development Fund
Hugh Halter, Missio

It's obvious that God has prompted a universal conversation with the church about its missional essence. Missional just means to be sent or to go. Many are now willing and see the difference between a missional foci vs. a ‘come to us orientation’. But if we GO the same way we've been going, our going is in vain. The next natural conversation is how we go, what people do as they go, and what a life of incarnation really looks like for us as leaders and every parishioner or disciple of Jesus. 

Ministry in a World of Social Media
Sponsored by Point University
Shaun King, The Courageous Church, Atlanta, GA

Social media is the most powerful medium for world change in modern history, which fuels revolutions all around the world. Tools like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube can also bring about revolutionary change in your own city. Learn how to harness the power of social media on a shoestring budget from Shaun King, an award-winning social media expert, who has used social media to raise millions of dollars, rescue children, and so much more.

Leadership Lessons from the Magic Kingdom to God’s Kingdom
Sponsored by Church Development Fund
Mel McGowan, Visioneering Studios, Irvine, CA

Join Disney alumni and founder of Visioneering Studios for a journey “from the Magic Kingdom to God’s Kingdom.” Mel will share the Disney secrets to creating the physical and cultural architecture that instinctively draws us into their stories. Beyond customer service, the impacts to our ability and mission to share story, space, and experience are profound.

Building Global Partnerships
Sponsored by Impact Canada
Doug Lucas, Team Expansion
Doug Priest, CMF International

Leaders of two of our largest mission sending agencies will demonstrate that working together and submitting to one another must be key components of any mission strategy today. They will provide examples of U.S. churches partnering with churches outside of the U.S. and facilitating churches to work together to adopt unreached people groups.

Claim Your True Identity!
Sponsored by Standard Publishing
Brenda Garrison, brendagarrison.com

Don’t miss out on the rich, satisfying, fabulous life the King of Kings wants for you! Learn how to be empowered and overcome the mire of the world’s expectations of being a woman serving with the church.

Lessons from Dead Guys: Spiritual Formation Lessons from Long Ago
Sponsored by Point University
Dr. JK Jones, Eastview Christian Church, Normal, IL

Many Jesus-followers around the world are looking for ways to grow closer to God. In this workshop, I’ll explore four spiritual formation lessons the great devotional writers of the past have taught me about growing.

No Man Left Behind at Mountain Christian Church
Chris Van Brocklin, Men with a Purpose
David Delk, Man in the Mirror

Men are being transformed at Mountain Christian Church in Joppa, MD. Find out what the catalyst is in this movement that is designed to reach every man. Representatives of Mountain Christian Church and Man in the Mirror will facilitate this workshop.

Raising Kids Who Love the Church?
Sponsored by Florida Christian College
Dave and Beth Stone, Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY

Is it possible to be deeply involved in the service and leadership of the church and for your kids to still love the church in their teens and twenties? The answer is YES. The Stones will share some of their observations and advice.

Refreshing Preaching: Communicating in a Changing World (Ideas and Resources for Preaching)
Aaron Brockett, Traders Point Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN
Dr. Peter L. Kunkle, First Christian Church Ministries, Kernersville, NC

Preaching one sermon is doable . . . preaching every seven days in a way that’s both biblical and convicting for people who are all over the map in their beliefs is much more challenging. We’ll be discussing the resources, philosophy, and best practices of weekly preaching. Take a refreshing look at presenting the Gospel to a very visual and high tech community without misrepresenting the truth of the Word.

Tax-Free Money for Ministers
Sponsored by Impact Canada
Bill Brandt and Steve Merriman, Clergy Advantage, Inc.

Pay less tax, maximize housing allowance, reduce audit potential and create a stream of tax free income for life. Discover how to integrate your unique tax benefits into a total financial plan to transform your future.

Don’t Retire, Retread
Sponsored by Florida Christian College
LeRoy Lawson, Emmanuel Christian Seminary and CMF International
Pat Merold, Harvester Christian Church, St. Charles, MO

So you’re on social security. Now what? A “how to” keep on living as long as you are alive. Continuity of purpose keeps life interesting, and enjoyable. Recycling is the “in” thing.

Finding Fabulous!
Sponsored by Standard Publishing
Brenda Garrison, brendagarrison.com

Find the fabulous in every day happenings. Hear Brenda Garrison as she speaks on how to be a woman serving in ministry, both paid and volunteers. Let Brenda help you find refreshment in a crazy world of ministry.

