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2014 Black Church Leadership I am so excited that you The 2014 Black Church Leadership and Conference are here and about our & Family Family Conference is sponsored by

time together this week.

We are here in the scenic mountains of western North Carolina for several reasons.

One of them is because there are some levels of spiritual growth we cannot achieve in the comfort zone of our familiar surroundings. I believe God wants to speak to us this week and here, away from the hustle and noises of everyday, I pray that we will hear him.

We have prayed and planned Inviting, Informative, Inspirational, Innovative and Invigorating experiences for you this week. It is our hope that you will leave this Conference refreshed, re-energized and ready to step up your game back home to the places and tasks to which God has called you.

LifeWay Christian Resources North American Mission Board International Mission Board Guide Stone Financial Resources Woman’s Missionary Union National African American Fellowship National Black Pro-Life Coalition

ership e God wants to use us to impact the world for the cause of Christ. He says in Jeremiah 1:5 (HCSB) “I CHOSE you before I FORMED you in the womb; I SET YOU APART before you were born. I APPOINTED you a prophet to the nations.” This week let us all be reminded the Doing starts with BEing. Sometimes we are trying to get people to DO when first they really need to BE. This week we will all be challenged to be— to BE CHOSEN – EQUIPPED – SENT.

CONTENTS 2014 Black Church Leadership Schedule . . . . . Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 & Family

Here’s one more thing to BE this week -- Be Blessed!

Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Children and Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Preachers/Bible Study Leaders

Worship Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Faculty and Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Dr. Mark A. Croston, Sr. National Director of Black Church Partnerships

Class Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-27 Classroom Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29-30 3

SCHEDULE

Monday, July 21

3:00 p.m. Check in/Registration

4:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner

5:30-6:00 p.m. Centrifuge Parents Meeting – Johnson Springs 2C

6:00-6:30 p.m. Parents Meeting, preschoolers and children parents – Johnson Springs 2C

6:45-8:45 p.m. Evening Worship, Mark Croston – Spilman Auditorium Exhibits will be open tonight after worship!

Tuesday, July 22

6:15-6:45 a.m. Praise & Worship, Morana St. Hilaire – Jim Henry Auditorium

6:45-8:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00-9:20 a.m. Conference Session 1 (see pages 12-14)

9:30-10:50 a.m. Conference Session 2 (see pages 14-16)

11:00 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Bible Exposition, Robert Smith, Jr. – Spilman Auditorium

12:15-2:00 p.m. Lunch

2:00-3:00 p.m. Man2Man, Calvin McMullen – Jim Henry Auditorium

2:00-3:00 p.m. Woman2Woman, Wanda Smith – Rhododendron 1 A-C

3:30-5:15 p.m. Choir Rehearsal – Spilman Auditorium

4:30-6:30 p.m. Ministers and Wives Appreciation Dinner – Johnson Springs 2 A-C (ticket needed)

Sponsored by North American Mission Board

4:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner

6:45-8:45 p.m. Evening Worship, K. Marshall Williams – Spilman Auditorium

9:00 p.m. State Fellowship – Cafeteria, sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources

9:30 p.m. NAAF Fellowship – Rhododendron 1 A-C, sponsored by National African American Fellowship Wednesday, July 23

6:15-6:45 a.m. Praise & Worship, Morana St. Hilaire – Jim Henry Auditorium

6:45-8:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00-9:20 a.m. Conference Session 3 (see pages 17-19)

9:30-10:50 a.m. Conference Session 4 (see pages 19-22)

11:00 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Bible Exposition, Robert Smith, Jr. – Spilman Auditorium

12:15-2:00 p.m. Lunch

2:00-3:00 p.m. Man2Man, Sherman Fort – Jim Henry Auditorium

2:00-3:00 p.m. Woman2Woman, Cynthia L. Davis – Rhododendron 1 A-C

3:30-5:15 p.m. Choir Rehearsal – Spilman Auditorium

4:30-6:30 p.m. Pastors, Ministers, & Mission Leaders Dinner – Johnson Springs 2 A-C (ticket needed)

Sponsored by International Mission Board

4:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner

6:45-8:45 p.m. Evening Worship, Willie Freeman, Spilman Auditorium

9:00 p.m. Movie Night, God’s Not Dead, Spilman Auditorium

Thursday, July 24

6:15-6:45 a.m. Praise & Worship, Morana St. Hilaire – Jim Henry Auditorium

6:45-8:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00-9:20 a.m. Conference Session 5 (see pages 22-24)

9:30-10:50 a.m. Conference Session 6 (see pages 24-27)

11:00 a.m. -12:10 p.m. Bible Exposition, Robert Smith, Jr. – Spilman Auditorium

12:15-2:00 p.m. Lunch Black Southern Baptist Denominational Servant Network Meeting

12:15-2:00 p.m.

– Rhododendron 1 A-C

Family Time (Nothing scheduled) 12:15-3:30 p.m.

Choir Rehearsal – Spilman Auditorium

3:30-5:15 p.m.

4:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner

4:30-6:30 p.m. Women’s Fellowship Dinner, Valerie Carter – Johnson Springs 2 A-C (ticket needed) Sponsored by LifeWay Christian Resources

6:45-8:45 p.m. Evening Worship & Children’s Choir, Phillip M. Davis – Spilman Auditorium 10:15 p.m. Centrifuge Nite Life, – Lambdin Auditorium

Friday, July 25

6:15-6:45 a.m. Praise & Worship, Morana St. Hilaire – Jim Henry Auditorium

6:45-8:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00-9:20 a.m. Conference Session 7 (see pages 27)

9:30-10:45 a.m. Bible Exposition, Robert Smith, Jr. – Spilman Auditorium

10:45 a.m. Dismiss

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SPECIAL EVENTS

AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDY This week’s leaders are: Man2Man Tuesday – Calvin McMullen Wednesday – Sherman Fort Join us at 2:00 p.m. in Jim Henry Auditorium Woman2Woman Tuesday – Wanda Taylor-Smith Wednesday – Cynthia L. Davis Join us at 2:00 p.m. in Rhododendron 1 A-C BLACK SOUTHERN BAPTIST DENOMINATIONAL SERVANT NETWORK will meet in Rhododendron 1 A-C for lunch on Thursday at 12:15 p.m. Look for the signs!

CHILDREN’S CHOIR CONCERT Thursday evening, 6:45 p.m. in Spilman Auditorium.

Morana St. Hilaire, director EVENING WORSHIP Spilman Auditorium – 6:45 p.m.

Speakers each evening are: Monday – Dr. Mark Croston Tuesday – Rev. K. Marshall Williams Wednesday– Rev. Willie Freeman Thursday – Dr. Phillip M. Davis (The preschool building and daycamp will be open during evening worship.)

EXHIBITS will be open following Monday night worship in Spilman Auditorium.

MINISTERS AND WIVES APPRECIATION DINNER Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. pastors, ministers of missions, denominational leaders, and their spouses are invited to a complimentary dinner in Johnson Springs 2 A-C. Tickets for the dinner will be available in the NAMB Program Office (Mt. Laurel). Each person attending must have a ticket.

PASTORS, MINISTERS, & MISSION LEADERS DINNER Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. pastors, ministers, and ministers of missions are invited to a complimentary dinner in Johnson Springs 2 A-C. Tickets for the dinner will be available in the IMB Program Office (Mt. Laurel) or from an IMB representative. Each person attending must have a ticket.

MORNING BIBLE EXPOSITION will be led by Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. This Tuesday through Friday morning study will be in Spilman Auditorium, Tuesday-Thursday beginning at 11:00 a.m., Friday beginning at 9:30 a.m.

MORNING PRAISE & WORSHIP Join Morana St. Hilaire and others each morning at 6:15 a.m. as we gather in Jim Henry Auditorium (Mt. Laurel) for Praise & Worship.

STATE FELLOWSHIP All are invited to come and join others for a time of fun, food, and fellowship on Tuesday evening in the cafeteria immediately following evening worship.

“WHO-SO-EVER WILL” CHOIR All are invited to join. A Call-Up time will be on Monday evening during the worship service. Rehearsals are Tuesday-Thursday, 3:30-5:15 p.m. in Spilman Auditorium.

Join John Ray and others for a great time in the Lord!

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP DINNER Leave your children and husbands behind and come join other women for a time of prayer, rest, encouragement, and fellowship on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in Johnson Springs 2 A-C. Tickets for the dinner will be available in the LifeWay Program Office (1st floor Johnson Springs) while they last. Each person attending must have a ticket.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT All are invited to come and enjoy the movie God’s Not Dead in Spilman Auditorium on Wednesday evening at 9:00 p.m. after the Evening Worship Service.

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ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH ATTENDING WITH PARENTS For Children, Birth-Completed Kindergarten The Early Childhood Building is provided for children, birth through completed Kindergarten. Younger children may be enrolled outside on the breezeway of the second floor of Pritchell during conference registration from 3:00-5:00 p.m. The Early Childhood Staff is ready to receive children 15 minutes prior to conferences and requests that children are picked up within 15 minutes after the conference or worship service ends. The Early Childhood Building is not open for events following the evening worship service.

Early Childhood Building Schedule: Monday, 6:45 - 8:45 p.m.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:10 p.m., 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. and 6:45 - 8:45 p.m.

Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. and 6:45 - 8:45 p.m.

Friday, 8:00 - 10:45 a.m.

This service is provided for your convenience.

Please do not abuse it by leaving your younger children after the scheduled time.

For Children, Completed 1st-5th Grade Day Camp is provided for children who have completed 1st-5th grade. Children may be enrolled outside on the breezeway of the second floor of Pritchell during conference registration from 3:00-5:00 p.m. The Day Camp Staff is ready to receive children 15 minutes prior to the beginning of conference periods and requests that children be picked up within 15 minutes after conference or worship service ends.

Day Camp will be open during evening worship.

Day Camp Schedule: Monday, 6:45 - 8:45p.m.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. -12:10 p.m., 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. and 6:45 - 8:45 p.m.

Thursday, 8:00 a.m. -12:10 p.m. and 6:45 - 8:45 p.m.

Friday, 8:00 -10:45 a.m.

Music Time Morana St. Hilaire will lead the children’s music time on Tuesday through Thursday at 9:45-10:45 a.m. The children’s choir will perform on Thursday at 6:45 p.m. in Spilman Auditorium. Children will be brought from Day Camp to rehearsals on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

For Youth, Grades (ages 12-18) Experience Centrifuge! In addition to powerful worship every morning and evening, your students will experience small-group Bible study and team-building recreation led by highly trained FUGE staffers. Afternoon track times give everyone the opportunity to participate in a favorite activity or learn something new. Every part of the day is planned and executed by our FUGE staff. Camp pastor is Fred “Chip” Luter, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church.

Parents Meeting…TODAY! (7/22) Parents of preschoolers and children should attend the parents’ meeting today at 6:00 p.m. in Johnson Springs 2C. Parents of youth (ages 12-18) should attend the Centrifuge meeting at 5:30 p.m. in Johnson Springs 2C. Please register your children for the conference before registering for these activities.

Mark your Calendar!

This service is provided for your convenience.

Please do not abuse it by leaving your children after the scheduled time.

