With over forty years in ministry, we will talk about what we've learned so far, including: God's calling us into this work as a team; being in over our head, but never over His; God's faithfulness every step of the way; our first church we are called to pastor is our family; never regretting our response to God's call on our lives.

Sexual identity is one of the most relevant topics of our day. Most know someone who is gay. How can Christians better engage with our loved ones and friends in the LGBT community? How does the gospel (sin, repentance, and redemption) influence the conversation around sexual identity? Without any compromise of truth or grace, Dr. Christopher Yuan combines his life experiences and his theological training in biblical languages to bring a fresh and unique perspective on this important topic.

Part one of this two-part workshop will first address Color, Class, and Culture Clashes: the multi-ethnic ministry in divisive times.

In part two of this workshop, we will discuss the Necessity of Urban Church Planting and Partnering: What it looks like from A to Z, and how churches can work together to help catalyze city-wide gospel movements.

We will take a look at the big picture in light of what has been happening in the world and at God’s perspective: How we should feel, think, and most importantly, what our actions should be.

Sometimes we feel inadequate for the works the Lord has called us to walk in. We can be intimidated, insecure, overwhelmed, or compare ourselves with others we consider more qualified. What truths did God speak to some of His leaders when they felt they were no match for the tasks at hand?

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people" (Matthew 9:35). In this workshop, we will discuss the challenges of small-town dynamics and the effects that it can have on the pastor and ministry. Whether you’ve relocated and are planting in a new small town, or are homegrown and pastoring, this workshop is for you! Some Qs we will discuss: Why is this even a topic? Do (or should) issues such as accountability and “being an example” become even more magnified in a small town? What does it mean to assimilate into the culture? What about my relationship with other ministers/ministries in my small town? What would the Lord consider to be a “successful” small-town ministry? We will attempt to tackle these and other questions during our time together. It is my prayer that you will leave the workshop encouraged in the Lord!

When we think of pastoral ministry, we think of things like sermon preparation, preaching and teaching, outreach and mission; we think of impacting our communities and the world with the gospel. We rarely ever think seriously about the reality of suffering in the ministry. In this workshop, Pastors Brian Brodersen and Richard Cimino will share how the teaching of Scripture, the subsequent history of the church, and years of pastoral ministry affirm the words of the apostles: “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).

Spiritual warfare begins with evangelism and discipleship and goes on to helping people traumatized by involvement with the demonic. Knowing the types and limits of satanic stratagems against Christians and the church is essential in our increasingly pagan society. From a strong biblical and theological foundation, we will develop practical methodologies to help people find freedom from spiritual bondage.