Let the Times Declare!: Socio-demographic Shifts and the Future of Young People in the North American Church
What are the times proclaiming? What are the demographic shifts clamoring for our ministries?
From Barriers to Belonging: The Church and People with Disabilities
Led by Erik W. Carter, this session focuses on ten dimensions of belonging and their salience to the inclusion of people with intellectual disability, autism, and other developmental disabilities in the full life of the church.
Serious Play: Insights from Augustine and Other Friends from the Early Church on Leading Worship and Administering Sacraments
Led by Lester Ruth, this workshop explored insights from Augustine and others in the early church that can break open playful, Scriptural imagination for leading in worship.
Creative, Collaborative Worship
Led by artist Ellen Phillips, this workshop was a time to explore collaborative methods as well as to share ideas for the art of worship.
Hidden Secrets from the History of Contemporary Worship
Led by Lester Ruth, this workshop investigates little-known but significant details about the rise and development of this style of worship. Come ready to be surprised about contemporary worship’s complex history.
Transforming Faith through Visual Arts in a Smaller Church
Artists and church members Cheryl and Lori shared practical guidelines for creating projects that are meaningful, inclusive, and theologically grounded.
Means of Grace: Forming New and Sustaining “Renewing” Congregations and Church Plants
In this seminar, veteran practitioners discussed how mission-shaped preaching and sacramental life function as means of grace in their communities. Audience engaged a discussion that sees evangelism and robust worship as beautifully integrated elements of every congregation’s ministry.
Vertical Habits: Helping Congregations Rediscover the Striking Beauty of Conversation with God
Good relationships are built on healthy practices; the same is true for our relationship with God.
The Gospel of John in the Pulpit
This seminar explored the Gospel of John and offered cultural clues that help the gospel’s stories spring to life in new and unexpected ways.
Mutuality in Worship: Sharing Our Stories and Gifts
This workshop focused on practical ways to involve people's stories, songs, and gifts in our corporate worship times—all with the goal of unity in diversity.
Beyond “Contemporary” and “Traditional”: Clues to Finding a Third Way
The gulf between “contemporary” and “traditional” worship is sometimes bridged through the pursuit of what some might call the “awkwardly blended” service.
After the Benediction: Putting Faith to Work the Other Six Days
This presentation focused on the multiple avenues through which the supports and relationships available within congregation can meet real needs in the lives of people with disabilities and their families throughout the week.