JULY 20–24, 2020 Leadership and Family Conference
JULY 19–23, 2021
Pastors Transformational Conference
lifeway.com/blackchurchlife 828-669-8022
Event details subject to change. WELCOME FRIENDS,
I think we can all agree that these are challenging days—the pandemic, racial tensions, unemployment, sickness, death, and more. That’s why we did not want to cancel our 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference. Thank you for joining our free online conference this year. God gave us our theme, Challenged 2 Love, a year ago and it is right on time for this moment. Mark 12:30–31 (CSB) is what we often call the Great Commandment. It says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.” We love the Great Commission, but this week we will look at how the Great Commandment makes the Great Commission possible. This challenge reminds us that truly loving God is expressed in four dimensions—heart, mind, strength, and neighbor—and loving our neighbors includes loving strangers, foreigners, the poor, and people of different ethnicities. Brenda and I are so excited for this new online experience! We’ve been to the mountain many times, but this week we will meet Him together in this new sacred space. As we gather online this week, we believe God has something amazing in store for each of us. We have prayed and planned an inviting, invigorating, instructional, and inspirational week for you. It is our hope that you will leave this online conference rested, refreshed, re-energized, revived, and ready to step up your game back home in the places and tasks to which God has called you. The Challenge 2 Love changes everything—this year on the monitor, next year on the mountain!
Be Blessed!
Dr. Mark A. Croston, Sr. National Director, Black Church Ministries
1 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference is sponsored by:
MARK CROSTON, SR. JASON THOMAS LifeWay Christian Resources International [email protected] Missionary Board [email protected]
WILLIE MCLAURIN DHATI LEWIS SBC Executive Board North American [email protected] Mission Board [email protected]
SHAWN DORROUGH VALERIE CARTER SMITH GuideStone Financial Woman’s Missionary Union Resources [email protected] [email protected]
MARSHAL AUSBERRY National African American Fellowship [email protected]
2 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference KEY LEADERS
DARRON EDWARDS ADRON ROBINSON BEN MANDRELL
Senior Pastor Senior Pastor President & CEO United Believers Community Church Hillcrest Baptist Church LifeWay Christian Resources Kansas City, MO Country Club Hills, IL Nashville, TN
MICHAEL PIGG CHRSTINA ZIMMERMAN FRED LUTER
Senior Pastor YOU Content Editor Lead Pastor Philadelphia Baptist Church LifeWay Christian Resources Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Lithonia, GA Nashville, TN New Orleans, LA
CURTIS WOODS BREONUS MITCHELL JAMES MCCARROLL
Associate Executive Director Lead Pastor Senior Pastor Kentucky Baptist Convention Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church First Baptist Church Louisville, KY Nashville, TN Murfreesboro, TN
3 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference MORNING BIBLE EVENING EXPOSITION WORSHIP 8:00 a.m. ET 8:00 p.m. ET
MONDAY– Mark Croston MONDAY– Darron Edwards TUESDAY– Michael Pigg TUESDAY– Ben Mandrell WEDNESDAY– Mark Croston WEDNESDAY– Adron Robinson THURSDAY– Curtis Woods THURSDAY– Fred Luter + Who-So-Ever-Will Virtual Choir FRIDAY– James McCarroll FRIDAY– Breonus Mitchell
CLASS TRACK GUIDE
Bible Study Pastor Church Administration Service Church Growth Sunday School/Small Groups Contemporary Issues Technology/Discipleship Tools Discipleship Wellness (Mental) Evangelism & Missions Wellness (Physical) Finance WMU/Sisters Who Care Kids Women’s Ministry Language Worship/Arts Leadership Young Adult Marriage/Family Youth Men’s Ministry Missions (International) North American Mission Board
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5 Shifts to Transform Your Ministry Deacons: How to Become a Darron Edwards, Senior Pastor, United Servant Leader Believers Community Church (Kansas City, Breonus Mitchell, Lead Pastor, Mt. Gilead MO), Trustee at LifeWay Christian Resources Missionary Baptist Church (Nashville, TN) Explore five micro-shifts that have the potential to produce Apply biblical principles of servant leadership to your macro changes in your church. You will discover how to ministry. By following the pattern of Jesus’ ministry of integrate these micro-shifts into the life of your church, training people to do kingdom work, learn to develop into starting with the way you disciple. You will finish by servant leaders. developing a plan to structure, communicate, and evaluate these changes to ensure that they take root and pave the way for lasting change and kingdom impact. Developing a Music School in Your Church—A “Musical” Black Millennials and the Church Community Outreach Micah Gaines, Worship Pastor, Consolidated Cecelia Robinson, Director, Jubal Arts Center, Baptist Church (Lexington, KY) East End Baptist Church (Suffolk, VA) With research findings based on a nationwide study of Learn the dos and don’ts of developing and maintaining black young adults, this session equips church leaders an effective music school in your church. Use the music with a profile of black millennials that will help churches school to not only teach the expressive arts to develop continue to effectively attract and make disciples of this quality musicians but also to develop lasting relationships emerging generation of young adults. within the community.
