BREAKOUT SESSION 3
7. How God Changes Lutherans
(and Everybody Else)
Luke Allison, St. Paul
Bulverde, TX
What is sanctification? Luther called it “the work by which God the Holy Spirit makes us holy, that is, brings us to Christ our Lord and enables us to live a godly life.” Yet many walk away from the faith because they find living a godly life to be impossible. So how do we do it? Luke Allison will walk through the basic biblical concepts on transformation, how we experience it, and how to help other people experience new life in Christ, too.
Session 3 – YOUTH ROOM
8. Media and the Message
Robert Castro, Trinity Church
Pell Lake, WI
We live in a culture where young people commonly learn about God through media, if they are learning about God at all. Today’s media is full of spiritual messages that are confusing if not deceptive. Come and discover the various spiritualities that are presented to youth through media that are counterfeit alternatives to Christianity. How can we address this through apologetics and ensure our youth are not led astray by the messages found in popular culture?
Session 3 – CHOIR ROOM
9. The Multicultural Church –
A Vision for Today
Chris Holder,
Concordia University Texas
Austin, TX
While our communities, schools, and workplaces become more culturally diverse, many of our churches remain anything but. Yet as all nations are coming to us, we no longer have to look or go very far to become diverse in our disciple making. The multi or intercultural church does not have to be just a glimpse into eternity or a vision for the future, it can be something we experience here and now!
Session 3 – ROOM 118 & 120
10. The A, B, C’s of Genesis 1, 2, 3
Beverly Kelling, St. Paul
Hondo, TX
In today’s culture, sometimes our boat springs leaks because we are not sure how to answer life’s biggest questions (e.g. What is our purpose? Why does evil exist? How can we have hope?). We can find answers to these questions from the first three chapters of Genesis. When we understand the ABC’s of Genesis 1, 2, 3, we have a Biblical foundation to not only stay afloat but even ‘get out of the boat’ and walk against the cultural current.
Session 3 – HAX HALL
11. Back to Basics
Julie Smith, LCMC
St. Peter, MN
The core values of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ did not arise out of thin air, nor are they interpreted in a vacuum. Join Julie Smith for an exploration of how our core values are informed by Luther’s Catechism and how reading them together can help us imagine how to more fully engage our core values in our work as congregations, as a district, and as an association.
Session 3 – SANCTUARY
12. Passion with Purpose –
Applying the Great Commission to the Global Mission
Brett Hendrickson
Blessman International
Urbandale, IA
Join Brett Hendrickson as he shares the amazing story of a medical doctor from Iowa who was called to mission work in South Africa. For 23 years, Dr. Jim Blessman has poured out his life to bring the gospel message and love of Jesus to the children of this country of great contrast. Through Doc’s journey, you will discover the value and power of partnership and how it can be leveraged to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission.
Session 3 – HANDBELL ROOM
13. Staying Flexible in Ministry
Christian Huntley, LCMC
Bayport, MN
Having trouble filling the sign-up sheet again? Over time our ministry can drift out of alignment with the needs of our community or the gifts and needs of our congregation. Christian Huntley will explore how congregations can stay faithful and flexible by regularly evaluating their ministry and leaders. Evaluation can help congregations get unstuck and align people’s gifts congregational mission.
Session 3 – ROOM 111
14. Brimming with Children
Cindy Bailey, Emmanuel
Inez, TX
Children are not just junior church members, but disciples who carry forward the Gospel today and for future generations. Want to see your congregation come alive with children who are active and involved? Join Cindy Bailey as she shares from her experience of a children’s ministry that is a blend of serious commitment and joyful play. You will learn methods that have been effective and explore how your congregation can tailor these ideas to fit your unique context.
Session 3 – ROOM 107A
15. Sharing Christ with others through Digital Communications
Diana Pimentel-Moreno, Our Saviour’s
Victoria, TX
Whether your church is large or small, has a big budget or none at all, Digital Communications is a great tool to help us share Christ with others. Effectively utilizing email, your website, and social media platforms will help you better connect with your members as well as reach a wider audience in your community and beyond. Join Diana Pimentel-Moreno for ideas on how you can share the message about your church and its mission through Digital Communications.
Session 3 – ROOM 107
16. Transforming Church Spaces for Mission –
Creative Ways to Engage Your Community
Tracee Swank
Church Doctor Ministries
Corunna, IN
CANCELLED DUE TO ILLNESS. PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER BREAKOUT
17. Always Swab the Poop Deck –
Maintaining Excellence in the Church Environment
Colton Johnson
Lightwell Insurance Advisors
Sherwood, AR
Our physical church environments tell a story. Did you know that 93% of communication is nonverbal and comes from our body language and tone, while only 7% arises out of our words? The same is true for our physical ministry space. Does your space clearly communicate a message that is consistent with your vision and values? Join Colton Johnson and Lightwell and explore how to create a ministry environment that sends the right message to members and guests alike.
Session 3 – ROOM 209 & 211
18. The Love Paradox
Jim Mariott
Concordia University Texas
Austin, TX
The Love Paradox by Karl Galik explores the relationship of loving God and your neighbor as yourself. As church workers, we often strive to love God and others but struggle to love ourselves as God loves us, leading to fear, frustration, and even burnout. The Love Paradox equips us to more effectively love ourselves and better manage anxiety, rest, restoration, and rejuvenation. Whether you are running on empty or looking to sustain your current pace, this is the breakout for you!
Session 3 – ROOM 213 & 215