RECOMMENDED - Making a Difference Right 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)
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 for 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.