The Greatest Stories Ever Told

Scott Risley

Teaching biblical narratives is rewarding yet often underutilized. Not only is there a vast array of stories to choose from in the Bible, but they are also enjoyable and memorable, allowing truth to seek in deeply when taught well. This workshop presents several key tips for interpreting narratives. These include setting the scene, identifying the plot, describing characters, utilizing dialogue and repetition, offering summaries or conclusions, emphasizing irony, and understanding background knowledge. Through practicing these suggestions and avoiding common pitfalls, we can learn to effectively teach biblical narratives.

The Primary Responsibility of Busy Leaders

D.A. Carson

Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Using a passage laying out guidelines for ancient kings from Deuteronomy, Carson draws parallels between those original instructions and Christian leadership today.

Creative Leadership

James Rochford

Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Creativity is producing something new and valuable, and it has a vital role in Christian leadership. It helps us fight fatalism and frustration, utilizes our limited resources better, and is charismatic to others. This workshop outlines five main steps for becoming more creative. We must recognize the problem, research it, rack our brains, rest and relax, and rationally assess the solution. Through becoming more creative leaders, we can experience positive change in our groups and teams.

Making the Bible Clear to Youth

Brad DuFault

Brian Runk

Ephesians 2:8-16

The Bible teaches that all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for a variety of things. Thus, it is imperative that we work to teach the Bible in a clear way to young people, without skipping over difficult subjects. We want to aim high with students and stretch their minds but also communicate in a relatable and engaging manner. During this workshop, we see an example of a Bible teaching for students and examine strategies that are helpful for making passages clear and impactful.

The Word on Women

Kate Mizelle

1 Timothy 2:8-15

This workshop explores what the Bible has to say about the role of women in the church. Based on two specific passages of scripture, many believers holding a traditional view have disqualified women from leading in the church, understanding that this is God's will. But as we explore the context and the other scriptures speaking about women's involvement in the church, a different picture emerges. A proper interpretation of these passages amongst others gives us confidence that God is behind women leading for him.

How to Ask Good Questions

John Ross

Genesis 4:4-7

Learning to ask good questions unlocks new potential to more effectively share our faith, develop deep relationships, and help others move toward Christ. This workshop helps describe what good questions consist of and explains how to actually ask these questions while talking with others. Before asking our questions, we should prepare ahead of time and be willing to adjust our approach during the conversation. As we listen wisely in conversations, we can walk away more prepared to ask further questions later that may go deeper. The workshop ends with several case studies to practice asking good questions in specific contexts.

Helping Disciples Develop Time with God

Sara Bott

Colossians 3:16

As we seek to fan the flame, igniting other's time with God, we should seek to understand three main concepts: our role in motivating people, actions through which we can help motivate, and areas in which we should seek to motivate. When we understand what is our role apart from God's, we can imperfectly but effectively motivate others without falling into manipulation. To ignite a fire in others, modeling is important as well as persuading, instructing, encouraging and vision-setting. With these tools, we can help others develop a consistent and faithful time with God that is still centered around grace.

Importance of a Positive Outlook in Ministry

Conrad Hilario

Hebrews 10:32-35

While holding and presenting a positive outlook is scientifically shown to cause others to thrive, spewing negativity just further feeds our negative attitude. The difference is between effective, motivational leadership and defeatism, which leads to unbelief. If we remain with our negative outlook, we are at risk of becoming cold towards the very people God calls us to love. Thus, we should seek a positive outlook in ministry without running to the other extreme of being overly positive. Finally, we can cultivate a positive outlook through several key steps outlined in this presentation.

Salvation and Transformation - The Scriptures in the Lives of Leaders and Their People

Lee Davis

Romans 12:1-2

The scriptures lead us to Christ. It is in the scriptures that Jesus Christ is revealed. If people want to be effective leaders for Christ, they must be devoted to God's Word. God's Word can offer grace and correction daily. Time spent in His Word can lead to character transformation. We see this transformation from the Word in the life of Timothy.