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JULY 20-24, 2015

GENERAL INFORMATION 2014 BLACK CHURCH WEEK T-SHIRTS

LIFEWAY CHRISTIAN STORE HOURS

will be for sale Monday-Thursday, 6:15-6:45p.m. and again after worship in the foyer of Spilman Auditorium while shirts last. (Price of $12 per T-shirt)

(Located behind the Nibble Nook) Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Friday, 9:30 a.m. -5:30 p.m.

Adult sizes – small, medium, large, 1X, 2X and 3X Children sizes – small and medium

All merchandise sold on the Conference Center grounds must be sold through the LifeWay Christian Store.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

LOST AND FOUND

Please dial the Ridgecrest emergency personnel at phone extension 5600 from any house phone. From a cell phone dial 828.669.8022 and press “0”. State your exact location and nature of the emergency. In the case of an extreme medical emergency (life threatening) please call “911” before calling the number above. Let Ridgecrest emergency personnel know if you have called 911. Please write the name and cell phone # of someone with you on the back of your name tag.

The Registration Desk in Pritchell Hall is the only Lost and Found area. Please take all found articles to the Registration Desk.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR’S OFFICE HOURS

The program office is located on 1st floor of Johnson Springs Conference Center. The office is closed for morning Bible study and evening worship.

Lunch, 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.

Office Hours: Monday, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday-Wednesday, 7:30 - 10:45 a.m., and 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, 7:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Dinner, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Friday, 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.

FOOD OUTLETS Dining Hall*

Breakfast, 6:45-8:15 a.m.

(*Weekly/daily meal tickets are available to purchase at the registration desk. If you purchase a weekly meal ticket, the last meal is served at breakfast on Friday.)

Nibble Nook Monday, 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Clouds Coffee Shop Monday, 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Ridgecrest’s Centennial Eatery Monday, 2:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

GUIDESTONE FINANCIAL RESOURCES OFFICE

is located on the conference level, Mt Laurel Inn. Drop by their office to schedule an appointment with Shawn Dorrough.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Name tags indicate that a guest is properly registered.

Those wearing nametags will be admitted to classes and other functions of the week. Please write the name and cell phone # of someone with you on the back of your name tag.

REGISTRATION DESK HOURS

Daily 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Checkout is at 11:00 a.m. on Friday.

Electronic keys will expire shortly after 11:00 a.m.

SMILE! YOU MAY BE ON CAMERA

LifeWay personnel may be audio-videotaping, and photographing this event. You may be filmed, recorded, or photographed individually or as part of an audience.

By your attendance, you are granting permission to be audio-videotaped or photographed for commercial purposes.

WORSHIP SESSION RECORDINGS

Morning Bible study, afternoon Bible teaching sessions (Woman2Woman and Man2Man), and Evening Worship messages will be recorded. CDs can be ordered/purchased in the foyer of Spilman Auditorium for $7.00 each. No music is recorded.

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PREACHERS, BIBLE STUDY & WORSHIP LEADERS

Monday Evening Preacher Dr. Mark A. Croston, Sr. National Director of Black Church Partnerships LifeWay Christian Resources Nashville, Tennessee

Rev. K. Marshall Williams Pastor Nazarene Baptist Church Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Wednesday Evening Preacher

Thursday Evening Preacher

Rev. Willie Freeman Pastor Greater Missionary Baptist Church Clarksville, Tennessee

Dr. Phillip M. Davis Senior Pastor Nations Ford Community Church Charlotte, North Carolina

Morning Bible Exposition Leader

Tuesday Afternoon

Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. Professor of Divinity Christian Preaching Beeson Divinity School Birmingham, Alabama

Wednesday Afternoon Man2Man Bible Study Leader Rev. Sherman Fort Senior Pastor Canaan Missionary Baptist Church Mesa, Arizona

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Tuesday Preacher

Man2Man Bible Study Leader Rev. Calvin McMullen Pastor Community Life Baptist Church Milledgeville, Georgia

PREACHERS, BIBLE STUDY & WORSHIP LEADERS

Tuesday Afternoon

Wednesday Afternoon

Woman2Woman Bible Study Leader Dr. Wanda Taylor-Smith Retired Registered Nurse

Woman2Woman Bible Study Leader Cynthia L. Davis Chief Ministry Officer Nations Ford Community Church Charlotte, North Carolina

Thursday Women’s Fellowship Dinner Speaker Dr. Valarie Carter Executive Director/Treasurer Woman’s Missionary Union Richmond, Virginia

Evening Worship Leader John Ray Minister of Worship Light Of The World Christian Church Indianapolis, Indiana

Usher Coordinator Dr. Victor Davis Pastor Bethlehem Baptist Church Richmond, Virginia

Morning Praise and Worship Leader Morana St. Hilaire Minister of Music Suburban Baptist Church New Orleans, Louisiana

Worship Auditorium Coordinator Dr. Roy Cotton, Sr. Baptist General Convention of Texas Dallas, Texas

Tuesday Evening Christian Comedian Jason Earls Youth Pastor North Garland Baptist Fellowship Garland, Texas

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FACULTY & STAFF Thanks so much to the people listed below for their many hours in preparation and leading sessions that will help to strengthen our churches. You are very much appreciated!

Allen, Michael — NAMB Send City Coordinator, Chicago, IL

Cotton, Roy Sr. — Baptist General Convention of Texas, Dallas, TX

Earls, Jason — Youth Pastor North Garland Baptist Fellowship, Garland, TX

Anderson, Larry — Healthy Church Team Leader, Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania-South Jersey, Harrisburg, PA

Cross, LaToya — Human Resources Consultant, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, GA

Fort, Gordon — Senior Vice President, International Mission Board, Richmond, VA

Andrews, Russell — Minister of Music, East End Baptist Church, Suffolk, VA

Croston, Brenda — Conference Speaker, Teacher, Nashville, TN

Antoine, Ira — Consultant, Baptist General Convention of Texas, Dallas, TX

Croston, Mark — Program Director, National Director of Black Church Partnerships, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN

Bennett, Chandra — Educator, Writer, & Former YOU Editor, Antioch, TN Bradshaw, Rickie — Pastor, First Southwest Baptist Church Consultant, Union Baptist Association Carter, Valerie — Executive Director/ Treasurer, Woman’s Missionary Union, Richmond, VA Chandler, Diana — General Assignment Writer/Editor, Baptist Press; Editorial Associate, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Nashville, TN

Culbreath, Arnold — Founding Member, National Black Pro-Life Coalition, Cincinnati, OH

Gainey, Leroy — Professor of Educational Leadership, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Mill Valley, CA

Curtis, Jeffrey — Church Partner, Black & Urban Churches, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN

Graham, James — Pastor, Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Herndon, VA

Davis, Catherine — Founding Member, National Black Pro-Life Coalition, Stone Mountain, GA

Cotler, Tim — Midwest Regional Mobilizer, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, GA Cotton, Niya — Praise Worship Director, St. John Church, Southlake, TX Cotton, Roy II — Music ministry consultant at several churches around the country and serves as Youth/Young Adult Minister of Music at the St. John Church (Grand Prairie and Southlake, TX) 10

Gaddy, Darryl — Pastor, Victory Fellowship, Detroit, MI

Curtis, Courtney — Sunday School Teacher, Family Community Church, Clovis, CA

Clifton, John Mark – Lead Pastor, Wornall Road Baptist Church, Kansas City, MO

Cornelius, David — Former IMB Missionary, Richmond, VA

Frost, Gary — Vice President, Midwest Region & Prayer, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, GA

Gainey, Cheryl — First Lady, First Baptist Church, Bacaville, CA

Daniel, Jerry — LOVELOUD Team Leader, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, GA

Coppedge, Mike — Minister of Missions, Antioch Baptist Church, Fairfax, VA

Freeman, Willie — Pastor, Greater Missionary Baptist Church, Clarksville, TN

Cummings, Erik — Senior Pastor, New Life of Carol City, Miami, FL

Christopherson, Jeff — Vice President, Northeast & Canada Regions, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, GA

Cline, Jim — Manager, New Sales & Church Giving Specialist, LifeWay Envelope Service, Nashville, TN

Fort, Sherman — Senior Pastor, Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, Mesa, AZ

Davis, Cynthia L. — Chief Ministry Officer, Nations Ford Community Church, Charlotte, NC Davis, Phillip M. — Senior Pastor, Nations Ford Community Church, Charlotte, NC Davis, Victor — Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Richmond, VA Dixon, James — Past President of NAAF, SBD Pastor, El Bethel Baptist Church, Fort Washington, MD Dorrough, Shawn — Senior Relationship Manager, Financial Solution & Services, GuideStone, Dallas, TX Driggers, Carlisle — Executive DirectorTreasurer Emeritus, South Carolina Baptist Convention

Grant, Charles — Church Partner, Black & Urban Churches, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN Gunther, Quentin — Business Development Manager, Honeywell Authorized Dealer Programs, Melville, NY Hardy, Dexter — Teaching Pastor, LifePoint @ Eastside, Marietta, GA Hardy, Kim — Pastor’s Wife, Author, & Teacher, Marietta, GA Harris, Denton — Director of Music & Arts, Bread of Life Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago, IL Harris, Madeline — Developing Believers Consultant, Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania/South Jersey, Deaconess, Ezekiel Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA Hayes, Judi — Freelance Writer & Editor, Mt. Juliet, TN Jefferson, Christian — Former IMB Missionary to the Sudan

FACULTY & STAFF Jefferson, Deborah — Former IMB Missionary to Brazil Jefferson, Keith — IMB African American Missional Church Strategist, Richmond, VA Jenkins, James — African American & Hispanic Ministry Strategist, Louisiana Baptist Convention, Alexandria, LA Jennings, Toby — Managing Editor, Explore the Bible, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN King, Brian — Pastor, Ezekiel Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA King, Claude — Author, Discipleship Specialist, Adult Ministry, LifeWay Christian Resource, Nashville, TN Kish, Rudy — Ethnic & International Marketing Strategist, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN Kitchens, Tony — Evangelism Catalyst, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, GA Lacy, Mark — Band Administrator, St Stephen Baptist & Minister of Music, More Than Conquerors Christian Church, Louisville, KY Land, Jeff — Publishing Team Leader, Kids Ministry, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN

McLaurin, Willie — Ministry Strategist/ Leadership, Tennessee Baptist Convention, Brentwood, TN

Tolson, Sherri – Former Marketing & Consulting, IBM, Proctor & Gamble, Exxon Mobil Corporation

McMullen, Calvin — Attorney and founding pastor of Community Life Baptist Church, Milledgeville, GA

Townes, Bill – Executive Committee Vice President, Southern Baptist Convention, Nashville, TN

Nelson, Dean — Founding Member, National Pro-Life Coalition, Montgomery Village, MD

Trulear, Harold – Associate Professor of Applied Theology, Howard University School of Divinity, Washington, DC

Pigg, Michael — Pastor, Philadelphia Baptist Church, Lithonia, GA

Vines, A. B. – Senior Pastor, New Seasons Church, Spring Valley, CA

Poling, Wayne — Sunday School Leadership Specialist, Adult Ministry, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN

Walker, Angela – Supervisor Customer Response Team, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN

Ponder, Lorae - Associate Minister/ First Lady, Mount Tabor Baptist Church, Richmond, VA

Walker, Cheryl – Director of Compliance and Investigations, Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, KY

Raley, Bruce — Director, Church Education Ministry, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN

Walker, T. Vaughn – Senior Pastor, First Gethsemane Baptist Church, Louisville, KY

Ray, John — Minister of Worship, Light Of The World Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN Robbe, Bret — Director, Church Partnerships, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN Samuelle, Nikita – IMB Missionary Working with American People

Lewis, Dhati — Lead Pastor, Blueprint Church; President, The Rebuild Initiative, Atlanta, GA

Smith, Robert Jr. – Professor of Divinity Christian Preaching, Beeson Divinity School, Birmingham, AL

Luter, Elizabeth — Conference Leader, First Lady, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA

Smith, Sid III – Pastor of Worship, First Covenant Church, Oakland, CA

Luter, Fred — Senior Pastor, Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA Mathews, Tony — Senior Pastor, North Garland Baptist Fellowship, North Garland, TX McCall, Emmanuel — Interim Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA McCormick, Eugene — Church Development Director, African American Ministries Division, Florida Baptist Convention, Jacksonville, FL

Sonnier, Beverly - Content Editor, YOU, Leadership & Adult Publishing, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN St. Hilaire, Morana – Minister of Music, Suburban Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA Taylor-Smith, Wanda – Author, Conference Leader & Speaker, Cincinnati, OH Tollison, Gaylynn – Ministry Assistant, Midwest Region & Prayer, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, GA

Ward, Steven – Training Specialist, WORDSearch Bible Software, Austin, TX Watson, Beth – Event Project Coordinator, Black & Urban Churches, LifeWay Christian Resources, Nashville, TN Watson, Janice – IMB Church Mobilization Specialist, Richmond, VA Weathersby, Ken – Executive Committee Vice President, Southern Baptist Convention, Nashville, TN Wells, Jay – Retired Director, LifeWay Christian Resources, Mt. Juliet, TN Wheeler, Larry – IMB African American Mobilization Media Strategist, Richmond, VA Wilburn, Port – Catalyst & Pastor, GoPlant Urban Initiative, Rock Harbor Christian Fellowship, San Pablo, CA Williams, Frank – Pastor, Wake-Eden Community Baptist Church; Lead Pastor, Bronx Baptist Church, Bronx, NY Williams, K. Marshall – Pastor, Nazarene Baptist Church, President of the National African American Fellowship, SBC, Philadelphia, PA Wilson, Fritz – Executive Director, Disaster Relief, North American Mission Board, Alpharetta, GA 11

CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS TUESDAY, SESSION 1 - 8:00-9:20 A.M. 12 Key Skills Needed By the Leader of a Sunday School – During this session we will explore 12 key skills and understandings needed by any leader to successfully lead the Sunday School. These 12 skills will lay the foundation for giving effective leadership to your Sunday School. – Wayne Poling (Johnson Springs 4 A & C) African Americans and Their Finances….Closing the Gap – Over the next decade, African Americans will see more income flow into their homes and communities than ever before. This seminar will take a closer look at what will directly affect our families, churches, and businesses so we can position ourselves financially for what God is calling His people to accomplish for the Kingdom. – Shawn Dorrough (Mt. Laurel 5) Birds and Bees: A Conversation About God, Sex, and Sexuality, Part 1 – Maybe we don’t talk about sex because it is so powerful and personal, emotional and even spiritual. Yet sex is a foundational element of a human being. The truth is, we need to better understand God’s purpose and design for it — whether you’re single, dating, or married. Yes, “the talk” about the birds and the bees may have been awkward when you were a kid, but don’t you think it’s time for a real, grown-up conversation?

– Jason Earls (Johnson Springs 1G) Christian Education in the Black Church, Part 1 – The ministry of Christian education is vital to the church’s mission of fulfilling the Great Commission. During this two-part session, we examine three (3) foundational principles and explore three (3) central practices that are paramount for Christian education development in the African-American Church. – Eugene McCormick (Dogwood 1C) Church Financial Guidance, I Corinthians 14:40 – Pastors and church finance leaders will learn best practices on how to meet IRS guidelines and effectively protect your church. This session will provide a general overview of church financial issues related to tax-exempt status, receipts, disbursements, safeguarding church assets and accountability to church stakeholders. Each participant will receive the Church Financial Guidebook to guide them in protecting both themselves and their church.

– Bill Townes (Rhododendron 2B) Church Revitalization - The key to revitalization is the passionate display of the glory of God, not simply a focus on results, numbers, strategies, or tactics. Discover how it is possible to go beyond revitalizing your church to replanting your church.

– John Mark Clifton (Mt. Laurel 1 A & B) Come to the Lord’s Table: Helping Your Church Return to Their First Love – The Lord’s Supper is a wonderful opportunity to help your church return to Her first love for Christ. Learn the importance of preparing for the Lord’s Supper so you can partake in a worthy manner. You will be introduced to Come to the Lord’s Table and encouraged by the stories of personal and church revival that began with Communion. – Claude King (Johnson Springs 5 A & C) Conflict Management Within the Church – Conflict is never desired, but it is a reality of life...even in the church. Leaders have the obligation to effectively manage and address conflict. This session will examine the underlying reasons for conflict and the Biblical manner to address it. - Bruce Raley (Johnson Springs 3 B & D) Cross-Cultural Discipleship – What type of discipling works well in cross-cultural settings? What are the key components for discipling in cross-cultural settings? – Nikita Samuelle (Dogwood 2A) Cultivating Creative Community Partnerships for the Urban Church – How to strategically and creatively generate community-based opportunities to effectively accomplish Great Commission goals in the urban church. – Darryl Gaddy (Rhododendron 4) Deuteronomy: A Challenge for a New Generation, Part 1 – Get an exciting preview of our Convention wide January Bible Study for 2015. The Book of Deuteronomy is more than rules and regulations. Experience how it speaks life to the challenges of a new generation. – Michael Pigg (Johnson Springs 3 A & C) Developing as an Associate Minister, Part 1 – The Bible is full of strategic leadership partnerships: Moses and Aaron, Mordecai and Esther, Paul and Silas, and even the Trinity. Each one demonstrates individual gifts being used for maximum ministry effect.

God’s strategic partnerships include your work as an Associate Minister. – Willie McLaurin (Johnson Springs 2C) 12

CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS Developing Leaders – It is never good enough just to lead. All leaders also have the task of developing the leaders around them.

Come get simple strategies for leadership development.– A. B. Vines (Mt. Laurel 4) Enhanced Communications Will….Maximize Church Giving – Today more than ever, the church faces a growing need to support critical ministries. This session will show your church ways you can cost effectively reach out to your families. We will walk you through the steps to increase annual giving in your church 10% to 20%. – Jim Cline (Rhododendron 3A) Effective Teaching, the Urban Challenge and YOU – This class will explore the traits and techniques of effective teachers while examining their application for the urban challenge. We’ll also analyze how the YOU curriculum is uniquely positioned to address this challenge. – Charles Grant (Johnson Springs 1D) Gideon, Part 1 – We all have moments in which we are too afraid to move forward and terrified of going backward. Fear can annihilate futures and cripple our destinies. This study of Gideon and his confrontation with both fear and God will help us to identify, confront and combat our personal fears. – Brenda Croston (Johnson Springs 5D) Gray Areas: Finding Truth When Life Isn’t Black and White, Part 1 –For some situations, there seem to be several right answers.

Not only do good people disagree, REALLY good people REALLY disagree. A lot of the issues we face don’t have a direct scriptural response and Gray Areas seeks to address some of these issues and give us guidance on how to address more of these issues throughout life.– Fred & Elizabeth Luter (Rhododendron 1 A-C) Kingdom Matrix I, How to Design My Church for the Kingdom of God – This session, based on Jeff Christopherson’s book “Kingdom Matrix”, will help church leaders to reorient the church toward the attractiveness of a holistic Kingdom orientation.

Time will be spent discussing three popular myths of evangelical theology that stand in the way of Kingdom effectiveness.

– Jeff Christopherson (Jim Henry Auditorium) Legal Basics for Your Church – This course explores the basic legal issues affecting your church. We will discuss legal issues concerning organizing and operating your church including incorporating, by-laws, fund management, internal governance, tax related issues and general legal issues affecting your church. – Calvin McMullen – (Johnson Springs 1 A & E) Mentoring – Learn how to develop a Christian Women’s/Men’s Job Corps Ministry that is a proven model in helping adults move towards economic self-sufficiency while claiming their identity in Christ. – Valerie Carter (Mt. Laurel 3) Ministry Evangelism, Part 1 – Often Jesus healed or helped before He was asked. Come learn how to do the same. Like the old saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know until the know how much you care.” – T. Vaughn Walker (Johnson Springs 1C) Salvaging My Identity, Part 1 – Salvaging My Identity takes a biblical approach toward finding identity in Christ. We will deal with common issues girls and young women face such as self-image, relationships, worldly influences, rejection, fear, burnout, etc. Find practical tools to help girls and young women live with hope and joy as they walk with Christ through this pivotal season of life. – Cynthia L. Davis (Johnson Spring 5B) The 5 W’s of an Effective Children’s Bible Study – Conferees will discover the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of leading children’s Bible study. Bible study volunteers have work to do before, during, and after the Bible study hour. Leaders will learn their roles as children’s ministry volunteers. – Jeff Land (Johnson Spring 4 B & D) The Art of Marriage, Part 1 – This course will help couples blend their personalities and their life’s circumstances to create a divinely-inspired work of art — marriage. Every marriage is unique, expressed by the colorful personalities of each spouse and textured by the circumstances at play in their lives. Get ready to make a masterpiece of your marriage through this study.

– Leroy & Cheryl Gainey (Johnson Springs 1H) The Dangerous Calling, Part 1 – Many struggle answering and following their call in a healthy way and unhealthy ministers make unhealthy churches. Author Paul Tripp offers a diagnosis and cure for issues that impact every member and church leader, so our churches can regain health.– Larry Anderson (Rhododendron 2A) The Revealing History of African Americans in Global Missions – This topic will cover a revealing story of the impact of African American World Missionaries past and present. – Keith Jefferson (Dogwood 2C) 13

CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS The Tenacity of Truth: Planting the Gospel in the New Cultural Climate – The cultural climate has changed. Gospel resistance is on the rise. In many of our urban contexts teens, young professionals, and adults alike are increasingly challenged by the exclusive claims of Christ and Christianity. People are resisting exclusivity and embracing inclusivity like never before.

As ambassadors for Christ we are charged with the responsibility of engaging skeptics, equipping believers, and expanding the Kingdom in this reality. So, how do we plant the gospel more effectively in our current cultural climate? How do we disciple believers who are prepared to intelligently and articulately engage their skeptic peers? In this class we will grapple with these challenges and explore concepts and methods aimed at planting the gospel in this American neo-cultural context.

– Frank Williams (Mt. Laurel 1 C & D) Transformational Discipleship: How People Really Grow Spiritually, Part 1 – How do people really grow spiritually?

Transformational Discipleship describes the process that brings to life that kind of person described in the Bible (Jeremiah 17).