Christian Exercise Flow & Devotion Group Espanol: Autopsia de una Iglesia Muerta Candace Croston, Abundant Life Property Rodolfo Lagos, Pastor/President of Alianza Solutions & Investments LLC; Communications Hispana Bautista de California (Burbank, CA) Director, Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church Whether your church is vibrant or dying, whether (Nashville, TN) you are a pastor or a church member, Autopsy of a Don’t have enough time for your daily exercise and daily Deceased Church will walk you through the radical paths devotions? You don’t have to choose one over the other necessary to keep your church alive to the glory of God this week. Start your day off right with exercise and and advancement of Christ’s Kingdom! (Presented in devotions combined in one. Spanish)
Creating an Effective Ministry: Chess Essentials for Maintaining Personal Not Checkers Health for Ministry Willie McLaurin, Vice President for Great Marshal Ausberry, Senior Pastor, Antioch Commission Relations/Mobilization, Executive Baptist Church (Fairfax, VA); President, Committee of SBC (Nashville, TN) National African American Fellowship, SBC If you are ready for your church and ministry to go to the Robyn Ausberry, First Lady, Antioch Baptist next level, then it’s time to learn a new game. This breakout Church (Fairfax, VA) session explores the blueprint for unleashing talents, The time and energy pastors devote to the never-ending passion, and creativity in your church and propels you to demands of ministry—if not recognized and managed— greater ministry effectiveness. You will learn the simple can be detrimental to our physical health, the health of our framework needed to be successful in your ministry. marriages, our families, finances, and personal spiritual well-being. This session provides practical steps for restoring and maintaining a healthier balance in life and fruitfulness in ministry.
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For Such a Time as This: Being a Woman How to Use “Active” and “Passive” of Courage Content on Social Media Kathryn Freeman, Lawyer (Austin, TX) Chris Martin, Content Strategist, LifeWay Queen Esther was more than just a pretty face. Through Christian Resources (Nashville, TN) her courage, leadership, wisdom, and discernment in the Most church social media managers are short on time, so face of a hostile culture, she was able to save a whole it’s important to make the most of the time you do have. In generation of Israelites. Christian women today are facing this session, I will explain the difference between “active” similar challenges. Everywhere we turn, we are confronted and “passive” social media content, and explain how a little by a culture that encourages beauty without wisdom, bit of planning can save you a lot of time. compromise without conviction, and luxury over sacrifice. This workshop will encourage women to be a part of an Esther generation that trusts God and lives courageously Intentional Student Discipleship: How “for such a time as this.” Will also utilize Beth Moore’s Esther study. to Move Students From Curious to Consecrated Getting the Most Out of the New YOU John Paul Basham, Manager, Student Publishing, LifeWay Christian Resources Christina Zimmerman, YOU Content Editor, LifeWay Christian Resources (Nashville, TN) (Nashville, TN) In today’s ministry landscape, there are so many Conferees will be led through the process for becoming competing factors in the lives of students and parents. In a writer for LifeWay. Learn how to qualify and receive order to disciple their students well, youth pastors must guidance for writing Sunday School lessons and articles, have a framework in place to help them accomplish their specifically for the YOU Sunday School curriculum. If goals. This training will cover several steps for a youth you have a heart to write and want to minister to people pastor to consider when building a discipleship plan. through your writing, this session is for you. Meritorious Marriage, Part 1 Grade School: VBS Bible Study—Concrete Stanley Parker, Senior Pastor, Faith Fellowship & Cranes—Foundation of Love Baptist Church (Lansing, MI) Ashlin Jenkins, Ministry Assistant, East End We will present biblical knowledge in an understanding Baptist Church (Suffolk, VA) manner which allows the attendees to exercise wisdom in applying the practical steps outlined. For more than We will be looking at the Bible story of how Jesus chose 30 years, these proven techniques have transformed Matthew. The point of this lesson is to show and encourage dead, destroyed, divided, and distant marriages into how Jesus chooses to love us, no matter what. In return, meritorious ones. we should show love to others the way Jesus shows love to us.