Guarding Your Heart – Refreshing Your Wellspring: Leadership is Dangerous to Your Health
Sponsored by Church Development Fund
John Hampton, Journey Christian Church, Apopka, FL

Too many churches are led by unhealthy leaders – unhealthy emotionally, physically, and spiritually. This workshop will focus on helping leaders become the best version of themselves.

Getting Your Outside to Align with Your Inside
Sponsored by Church Development Fund
Chaplain (LTC) Karen Diefendorf, U.S. Army, Fort Jackson, SC

This study will look at how “walking our talk” begins with an understanding that who we are in Christ is the foundation for all we believe and then for all that we do. Your character is the sum of your being, your beliefs and your behaviors. So, join us in learning about living a consistently faithful life!

Refreshed in the Victory of God: A Study from Revelation
Sponsored by Point University
Shane J. Wood, Ozark Christian College

Revelation can be confusing, frustrating, and downright frightening. In this workshop, Shane J. Wood will challenge today’s popular interpretations of Revelation by simplifying the message of John to the church of Asia Minor - a message of hope.

Two Cultures, One Church: Is It Possible?
Gary Cox and Roossvelt Fonseca, First Christian Church/Mision Latina, Fort Myers, FL

In 2006, First Christian Church invited Pastor Roossvelt to be on staff and FCC/Mision Latina was born. Pastor Roossvelt spoke no English. Pastor Gary Cox spoke no Spanish. In a region of Florida that is 36% Hispanic, First Christian’s goal was to look more like the community. Six years later, a lot of mistakes have been made, lessons have been learned, and people have been saved. What happens when two cultures decide to be one church? Pastors Gary and Roossvelt will share what they would have done differently, what worked, and some real struggles that have presented themselves in this effort.

The Rise of Post-Congregational Communities
Dr. Reggie McNeal, Leadership Network

Missional community is a different expression of church than its congregational cousin. It differs in its rhythms, celebrations, activities, and scorecard. It is not for everyone, nor is it the replacement of centuries of church practice. But, it is a growing phenomenon and this seminar is dedicated to telling part of its story.

Submerge: Living Deep in a Shallow World
John Hayes, InnerCHANGE

In the U.S., we’ve made poverty political and professional. It’s time to make it personal. John Hayes shares lessons in mutual transformation from more than twenty-five years living among people in poverty. Join him for a practical dialog about how the people of God can recover the privilege of living out a Matthew 25 intimacy with Christ among those we typically make least and last.

Sticky Conversations
Sponsored by Church Development Fund
Panel led by Paul Williams with Julie Gariss, Tim Harlow, Steve Larson, Ben Merold, and Teresa Welch

We live in a unique time of rapid cultural change. The panel will discuss how each generation handles sticky conversations on sexuality, Christians and government, church leadership and polity.

Reactions Determine Reach
Sponsored by Logos Bible Software
Lysa TerKeurst, Proverbs 31 Ministries

If you want to know how far reaching your ministry will extend, the greatest determinant might surprise you.  It's our reactions that determine our reach.  In this inspiring and highly practical session Lysa will equip you to:

• Reduce the inclination to react out of anger or frustration by remembering who you are
• Know what to pray even when you don't know what to do
• Gain a perspective that will help you deal with difficult and distracting people
• Embrace the attitude that allows us to see the hand of God moving

This is a teaching that won't just inspire you in the moment… it's one that will linger for a lifetime.  Come hear what thousands of people have said helped transform the way they react.

Discipleship: Is it Possible in a Consumer Culture?
Sponsored by Point University
Jason Cullum, Christ’s Church, Jacksonville, FL
Rob Daniels, Westbrook Christian Church, BolingBrook, IL

Discipleship is a call to a long obedience and a transformation of heart, soul and mind. This workshop will focus on practical advice and tools for creating a culture of ever deepening growth in Christ!

Externally Focused: Making Missional Practical
Sponsored by Impact Canada
Todd Bussey, Crossroads Christian Church, Newburg, IN
Brian Mavis, LifeBridge Christian Church, Longmont, CO

Churches are throwing out the old measures of success. It’s no longer merely about size, seeker sensitivity, spiritual gifts, church health, nor the number of small groups. It’s about making a significant and sustainable difference in the lives of people around us - in our communities and in our cities. It’s no longer about being the best church in your community; it’s about being the best church FOR your community. Yet, at the same time, a lot of this kind of missional talk is just that - talk. So how does ideal missional living work itself out in an un-ideal world? Learn realistic and practical ways to be a missional church in your world that is limited in resources and unlimited in human sinfulness and societal constraints.