There’s no magic formula or mantra to recite here, but rather a substantive measure of research with churches and individuals who have wholeheartedly answered the call of Jesus to make disciples. – Ira Antoine (Dogwood 1B) Why Discipleship Has to Be at the Heart of Urban Church Planting – You can plant churches and not make disciples, but if you make disciples you will ultimately plant churches. Planting churches is about more than finding a building, pulling off events, raising funds and preaching. Come learn biblical principles in regard to recapturing the heart of disciple-making in the local church. – Dhati Lewis (Rhododendron 3B) Women’s Grief, Part 1 – Find healing from Intimate Partner Violence and Post-Abortion Trauma .– Madeline Harris (Dogwood 1A) YOU Writer Development Track (Pre-Registered ONLY) – This three-day event is designed to train and equip current and aspiring Christian writers with valuable skills, strategies, and models that meet LifeWay writer standards. Participants will receive excellent instruction, networking opportunity, and valuable one-on-one time with editors. – Beverly Sonnier (Johnson Springs 1 B & F)

TUESDAY, SESSION 2 - 9:30-10:50 A.M. Blueprints for Growing Your Sunday School and Bible Study Groups – The Lord can use your Sunday School to both reach people and to teach them in a way that changes lives. During this session we will explore five key principles that are foundational to growing your Sunday School. Understanding and implementing these five principles will provide the blueprint for the growth of your Sunday School. – Wayne Poling (Johnson Springs 4 A & C) Christian Education in the Black Church, Part 1 (REPEATED) – The ministry of Christian education is vital to the church’s mission of fulfilling the Great Commission. During this two-part session, we examine three (3) foundational principles and explore three (3) central practices that are paramount for Christian education development in the African-American Church.

– Eugene McCormick (Dogwood 1C) Crushing Barriers to Carrying Out The Great Commission – The class will discuss and suggest ways for churches and individuals to overcome nine factors that hinder effectiveness in carrying out The Great Commission. – David Cornelius (Dogwood 2A) Developing as an Associate Minister, Part 2 – The Bible is full of strategic leadership partnerships: Moses and Aaron, Mordecai and Esther, Paul and Silas, and even the Trinity. Each one demonstrates individual gifts being used for maximum ministry effect.

God’s strategic partnerships include your work as an Associate Minister. – Willie McLaurin (Johnson Springs 2C Effectively Leading Change – Change is a fact of life. Yet most people seem to resist it, especially within the church. This session will examine a Biblical process for leading change that will result in less stress and challenge. These principles apply within the church, workplace...even the home! - Bruce Raley (Johnson Springs 3 B & D) Follow Me: A Call to Die, A Call to Live – For many Christians, following Jesus is seen as best done from a distance. We want to be disciples as long as doing so does not intrude on our lifestyles, our comforts, and even our religion. What if we really listened to Jesus’ words and heard what He is truly saying? Jesus’ invitation to follow Him was—and still is—an invitation into a relationship marked by self-denial, personal intimacy, single-minded ambition, and ultimate joy.

– Michael Pigg (Johnson Springs 3 A & C) 14

CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS From Oppression to Freedom – Be briefed on a Nehemiah Bible study that you can use to help women in your church or community. This study is designed with the struggles of African American women in mind and focuses on restoration and revival. – Lorae Ponder (Mt. Laurel 3) Gideon, Part 2 – We all have moments in which we are too afraid to move forward and terrified of going backward. Fear can annihilate futures and cripple our destinies. This study of Gideon and his confrontation with both fear and God will help us to identify, confront and combat our personal fears. – Brenda Croston (Johnson Springs 5D) Gray Areas: Finding Truth When Life Isn’t Black and White, Part 2 –For some situations, there seem to be several right answers.

Not only do good people disagree, REALLY good people REALLY disagree. A lot of the issues we face don’t have a direct scriptural response and Gray Areas seeks to address some of these issues and give us guidance on how to address more of these issues throughout life.– Fred & Elizabeth Luter (Rhododendron 1 A-C) How to Keep the Fire Burning in Your Marriage and Ministry – In this interactive class you will laugh and learn as the Hardys present practical strategies on balancing marriage and ministry, handling discouragement, and the benefits of complimenting each other rather than competing. – Dexter & Kim Hardy (Mt. Laurel 1 C & D) Keeping Churches Safe and Secure – Providing safety and security is a challenge for churches today. In fact, 91% of church members are concerned about safety and security. Join the discussion on security problems churches face and learn about the security solutions that Honeywell has to protect your most valuable assets—your members, staff, equipment and property.

– Quentin Gunther (Rhododendron 3A) Kingdom Matrix II: How to Discover God’s Kingdom Dream for My Community – This session will help attendees discover three essential yet surprising ingredients in which to develop a Kingdom strategy for their community. Jeff’s earlier workshop would be helpful but not essential. – Jeff Christopherson (Jim Henry Auditorium) MasterLife: Multiplying Disciples and Leaders for a New Generation - Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have been impacted by the training and message in MasterLife by Avery Willis. See how this message can multiply disciples and leaders as people learn to walk victoriously and join God on His mission of world redemption.

– Claude King (Johnson Springs 5 A & C) Ministry Evangelism, Part 2 – Often Jesus healed or helped before He was asked. Come learn how to do the same. Like the old saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

– T. Vaughn Walker (Johnson Springs 1C) Ministry Grid: Training Made Simple – In this workshop, we will survey LifeWay’s latest resource for helping churches train leaders in anything and anywhere. Come learn about this unprecedented tool for developing leaders and servants in every area from ushers to the pulpit. – Jeffrey Curtis (Johnson Springs 1D) Missionally Speaking – Mission and evangelism from a practical standpoint of engaging our communities in their unique context. What does it mean to think, speak , act and engage missionally? Theology of the city and neighborhood mapping are included in the discussion. – Port Wilburn (Rhododendron 4) Multiple Opportunities for Global Missions – Have you been praying about an international mission trip , but don’t know how to get started? Come let us show the many opportunities God has for you in Global Missions. Let’s get going for JESUS. – Deborah Jefferson & Christian Jefferson (Dogwood 2C) Navigating the SBC – The Southern Baptist Convention is a multifaceted organization. Come and learn its mission and structure and how the local church benefits from joining other churches in this Kingdom enterprise. – Ken Weathersby (Rhododendron 3B) Planting Transformational Churches that Impact the Inner City – Six essentials that are critical to impacting the issues of and addressing the needs of our communities. – Erik Cummings (Mt. Laurel 1 A & B)

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CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS Salvaging My Identity, Part 2 – Salvaging My Identity takes a biblical approach toward finding identity in Christ. We will deal with common issues girls and young women face such as self-image, relationships, worldly influences, rejection, fear, burnout, etc.

Find practical tools to help girls and young women live with hope and joy as they walk with Christ through this pivotal season of life. – Cynthia L. Davis (Johnson Spring 5B) The 5 W’s of an Effective Children’s Bible Study (REPEATED) – Conferees will discover the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of leading children’s Bible study. Bible study volunteers have work to do before, during, and after the Bible study hour. Leaders will learn their roles as children’s ministry volunteers. – Jeff Land (Johnson Spring 4 B & D) The Art of Marriage, Part 2 – This course will help couples blend their personalities and their life’s circumstances to create a divinely-inspired work of art — marriage. Every marriage is unique, expressed by the colorful personalities of each spouse and textured by the circumstances at play in their lives. Get ready to make a masterpiece of your marriage through this study.

– Leroy & Cheryl Gainey (Johnson Springs 1H) The Dangerous Calling, Part 2 – Many struggle answering and following their call in a healthy way and unhealthy ministers make unhealthy churches. Author Paul Tripp offers a diagnosis and cure for issues that impact every member and church leader, so our churches can regain health. – Larry Anderson (Rhododendron 2A) The Do’s and Don’ts in Organizing and Operating a Personal Ministry Corporation or Religious Organization – This course is designed for the minister or religious leader who has or directs a Personal Ministry Corporation or Religious Organization.

The course will discuss the legal and taxable implications of setting up and operating these types of organizations. We will discuss how these corporations differ from churches on operational requirements, compliance rules, reporting requirements, and auditing, etc. – Calvin McMullen (Johnson Springs 1 A & E)) The Five Responsibilities of Money…..What Every Christian Should Consider! – God expects us to be good stewards over what He has blessed us with. This seminar will discuss the responsibilities we all should take serious and the strategies to help us gain a healthy path towards our financial goals. – Shawn Dorrough (Mt. Laurel 5) The Senior Pastor As The Mobilizer for Missions – The impact of the Senior Pastor in building a passion for missions in his congregation. – Tony Mathews (Dogwood 2B) Total Praise: What It Really Means to Worship, Part 1 – Just coming to Sunday worship does not make you a worshipper.

Many of us are just doing what we see others doing and going through the motions. Come explore what it really means to worship God and how to give God total praise each Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.... – Russell Andrews (Johnson Springs 1G) Transformational Discipleship: How People Really Grow Spiritually, Part 2 – How do people really grow spiritually?

Transformational Discipleship describes the process that brings to life that kind of person described in the Bible (Jeremiah 17).

There’s no magic formula or mantra to recite here, but rather a substantive measure of research with churches and individuals who have wholeheartedly answered the call of Jesus to make disciples. – Ira Antoine (Dogwood 1B) Ushering with a Mission, Part 1 – Conferees will examine the biblical basis for the ministry of ushering, the opportunities to bear witness to the gospel, and the role in helping other believers mature in the faith and fulfill the call to be a servant like the Master. – Victor Davis (Rhododendron 2B) Why Church Members Are Not Changed – Are you frustrated by church members who never change? Is your spiritual life stuck at a plateau? Rediscover the revolutionary power of Christianity. – Jay Wells (Mt. Laurel 4) Women’s Grief, Part 2 – Find healing from Intimate Partner Violence and Post-Abortion Trauma. – Madeline Harris (Dogwood 1A) YOU Writer Development Track (Pre-Registered ONLY) – This three-day event is designed to train and equip current and aspiring Christian writers with valuable skills, strategies, and models that meet LifeWay writer standards. Participants will receive excellent instruction, networking opportunity, and valuable one-on-one time with editors.

– Beverly Sonnier (Johnson Springs 1 B & F)

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CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS WEDNESDAY, SESSION 3 - 8:00-9:20 A.M. Birds and Bees: A Conversation About God, Sex, and Sexuality, Part 2 – Maybe we don’t talk about sex because it is so powerful and personal, emotional and even spiritual. Yet sex is a foundational element of a human being. The truth is, we need to better understand God’s purpose and design for it — whether you’re single, dating, or married. Yes, “the talk” about the birds and the bees may have been awkward when you were a kid, but don’t you think it’s time for a real, grown-up conversation?