Survive or Thrive—PASTORS ONLY Healing the Hearts of Broken Men Bryant Lee, Lead Pastor, Higher Expectations Michael Figgers, Author, Director of Music & Church, The Collaborative Fellowship Worship, Nations Ford Community Church (Humble, TX) (Charlotte, NC) Survive or Thrive training encourages pastors to discover This class is designed specifically for men and speaks to blind spots, overcome hurdles and pitfalls, and develop key the importance of addressing the pain and brokenness and critical relationships while developing tools for that many men live with daily as a result of past lifelong ministry. experiences and emotional hurts. This class ministers to the scars, resentment, bitterness, anger, and low self- esteem that many men wrestle with on a daily basis, primarily because they do not feel that there is a safe place to reach out for help. Furthermore, this class offers practical tools needed to identify and overcome these life wounds, become emotionally healthy, and live a better life through Christ our Lord. 6 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference MONDAY
Undivided, Part 1 Women of the Word, Part 1 NAMB Brenda Croston, Conference Speaker, Teacher, We are meant to be an undivided example in a divided Women’s Ministry Leader, Mt. Gilead Missionary world. In NAMB’s free, five-week Undivided video series Baptist Church (Nashville, TN) and discussion guide, pastors J.D. Greear and Dhati Lewis This class offers practical guidance and helpful tips for unpack what it looks like to move your church toward women who want to go deeper in their study of the Bible genuine gospel community across racial lines. and learn how to teach others to do the same.
What’s Next? YOU Bible Study, Fall Session 1— Robert James, Senior Pastor, Zion Missionary Place God First Baptist Church (Roswell, GA) Christina Zimmerman, YOU Content Editor, This class will help pastors and leaders navigate a LifeWay Christian Resources (Nashville, TN) new paradigm of ministry and mission after seasons Take a deeper dive into the YOU Bible study. We’ll look at of uncertainty. the “Place God First” session with the YOU content editor. Learn how each component works and why it matters. Where Do We Go from Here? Recapturing a Legacy of Global YOU Lesson Review—We Are Joined Evangelization to Reach the Unreached Together Jason Thomas, African American Church Mobilization Strategist, IMB Mark Croston, Program Director, National Director of Black Church Ministries, LifeWay The African American church has a strong history of Christian Resources; Executive Pastor, thriving through adversity while still focusing on world Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church evangelization. This breakout will explore how we can (Nashville, TN) revive those core tenets to increase our numbers in global missions to reach the unreached no matter the cost. Not able to make it to your Sunday School workers’ meeting this week? Got you covered. Here is a review of this week’s YOU and Bible Studies for Life Bible studies Who’s Your One? about the church in the Book of Ephesians. Leroy Fountain, Church Health Strategist, New Orleans Baptist Association (New Orleans, LA) This class will introduce participants to an evangelism emphasis which focuses on challenging every believer to intentionally pursue one person with the hope of sharing the gospel to the end that they accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Those attending this class will be both equipped and challenged to answer the question, “Who’s your one?”
WMU Overview Valerie Carter Smith, Woman’s Missionary Union, National WMU Sisters Who Care Facilitator, Mt. Tabor Baptist Church (Richmond, VA) Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) provides training and support for women’s mission groups. Sisters Who Care is the Black Church emphasis of WMU. Learn about the many things they do and how they can help enhance your ministry.
