Chuck Ball – Cabot, Arkansas
The Church: A Preaching Community (Thursday 9:45 & 11:00 Rm 124)
The goal of these two class sessions is to focus on Biblical and practical ways that the local church can preach the word to everyone. How can we modernize and maximize our outreach efforts in our local community? What it means today for the church to be a preaching community. Are we relevant in our local communities and if not how do we get there?
The Church: A Preaching Community (Live: 1/20 at 9:45 AM CT )
The Church: A Preaching Community (Live: 1/20 at 11:00 AM CT)
Brian Davis – Austin, Texas
Engaging Americans in Discussions About Faith (Thursday 9:45 Rm 126 )
In a culture that has been well steeped in the philosophy of relativism, leading to multiple personal truths, how do you introduce objective, divinely revealed truth? We have some real opportunities before us as our culture and our next generations are looking for a rock to stand on. When we help people come to know and love Jesus, suddenly, what Jesus believes in and teaches matters.
Starting an Addiction Recovery Ministry
(Live: 1/20 at 9:45 AM CT )
Cutting-Edge Tools for Involving Your Congregation in Evangelism (Friday 9:45 Rm 126)
Fulfilling the Great Commission is the greatest mission on earth! Yet often, we take a small-change approach to participating in evangelism. What if we took a “world-class”, “cutting-edge” approach? Good news, tools of this kind are available for individuals and congregations who want to change the world for Christ!
Cutting-Edge Tools for Involving Your Congregation in Evangelism
(Live: 1/21 at 9:45 AM CT)
Lena Davis – Lubbock, Texas
A Blessed Life – Lena Davis (Friday 9:45 The Well)
Lena shares some of her experiences of being raised in the apartheid era, South Africa. From her childhood raised by a Portuguese Catholic family who never attended church, to finding the Lord and obeying the gospel, Lena recounts how the trials of her early life almost cost her everything that was most important to her.
A Life for Blessing – Lena Davis (Friday 11:00 The Well)
As the Director of Children’s Education, Lena discusses how her life has prepared her to be compassionate and passionate about ministering to children in this time and place by sharing her beliefs and observations from her work in children’s ministry over the last decade.
Chris Graham – Fort Worth, Texas
Evangelism is God’s Idea (Friday 9:45 Rm 124)
Jesus told five stories in Luke 15 and 16 to two very different audiences with just one purpose.
Jason Hale – Rockdale, Texas
Moving from Aquariums Back to the Mountainside (Friday 11:00 Rm 010)
Beginning in Acts 1:8, we see how Jesus said to be a witness first locally. Unfortunately, many of our churches lack the vision and skills needed to break out of our Buildings (Aquarium) and move to Mountainside (Community). We will discuss why churches lack the desire to evangelize locally and what we can do differently.
Moving from Aquariums Back to the Mountainside
(Live: 1/21 at 11:00 AM CT)
John Hobbs – Wylie, Texas
More Precious than Gold (Thursday 11:00 Rm 010)
This class takes a unique look at the story of Job. God’s word teaches us that trials and tribulations are truly “more precious than gold that perisheth” (1 Pet. 1:7). Our spiritual lives will be blessed when we understand we will be rewarded for being faithful in tough times.
More Precious than Gold (Live: 1/20 at 11:00 AM CT)
A Night to Remember (Friday 11:00 Rm 010)
We will examine the facts surrounding the sinking of the Titanic on April 14, 1912. That night is A Night to Remember. We will draw spiritual lessons from the events that happened that night. We will be wise if we learn these lessons!
Thomas Jackson – Fort Worth, Texas
The Heart of a Finisher (Thursday 9:45 Rm 210)
Your spiritual integrity and self-respect are intrinsically connected to you Finishing What You Started. Don’t live life by accepting Incompletes. Have the Heart of a Finisher
The Heart of a Finisher (Live: 1/20 at 9:45 AM CT)
The Reality of Spiritual Warfare (Friday 9:45 Rm 210)
There is a world that is more real than the one we live in, called the spiritual world. As believers, we talk about the spiritual world but often live as skeptics to its reality. Unless you understand that world and beings in that world, you will continue to misunderstand the spiritual warfare that is happening all around you.
Jeff Jenkins – Flower Mound, Texas
Preaching Matters (Thursday & Friday 3:00 Rm 210)
This two-part session is designed to remind us why preaching matters. We will also discuss some matters that are crucial to our preaching. Our prayer is that preachers who attend will be encouraged to remember that we are a part of the greatest work the world has ever known.
Preaching Matters Part 1 (Live: 1/20 at 3:00 PM CT)
Preaching Matters Part 2 (Live: 1/21 at 3:00 PM CT)
Tim King – Piedmont, South Dakota
Evangelism (1) (Thursday 11:00 Rm 126)
Part 1: Why is evangelism so hard? Why are some people good at it and others are not? What, if anything, can be done to become a better more effective evangelist? These questions and more will be answered as we delve into the root problem underlying evangelism in the church today.
