Proclaiming the "Good News"

Jim Leffel

Acts 2:1-41

During the Jewish Festival of Weeks, on the day of Pentecost, the disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit and the new chapter of the church officially begins. Peter conveys the God's message of reconciliation to the crowds that have gathered, pointing to the prophecy that has been fulfilled in the book of Joel. We have been entrusted with this same message of reconciliation, and can have the same confidence in the Holy Spirit to work through us to reach the world with it!

The Commission

Jim Leffel

Acts 1:1-8

The book of Acts provides us with an incredible historical account of the birth of the early church. The world is profoundly changed as Christ ascends and commissions his disciples it carry out his plan on Earth. The global spread of the church came in waves from this point, and continues in our day both locally and internationally. We can learn from the early church not by idealizing it but rather by imitating it.

Fishers of Men

Ryan Lowery

Luke 5:1-11

Jesus made it clear how he would accomplish his mission to save the lost when he climbed into Simon Peter's boat on the Sea of Galilee. In this encounter, he taught 4 lessons: 1) about the Word of God; 2) we need to put our faith in him; 3) when we follow or trust Christ we see him in a new light; and 4) Jesus is calling people to join in his work of evangelism.

The Way To Jesus

Ryan Lowery

Luke 3:1-18

John the baptist was a prophesied precursor to Jesus who preached a baptism of repentance, directed attention to Jesus, and pointed the way to salvation. While repentance from sinful habits is good, the most it can do is point towards the need for forgiveness. Present-day followers of Christ should help people to see their wrong thinking about God so that they can accept his grace.

All Quiet in the Western Church

Craig McElvain

Matthew 9:16-17

The statistical decline of people in the Western church is alarming, and if continues at its current rate, the church is at risk of dissolving into an ineffective, forgotten task force. This decline is apparent in both attendance and church planting, though church planting is still the most effective mode of growing the church as evident by the research. The Western church may be in decline due to the church (and the believers inside of it) having often become impersonal, selfish, and hypocritical. Apart from these characteristics, there is hope if we emphasize aspects common to all church planting movements, ten of which are included in this presentation.

The Role of Apologetics in Evangelism

James Rochford

Matthew 9:16-17

Apologetics are the rational defense and articulate communication of Christianity. They are used to rouse curiosity in people, give credibility to the Christian worldview, remove barriers to belief, and build the confidence of Christian workers. Christians should learn how to use apologetics in a convincing, but gentle, way.

Evangelical & Revival Missions

Alice Ott

Matthew 9:16-17

The modern mission movement in the United States was influenced by four factors: 1) prayer; 2) missionary literature; 3) revision to missions; 4) specific plan of action. John Edwards and many other were huge contributors who influenced this movement. Calvanism and Arminianism collided leading to questions of theology which impacted the way Christians were involved in the movement. The spread of the Gospel continued where many came to faith and many were impacted by the biographies of missionaries even today.\r\n

Intro to the Xenos Home Group Model

Phil Franck

Hebrews 10:24-25

This workshop includes a brief overview of the number and structure of home groups in Xenos, the history of how Xenos came to be, and how these home groups plant new groups. When a plant happens, new leaders must be considered through biblical criteria and raised up. There are several main areas that are crucial for leaders within the groups to focus on and emphasize, which include both evangelism and discipleship. We can promote both of these focuses in our home groups in numerous ways as we equip ourselves with some practical suggestions.

Hospitality - How to Make Your Home a Welcoming Place

Patrice McCormac

Hebrews 10:24-25

The words entertainment and hospitality are often used interchangeably, but they are quite different from each other. Entertaining seeks to impress and places things before people, causing us to worry about making sure the house is clean and well-decorated. Hospitality puts people before things and is a demonstration of sacrificial love, that we welcome friends and strangers into our home and give generously to them. As we look at the true definition of hospitality, analyze what really makes people feel welcome into a home, and make a plan to get started, we can move toward answering God's call in this area of our lives.