Inclusion Ministry and Disability: Getting Outside the Box
Sponsored by Christian Churches Disability Ministries
Harmony Hensley, Key Ministry

Jesus made it clear in his ministry that he was sent for EVERYONE and that includes our friends affected by disability. Many churches are unaware of this mission field and are further intimidated at the thought of reaching this people group. Inclusion Ministry is easier than you think and in this workshop we will brainstorm some out of the box approaches to getting started. If you have a heart to create organic, systemic inclusion in the Body of Christ then this is the workshop for you! Participants will walk away with ministry tools and ideas to use right away!

It’s Your Move!
Sponsored by Standard Publishing
Tom Ellsworth, Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, Bloomington, IN

Want a time of refreshment, rejuvenation and reconnection with friends and family? This time is for you! Come spend time relaxing, learning how board games can be fun and learn about God! This is a way to meet new friends, connect with long time friends and find new ways to teach your friends and family about God in a new, exciting way.

Ministry Strategies for Small Town and Rural Churches
Sponsored by Impact Canada
Tom Claibourne, Bethlehem Church of Christ, Winchester, OH
Shawn McMullen, The Lookout, Standard Publishing; Church of Christ, Milan, IN

The unique circumstances and needs of small town and rural churches call for unique ministry strategies. This workshop considers the distinctiveness of small town and rural congregations and suggests proven and dependable strategies for a healthy dynamic ministry.

Staying Refreshed as a Leader, Healthy Churches Happen with Healthy Leaders
Sponsored by Church Development Fund
Dick Alexander, LifeSpring Christian Church, Cincinnati, OH
Daryl Reed, DC Regional Christian Church, Forestville, MD

With increasing time pressures, growing expectations, and decreasing financial resources, how does a leader avoid a personal train wreck?

Discovering the You that God Designed: Each of Us Has Been Custom Designed for a Purpose
Sponsored by Florida Christian College
Lisa Jernigan, Girlfriendit 

Are you overwhelmed, discouraged, uncertain or perhaps ready to run? Is it time to infuse purpose and ignite your passion to live life alive in Christ? Come be reminded why YOU matter!

God is Always Relevant. How Do We Leverage Cultural and Social Change to Advance the Gospel? 
Sponsored by Point University
Byron Davis, Dream of Destiny; Shepherd of the Hills, Porter Ranch, CA
Rusty George, Real Life Church, Valencia, CA

Ten things you must do in the next thirty days to increase relevance, effectiveness, and impact!

In the Power of the Spirit: Jesus and the Discipline of Spirituality
Stone-Campbell Journal Annual Lecture
Leslie T. Hardin, Florida Christian College
Mark Krause (Presider), Nebraska Christian College

Jesus’ spirituality was not located in the healings, exorcisms, and miracles.  It was rooted in everyday life. This workshop explores the daily routines and disciplines that Jesus practiced that fostered partnership with the Spirit of God.

Means of Grace: Caring for the Souls of Those Affected by Homosexuality
Kent Paris, Nehemiah Ministries

Homosexuality is one of the most talked about, but least understood subjects within the church today. Because of the varied opinions of professionals, it makes understanding the phenomena of homosexuality all the more complex and confusing, leaving Christians at large with looming, unanswered questions. Kent Paris grew up struggling with homosexuality, committed his life to Christ at age nineteen, and became one of the earliest national pioneers ministering to persons struggling with homosexuality for the past thirty years. He presents a biblically sound approach full of grace and truth.

Refreshed by Sabbath Rest: Striving Less -  Accomplishing More
Sponsored by Florida Christian College
Dean Trune, Intentional Impact Ministries

Most of us run ourselves ragged in life. We are encouraged in scripture to rest. If we learn to incorporate Sabbath rest in our lives, we will actually accomplish more. We will discuss how to practically do it.

Refreshed in the Desert: Biblical Lessons from Those Desert Times in Life and Ministry
Sponsored by Church Development Fund
Randy Gariss, College Heights Christian Church, Joplin, MO

Every ministry road leads to a desert experience . . . the only variables are how long and how often. Wisdom not only converts that experience into something valuable, it also normally reduces the frequency and intensity of our desert seasons.