Evangelism Part 1 (Live: 1/20 at 11:00 AM CT)
Evangelism (2) (Friday 11:00 Rm 126)
Part 2: Why do we do and say the things we do? What motivates our choices and actions as Christians? How do these motives affect evangelism? Motives and actions are out of order for many Christians. We must reorder our thinking about motivation and evangelism if we are to be effective. This class will focus on the central key to truly being effective as evangelists.
Jeff Lane – Wolfforth, Texas
Starting an Addiction Recovery Ministry (Thursday 9:45 Rm 010)
When congregations think about community outreach, one of their options is starting an addiction recovery ministry. In this course, we’ll discuss the need for such outreach as well as some practical considerations when trying to launch a ministry of this kind. Topics will include the resources available, the pitfalls involved, tips for improving your chances of success, and the rewards you can look forward to.
Starting an Addiction Recovery Ministry (Live: 1/20 at 9:45 AM CT)
Wes McAdams – McKinney, Texas
Building a Multi-Ethnic Church: All Things to All People (Thursday 3:00 Rm 126)
Bringing people together from different ethnicities was at the very heart of Paul’s ministry. He worked tirelessly to bring Jews and Gentiles together and teach them how to live as one collective body. To do this work, he had to be keenly aware of cultural differences and had to navigate those differences with selfless love. What lessons can we learn from Paul as we attempt to bring people together?
Building a Multi-Ethnic Church: All Things to All People
(Live: 1/20 at 3:00 PM CT )
Building a Multi-Ethnic Church: The Ministry of Reconciliation (Friday 3:00 Rm 126)
Being reconciled is what the Gospel is all about. Not only reconciled to God but also reconciled with one another. However, to experience reconciliation, we must practice repentance. For people from various ethnic groups to be reconciled to one another, we will need to deal with our personal, congregational, national, and ethnic history in an honest and redemptive way.
Building a Multi-Ethnic Church: The Ministry of Reconciliation
(Live: 1/21 at 3:00 PM CT)
Isaac McNally – Seattle, Washington
Preaching in “Life” (Friday 11:00 Rm 012)
Jesus’ first direction for reaching the nations with the gospel was to “pray to the Lord of the harvest”. If we are to fulfill the great commission it begins with following the example of our Lord’s Prayer life. The church in Seattle has seen God move mightily through prayer and hopes to share the joy of intimacy with the Father in this area.
Michael Orr – Fort Worth, Texas
Reaching the Artistic Brain – Teaching and Reaching Through the Arts (Thursday & Friday 11:00 Rm 210)
For two thousand years, some of the greatest art, music, and creative works in the world were inspired by Christianity. Today, Christianity has largely given up on claiming the arts, and as a result, the church struggles to keep artists and creative talents in the church. This class will explore how to reach and teach through art, music, and creative works in the church and how to use our creative talent in the church for the glory of God.
Reaching the Artistic Brain (Live: 1/20 at 11:00 AM CT)
Reaching the Artistic Brain (Live: 1/21 at 11:00 AM CT)
Nick Perez – Modesto, California
The Gospel According to the Triune God (1): Before the Foundation of the World (Friday 9:45 Flag Room)
What is the starting point for the gospel? This class reaches back into eternity to see the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit before time. Then, attention is turned to the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in accomplishing redemption through the cross.
The Gospel According to the Triune God (1): Before the Foundation of the World
(Live: 1/21 at 9:45 AM CT)
The Gospel According to the Triune God (2): The Fullness of Time (Friday 11:00 Flag Room)
The triune God accomplishes redemption on the cross. The gospel goes out into all the world. What is the goal of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the outworking of the gospel in time & history?
The Gospel According to the Triune God (2): The Fullness of Time
(Live: 1/21 at 11:00 AM CT)
James Sanderson – Waxahachie, Texas
The Importance of Covenant Relationship God (Thursday 11:00 Rm 214)
Sometimes we hurry evangelism. In this class, I will encourage us as we lead someone to Christ to better understand the concept of covenant. Teaching our students that God is a covenant God and without us being in covenant with Him, there is nothing that obligates Him to grant us forgiveness and eternal life.
The Importance of Our Covenant Relationship with God
(Live: 1/20 at 11:00 AM CT)
Old and New Covenant: Understanding God’s Plan (Friday 11:00 Rm 214)
As we lead people to Christ, we soon discover they bring with them a lot of false understandings and beliefs. In this class, I will encourage us to teach our students to have a basic understanding of the Bible before they enter into Christ: showing them how the Old and New covenants work, why the Old Covenant was incomplete for saving mankind, showing them the differences between the two, and how we enter that new covenant through Jesus.
Old and New Covenant: Understanding God’s Plan (Live: 1/21 at 11:00 AM CT)
Malissa Sheaffer – Lubbock, Texas
The State of Our Union: Dare We Agree to Disagree? (Thursday 9:45 The Well)
Is it possible to have very different viewpoints on everything from politics to the social issues facing us today, and still walk in unity?
