AI and Faith: Embracing Technology in Christian Ministry
Session 1 - Introduction to AI: Aligning with Christian Ethics and Values (Josh Sewell)
We kick off with a foundational understanding of AI, breaking down its complexities and addressing common myths. This session aims to harmonize the principles of AI with Christian ethics, providing a reassuring perspective on how technology and faith can coexist.
Session 2 - AI in Church Administration and Operations (Josh Sewell)
Discover how AI can revolutionize church management and enhance community engagement. We will introduce practical AI tools that streamline administrative tasks, foster efficient decision-making, and personalize community interactions, showing how technology can be a powerful ally in church operations.
Session 3 - AI in the Pastoral Role (Josh Sewell)
In our final session, we explore the potential of AI as a support tool in pastoral duties. From sermon preparation to personal development, we examine how AI can assist in pastoral care while maintaining the crucial human touch. This session also addresses the ethical considerations of integrating AI into spiritual guidance.
Biblical Counseling
Session 1 - The Sufficiency of Scripture to Counsel (Dr. Jonathan Hayashi)
Biblical Counseling deals with the complex issues that sin brings upon one’s life. In spite of the range of various topics, the Bible says, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3). Scripture is sufficient to help in all life and matters in life.
Session 2 - The Pastor as Counselor (Dr. Jonathan Hayashi)
The task and role of pastor is, “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,”(Eph 4:12). The pastor is a disciple-maker and counselor through God's sufficient Word to equip the flock through the local church as tools in the redeemer’s hand.
Session 3 - Counseling Through Trials, Sufferings, and Grief (Dr. Julie Ganschow)
In this workshop, our goal will be how to practically but compassionately minister biblical truth to the grieving heart. We will also look at disappointment and anger toward God and address the 'why' questions that all sufferers tend to ask.
Bio: Dr. Jonathan Hayashi has a B.A. of Pastoral Ministry, M.A. of Congregational Leadership and a D.Ed.Min. of Biblical Counseling. He presently serves as a pastor in the north of the KC area and on the Executive Committee at Southwest Baptist University (Bolivar, MO), and additionally on the Board of Trustees at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jonathan is a contributor for the bi-weekly journal, Pathway (Missouri Baptist Convention), and is the author of Ordinary Radicals: A Return to Christ-Centered Discipleship, as well as Making Lemonade: Turning Past Failures into Gospel Opportunities. He is a Level II-certified biblical counselor with the ACBC
Bio: Dr. Julie Ganschow has been involved in biblical counseling and discipleship for more than 25 years. She has a M.A. of Biblical Counseling, a Ph.D., Biblical Counseling, and is certified through ACBC and IABC. She is the founder and Director of Reigning Grace Counseling Center, and the founder of Biblical Counseling for Women. She is a featured contributor in GriefShare, serves on the Advisory Board of The Fallen Soldiers March, and is a commissioned member for The Addiction Connection. She has also authored numerous books and co-authored the training course.
Evangelism: The Heart, Mind, and Soul of Evangelism
Session 1 - Developing a Heart for Evangelism (Jon Henderson)
This will be a challenge from God's word on the importance of living the life of an evangelist. What we do with our lives and how we portray Christ is just as important if not more so than what we say. It will give you encouragement to live in such a way that people will be drawn to the Gospel.
Session 2 - How to Lead Someone to Christ (Jon Henderson)
This is a step by step instruction on how to lead someone to Christ. Many of us know what we believe, but we do not know how to convey God's Word in a way that people can understand. Once you have this system down, it will make it easier to give the Gospel.
Session 3 - Reaching the Soul through your Personal Testimony (Jon Henderson)
This will help you to take ordinary situations in life and turn conversations towards Spiritual discussions. You will learn how to use your personal testimony to draw people to Christ. Most people do not share their faith because they do not know how. You will be given the tools necessary to share your faith without fear.
