Workshops for General Attendees - Wednesday, January 25

One Day Registration and Workshop Selection:   Tue, Jan 24   Wed, Jan 25

If you registered for the conference before Jan 6 and still need to select workshops,

email Holly Lee with your preferences as soon as possible.

Session C: 3:00 - 4:15

KEYNOTE CONSULTATION – Reggie McNeal

Missional Leadership Specialist, Leadership Network

REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP HAS REACHED CAPACITY.

KEYNOTE CONSULTATION – Rev. Rusti Moore

Senior Pastor, Wildwood United Methodist Church, Magnolia, Texas

(Participation is limited.)

Making a Difference Where You Are

Facilitated by: Neil Greathouse, Creative Director, New Life Church, Arkansas

REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP HAS REACHED CAPACITY.

You've got ideas that keep you awake at night. You've written things on napkins that you know were important but you can't read anymore. There is a nagging feeling inside you that you can't escape: that somehow, church can be real, honest and alive, that it can reach people and that it should be changing and growing. You're on a team of people that you like - but somehow you've got vision for more. So, how can you make a difference right where you are and be the change agent that Jesus created you to be? There aren't 3 easy steps...but we can point you in the right direction. (Hint: there are 7 easy steps)

Ministry by Multiplication

Facilitated by: Billy Echols-Richter, Pastor, Grace Avenue United Methodist Church, Frisco, Texas

REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP HAS REACHED CAPACITY.

A God-Sized Vision is one of abundance but many of our churches have an attitude of scarcity. Creating new places for new people rarely depletes an existing church, group or ministry. If done correctly, instead of subtraction, there is a multiplication of God’s abundance. This workshop will focus on techniques for planting new groups, new ministries and new congregations.

It's a Family Affair: Yes, Bring the Kids

Facilitated by: Allyson George, Director of Children’s Ministry, First United Methodist Church, Richardson, Texas and Connie Presley, Assistant Director of Children's Ministry, First United Methodist Church, Richardson, Texas

Explore the many little things as well as big ideas that help to include families in all aspects of worship and church life. Intergenerational opportunities are a valuable tool to teaching all ages about the gifts they all can bring to one another.”

'Scene-ing the Sermon' - Preaching the Extraordinary Story in Everyday Situations

Facilitated by: Dr. Alyce M. McKenzie, George W. and Nell Ayers LeVan Endowed Chair of Preaching and Worship, Perkins School of Theology

REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP HAS REACHED CAPACITY.

This workshop looks at shaping sermons as a series of scenes as a way of both teaching biblical truths and reaching people in the midst of mundane situations in the life they lead and the life God calls us to live.

Balancing Family and the Church

Facilitated by: Dr. Clayton Oliphint, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Richardson, Texas

Pastoring a large church and trying to maintain a “normal” family life is stressful. This session will address the “myth” of balance, and share practical advice on keeping your family healthy and whole, and maintaining your own spiritual health. Dr. Oliphint is married with three children who love him most of the time, except when he is the “worst, meanest dad in all the world.”

RE-Tweet This: A Church MUST Tell the Story Beyond the Walls

Facilitated by: First United Methodist Church Richardson Communication Team with Gloria Scott, Director of Communication, FUMCR

This workshop will focus on looking at many different highways that can be traveled to achieve a comprehensive communication ministry for any local church…from print, to broadcast, to social media.

The Art of the Ask

Facilitated by: Joe Park, Partner, Horizons Stewardship Company and Dr. Stan Copeland

The simple act of asking "in person" for a financial gift can increase the size of the gift, studies say, by over 40% but actually doing so can be terrifying.  A well-formed and faithful ask can be transformative for both the church's ministry and the individual giver. This session offers seasoned experience and tested principles to help you successfully fund vision through personal invitations to give.

New Traditional Music...More Than a Sunday Morning Anthem

Facilitated by: Rev. Karen Chraska, Director of Music Ministry, Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church, Flower Mound, Texas and Mike Lightfoot, Director of Music Ministry, First United Methodist Church, Richardson, Texas

Two concerts in one season; one featuring the Brahms Requiem in German and the other featuring Chancel Choir with Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers! Both were met with equal success! These two directors of large church music programs will discuss ways of building a vibrant, healthy music ministry that feeds the members of the choir while inspiring the members of their congregation. Traditional music can no longer be about filling an anthem slot over 52 consecutive Sundays. In order to reach today’s congregation we must offer music from G.F. Handel to Moses Hogan; from J.S. Bach to Mack Wilberg.