The State of Our Hearts (Thursday 11:00 The Well)
How can we walk as Jesus walked in this world of differing opinions? Let’s learn to live on mission, speaking both grace and truth, in love.
Paul Shero – San Angelo, Texas
What Happens When We Worship? Hebrews 12:18ff (Thursday 9:45 Rm 212)
This class will address what the Bible teaches us who is present in worship, who receives our worship, and how to give God acceptable worship.
What Happens When We Worship? (Live: 1/20 at 9:45 AM CT)
What Happens Outside the Camp? Hebrews 13:11-16 (Friday 9:45 Rm 212)
This class reminds us that faithful obedience to God calls on us to serve him in places that may be uncomfortable. We will look at what that means in our service and worship.
What Happens Outside the Camp? Hebrews 13:11-16
(Live: 1/21 at 9:45 AM CT)
Brian Spicer – Sulphur, Louisiana
Tragedy: The Gateway to Blessing (Thursday & Friday 9:45 Rm 214)
Natural disasters happen; how we respond matters. Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and floods devastate communities throughout this country every year, leaving residents questioning how they will restore their lives and homes, especially those lacking insurance or sufficient funds to rebuild. Local congregations want to help, but many feel overwhelmed by the needs of the people. That’s where the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort comes in. Learn how you can prepare to assist disaster victims and use such occasions for sharing the gospel.
Tragedy: The Gateway to Blessing (Live: 1/20 at 9:45 AM CT)
Tragedy: The Gateway to Blessing (Live: 1/21 at 9:45 AM CT)
Chris Swinford – Wichita Falls, Texas
Growing Congregations DO Good Deeds (Luke 4:18-19) (Thursday 3:00 Flag Room)
To be the Lord’s Church, we need to be a body dedicated to serving our community as Jesus did. When a congregation serves the community, growth will occur. We will look at some proven, effective, practical ways to grow your congregation through doing good deeds.
Growing Congregations DO Good Deeds (Live: 1/20 at 3:00 PM CT)
Growing Congregations TELL Good News (John 1:43-45) (Friday 3:00 Flag Room)
To be the Lord’s Church, we need to be a body dedicated to speaking the good news of Jesus. When a congregation shares the gospel in the community, growth will occur. We will look at some proven, effective, practical ways to grow your congregation through telling the good news.
Growing Congregations TELL Good News (Live: 1/21 at 3:00 PM CT)
Bob Turner – Virginia Beach, Virginia
Be a Passionate Leader (Thursday 9:45 Flag Room)
What gets you up in the morning? What are you so excited about you can’t wait to get started? Leaders need to be passionate to move people from where they are to where they need to be. However, passion is far more than just excitement. In this lesson, Bob discusses what a passionate leader looks like in today’s church.
Be a Passionate Leader (Live: 1/20 at 9:45 AM CT)
Navigating the Zone (Thursday 11:00 Flag Room)
The pandemic brought challenging times for the church. We were forced out of our comfort zones into an arena of conflict and fear. How will leaders navigate these turbulent times? Is there a place of safety ahead? This lesson discusses the zones leaders face and how to navigate through them.
Joe Wilkie – Golden, Colorado
God’s Plan for Sexuality (Thursday 11:00 Rm 210)
In discussing sex, the church often talks about what not to do. Yet, God created sex for a reason. What if we taught our kids not just the devastation of sexual sins but the beauty of God-created sexuality?
God’s Plan for Sexuality (Live: 1/20 at 11:00 AM CT)
The Church’s Response to Sexual Issues (Friday 11:00 Rm 210)
God created sexuality so the church ought to be the leader in helping the sexually hurting. How are we to address homosexuality, transgenderism, fornication, pornography, and more? We must be willing to talk openly and honestly about sex.
The Church’s Response to Sexual Issues (Live: 1/21 at 11:00 AM CT)
Kerry Williams – Tupelo, Mississippi
Spiritual Warfare: The Devil and Demons Are Active TODAY (Thursday 3:00 Rm 126)
Spiritual Warfare is a reality we all experience day by day, yet seldom discuss in our congregations. The Devil is real and we can see his influence all around us. This class provides a sample of the Sunset Graduate School course “Studies in Spiritual Warfare.”
Spiritual Warfare: The Devil and Demons Are Active TODAY
(Live: 1/20 at 3:00 PM CT)
Practical Ministry: Navigating Church Politics (Friday 3:00 Rm 126)
Although we all wish otherwise, church politics are a sobering reality of congregational life. Church leaders must navigate differing opinions, sensitive feelings, and potential divisions. This class provides a sample of the Sunset Graduate School course “Practical Ministry in the Congregational Context.”
Practical Ministry: Navigating Church Politics (Live: 1/21 at 3:00 PM CT)