Teaching Apologetics to Teens

Brad DuFault

John 15:5

While there are barriers to teaching apologetics to teenagers, there are also several important benefits. Apologetics can help lead non-believing teens to Christ, and students who are believers can begin to develop a confident faith. In order to teach them effectively, however, we should pray for God's help and involvement and seek ways to connect with the students. Through accommodating for students' understanding and encouraging participation, we can communicate the content in a way that is clear and impactful.

Satan Is on Your Leadership Team

Ryan Weingartner

James 4:7-8

While Satan may not be visible to us, we can be sure that he is actively involved on our leadership teams. One of his particular ministries is accusing people to each other, dividing teams of Christians. In order to combat Satan and his attempts to thwart our mission and unity, we must first recognize his presence and identify is common targets. Then in our awareness, our commitment to spend time together, and our focus on positive things we can in turn thwart the evil one.

Four Pictures of Christian Leadership

Scott Risley

1 Corinthians 4:1-13

Paul offers a perspective on Christian leadership, which often stands in contrast with how leadership is understood and perceived by people. Christian leaders are to be primarily servants of Christ, careful with the truth and resources with which they've been entrusted. As a leader, Paul knows God's judgement is the only one that matters, and that his purpose is to give his life away in service to both non-Christians and Christians.

Shepherding vs. Soldiering: Why the Tension?

Mike Woods

1 Corinthians 4:1-13

There is a tension between mission-focused verse pastoral-focused mindsets in ministry, we tend to lean towards either task or relationship. In scripture we can see that Jesus has called the church to do both, to have our focus on a mission but to care for others as well. Leaders need to both invest in people and keep the ultimate mission in focus. \r\n

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.

The Greatest Stories Ever Told

Scott Risley

Deuteronomy 17:14-20

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.

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.