2026 Polishing the Pulpit Branson Men

Daniel Webster - When the Home Is Broken—and the Heart Is Too: Ministering to Youth Who Come from Broken and/or Parentless Homes

Many teens are carrying wounds formed long before they ever walked into a church building—absent parents, unstable homes, shifting caregivers, or a deep sense of not being chosen. This session explores how those experiences shape trust, authority, faith, and behavior. We will talk about what not to assume, what Scripture does and does not promise, and how youth workers can offer stability, presence, and hope without trying to replace what has been lost.

2026 Polishing the Pulpit Branson Men

Cliff Goodwin - More Miracles in Mark: Beyond Expectations (5:21-24, 35-42)

Though we might limit Jesus in our own minds, His power is truly limitless!

2026 Polishing the Pulpit Branson Men

Seven Minutes of Wisdom on Faith in Today's Culture

Speakers and topics:

• Dave Domingue: Faith in Today's Culture -- Following the Real Jesus in a Culture That Follows the Watered-Down Version

• Keno Shrum: Faith in Today's Culture -- The Gospel and Your Playlist

• Mike Hixson: Faith in Today's Culture -- How to Be Bold Without Being Rude

• Josh Walker: Faith in Today's Culture -- The Temptation of "Good Enough" Christianity

• Michael Clarke: Faith in Today's Culture -- Learning to Live Unoffended In a World Addicted to Playing the Victim

• Brandon Blackwell: Faith in Today's Culture -- The Kind of Christian the World Needs Right Now

2026 Polishing the Pulpit Branson Men

Rick Brumback - Greek Philosophy Meets Hebrew Faith: The Tensions Behind Nicaea

Why metaphysics, language, and worldview clashed in the debates.

2026 Polishing the Pulpit Branson Men

Eric Garner - Building a Spiritual Routine That Lasts: Daily Disciplines That Help You Stay Grounded in Faith

2026 Polishing the Pulpit Branson Men

Lance Huntsman - Sharpening the Tool; Guarding the Text: Using AI Faithfully in Biblical Study

Artificial intelligence is becoming a common tool for research, writing, and Bible study, but it must be used with care. This session will explore how AI can assist with organization, comparison, research, and lesson preparation, while also addressing inaccurate answers, hidden theological assumptions, overreliance, and doctrinal concerns. The goal is to help ministers, teachers, and church leaders use AI wisely without allowing it to replace careful personal study of Scripture.

2026 Polishing the Pulpit Branson Men

Rob Whitacre - How to Close the Study

Each attendee will get a free book titled "How to Close the Study." This is the hardest part of any Bible study: getting them across the finish line. Come and learn how to do it.

2026 Polishing the Pulpit Branson Men

Brainstorming Panel: Bigger Men for a Greater Church -- Correcting the Leadership Crisis. Long-term Plans to Prepare Qualified, Trained, and Mentored Men to Take the Helm in Coming Decades

Coordinator: Kevin Rhodes

Panelists: Mark Reynolds, Gary Hampton, Tim Togami, Keden Shrum

2026 Polishing the Pulpit Branson Men

Ande Zimmerman - How to Thrive Spiritually in a Busy Life

2026 Polishing the Pulpit Branson Men

Johnie Scaggs - Recap of 2025 Difficult Bible Passage Panel: What Does "Sitting on the Twelve Thrones and Judging the Twelve Tribes" Mean? (Matthew 19:27-28)