ACCESS Ministry: Serving the Disabled at Xenos

Ephesians 4:16

This workshop explains the motivation and the work behind ministries that serve the disabled at Xenos. We are all created equal in God's image, and we are all important parts of the body of Christ. Therefore, this group leads a multitude of programs such as: an Oasis Children's Program, the Young Adult Adapted Bible Study, home church liaison, and sign language interpreting in order to help meet the needs and incorporate members of the church who may have disabilities. At the end of the presentation, there is a panel discussion of volunteers in these programs.

Adult Discipleship Models

Doug Patch

Colossians 1:28-29

What is discipleship and how do you do it? Doug Patch goes through what some general considerations for discipleship include; for example: the church's mission and how discipleship fits with that, personal considerations like time, and resources in the church. He presents different models of discipleship for adults including: 1 on 1 discipleship, couples discipleship, and a team model of discipleship. He also goes through the format for each model, pros and cons for each, and some content ideas.\r\n

Building a Life Framework that is Ready to Suffer

Dennis McCallum

1 Peter 4:1

Dennis McCallum sheds light on the theological and practical sides of the unity between Christian believers, unpacking both the spiritual connection between Christians and the down-to-earth instructions for Christian community. Dennis makes the case that the highly committed, deeply connected community life prescribed in scripture is a far cry from the experience of church in modern America. Experiencing this connection with other believers is an essential factor in being prepared to suffer well.\r\n\r\n

Through the Roof Academy (Part 2)

Donna Hughes

Debra Petermann

Mark 7:31-35

How do you being and grow a disability ministry in your church? This second part covers practical steps on how to begin and structure a disability ministry including praying for a vision, and how to start recruiting leaders for this ministry. Donna and Debra suggest getting a buddy classroom program started, this helps promote inclusion in the classroom and shows that God loves all children. Find out steps to take for getting volunteers to serve, who to serve, and what it looks like. This is the second part of a 4 part series.\r\n

Suffering and Spiritual Warfare

Dennis McCallum

Mark 7:31-35

For healthy Christians, a significant portion of voluntary pain comes from our battle with Satan. Currently, Satan rules this world, meaning that Christians are always in a spiritual battle. Contrast having this mindset with having a peace-time mentality, and see how dangerous it is to remain indifferent.

Through the Roof Academy (Part 1)

Donna Hughes

Debra Petermann

John 9:1-3

What does it look like to begin and grow a disability ministry in your church? This first part covers some basic statistics of disabilities; including numbers on how many people are effected by disabilities in this country and the percentage of churches that offer a specific ministry to serve in this area. Donna and Debra give a basis for a disability ministry, and give you insight on the family perspective as well. Plus they cover many myths associated with disabilities and what the correct truths about starting a ministry like this are. This is the first part of a 4 part series on this topic.\r\n

Through the Roof Academy (Part 3)

Donna Hughes

Debra Petermann

John 9:1-3

How can you being and grow a disability ministry in your church? This part covers how to prepare the heart of your church to welcome all. Donna and Debra suggest having a specific Sunday focused on people with disabilities. They say it: 1. changes the heart of the congregation and prepares them for ministry with people affected by disabilities, 2. Jesus displayed great compassion for people who generally experienced rejection from society, 3. as you intentionally highlight people with disabilities, you publicly acknowledge that life at each stage is valuable. This is the third part in a 4 part series.\r\n

A New Community! (Part 2)

Scott Risley

Acts 4:32-35

How did the early church structure their meetings? The foundations of church meetings are explained in the lives of the new believers in Acts. We see how their daily lives reveal God's nature and learn about the benefits of group meetings.

Spiritual Power in Collision

Dennis McCallum

Acts 3:1-4:31

Peter and John heal a lame man, giving Peter an opportunity to speak to the crowds concerning God's plan of salvation, revealed through the Old Testament prophets and culminating with the revelation and message of Jesus Christ and the eternal life he offers to everyone. As a result, Peter and John encounter persecution from the Saducees as they have to defend this miraculous healing through the power of the Holy Spirit. This miracle was used by God to authenticate Jesus, along with the use of fulfilled prophecy. In light of the persecution of Peter and John, we should view persecution for the sake of Christ as good and worth pleasing God for, as we rely on the boldness from the Holy Spirit to be spokespeople for God.