Coronary Risk and Physical Activity....A New Beginning With Renewed Hope

Faciliated by: Roger D. Reynolds, MA - Director of Contract Relations, The Cooper Institute, Dallas, Texas

THIS WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED IN SESSION C.
IT IS AVAILABLE DURING SESSION D.

The nationally recognized Coronary Heart Risk Factors, as noted by the American Heart Association, have been clearly connected to the American Lifestyle including those who serve as clergy. Within this dilemma the hope that we all share is that Dr Kenneth Cooper's world class research, published through the Cooper Institute, demonstrates the significant role that Aerobic exercise plays in reducing this risk. A successful cardiovascular exercise program provides renewed hope for a healthy life.

Video Venues and the Gift of New Life to Dying Churches

Facilitated by Paul Rasmussen, Associate Pastor, Cornerstone at Highland Park United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas and Rev. Andrew Forrest, Pastor, Munger Place Church, a campus of Highland Park United Methodist Church, Dallas, TX

Across the country and our denomination, there are millions and millions of dollars of unused and underused church properties owned by the Methodist church. A new tool we can utilize to bring new life into these dead buildings is video technology. Hear The Munger Place Church story as Pastors Rasmussen and Forrest share the experience of using technology to plant a thriving new congregation into what was a dead church building.

Where There is Fruit...There are Fruitflies: Dealing with the Problems of Success

Facilitated by Jim Ozier, Director of New Church Development & Congregational Transformation, North Texas Conference

Conversation in almost any United Methodist circle soon moves to the topic of "Fruitfulness."  It is no wonder that Jesus used the metaphor of fruitfulness...it speaks of being productive, of being successful.  The metaphor is not complete without the realization that with fruit there comes fruit flies!  They may look like obstinate members, facility challenges, fatigue, money woes, and on and on...but they are buzzing around.  Learn how to deal with the problems of success by focusing on overcoming complacency and complaining, while building momentum.

Singles Ministry and Making New Disciples

Facilitated by: Dr. Robert Pierson, Former Pastor, Christ United Methodist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma

As we seek to reach new people fpr Jesus Christ, two of the most effective ways are to target their needs and offer Christ's love to them. Singles can be reached through ministries of help, love, care and fellowship. Hear how to do this in practical, doable ways for all ages and classifications of singles - unmarried, divorced and widowed.

Session D: 4:30 - 5:45

KEYNOTE CONSULTATION – Rex Miller

Inside-Out Leader, Senior Partner, TAG Consulting

(Participation is limited.)

Seven Decisions for Staff Leadership in the Large Church

Seven decisions and actions to get the right staff, keep the right staff, and release the wrong staff.  Get any five of these seven into your leadership and grow your staff effectiveness, increase your staff harmony, and decrease your staff infections.  These approaches are gleaned from Tim's work as a consultant and his own multiple-staff leadership in medium and large churches.

'Scene-ing the Sermon' - Preaching the Extraordinary Story in Everyday Situations

Faciliated by: Dr. Alyce M. McKenzie, George W. and Nell Ayers LeVan Endowed Chair of Preaching and Worship, Perkins School of Theology

This workshop looks at shaping sermons as a series of scenes as a way of both teaching biblical truths and reaching people in the midst of mundane situations in the life they lead and the life God calls us to live.

Ministry by Multiplication

Facilitated by: Billy Echols-Richter, Pastor Grace Avenue United Methodist Church, Frisco, Texas

A God-Sized Vision is one of abundance but many of our churches have an attitude of scarcity. Creating new places for new people rarely depletes an existing church, group or ministry. If done correctly, instead of subtraction, there is a multiplication of God’s abundance. This workshop will focus on techniques for planting new groups, new ministries and new congregations.

Workable Evangelism

Facilitated by: Dr. Bob Pierson, Executive Director of Leadership Nexus, co-founder and former chair of LCI, Tulsa, Oklahoma

REGISTRATION FOR THIS WORKSHOP HAS REACHED CAPACITY.

Dr. Pierson, author of two books on evangelism, will focus on techniques for reaching new people through a “needs-based” approach. He will focus on how to share the faith in our secular culture.

Balancing Family and the Church

Faciliated by: Dr. Clayton Oliphint, Senior Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Richardson, Texas

Pastoring a large church and trying to maintain a “normal” family life is stressful. This workshop will address the “myth” of balance, and share practical advice on keeping your family healthy and whole, and maintaining your own spiritual health. Dr. Oliphint is married with three children who love him most of the time, except when he is the “worst, meanest dad in all the world.”