– Jason Earls (Johnson Springs 1G) Christian Education in the Black Church, Part 2 – The ministry of Christian education is vital to the church’s mission of fulfilling the Great Commission. During this two-part session, we examine three (3) foundational principles and explore three (3) central practices that are paramount for Christian education development in the African-American Church. – Eugene McCormick (Dogwood 1C) Church Financial Guidance, I Corinthians 14:40 (REPEATED) – Pastors and church finance leaders will learn best practices on how to meet IRS guidelines and effectively protect your church. This session will provide a general overview of church financial issues related to tax-exempt status, receipts, disbursements, safeguarding church assets and accountability to church stakeholders. Each participant will receive the Church Financial Guidebook to guide them in protecting both themselves and their church. – Bill Townes (Rhododendron 2B) Church Revitalization (REPEATED) – The key to revitalization is the passionate display of the glory of God, not simply a focus on results, numbers, strategies, or tactics. Discover how it is possible to go beyond revitalizing your church to replanting your church. – John Mark Clifton (Jim Henry Auditorium) Deuteronomy: A Challenge for a New Generation, Part 2 – Get an exciting preview of our Convention wide January Bible Study for 2015. The Book of Deuteronomy is more than rules and regulations. Experience how it speaks life to the challenges of a new generation. – Michael Pigg (Johnson Springs 3 A & C) Developing Life-Changing Teaching – Jesus told His disciples to go into all the world and “teach them to obey.” Truly, Jesus wanted us to teach in a way that changes lives. Do you hunger for this type of teaching in your Sunday School? During this session we will explore 1) what the Bible has to say about life-changing teaching, 2) seven traits embodied by life-changing teachers, 3) seven steps involved in teaching for life change, and 4) steps you can take to improve the teaching in your Sunday School. – Wayne Poling (Johnson Springs 4 A & C) Dispelling the Myths of Missions – As a missionary, she served God against immense trials and great victories. He revealed the myths that prevent African Americans and others from serving Him overseas, particularly in the South Asia region. Sherri’s passion is to expose those myths and showcase the faithfulness of God to inspire others and to serve Him sacrificially in the last frontier. – Sherri Tolson (Dogwood 2C) Enhanced Communications Will….Maximize Church Giving (REPEATED) – Today more than ever, the church faces a growing need to support critical ministries. This session will show your church ways you can cost effectively reach out to your families.

We will walk you through the steps to increase annual giving in your church 10% to 20%. – Jim Cline (Rhododendron 3A) Equipping Deacons for Ministry, Part 1 – This class with help you improve skills such as building trust, listening, determining needs, improving communication, finding solutions, referring, and following up and how to relate to various needs: guilt, grief, doubt, marriage, separation, depression, addiction, conflict, retirement, loneliness, and more.

– Willie McLaurin (Johnson Spring 2C) God’s Not Dead: An Apologetic Approach, Part 1 – How do we discuss God with non-Christians who cherish their beliefs as much as we cherish our? God’s Not Dead outlines a roadmap that guides seekers to acknowledge the most basic truths of the Bible. – T Vaughn Walker (Johnson Springs 1C) Growing Disciples Series: A Core Curriculum for Disciple Making – Develop a solid foundation of discipleship in new and growing believers by using the new Growing Disciples series to help them abide in Christ, live in the Word, pray in faith, fellowship with believers, witness to the world, and minister to others. – Claude King (Johnson Springs 5 A & C) 17

CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS Hospitality Evangelism, Part 1 – Jesus used simple hospitality and meal time conversations to share some of the most profound truths of the gospel. Come be challenged to change your evangelistic approach; to make it more personal; To use hospitality, treat people as friends and win them for Jesus. – Elizabeth Luter (Rhododendron 1 A-C) I Got A Testimony! – Sisters Who Care are sharing Christ and meeting needs for the uplifting of God’s kingdom. Come, share and be encouraged as you learn what others are doing to reach their community for Christ. Stories will be recorded and shared with WMU, SBC. – Lorae Ponder – (Mt. Laurel 3) Is It OK to Have Fun at Church? – Conferees will learn effective, relevant, and FUN teaching methods that can be easily implemented in any Bible study setting. Today’s kids need to be engaged. This conference will provide hands-on tools that leaders can use to make the most of the time they have with kids! – Jeff Land (Johnson Springs 4 B & D) Legal Basics for your Church (REPEATED) – This course explores the basic legal issues affecting your church. We will discuss legal issues concerning organizing and operating your church including incorporating, by-laws, fund management, internal governance, tax related issues and general legal issues affecting your church. – Calvin McMullen (Johnson Springs 1 A & E) LOVELOUD: Demonstrating God’s Love While Sharing Christ – God is described as “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows;” this should be the reputation of His church as well. When the church is actively caring for neglected neighbors, communities, and children, the gospel will be seen and heard by those in need and by the larger community. Learn how every church, no matter what size, can LoveLoud and how to inspire others to see what Jesus sees in your community and city. – Jerry Daniel (Rhododendron 3B) Making Disciples In and Through the Criminal Justice System: Starting a Church Planting Movement in Prisons, Part 1 – Prisons across America are becoming Organic Church Planting Centers. This workshop will take a look at how area prisons are becoming a vibrant, healthy, missional community of disciples who love God and demonstrate their love by practicing organic multiplication principles that transforms the darkness among them. – Rickie Bradshaw (Mt. Laurel 1 C & D) Preaching for Spiritual Transformation, Part 1 – This course will improve student competencies in developing a sermon that will enhance the spiritual transformation of lives. Emphasis will be put on the construction of how to develop the thesis and main points of any biblical message. – Leroy Gainey (Johnson Springs 1H) Raising Money and Raising Faith – Flip Wilson was right about one thing, whether it is the weekly budget or a Building Campaign, it takes money to run the church. Too many churches seek to raise it by hook or by crook, but by hook or by crook is not by the book. Learn about raising faith and not just money. – Tony Matthews (Dogwood 2B) Seeking the Face of God, Part 1 – For most Christians their prayer life is out of balance. Prayers are centered around receiving material blessings, but spend very little time seeking the face of God. To seek the face of God is to worship and pray to Him about His attributes. When our prayers are balanced in seeking the face of God and His hand, God is free to operate within His purposes.

– Brian King (Rhododendron 2A) Sermon Preparation 101 – The preacher’s main task is to preach the whole council of the Word of God. Let’s look at the basics of the preacher’s personal preparation, the preacher’s preparation of the sermon and the preacher’s proclamation of the sermon. – Robert Smith (Mt. Laurel 4) Sleeping Giants: No Movement of God Without Men of God, Part 1 – The church has an “800 pound gorilla” in the room: Men. Many pastors see the need but are at a loss for how to really engage men in their culture and church context. Come get a blueprint for moving men from the audience to the army in your congregation. Let Him help you build a leader making engine that supports the vision of your church. – Ira Antoine – (Dogwood 1B) Taking Your Church to the Next Level, Part 1 – Church growth is one of the great responsibilities for every pastor. Along the way there are many challenges. Sometimes we get stuck. Learn the principles that will help you take your church to its next level.

– Phillip M. Davis (Johnson Springs 5B) Teaching and Ministering to People with Special Needs – It is our duty to make the gospel of Jesus Christ accessible and plain to all of mankind, including individuals who learn in manners different from the status quo. Come and discover simple, easy ways to share the gospel with exceptional and special needs learners. – Brenda Croston (Johnson Springs 5D) 18

CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS Team Leader and Basic Training for Mission Teams – This class is designed to help those interested in knowing more about the volunteer mission preparation process, as well as advise you how to prepare your whole self — mind, body, soul and spirit for ministry. The most effective mission teams are those who are well prepared and have invested the time to understand worldview, have embraced the culture of their destination, and have developed and prepared for ministry within a specific strategy. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or this is your first time to lead an international missions trip, you will find that this interactive training a most helpful and practical resource. – Mike Coppedge (Dogwood 2A) The Five Responsibilities of Money…..What Every Christian Should Consider! (REPEATED) – God expects us to be good stewards over what He has blessed us with. This seminar will discuss the responsibilities we all should take serious and the strategies to help us gain a healthy path towards our financial goals. – Shawn Dorrough (Mt. Laurel 5) The George Liele Story – Learn how the life of George Liele can impact your commitment to missions. The first ordained Black Baptist preacher in America prior to the American Revolution, Liele was a slave. His is an amazing story of conversion, sacrifice, dedication, church planting, and missionary expansion. – Carlisle Driggers & Emmanuel McCall (Rhododendron 4) What Are You Afraid Of?: Facing Down Your Fears with Faith, Part 1 – Explore the top 10 fears that are holding so many of us back, and see the secrets to facing those fears with faith. For many people worry, anxiety, and fear are constant companions: fear of death, fear of losing something or someone, fear of illness. And too often those fears are crippling, keeping us from the life God has called us to live. – Sherman Fort (Dogwood 1A) Why Discipleship Has to Be at the Heart of Urban Church Planting (REPEATED) – You can plant churches and not make disciples, but if you make disciples you will ultimately plant churches. Planting churches is about more than finding a building, pulling off events, raising funds and preaching. Come learn biblical principles in regard to recapturing the heart of disciplemaking in the local church. – Dhati Lewis (Mt. Laurel 1 A & B) Why Groups Matter for YOU – LifeWay’s latest research on Transformational Groups reveals why groups matter and the big lessons all discipleship ministries must know. At the end of this class, you will understand the significance of this research for the YOU curriculum’s discipleship strategy. – Charles Grant (Johnson Springs 1D) YOU Writer Development Track (Pre-Registered ONLY) – This three-day event is designed to train and equip current and aspiring Christian writers with valuable skills, strategies, and models that meet LifeWay writer standards. Participants will receive excellent instruction, networking opportunity, and valuable one-on-one time with editors.

– Beverly Sonnier (Johnson Springs 1 B & F)

WEDNESDAY, SESSION 4 - 9:30-10:50 A.M. African Americans and Their Finances….Closing the Gap (REPEATED) – Over the next decade, African Americans will see more income flow into their homes and communities than ever before. This seminar will take a closer look at what will directly affect our families, churches, and businesses so we can position ourselves financially for what God is calling His people to accomplish for the Kingdom. – Shawn Dorrough (Mt. Laurel 5) Christian Education in the Black Church, Part 2 (REPEATED) – The ministry of Christian education is vital to the church’s mission of fulfilling the Great Commission. During this two-part session, we examine three (3) foundational principles and explore three (3) central practices that are paramount for Christian education development in the African-American Church.

– Eugene McCormick (Dogwood 1C) Corporate Prayer: Learning to Pray in Agreement – Corporate prayer should be very different from individual prayer. Help your church or small group learn to pray in agreement to experience new dimensions of power in prayer and to come to know God’s will for the body of Christ. – Claude King (Johnson Spring 5 A & C) Equipping Deacons for Ministry, Part 2 – This class with help you improve skills such as building trust, listening, determining needs, improving communication, finding solutions, referring, and following up and how to relate to various needs: guilt, grief, doubt, marriage, separation, depression, addiction, conflict, retirement, loneliness, and more. – Willie McLaurin (Johnson Spring 2C)

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CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS Follow Me: A Call to Die, A Call to Live (REPEATED) – For many Christians, following Jesus is seen as best done from a distance.

We want to be disciples as long as doing so does not intrude on our lifestyles, our comforts, and even our religion. What if we really listened to Jesus’ words and heard what He is truly saying? Jesus’ invitation to follow Him was—and still is—an invitation into a relationship marked by self-denial, personal intimacy, single-minded ambition, and ultimate joy.

– Michael Pigg (Johnson Springs 3 A & C) Formation of New Missionaries – What are the steps to becoming a missionary? How do you know God is calling you?

