Do you ever feel like you are just busy serving Jesus, but those “fiery darts” keep coming at you? In this ladies-only session at the Refresh Conference, Barb Reynolds discusses this “dart situation” and focuses on how God tells us to handle them.

In ministry, the emphasis is not solely on what you do, but also significantly on what you choose not to do. Dr. Marty Herron examines ten bad habits that can impede the growth and effectiveness of churches. Additionally, he explores how to practice exceptional, biblical service that reflects the heart of Christ.

How do believers with differing personal convictions maintain unity within their congregations? In this workshop, Dr. Dave Doran observes how Paul answered this question for the congregation in Rome and makes applications for believers today.

Individuals serving in vocational ministry lead busy lives and are routinely confronted by multiple problems. Servants of the Lord can become so consumed by the struggles of ministry that they forget the blessings and joy of the ministry. In this session, Dr. Alan Cole focuses on areas to “rekindle” our joy in serving the Lord.

Scripture Text

1 Corinthians 3:10-15

Main Points or Ideas

1. The Realities (v. 10)

• The work is grace-based: “the grace of God which was given to me.”
• The work must be wisdom-directed: “like a wise master builder.”
• The work is church-focused: “I laid a foundation.”
• The work is open-ended: “another is building on it.”

2. The Responsibility (v. 10-11)

• Carefully: “must be careful how he builds on it.”
• Continuity, “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one.”

3. The Reason (v. 12-15)

• Not all materials are equal! (12)
• Not all appearances are real! (13)
• Not all service is rewarded! (14-15)

Conclusion

Who are you going to live for? This will show up in the test.

Many churches and leaders are going bad because they are running from their sin.

Scripture Text

1 Timothy 1:18-20

Main Points or Ideas

1. Our ministries are completely undeserved

2. A clear conscience means looking someone in the eye knowing you have not wronged them but have sought to make it right (Acts 24:16)

• “We either argue or we agree.” - Doc O
• If we want God’s blessing … we must seek to make things right with those we have sinned against.

3. A clear conscience must have sustained daily effort

• You must be on guard because Satan is always after us.
• It means taking ownership of that sin, “I was wrong, the Lord has convicted me. Will you forgive me?”
• You are 100% responsible for your actions

4. A good conscience is worth every effort

• Proverbs 28:1

Conclusion

Don’t minimize the little things.

Love is giving self expecting nothing in return.

Scripture Text

1 Corinthians 13

Main Points or Ideas

1. Four Gifts that Need Love

• Tongues - speech
• Prophecy (knowledge) - study
• Faith - Stepping by faith
• Sacrifice (goods, burned body)

2. 15 Verbal Descriptions of Love

• Suffereth long
• Kind
• Envieth not
• Vaunteth not self
• Not puffed up
• Does not behave itself unseemly
• Seeks not her own
• Is not easily provoked
• Thinketh no evil
• Rejoices not in iniquity
• Rejoices in the truth
• Beareth all things
• Believeth all things
• Hopeth all things
• Endureth all things

3. The Endurance of Love

• Never faileth - love
• Prophecies - fails
• Tongues - fails
• Knowledge - fails

4. Love Demonstrates

• Salvation - Conversion
• Sanctification - Commitment
• Service - Communication

5. Characteristics/Forgiveness As a Mark of Love

• Pure heart
• Good conscience
• Genuine faith

Conclusion

Call to take a much-needed rest for the pastors and ministry leaders at the conference.

The next generation of pastors should come from your churches. In this workshop, Dr. Dean Taylor discusses key influences that encourage young men to go into ministry and ideas for intentionally developing young men for ministry. Some material in this workshop is drawn from Dr. Taylor's newly published book, Pathway for Pastoral Ministry: First Steps for Young Men. 

When the waves of suffering land against your life, what do you cling to? In this session, Andy Stearns studies the character of God and the difference between goodness and kindness.

How can you be secure in an ever-changing, fast-paced world? In all seasons of a woman’s life, she is tempted to be discontent, distant, and discouraged. In this ladies-only session, Tami Herron takes a look at what it means to be secure in Christ, who is our “freedom, fulfillment, and fruitfulness” in life.