Maximize Ministry; Minimize Risk (addressing legal issues)

Faciliated by: David Middlebrook, Founding Shareholder, The Church Law Group, Grapevine, Texas

Ministry should be the primary focus of church leaders, not the business of running a corporation. In real life, church leaders do run (nonprofit) corporations, and issues arise during the day-to-day business operation of churches. Church leaders are confronted with many of the same issues that for-profit corporations experience, such as corporate structure, tax risk-management, employment issues, childcare, and many others. Learn ways of handling business issues in a manner that allows church leaders to gain “Peace of Mind” about the business of running a church while keeping ministry as their primary focus.

90 is the New 60: Senior Adult Ministry in an Active Church

Facilitated by: Rev. Fred Trevino, Associate Pastor for Senior Adult Ministry, First United Methodist Church Richardson, with FUMCR Senior Adult Team

Jane Marie Thibault, in her book, 10 Gospel Promises for Later Life, suggests “How to Prepare for Your 120th Birthday.” We will look at her 7 tips as a basis for a dynamic approach to Senior Adult Ministry in a local church.

Moving the Church: How to Transition

Facilitated by: Rev. Debra Hobbs Mason, Executive Associate Pastor, First UMC Richardson and Gloria Scott, Director of Worship and Communications, First UMC Richardson

Considering relocation? Learn how to put together an effective Transition Team. From moving and logistics to acts of claiming and consecrating the new facility to worship planning for the last Sunday in the current building and the first Sunday in the new church. We will look at decisions to be made and ways to involve the laity of the church. This will build ownership and buy in and assure a healthy transition.

Contemporary Worship that Really Works

Facilitated by: Neil Greathouse, Creative Director, New Life Church, Arkansas, Rev. Lisa Greenwood, Access Pastor, First United Methodist Church Richardson and Horizons Ministry Strategist, and Kyle Henson, Music Associate, First United Methodist Church Richardson, Texas

Environment is everything and your guests can spot it a mile away. It starts in the parking lot...and carries over into worship. Your message is loud and clear before your speaker utters a single word... Do you know what it is? How do you define your audience and start something new? What sets your worship service apart? Instead of chasing answers - we can help you identify what really works.

Coronary Risk and Physical Activity....A New Beginning With Renewed Hope

Facilitated by: Roger D. Reynolds, MA - Director of Contract Relations, The Cooper Institute, Dallas, Texas

This session will first identify the nationally recognized Coronary Heart Risk Factors as associated with a stressful and unhealthy lifestyle.   These risk factors, as noted by the American Heart Association, have been clearly connected to the American Lifestyle including those who serve as clergy.  Within this dilemma the hope that we all share is that Dr. Kenneth Cooper's world class research published through the Cooper Institute demonstrates the significant role that Aerobic exercise plays in reducing this risk.  The "heart" of our discussion will center around how to develop a successful cardiovascular exercise program which provides renewed hope for a healthy life.

What Senior Pastors Need to Know to Create and Sustain a Thriving Youth Ministry

Facilitated by: Rev. Tim Morrison, Associate Minister, Music / Worship, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Plano, Texas; Evan Jones, Director of Middle School Ministries, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Plano, Texas; and, Marcus George, Associate Director of Youth Ministries, Custer Road United Methodist Church, Plano, Texas

A strong and thriving youth ministry is vital to a growing congregation and the future of the church. How can a pastor contribute to the creation, encouragement, growth and success of this ministry? Come ask questions and learn from a successful youth ministry team that works together to ensure that all aspects of youth ministry, are encouraged in this large church and (bonus) have fun learning it.

Dashboard for Financial Discipleship

Facilitated by: Jennifer Tyler, CEO, Tyler Associates

To borrow a concept from Charles Spurgeon: "Don't just throw the idea of financial discipleship to the people!  Grind it into flour, bake it into bread, and slice it for them.  And, it wouldn't hurt to put a little honey on it."  Growing and nurturing fully devoted disciples for Christ is a huge undertaking on any day.  Include faith and money in the mix, and the challenge becomes greater.  Discover the who, what, where, when, and how of creating and using a "Dashboard for Financial Discipleship" to focus and equip you and your church leaders.

Navigating Divorce: The Journey is Up to You!

Facilitated by: Jeanie Tillman, Director of Singles Minsitries, Highland Park United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas, and co-author of Navigating Divorce.

Navigating Divorce is a unique tool unlike other divorce programs. It is designed to be a place that offers acceptance, God's love, hope and an opportunity to heal from the loss of a marriage relationship. Many participants have found it to be a life changing experience. It is a personal growth workshop to help separated and divorced people increase the rate at which they process, achieve a higher level of emotional health, develop new friends and support systems, use their faith to reach a deeper spiritual journey, find answers to questions regarding themselves and their ex-mate, and to develop healthier relations with their children, family and former in-laws.