Kindy De Long

A three-day session considering a biblical "big picture" of how God creates, sees, and interacts with people not as genders, but as unique human beings. The first session explores men and women created in the image of God in partnership with each other and redeemed into a community of Christ that fulfills this creation ideal. The second session focuses on women in the Bible who used their God-given gifts to lead God's people. The third session investigates the "limiting" passages in Paul's letters in light of this larger picture of Scripture.

Sheila Bost, Amy Bost Henegar

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.

Tim Spivey

"Recognizing and Realizing God's Biggest Dreams for Your Church"

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.

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.

Eric Epperson

"Four Secrets to Transformative Small Groups"

Tiffany Dahlman

Are you an elder, or do you have a spiritually wayward adult child for whom you pray daily? Are you a Sunday school teacher, or a young adult who is discipling younger siblings? Guess what—you’re a shepherd. The church is full of shepherds, but what kind of shepherd are you—a good one, a hired hand, or a wolf? We will examine what David and Jesus have to say about shepherding and apply these insights to typical and unexpected shepherding ministries in the life of the modern church.

Ghavinn Crutcher

"Everything I Needed to Know About God I Learned from My Daughter with Disability"

Jason Darden

"A Perspective on Cross Pressure in Today’s Religious Climate"

Lila Earwood

"Tips, Tricks, and Tools"

Parents slow to pick up the kids? Preacher going long today? We’ve all had that extra 15 minutes of class time that can feel like an hour when you’ve already finished your lesson plan! Memory verse fun, games, trivia, riddles, and songs to keep the kids engaged, keep the Bible lesson going, and to keep you from going crazy! Join us as we put a few good ideas in our hats for any moment in children’s ministry when you need to keep kids occupied for a bit longer!