– Nikita Samuelle (Dogwood 2A) God’s Not Dead: An Apologetic Approach, Part 2 – How do we discuss God with non-Christians who cherish their beliefs as much as we cherish our? God’s Not Dead outlines a roadmap that guides seekers to acknowledge the most basic truths of the Bible. – T Vaughn Walker (Johnson Springs 1C) Handle Your Business – This class will provide participants with an opportunity to share information and ideas for developing an effective church management environment. Topics will include: Roles of key church leadership; Structuring and staffing for ministry; Ministry planning and budgeting processes; Finance and accounting principles; How to limit liability; People management and small groups; Facilities management – James Graham (Mt. Laurel 4) Hospitality Evangelism, Part 2 – Jesus used simple hospitality and meal time conversations to share some of the most profound truths of the gospel. Come be challenged to change your evangelistic approach; to make it more personal; to use hospitality, treat people as friends and win them for Jesus. – Elizabeth Luter (Rhododendron 1 A-C) How to Win Lost People Without Losing the People in Your Home – How to recognize and prioritize their family and their home as indispensable keys to evangelism and discipleship. – Michael Allen (Mt. Laurel 1 C & D) Is It OK to Have Fun at Church? (REPEATED) – Conferees will learn effective, relevant, and FUN teaching methods that can be easily implemented in any Bible study setting. Today’s kids need to be engaged. This conference will provide hands-on tools that leaders can use to make the most of the time they have with kids! – Jeff Land (Johnson Springs 4 B & D) Keeping Churches Safe and Secure (Repeated) – Providing safety and security is a challenge for churches today. In fact, 91% of church members are concerned about safety and security. Join the discussion on security problems churches face and learn about the security solutions that Honeywell has to protect your most valuable assets—your members, staff, equipment and property. – Quentin Gunther (Rhododendron 3A) Missionally Speaking (REPEATED) – Mission and evangelism from a practical standpoint of engaging our communities in their unique context. What does it mean to think, speak , act and engage missionally? Theology of the city and neighborhood mapping are included in the discussion. – Port Wilburn (Rhododendron 4) Missions: An Eternal Call – This class is to remind and encourage children of God to view the Great Commission as an “eternal call.” We have been chosen and equipped to share our faith while touching the lives of others around the world. – James Dixon (Dogwood 2C) Multiple Ways to Engage Leaders in Training – You’ve experienced it…everyone has a very busy schedule. Getting them to be involved in training is getting more and more difficult. During this session we will explore multiple approaches for involving people in training in order to engage everyone in training that fits their schedule and their preferred way of learning. It will amaze you how many leaders you can train. – Wayne Poling (Johnson Springs 4 A & C) Navigating the SBC (REPEATED) – The Southern Baptist Convention is a multifaceted organization. Come and learn how it’s mission and structure and how the local church benefits from joining other churches in this kingdom enterprise.

– Ken Weathersby (Rhododendron 3B) Prayer Is Essential in Reaching the Nations With the Gospel – This class will discuss The School of Prayer for All Nations. It is an experiential-based school, which equips you to: walk closer with God, pray more fervently for spiritual awakening, and intercede more effectively for missionaries and the nations. – Gordon Fort (Dogwood 2D)

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CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS Preaching for Spiritual Transformation, Part 2 – This course will improve student competencies in developing a sermon that will enhance the spiritual transformation of lives. Emphasis will be put on the construction of how to develop the thesis and main points of any biblical message. – Leroy Gainey (Johnson Springs 1H) Restorative Reentry Ministry: Local Churches Becoming Healing Communities for Individuals and Families Impacted by the Justice System – Local churches have a critical role in providing a safe place for people affected by crime and incarceration to experience healing and restoration. The Healing Communities model is a framework for church leaders to use in preparing members to care for people in their own congregations and communities impacted by the justice system. Learn how to demonstrate God’s love to those who have family members in jail or prison and to the tens of thousands of returning citizens who have discovered their need for God while incarcerated. – Jerry Daniel, Harold Trulear, & Tony Kitchens (Jim Henry Auditorium) Revival and Awakening: The Greatest Need of Our Cities – While evangelism and disciple-making are the primary work of the local church, we will not experience a “Pentecost-like” transformation in our cities and towns until the Church returns to a focus on the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. This workshop will consider the history of Christ awakenings in America and how we might prepare for a sovereign visitation of the Holy Spirit. – Gary Frost (Mt. Laurel 1 A & B) Seeking the Face of God, Part 2 – For most Christians their prayer life is out of balance. Prayers are centered around receiving material blessings, but spend very little time seeking the face of God. To seek the face of God is to worship and pray to Him about His attributes. When our prayers are balanced in seeking the face of God and His hand, God is free to operate within His purposes.

– Brian King (Rhododendron 2A) Sleeping Giants: No Movement of God Without Men of God, Part 2 – The church has an “800 pound gorilla” in the room: Men. Many pastors see the need but are at a loss for how to really engage men in their culture and church context. Come get a blueprint for moving men from the audience to the army in your congregation. Let Him help you build a leader making engine that supports the vision of your church. – Ira Antoine – (Dogwood 1B) Sweet Hour of Prayer – Join in as we pray for the social issues affecting our church, our communities, and our world. Become acquainted with the SBC Prayer Calendar and learn about missionaries around the world and pray for the challenges they face on the field. – Valerie Carter (Mt. Laurel 3) Taking Your Church to the Next Level, Part 2 – Church growth is one of the great responsibilities for every pastor. Along the way there are many challenges. Sometimes we get stuck. Learn the principles that will help you take your church to its next level.

– Phillip M. Davis (Johnson Springs 5B) Teaching and Ministering to People with Special Needs (Repeated) – It is our duty to make the gospel of Jesus Christ accessible and plain to all of mankind, including individuals who learn in manners different from the status quo. Come and discover simple, easy ways to share the gospel with exceptional and special needs learners.– Brenda Croston (Johnson Springs 5D) The Do’s and Don’ts in Organizing and Operating a Personal Ministry Corporation or Religious Organization (REPEATED) – This course is designed for the minister or religious leader who has or directs a Personal Ministry Corporation or Religious Organization. The course will discuss the legal and taxable implications of setting up and operating these types of organizations.

We will discuss how these corporations differ from churches on operational requirements, compliance rules, reporting requirements, and auditing, etc. – Calvin McMullen (Johnson Springs 1 A & E) The Senior Pastor As The Mobilizer for Missions (REPEATED) – The impact of the Senior Pastor in building a passion for missions in his congregation. – Tony Mathews (Dogwood 2B) Total Praise: What It Really Means to Worship, Part 2 – Just coming to Sunday worship does not make you a worshipper. Many of us are just doing what we see others doing and going through the motions. Come explore what it really means to worship God and how to give God total praise each Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.... – Russell Andrews (Johnson Springs 1G) Ushering with a Mission, Part 2 – Conferees will examine the biblical basis for the ministry of ushering, the opportunities to bear witness to the gospel, and the role in helping other believers mature in the faith and fulfill the call to be a servant like the Master. – Victor Davis (Rhododendron 2B) 21

CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS What Are You Afraid Of?: Facing Down Your Fears with Faith, Part 2 – Explore the top 10 fears that are holding so many of us back, and see the secrets to facing those fears with faith. For many people worry, anxiety, and fear are constant companions: fear of death, fear of losing something or someone, fear of illness. And too often those fears are crippling, keeping us from the life God has called us to live. – Sherman Fort (Dogwood 1A) YOU and 3 Other Starting Points – In this workshop, we will explore a foundational strategy churches can use for selecting curriculum to make disciples. – Jeffrey Curtis (Johnson Springs 1D) YOU Writer Development Track (Pre-Registered ONLY) – This three-day event is designed to train and equip current and aspiring Christian writers with valuable skills, strategies, and models that meet LifeWay writer standards. Participants will receive excellent instruction, networking opportunity, and valuable one-on-one time with editors.

– Beverly Sonnier (Johnson Springs 1 B & F)

THURSDAY, SESSION 5 - 8:00-9:20 A.M. Acts 1:8: Leaving Jerusalem for the Greater Mission – While many of our church members and leaders are familiar with the Acts 1:8 passage, too few have been able to realize the entire command by “leaving our Jerusalem.” In this session, we will uncover some of the consistent challenges that keep us from being on mission the way God intended, and discover some practical ways to fulfill His “greater mission.” – Tim Cotler (Mt. Laurel 1 C & D) Compliance, Reporting, and Retention Requirements for the Church Clerk or Administrator – This class will focus on what forms must be filed with the IRS and/or what documents must be maintained or otherwise used in operating a church organization. – Calvin McMullen (Johnson Springs 1 A & E) Crushing Barriers to Carrying out The Great Commission (REPEATED) – The class will discuss and suggest ways for churches and individuals to overcome nine factors that hinder effectiveness in carrying out The Great Commission. – David Cornelius (Dogwood 2B) Deuteronomy: A Challenge for a New Generation, Part 3 – Get an exciting preview of our Convention wide January Bible Study for 2015. The Book of Deuteronomy is more than rules and regulations. Experience how it speaks life to the challenges of a new generation. – Michael Pigg (Johnson Springs 3 A & C) Explore the Bible Preview – New Design and New Impact – LifeWay’s Explore the Bible curriculum has been offered only in an adult format in the past. This Fall, the curriculum is expanding to provide the unique opportunity for groups of all ages to study the Bible book by book together. Join Managing Editor Dr. Toby Jennings to learn more about this curriculum, which is projected to be the most widely used Bible study curriculum in the English language. – Toby Jennings (Johnson Springs 4 A & C) Extreme Sunday School Challenge: Engaging Our World Through New Groups – This class presents a rationale for starting new Bible study groups in the local church. Explore the potential new groups carry in reaching a community and developing believers. Essentials for starting new groups are defined. – Eugene McCormick (Dogwood 1C) How to Keep the Fire Burning in Your Marriage and Ministry (REPEATED) – In this interactive class you will laugh and learn as the Hardys present practical strategies on balancing marriage and ministry, handling discouragement, and the benefits of complimenting each other rather than competing. – Dexter & Kim Hardy (Jim Henry Auditorium) Husbands & Wives in Ministry Forum, Part 1 – It is great when husbands and wives can minister together, but it also comes with its own challenges. Join a dialogue with two different kinds of successful ministry couples. Learn from their wisdom and experiences to strengthen your marriage and ministry. – Fred & Elizabeth Luter and T. Vaughn & Cheryl Walker (Rhododendron 1 A-C) LOVELOUD: Demonstrating God’s Love While Sharing Christ (REPEATED) – God is described as “a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows;” this should be the reputation of His church as well. When the church is actively caring for neglected neighbors, communities, and children, the gospel will be seen and heard by those in need and by the larger community. Learn how every church, no matter what size, can LoveLoud and how to inspire others to see what Jesus sees in your community and city. – Jerry Daniel (Rhododendron 3B) 22

CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS Mentoring (REPEATED) – Learn how to develop a Christian Women’s/Men’s Job Corps Ministry that is a proven model in helping adults move towards economic self-sufficiency while claiming their identity in Christ. – Valerie Carter (Mt. Laurel 3) Ministry Grid: Training Made Simple (REPEATED) – In this workshop, we will survey LifeWay’s latest resource for helping churches train leaders in anything and anywhere. Come learn about this unprecedented tool for developing leaders and servants in every area from ushers to the pulpit. – Jeffrey Curtis (Johnson Springs 1D) Ministry to the Military – Military families have many specialized and critical needs. Most of our churches have past or present military personnel. Come learn some keys to meeting the needs of the special group among us. – Willie Freeman (Mt. Laurel 4) Penetrating Lostness Through New Groups – To penetrate the lostness in our communities, we need to look with spiritual eyes to see those around us who need to meet Christ. I want to help you develop a missionary mindset and identify ways you can penetrate the lostness in your community through a variety of new groups. – Claude King (Johnson Springs 5 A & C) Success Strategies for Single Parent Families, Part 1 – Are you struggling as a single parent? You are not alone. Come learn strategies that will lighten the load and move you toward success in your family life. – Madeline Harris (Dogwood 1A) Team Leader and Basic Training for Mission Teams (REPEATED) – This class is designed to help those interested in knowing more about the volunteer mission preparation process, as well as advise you how to prepare your whole self — mind, body, soul and spirit for ministry. The most effective mission teams are those who are well prepared and have invested the time to understand worldview, have embraced the culture of their destination, and have developed and prepared for ministry within a specific strategy. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or this is your first time to lead an international missions trip, you will find that this interactive training a most helpful and practical resource. – Mike Coppedge (Dogwood 2A) The Art of Marriage, Part 1 (REPEATED) – This course will help couples blend their personalities and their life’s circumstances to create a divinely-inspired work of art — marriage. Every marriage is unique, expressed by the colorful personalities of each spouse and textured by the circumstances at play in their lives. Get ready to make a masterpiece of your marriage through this study. – Leroy & Cheryl Gainey (Johnson Springs 1H) The Effective Interim Pastorate – A transitional interim pastor is a temporary shepherd who is trained to lead a church through specific steps toward a healthy beginning for the arrival of the new pastor. This class will help you learn the roles and responsibilities of an effective interim pastor. This class will also give you practical tips and tools in assisting a local congregation that may be experiencing a transition in pastoral leadership. If you are looking to serve in an interim role or your church is without a pastor, then this class will give you the necessary information to assist you during the transition period.

– Willie McLaurin (Johnson Springs 2C) The Faces of Grief: Women’s Bible Study, Part 1 – The death of a loved one may send even the strongest believer into a tailspin. Marian Talley-Cunningham’s Bible study identifies the phases of grief, helping believers to acknowledge their pain and initiate the healing process.– Brenda Croston (Johnson Springs 5D) The George Liele Story (REPEATED) – Learn how the life of George Liele can impact your commitment to missions.

The first ordained Black Baptist preacher in America prior to the American Revolution, Liele was a slave. His is an amazing story of conversion, sacrifice, dedication, church planting, and missionary expansion. – Carlisle Driggers & Emmanuel McCall (Rhododendron 4) The Hidden Agenda of Abortion – Unbeknownst to many, abortion is the leading cause of death in the Black community. So why don’t we hear more about it? Those who attend this workshop will learn the truth about this taboo topic and leave equipped to lovingly and effectively inform others. – Arnold Culbreath, Catherine Davis, & Dean Nelson (Rhododendron 3A) The Revealing History of African Americans in Global Missions (REPEATED) – This topic will cover a revealing story of the impact of African American World Missionaries past and present. – Keith Jefferson (Dogwood 2C)

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CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS The Tenacity of Truth: Planting the Gospel in the New Cultural Climate (REPEATED) – The cultural climate has changed. Gospel resistance is on the rise. In many of our urban contexts teens, young professionals, and adults alike are increasingly challenged by the exclusive claims of Christ and Christianity. People are resisting exclusivity and embracing inclusivity like never before. As ambassadors for Christ we are charged with the responsibility of engaging skeptics, equipping believers, and expanding the Kingdom in this reality. So, how do we plant the gospel more effectively in our current cultural climate? How do we disciple believers who are prepared to intelligently and articulately engage their skeptic peers? In this class we will grapple with these challenges and explore concepts and methods aimed at planting the gospel in this American neo-cultural context. – Frank Williams (Mt. Laurel 1 A & B)

Traditional to Missional – The what of ministry is to declare God’s greatness and to call people to respond to the gospel. But sometimes the why of ministry escapes us. We should do the right thing, but we simply don’t have the motivation. Based on 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, this course places participants in touch with the heart of God -- the compassion, mercy, and love that drove Him to sacrifice His Son for their salvation. They will discover how they can join God on mission, sharing His love with everyone they meet, everywhere they go. – Larry Anderson (Rhododendron 2A) Transformational Discipleship: How People Really Grow Spiritually, Part 1 (REPEATED) – How do people really grow spiritually? Transformational Discipleship describes the process that brings to life that kind of person described in the Bible (Jeremiah 17). There’s no magic formula or mantra to recite here, but rather a substantive measure of research with churches and individuals who have wholeheartedly answered the call of Jesus to make disciples. – Ira Antoine (Dogwood 1B) Transformational Groups – Groups really do matter. Get a map to transformational success for your church’s groups ministry.

Using data from the largest survey of pastors and laypersons ever done on the condition of groups in the church, they define a simple process to lead your groups from where they are to where God wants them to be. – Bret Robbe (Johnson Springs 4 B & D) Ways to Grow and Improve Your Music Ministry – Music is the heart of a great worship experience. It helps to release people for worship and ready them to hear the preached Word of God. Come discover ways to grow and improve your music ministry.

This class has something for everyone; ministers, singers, instrumentalists and pew warmers.

– Russell Andrews (Johnson Springs 1G) Women Speak: Shared Wisdom for Women, Part 1 – If you are a woman who is married to a preacher, pastor, clergyman, ministry leader or missionary, or if you are in some way developing your own ministry, this is the class for you. Learn from the results of a study of 20 women who offer wise counsel and insightful guidance. – Wanda Taylor-Smith (Johnson Springs 5B) WORDSearch – This class will demonstrate to you how you can utilize WORDSearch Bible Software to help you study more efficiently and effectively. You’ll discover how to search by word, phrase, reference, and even by topic. Discover for yourself God’s Word and how it applies to your life daily. – Steven Ward (Johnson Spring 3 B & D) YOU Writer Development Track (Pre-Registered ONLY) – This three-day event is designed to train and equip current and aspiring Christian writers with valuable skills, strategies, and models that meet LifeWay writer standards. Participants will receive excellent instruction, networking opportunity, and valuable one-on-one time with editors.

– Beverly Sonnier (Johnson Springs 1 B & F)

THURSDAY, SESSION 6 - 9:30-10:50 A.M. Commitment Counseling (Decision Time) – When people come forward to make a decision, are you equipped to minister to them? This workshop prepares decision counselors to assist persons making a first-time commitment to Jesus, coming for baptism and church membership, needing assurance of their salvation, rededicating themselves to grow toward spiritual maturity, and making a commitment to vocational Christian ministry. – Victor Davis (Rhododendron 2B) Compliance, Reporting, and Retention Requirements for the Church Clerk or Administrator (REPEATED) – This class will focus on what forms must be filed with the IRS and/or what documents must be maintained or otherwise used in operating a church organization. – Calvin McMullen (Johnson Springs 1 A & E) Cultivating Creative Community Partnerships for the Urban Church (REPEATED) – How to strategically and creatively generate community-based opportunities to effectively accomplish Great Commission goals in the urban church.

– Darryl Gaddy (Rhododendron 4) 24

CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS Developing a Leadership Team – You are not a leader if no one is following and any leader can accomplish more if he/she develops a leadership team. Come learn strategies that will make your ministry more effective. – A. B. Vines (Johnson Springs 3 A & C) Dispelling the Myths of Missions (REPEATED) – As a missionary, she served God against immense trials and great victories. He revealed the myths that prevent African Americans and others from serving Him overseas, particularly in the South Asia region.

Sherri’s passion is to expose those myths and showcase the faithfulness of God to inspire others and to serve Him sacrificially in the last frontier. – Sherri Tolson (Dogwood 2B) Experiencing Intimacy with Your Heavenly Father – Many Christians have difficulty relating to God as heavenly Father because of past experiences. They need to know God’s healing touch and experience His unconditional love in order to begin experiencing intimacy with Him. Then they can learn to exercise their spiritual weapons that “have divine power to demolish strongholds” to help others. – Claude King (Johnson Springs 5 A & C) Explore the Bible Preview – New Design and New Impact (REPEATED) – LifeWay’s Explore the Bible curriculum has been offered only in an adult format in the past. This Fall, the curriculum is expanding to provide the unique opportunity for groups of all ages to study the Bible book by book together. Join Managing Editor Dr. Toby Jennings to learn more about this curriculum, which is projected to be the most widely used Bible study curriculum in the English language. – Toby Jennings (Johnson Springs 4 A & C) Extreme Sunday School Challenge: Engaging Our World Through New Groups (REPEATED) – This class presents a rationale for starting new Bible study groups in the local church. Explore the potential new groups carry in reaching a community and developing believers. Essentials for starting new groups are defined. – Eugene McCormick (Dogwood 1C) How Can Your Church Reach Young Adults? – In a poll result highlighted by CNN Headline News and USA Today, nearly half of non-churchgoers between the ages of twenty and twenty-nine agreed with the statement, “Christians get on my nerves.” Learn how to minister to a generation that is actually quite spiritual and yet cautious, open to Jesus but not the church. – Jason Earls (Johnson Springs 1G) Husbands & Wives in Ministry Forum, Part 2 – It is great when husbands and wives can minister together, but it also comes with its own challenges. Join a dialogue with two different kinds of successful ministry couples. Learn from their wisdom and experiences to strengthen your marriage and ministry. – Fred & Elizabeth Luter and T. Vaughn & Cheryl Walker (Rhododendron 1 A-C) I Got A Testimony! (REPEATED) – Sisters Who Care are sharing Christ and meeting needs for the uplifting of God’s kingdom.

Come, share and be encouraged as you learn what others are doing to reach their community for Christ. Stories will be recorded and shared with WMU, SBC. – Lorae Ponder (Mt. Laurel 3) Multiple Opportunities for Global Missions (REPEATED) – Have you been praying about an international mission trip , but don’t know how to get started? Come let us show the many opportunities God has for you in Global Missions. Let’s get going for JESUS. – Deborah Jefferson & Christian Jefferson (Dogwood 2C) Orientation to National African American Fellowship – The African American Fellowship of the SBC was formed to be a fellowship of churches within the SBC to help plant, evangelize and develop churches within the cultural context of the African American community. Come and be introduced to the leadership and structure of this fellowship.

– K. Marshall Williams (Mt. Laurel 4) Navigating the SBC (REPEATED) – The Southern Baptist Convention is a multifaceted organization. Come and learn its mission and structure and how the local church benefits from joining other churches in this Kingdom enterprise.

– Ken Weathersby (Rhododendron 3B) Planting Transformational Churches that Impact the Inner City (REPEATED) – Six essentials that are critical to impacting the issues of and addressing the needs of our communities. – Erik Cummings (Mt. Laurel 1 A & B) Prayer Is Essential in Reaching the Nations With the Gospel (REPEATED) – This class will discuss The School of Prayer for All Nations. It is an experiential-based school, which equips you to: walk closer with God, pray more fervently for spiritual awakening, and intercede more effectively for missionaries and the nations. – Gordon Fort (Dogwood 2A) 25

CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS Ready Church: Disaster Relief – Churches have a great opportunity to bring help, healing and hope to their communities immediately after a disaster. Churches that take time to be ready to respond to meet those needs are 10 times more effective than those who are not. This workshop will give you a series of simple steps to help your congregation to be a “Ready Church.”

