The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) joins with Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) to discuss the most pressing issues of religious liberty and religious freedom churches are facing today. In this episode, they also look forward to issues, challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Speakers: Dan Darling, Tonya Shellnut, Josh Wester
Widespread reports of sexual abuse and misconduct in almost every setting have prompted business, political and church leaders to admit we have a desperate problem. While churches are taking steps to respond and create safer environments, some don’t address the issue. This episode includes an honest conversation about what you can do to safeguard your ministry from sexual misconduct. Speaker: Eddie Thompson
In today’s ministry landscape, partnership is the name of the game. Whether renting space to a new church plant or purposefully partnering with an ethnic or language church, congregations of any size and shape can more effectively advance the cause of Christ by opening their facilities to multiple congregations. This episode will explore the positives (and negatives) of these partnerships while making the case for how we can begin to view our facilities as an extension of our God-given mission. Speaker: Tyler Ward
It is easy for churches, especially smaller churches, to remain stagnant as the community changes around them. This episode talks about strategies for smaller churches to create a renewed vision for community engagement. Using these strategies will help you see that being small can be an advantage to engaging the community. Speaker: Danny Estave
Evangelistic preaching is a priority of our pulpit ministry, but personal witnessing often escapes us. The embers of your pulpit ministry will stay lit to the degree that you, as a pastor and church leader, continue on the hot trail of personal witnessing. Join us as we discuss practical ways to complement personal witnessing and pulpit evangelism. Speaker: Daniel Dickard
This session will equip the pastor to be a disciple-maker and provide him with a structure to create a disciple-making culture in his church. Speaker: Sandy Marks
Pastoral ministry can be filled with many mundane moments - studying for sermons, visiting the sick and various meetings. How can a pastor find time to make disciples when his calendar is already full of normal ministry responsibilities? This session discusses some ways a pastor can shepherd the flock well by making disciples. Speaker: Chris Griggs
Reports of workplace sexual harassment abound with no end in sight. No workplace is immune from this problem, including the church and related Christian ministries. These events damage lives, ruin reputations, hurt morale and lead to costly legal actions. However, the church is uniquely called to demonstrate leadership, show compassion, practice humility and provide accountability in addressing this painful issue. This workshop will review practical steps that a ministry can take to prevent and address harassing behaviors before the damage is done. Speaker: Darrin Coon
This session will explore ways pastors can receive helpful feedback on their sermons so they can grow in their preaching. Specific subjects will include: how to be intentional in getting feedback, putting together sermon evaluation teams, finding and equipping objective people, and using helpful tools.
Anxiety and depression are the “common cold” of emotional experience for people. There are many questions about how to provide the most effective pastoral care for your members who experience various levels of life disruption from these difficult emotions. In this breakout, we’ll give you an overview of basic pastoral care for anxiety and depression and provide resources that your members can use to create an effective community of care for one another.
