A. Strategies for Being a Single-Friendly Church: How to be a church that attract, integrate and empower singles
Dr. Barry N. Danylak, PhD
Singles remain underrepresented in every area of church life. This session offers a pastor’s perspective on some lessons learned in how to draw singles into the local church community and integrate them into every aspect of church life. Whether your church is large or small, we will address a variety of ways and approaches to engaging singles into community, effectively discipling them, and releasing them for service and leadership in the church.
B. Friendship and Singleness
Lewie Clark
As the kingdom of God expanded we see how ministry flowed out of the friendships between singles such as Barnabas, Paul, Titus, Timothy, and Luke. In this breakout session we will look at: the factors in North American culture that inhibit singles in developing friendships; how friendship comes from the essence of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and how they relate to one another and mankind; the misconceptions about friendship within the church; and practical steps a single can take to build friendships.
C. Sexual Discipleship: Living Out God’s Design, God’s Way, in God’s Power Modeling and Teaching a Lifestyle of God’s Truth as it relates to our Sexuality
Dr. Kevin Trick
It’s not enough to know what we, as Christ-followers, are to think; we must be trained in how to think and how to follow Christ obediently in our real-life decisions and the struggles we face. We may know that God wants us to save ourselves sexually until marriage, but we must understand why purity matters, what to do if we’ve made mistakes, and how God enables us to live a life that honors Him. We must learn how to apply the broader message of the gospel (Jesus’ love and redemption, the power of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling) to our lives in all circumstances.
D. Roots to Branches: Thriving through Challenging Circumstances
Jutta Wittmeier
We all start with hopes, plans and dreams for a wonderful future. Many of us, however, find ourselves on a path we didn’t anticipate. Sometimes we are there because of unanticipated results of our own choices, but often we are there because of the choices of others; choices over which we have no control. In this workshop we will explore how the unexpected losses in life can be the opportunity for growth.
E. The Improbable Romance of Jim and Elizabeth Elliot: What Happens When a Dedicated Celibate Meets the Woman of His Dreams
Shafer Parker
Jim Elliot was committed to living the single life in service to the Lord. Then he met Elizabeth, the first woman whose single-minded determination serve God equalled, or perhaps exceeded, his. Their diaries and letters form the basis for a deep examination of how serious-minded single Christians balance priorities under the Lordship of Christ.
F. Evangelism in Our Everyday Life
Andrew Fewell
As our time is limited, we need to make the most of every opportunity to point people towards Jesus. No matter what stage of life you’re in, God provides opportunities and wants to use you! Come join the fun and be engaged in this interactive workshop as we look at different tools on how to share your faith.
G. Cast Your Net on the Other Side: Improving Your Odds at Finding Love
Amy Beange
So often, Christian women think that God will simply drop the man of their dreams into their lap “when the time is right”. But what if God wants to partner with you in your love life rather than doing it for you? Remember the saying, “God can’t steer a parked car”? Let’s explore some of the ways that we accidentally sabotage ourselves and what simple things we can do to improve our odds in our quest for love.
H. Conflict Resolution
Patricia Garner
In this session we will identify your current, and most preferred conflict management style (both strengths and weaknesses). Participants will gain some self-awareness of “the think-feel-do cycle” and we will on touch on strategies to handle emotions in self and others.