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Break the Power of Prejudice Meritorious Marriage, Part 2 Mark Croston, Program Director, National Stanley Parker, Senior Pastor, Faith Fellowship Director of Black Church Ministries, LifeWay Baptist Church (Lansing, MI) Christian Resources; Executive Pastor, We will present biblical knowledge in an understanding Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church manner which allows the attendees to exercise wisdom (Nashville, TN) in applying the practical steps outlined. For more than Prejudice is part of the fallen human condition. Learn from 30 years, these proven techniques have transformed the Word of God how we can overcome it through the dead, destroyed, divided, and distant marriages into power of the Holy Spirit. meritorious ones.
Children’s Choir Missions Relevance Test: Are You Really Russell Andrews, Minister to Music, East End Baptist Church (Suffolk, VA) On Mission? Michelle Fergus, Singing Hills Baptist Church; All kids are welcome to come join Mr. Andrews to learn for music time. Sisters Who Care - WMU of Texas (Dallas, TX) Will your ministry pass the missions relevance test? In this session, we will do a reality check on our missions Christian Exercise Flow & Devotion Group effectiveness as we analyze typical missions efforts. We Candace Croston, Abundant Life Property will also explore how a business mindset can enhance our Solutions & Investments LLC; Communications missional strategy in the local church. Director, Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church (Nashville, TN) Don’t have enough time for your daily exercise and daily Organizing for Big Results through Your devotions? You don’t have to choose one over the other Sunday School this week. Start your day off right with exercise and devotions combined in one. Charles Grant, Conference Speaker (Mt. Juliet, TN); New Church Catalyst, Tennessee Baptist Convention (Brentwood, TN) FUGE Gathering—Remembering the Growing your Sunday School is more than just getting a 2019 Excitement teacher and giving them a quarterly. Come learn a few Join us for a look back at 2019 Black Church FUGE! simple strategies to organize your Sunday School for big results.
How to Grow Your Church Removing the Stain of Racism Cindy Landes, Marketing Strategist, LifeWay from the SBC Christian Resources Curtis Woods, Associate Executive Director, Simple solutions to help your church thrive. Kentucky Baptist Convention (Louisville, KY) The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) once affirmed Internet Preaching slavery and openly opposed and condemned abolitionists. Mark Croston, Program Director, National Even though the convention repented of this sin publicly, a profound divide between the white majority and the Director of Black Church Ministries, LifeWay black and brown minority still exists for many churches. Christian Resources; Executive Pastor, This stain is more than historical fact; it prohibits Southern Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church Baptist churches from embracing the one new man (Nashville, TN) in Christ promised in Ephesians 2:11–22. Removing the Preaching in the church to a congregation and on the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention internet to an audience are not the same. Join us for is a powerful and practical call to sacrifice, humility, some practical insights and tips on making your internet and perseverance—along with a relentless commitment preaching more effective. to Christian unity—for the sake of the gospel and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
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Scrappy Church The Painful Side of Leadership Herbert Ponder, Pastor, Mount Tabor Baptist Breonus Mitchell, Author, Lead Pastor, Church (Richmond, VA) Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church Church leaders need not feel hopeless. Learn how to (Nashville, TN) break out of the mediocrity of the same, lame, and tame Christian leadership is often likened to the peaceful image existence of church. Your church can make a difference. of a shepherd leading his sheep. But the truth is that sheep tend to wander toward trouble, and shepherds don’t always handle the challenges of their job with grace and ease. Gain biblical insights to better manage painful SIGN LANGUAGE: A Challenge Comes ministry circumstances, relationships, and choices. with Every Change, Acts 12 Mark Croston, Program Director, National Director of Black Church Ministries, LifeWay The Power of Groups Christian Resources; Executive Pastor, Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church Michael Kelley, Senior Vice President, Church (Nashville, TN) Ministries, LifeWay Christian Resources (Nashville, TN) Here is an offering for our friends who need Sign Language. We all face changes. Learn how God can help As the church begins to