Mic Biesboer, Ben Fike, Eric Gentry

"Spiritual Friendships for the Sake of Ministry and Sanity"

Leadership is lonely, and for many, ministry is even lonelier. But it doesn’t have to be. Come hear the story of three ministers, separated by hundreds of miles, who set about to create a covenant community to guard their souls and nourish their ministries. Ben Fike, Mic Biesboer, and Eric Gentry will also provide practical advice for those eager to form their own spiritual friendships.

Luke Norsworthy

In a world that is messy and a church that is imperfect, it's easy to lose faith. But that doesn't mean we have to lose God. Perhaps our idealized expectations are just plain wrong. Join a discussion of how Christians and skeptics can trade their confinement of God to an anemic definition of good for confidence in the God who is present in everything, including our suffering.

Jarrod Robinson

"The Factors that Guide Church Leaders in Times of Change"

Sheila Bost, Amy Bost Henegar

"How Two Congregations Navigated the Change"

Churches of Christ around the world are rethinking a Biblical view of gender. Many of these congregations have reached the conclusion that significant changes must be made—that churches must transition their leadership and worship styles from traditional patriarchy to a model of Spirit-empowered mutuality. And while a congregation may be thoroughly convinced that it wants to see more women in leadership, the process of change is complicated. It is helpful to hear from other churches who have made the journey and to learn from their experiences. A panel of leaders and members of two different congregations—one on the West Coast and one on the East Coast—that have made significant changes in the area of gender will share their thoughts and experiences. All panel members will be present all three days with the conversations continuing from one session to the next. Through these conversations, the panelists hope to encourage congregations that are in the midst of the change process.

Eric Wilson

Alex Melirrytos

"Overriding Human Borders"

Randy Harris

"He is Risen Indeed!"

Carlos Gonzales

Come join in a time of bilingual praise and worship. Experience this bilingual model that is being used by congregations seeking to becoming a fully integrated multicultural church. There will also be a time for Q & A for those who want to learn more.

Chris Buxton

College students represent the most available, moldable, teachable, and sendable group of people in our culture, and yet most churches devote few, if any, resources to campus ministry. Learn from a 20-year veteran how a strong presence on the university campus is mission-critical to God's kingdom, and how your church can get involved.

Randy Couchman

North American churches are experiencing dwindlization. No new news, right? Is there hope? Discover how coaching in churches can emancipate the longings, imagination, and faith of disciples— especially leaders—and ignite renewal for needed changes, resources, and commitments in the way forward. Authoritarian church management cannot equip disciples for crucial, creative “what could be?”exploration or action. Explore how spiritual coaching conversations can infuse a coaching culture in your church, renewing hopes and dreams for walking in mission with God.