– Fritz Wilson (Mt. Laurel 1 C & D) Restorative Reentry Ministry: Local Churches Becoming Healing Communities for Individuals and Families Impacted by the Justice System (REPEATED) – Local churches have a critical role in providing a safe place for people affected by crime and incarceration to experience healing and restoration. The Healing Communities model is a framework for church leaders to use in preparing members to care for people in their own congregations and communities impacted by the justice system. Learn how to demonstrate God’s love to those who have family members in jail or prison and to the tens of thousands of returning citizens who have discovered their need for God while incarcerated. – Jerry Daniel, Harold Trulear, & Tony Kitchens (Jim Henry Auditorium) Success Strategies for Single Parent Families, Part 2 – Are you struggling as a single parent? You are not alone. Come learn strategies that will lighten the load and move you toward success in your family life – Madeline Harris (Dogwood 1A) The Art of Marriage, Part 2 (REPEATED) – This course will help couples blend their personalities and their life’s circumstances to create a divinely-inspired work of art — marriage. Every marriage is unique, expressed by the colorful personalities of each spouse and textured by the circumstances at play in their lives. Get ready to make a masterpiece of your marriage through this study. – Leroy & Cheryl Gainey (Johnson Springs 1H) The Benefits of a Church Compensation Plan….Things You Need – As a church, you have a responsibility to take care of those who serve you, while seeking to be good stewards of your financial resources. This seminar will help in designing a compensation package for the pastor and staff. – Shawn Dorrough (Mt. Laurel 5) The Effective Interim Pastorate (REPEATED) – A transitional interim pastor is a temporary shepherd who is trained to lead a church through specific steps toward a healthy beginning for the arrival of the new pastor. This class will help you learn the role responsibilities of an effective interim pastor. This class will also give you practical tips and tools in assisting a local congregation that may be experiencing a transition in pastoral leadership. If you are looking to serve in an interim role or your church is without a pastor, then this class will give you the necessary information to assist you during the transition period. – Willie McLaurin (Johnson Springs 2C) The Faces of Grief: Women’s Bible Study, Part 2 – The death of a loved one may send even the strongest believer into a tailspin. Marian Talley-Cunningham’s Bible study identifies the phases of grief, helping believers to acknowledge their pain and initiate the healing process. – Brenda Croston (Johnson Springs 5D) The Hidden Agenda of Abortion (REPEATED) – Unbeknownst to many, abortion is the leading cause of death in the Black community. So why don’t we hear more about it? Those who attend this workshop will learn the truth about this taboo topic and leave equipped to lovingly and effectively inform others. – Arnold Culbreath, Catherine Davis, & Dean Nelson (Rhododendron 3A) Traditional to Missional (REPEATED) – The what of ministry is to declare God’s greatness and to call people to respond to the gospel. But sometimes the why of ministry escapes us. We should do the right thing, but we simply don’t have the motivation.

Based on 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, this course places participants in touch with the heart of God -- the compassion, mercy, and love that drove Him to sacrifice His Son for their salvation. They will discover how they can join God on mission, sharing His love with everyone they meet, everywhere they go. – Larry Anderson (Rhododendron 2A) Transformational Discipleship: How People Really Grow Spiritually, Part 2 (REPEATED) – How do people really grow spiritually? Transformational Discipleship describes the process that brings to life that kind of person described in the Bible (Jeremiah 17). There’s no magic formula or mantra to recite here, but rather a substantive measure of research with churches and individuals who have wholeheartedly answered the call of Jesus to make disciples. – Ira Antoine (Dogwood 1B) Transformational Groups (REPEATED) – Groups really do matter. Get a map to transformational success for your church’s groups ministry. Using data from the largest survey of pastors and laypersons ever done on the condition of groups in the church, they define a simple process to lead your groups from where they are to where God wants them to be. – Bret Robbe (Johnson Springs 4 B & D)

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CLASS TITLES / DESCRIPTIONS Why Groups Matter for YOU (REPEATED) – LifeWay’s latest research on Transformational Groups reveals why groups matter and the big lessons all discipleship ministries must know. At the end of this class, you will understand the significance of this research for the YOU curriculum’s discipleship strategy. – Charles Grant (Johnson Springs 1D) Women Speak: Shared Wisdom for Women, Part 2 – If you are a woman who is married to a preacher, pastor, clergyman, ministry leader or missionary, or if you are in some way developing your own ministry, this is the class for you. Learn from the results of a study of 20 women who offer wise counsel and insightful guidance. – Wanda Taylor-Smith (Johnson Springs 5B) WORDSearch (REPEATED) – This class will demonstrate to you how you can utilize WORDSearch Bible Software to help you study more efficiently and effectively. You’ll discover how to search by word, phrase, reference, and even by topic. Discover for yourself God’s Word and how it applies to your life daily. – Steven Ward (Johnson Spring 3 B & D) YOU Writer Development Track (Pre-Registered ONLY) – This three-day event is designed to train and equip current and aspiring Christian writers with valuable skills, strategies, and models that meet LifeWay writer standards. Participants will receive excellent instruction, networking opportunity, and valuable one-on-one time with editors.

– Beverly Sonnier (Johnson Springs 1 B & F)

FRIDAY, SESSION 7 - 8:00-9:20 A.M. Acts 1:8: Leaving Jerusalem for the Greater Mission (REPEATED) – While many of our church members and leaders are familiar with the Acts 1:8 passage, too few have been able to realize the entire command by “leaving our Jerusalem.” In this session, we will uncover some of the consistent challenges that keep us from being on mission the way God intended, and discover some practical ways to fulfill His “greater mission.” – Tim Cotler (Jim Henry Auditorium) Deuteronomy: A Challenge for a New Generation, Part 4 – Get an exciting preview of our Convention wide January Bible Study for 2015. The Book of Deuteronomy is more than rules and regulations. Experience how it speaks life to the challenges of a new generation. – Michael Pigg (Johnson Springs 3 A & C) Experiencing God: A Documentary – Over its 24 year history, Experiencing God has been used by God to change lives and develop deep koinonia in churches and discipleship groups. This film documentary tells the stories of lives changed by God through the message of Experiencing God. Receive inspiration and learn ways to join God’s work in changing the lives of a new generation of disciples. – Claude King (Johnson Springs 5 A & C) How to Win Lost People Without Losing the People in Your Home – How to recognize and prioritize their family and their home as indispensable keys to evangelism and discipleship. – Michael Allen (Rhododendron 3B) Making Disciples In and Through the Criminal Justice System: Starting a Discipleship Movement in the Criminal Justice System, Part 2 – From local prisons to the re-entry process for Criminal Justice returning citizens, life is being transformed through an organic church planting movement. This workshop will take a look at how the Criminal Justice System is becoming a vibrant, healthy, missional community of disciples who love God and demonstrate their love by practicing organic multiplication principles that transforms the darkness among them. – Rickie Bradshaw (Mt. Laurel 1 C & D) Revival and Awakening: The Greatest Need of Our Cities (REPEATED) – While evangelism and disciple-making are the primary work of the local church, we will not experience a “Pentecost-like” transformation in our cities and towns until the Church returns to a focus on the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. This workshop will consider the history of Christ awakenings in America and how we might prepare for a sovereign visitation of the Holy Spirit. – Gary Frost (Rhododendron 4) Rules and Regulations for Operating a Faith-Based Organization – This course will focus on the do’s and don’ts in operating a FBO or church auxiliary organization using faith-based funds. The particular emphasis will be on how to operate a FBO in your church legally without jeopardizing the traditional mission of the church. – Calvin McMullen (Johnson Springs 1 A & E) Ways to Grow and Improve Your Music Ministry (REPEATED) – Music is the heart of a great worship experience. It helps to release people for worship and ready them to hear the preached Word of God. Come discover ways to grow and improve your music ministry. This class has something for everyone; ministers, singers, instrumentalists and pew warmers. – Russell Andrews (Johnson Springs 1G) 27

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2014 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference CONFERENCE EVALUATION • Send email notifications about 2015 event: (email)____________________________________________ • How many times have you attended this conference? ________ • Does your family attend this event?

Yes No Why? INSTRUCTIONS Please place and X in the boxes below in response to the items listed below. Rate aspects of the conference on a 1 to 5 scale: 1 = “Very dissatisfied,” or the lowest, most negative impression 2 = “Dissatisfied”.

3 = “Neutral”, impartial impression.

4 = “Satisfied”.

5 = “Very Satisfied,” or the highest, most positive impression.

Leave the category blank if the item is not appropriate or not applicable to you. Your feedback is sincerely appreciated. Thank you.

Please indicate your overall satisfaction with this conference Very Dissatisfied

Dissatisfied

Neutral

Satisfied

Very Satisfied

1

2

3

4

5

Overall Conference Content Registration Process Meals On Campus Lodging Off Campus Lodging Courtesy/Efficiency of LifeWay Staff Early Morning Worship Morning Bible Exposition Woman2Woman Man2Man Monday Evening Worship Tuesday Evening Worship Wednesday Evening Worship Thursday Evening Worship Printed Materials/Program Pre-Conference Publicity Cleanly Conference Center Women’s Banquet Minister & Wives Banquet

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Workshop Title: ____________________________________________ Workshop Content (Circle your response to each item.)

1=Strongly disagree 2=Disagree 3=Neither agree nor disagree 4=Agree 5=Strongly agree N/A=Not applicable 1. I was well informed about the objectives of this class.

2. This class lived up to my expectations.

3. The content is relevant to my life and/or ministry.

1 1 1

2 2 2

3 3 3

4 4 4

5 5 5

N/A N/A N/A

Workshop Design (Circle your response to each item.)

4. The class activities stimulated my learning.

5. The difficulty level of this class was appropriate.

6. The pace of this class was appropriate.

7. The audio and video resources used in this class were well done.

1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4

5 5 5 5

N/A N/A N/A N/A

Workshop Instructor (FACILITATOR) (Circle your response to each item.)

8. The instructor was well prepared.

9. The instructor was helpful.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A 1 2 3 4 5 N/A

Workshop Title: ____________________________________________ Workshop Content (Circle your response to each item.

See scale above) 1. I was well informed about the objectives of this class.

2. This class lived up to my expectations.

3. The content is relevant to my life and/or ministry.

1 1 1

2 2 2

3 3 3

4 4 4

5 5 5

N/A N/A N/A

Workshop Design (Circle your response to each item.

See scale above) 4. The class activities stimulated my learning.

5. The difficulty level of this class was appropriate.

6. The pace of this class was appropriate.

7. The audio and video resources used in this class were well done.

1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4

5 5 5 5

N/A N/A N/A N/A

Workshop Instructor (FACILITATOR) (Circle your response to each item. See scale above) 8. The instructor was well prepared.

9. The instructor was helpful.

1 2 3 4 5 N/A 1 2 3 4 5 N/A

What were the major strengths of this conference? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What were the major weaknesses of this conference? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Topics I would like repeated or addressed: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Comments: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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CHALLENGE CHALLENGE y t stud y rren udoa curr d ent st Find wnl d dow Find cu nloa and do th topics and eonth m topifrcs on on ee,, one-mat a free a preview at om. w ie ev pr rojectt..c com. p spel gosp elprojec go

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