Bio: Jon Henderson has been in ministry for over 38 years. He started at Kansas City Youth For Christ and was trained under Dr. Al Metzker. In 1990 he moved to NW Missouri and served with Midland Ministries. In 2011 He became the Executive Director and CEO. He managed a staff of 17 youth ministers, with ministries of evangelism, discipleship, and missions. Recently God changed his ministry to become Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Clay Center Kansas. His desire is to reach people with the Gospel and train others to fulfill the Great Commission.
Ministry Wives - Renewed (Based upon 2 Cor. 4:16)
On the best of days, ministry life is challenging and rewarding. On the roughest, it can leave us feeling disconnected and weary, wondering how we're going to make it through. Whatever season of ministry you find yourself in today, sweet Sister, you are not alone. Grab a warm drink, pull up a chair, and join us as we draw encouragement from Paul's letter to his friends in Corinth and discover together how to thrive in ministry.
Session 1 - Don’t Lose Heart: Facing the Challenges Head-on (Yvonne Hanson)
Session 2 - Rooted: Finding Deep Satisfaction in our Relationship with Christ (Yvonne Hanson)
Session 3 - Renewed: Establishing Rhythms that Refresh and Renew (Yvonne Hanson)
Advanced Communications
Session 1 - ANNOUNCEMENTS! ANNOUNCEMENTS! ANNOUNCEMENTS! (Ben Schnipper)
What gets announced on a Sunday morning? What gets announced on your social media? Who gets to make those announcements? What is your strategy for communicating with your church? Do you have a plan? Let’s talk about how to communicate things to your church? Ben will help you create a fool proof plan to make sure everyone in your church hears everything you need them to hear, all the time. THAT LAST SENTENCE IS A BIG FAT LIE.
Session 2 - How to Use Canva Effectively to Help Communicate (Ben Schnipper)
Do you struggle to make sermon graphics, facebook posts, invite cards, announcement slides, etc., then you should come to this session. We will have a discussion and demonstration on how to use Canva. Canva is a graphic design program that is extremely user friendly and also FREE. Don’t worry if you are not a graphic designer, because Ben isn’t either. He has learned and is learning Canva on the fly. We will talk about what Canva does and then create graphics together.
Session 3 - Technology for the Rural Church: How can they come if they don’t know where you are? How can they know where you are if they can’t contact you? (John Loyd) Getting connected to people…Getting connected online…Getting connected to Social Media
Worship
Session 1 - Artistry in Worship (Brad Kerr)
How artistry assists in leading worship through song and corporate worship.
Session 2 - Building Volunteers (Brad Kerr)
Round table discussion about raising volunteers to worship ministry.
Session 3 - Service Planning (Laurel Owens)
Select a preselected list of songs, scriptures, and other elements to plan a worship service.
Youth & Children
Session 1 - Child Abuse Awareness/Prevention Training I*
Session 2 - Child Abuse Awareness/Prevention Training Part II*
Session 3 - Child Abuse Awareness/Prevention Training Part III*
*Training will cover all (3) Sessions. If participants sign-up for this track they should be committed to stay for the duration of the (3) sessions.
STEWARDS OF CHILDREN® Training
Stewards of Children® is an evidence-informed, award-winning two and a half hour training that teaches adults to prevent,recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Through interviews with a very diverse group of people with lived
experience, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities.
Learning objectives guiding this training include:
Recognize the power and impact you have within your sphere of influence
Distinguish between the myths and facts of child sexual abuse
Examine ways to minimize opportunities for abuse in a variety of situations including online and gaming environments
Discuss strategies to bridge cultural gaps that may potentially inhibit open communication.
Training Features
Delivered in a trauma informed way by instructor who has been rigorously trained
Features powerful videos paired with robust facilitated discussion
Teaches three foundational empowerment skills:
Highlights The 5 Steps to Protecting Children™ and how to apply them to better protect children from child sexual abuse.
