Conference Workshops
Session 4
GENERAL
Room 31 – Today’s Transgender Movement vs. God’s Good Design
Nate Archer, First Baptist Church of Middleville / Bridge Fellowship
As the transgender movement continues to press its ideology everywhere, it is necessary for Christian workers to be equipped to respond in truth and love to those who are being influenced. In this workshop we will see how communicating the Christian worldview can immunize people to this ideology. The Christian worldview shows God’s good design, helps people interpret their experiences, and gives hope.
Room 32 – We Are Them: Humility, Truth, and Grace in Vulnerable Conversations
Carolyn Doyle & Tonya Delnay, Life Matters Worldwide
The reality is that truth and grace often collide. Learn how to have vulnerable conversations about how to walk humbly, understand truth, and exercise grace in a way that allows our broken story to be told so that wholeness and healing can occur.
Room 58 – Marriage & Family: The Heart of Discipleship
Ray Brandon & Cassandra Bates, EveryEthne / ABWE
Discover how marriage and family units serve as foundational elements for discipleship in this engaging workshop. Drawing on the theological insights of Herman Bavinck, we will explore how the family is not just a social institution but a divine covenant central to nurturing faith and spiritual growth. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the role of family in discipleship dynamics and practical strategies to foster a Christ-centered home. Join us to examine how your family can become a sanctuary where Christian values flourish, and every member’s role and calling is supported.
Room 64 – Using a Shooting Simulator to Train Your Safety Team
Jim Barrett, First Baptist Church
This is a hands-on workshop where attendees can try their skills and decision-making abilities using a shooting simulator! It will be fun, challenging, and a bit stressful! Come on in and give it a try!
DISCIPLESHIP
Room 34 – The Art of Asking Good Questions
Gary Heim, Magnify Church
God asks us questions – “Adam, where are you?” “Cain, why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?” Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say I am?” “Who do you say I am?” Learning to ask good questions is essential to forming deep relationships and disciple making. Whether you’re leading a small group, teaching a Bible class or mentoring individuals, learn the art of asking questions that invites people to open their hearts so they can be transformed by truth and love.
Room 50 – The Sermon on the Mount: A Guide to Life and Ministry
Bart Bouman, Calvary Baptist Church of Greenville
In our time together, we plan to take a refreshing look at the central message of Jesus. Doing so will help us focus on the goal of discipleship, identify the obstacles to discipleship, and get equipped with tools to serve the Church effectively.
Pod C – Six Simple Methods to Supercharge Your Church
Doug Burrier, Sustainable Discipleship
What do hexagons have to do with do with disciple making and strong, growing churches? Come discover the second step in the Hexagon Solution to making disciples who do the right things for the right reasons and make disciples on their own. Learn six methods proven in the USA and on 7 other continents to make well-made disciples. This interactive talk will change everything and is sure to supercharge you as you reach the world.
LEADERSHIP
Room 124 – Legal Aspects of Governance, Stewardship, and Accountability
Sally Wagenmaker, Wagenmarker & Oberly
What top-priority legal areas are of concern to your church leadership? Churches of all sizes and types need to promote effective governance, mindful of applicable fiduciary responsibilities, how bylaws affect their leadership, key governance and operational policies, how best to address employee and volunteer issues, and potential legal pitfalls affecting such areas. This workshop helps equip leaders to effectively serve their churches with accountability and stewardship, for God’s glory throughout their efforts.
Room 56 – Wisdom in Numbers: The Value of Plurality in Leadership
Doug Crawford, Bridge Fellowship
Ultimately, we want to seek wisdom from the Lord. One of the ways He provides wisdom to through the godly counsel of others. This workshop will look at the Biblical background and practical help of plurality in leadership.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Room 52 – Impactful Men’s Retreats
Andy Donaldson, Ada Bible Church
There are often few events that can lead to more impact for men in the church than a well-planned and executed Men’s Retreat. In this workshop, we will discuss logistics, planning, preparation, content, and location of Men’s Retreats and how they can be leveraged to grow men into Christ-centered leaders in the church.
Room 126 – Father to the Fatherless Generation
Keith Buffinga, MI Bible Clubs
1 out of 3 children in the USA grow up without a father. God calls Christian men to show the Father’s love to these fatherless children, but are we answering that call? Learn more about opportunities to fill this need in the hearts of children in our community and have an eternal impact on their lives.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Room 66 – Building An Effective Women’s Bible Study Ministry
Lisa Heim, Magnify Church / True North Ministries
Building an effective Women’s Bible Study Ministry is more than just inviting ladies to gather to fellowship and study. It is a place where the Word of God, The People of God and the Spirit of God can come together for powerful life transformation. This workshop covers all the aspects of planning and carrying out an effective program that facilitates important spiritual growth and relational connection.
STUDENT MINISTRY
Room 128 – Volunteers
Rob Tahtinen, Calvary Baptist of Greenville / Bridge Fellowship
This workshop is designed to encourage the front-line workers in youth ministry, share what has worked in ministry, and answer questions we have.
CHILDREN
Room 122 – Jesus & The Children: Four Stories that Shape our Children’s Ministry at a Small Church
Becki Watson, Wyoming Park Bible Fellowship
This workshop encourages leaders from small churches by exploring the unique opportunities in children’s ministry, despite challenges like limited resources. Using four stories of Jesus’ interactions with children, we will draw out key principles to guide us in what is essential for a thriving ministry. Participants will leave with a fresh vision for how God can use their small church to have a lasting spiritual impact on children when they recalibrate their focus on what is truly important.
Room 129 – Intentional Stations, Stories, and Songs in the Preschool Classroom
Ashley Setaputri, West Cannon Baptist Church
Teaching preschool-aged children about Jesus is more than singing the “B-I-B-L-E” and “Jesus Loves Me.” Come learn how to be intentional in teaching the Gospel through fun and engaging teaching strategies.
MISSIONS & EVANGELISM
Room 30 – The Importance of Bible Translation with the Great Commission
Subash Muthyala, Bibles International
The Word of God is the ultimate authority for the Great Commission. Its transformative power is essential for global missions and church planting. This workshop will delve into the biblical foundations of missions, emphasizing the importance of providing reliable, accurate Bible translations to equip national believers and churches to reach unreached people groups.
Room 54 – Comedy & Community: Harnessing Hospitality Outreach in a Digital World
Matthew Sharpe, Hope & Wholeness Psychology Center
As the world around us becomes increasingly connected to technology and disconnected from each other, the church has a tremendous resource at its fingertips. In this workshop, participants will learn a biblical foundation for a simple and surprising outreach tool. Additionally, they will learn from real-life examples and be challenged to develop new and creative ways to connect to people around them.
WORSHIP
Room 38 – Unleashing the Church’s Voice Part 2: The Tech Behind Creating Powerful Social Media Content
Justin Edmonds, Enhance AVL
This workshop goes behind the scenes to explore the practical side of producing engaging content for your church’s social media platforms. We’ll cover the essential gear for various budgets, from cameras and lighting to audio and editing software, along with tips for creating high-quality videos that resonate. Learn step-by-step techniques for capturing, editing, and posting content, and gain insights into maximizing reach and engagement. Whether you’re a tech novice or have some experience, this session equips you with the knowledge to share your church’s message online confidently.