regather, we should remember us overcome the challenge that comes from change. that God has designed our meetings, particularly in smaller groups and classes, to be the primary environment for spiritual transformation. This class will examine both the Starting a Church Plant the Right Way statistical and biblical reasoning and evidence why we & Helping Smaller Church Pastors must, as church leaders, both see and seize the power of groups. in Growth Quincy Stratford, Senior Pastor, Carmel Friendship Church (Wesley Chapel, FL) Undivided: Ignorance, Part 2 We should not despise small beginnings, but we do need NAMB to get them right. How you begin impacts how you will We are meant to be an undivided example in a divided grow. Learn how to plant and/or grow churches that may world. In NAMB’s free, five-week Undivided video series be small today but will grow tomorrow. and discussion guide, pastors J.D. Greear and Dhati Lewis unpack what it looks like to move your church toward The Church and the Racial Divide genuine gospel community across racial lines. Bible Study ERLC What About Me? Staying Healthy The average Christian may not fully understand why racial and Whole (While You’re Helping reconciliation is a gospel imperative. And the average Others), Part 1 pastor may not know how to pursue it. This Bible study features a multi-voice video series from evangelical leaders Renee Hill Carter, Writer, Minister and Soul that sheds light on issues of race, culture, and the gospel, Care Provider (Charlotte, NC) and equips small groups to take action. -- Imago Dei; God’s Serving, encouraging, watching and caring for the souls Heart for All People; Breaking Down the Walls; Pursuing of others can lend itself to neglecting and dismissing your Gospel Relationships; Race and Culture; Where Do We Go own feelings, emotions and personal challenges. This from Here. can have a negative impact on your whole being, spirit, soul and body. Not an indictment but an incitement to maximize self-care of God’s wonderful and marvelous temple—you.
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Worship Essentials Roy Cotton, Sr., Director of African American Ministries, Baptist General Convention of Texas (Dallas, TX) Learn how to grow a healthy worship ministry without starting a war!
Women of the Word, Part 2 Brenda Croston, Conference Speaker, Teacher, Women’s Ministry Leader, Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church (Nashville, TN) This class offers practical guidance and helpful tips for women who want to go deeper in their study of the Bible and learn how to teach others to do the same.
10 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference WEDNESDAY
5 Conversations to Have with ESPANOL - Dios Puede Utilizar Hasta a Your Daughter Mí, Hebreos 11:11 Kim Coleman, First Lady, First Baptist of Mark Croston, Program Director, National Crestmont (Willow Grove, PA) Director of Black Church Ministries, LifeWay Your daughter’s growing up. The world has a lot to say to Christian Resources; Executive Pastor, her, and she’s starting to listen. Even if she doesn’t quite Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church know it, she needs you more than ever. It’s time for you (Nashville, TN) to press in, to tell her some things she might not know This study is a reminder that God can use any of us for His (or might have forgotten) about who she is in God’s eyes. glory. (Presented in Spanish) These are just five conversations, but they could be the basis for a whole new way of relating to your daughter. Evangelizing for Big Results Through 8 Keys to Authentic Christian Leadership Your Sunday School During Conflict and Crisis Michael Pigg, Senior Pastor, Philadelphia Baptist Church (Lithonia, GA) Mark Johnson, Senior Pastor, Edgewater Baptist Church; Associate Faculty, New Other methods may grow your church numerically, but Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (New Sunday School is still one of the best ways to grow your Orleans, LA) church both numerically and spiritually. Come learn how to make your Sunday School both a reaching and teaching Every church will experience conflict and times of crisis. force in your church. What matters is how you will come out on the other side. Learn 8 keys of Christian leadership that can successfully take you through and leave you better on the other side. Facebook Ads Made Simple Cindy Landes, Marketing Strategist, LifeWay Christian Exercise Flow & Devotion Group Christian Resources (Nashville, TN) Candace Croston, Abundant Life Property A step-by-step guide for how to launch a Facebook or Solutions & Investments LLC; Communications Instagram ad for your next church promotion. Director, Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church (Nashville, TN) Don’t have enough time for your daily exercise and daily FUGE Gathering: Worship devotions? You don’t have to choose one over the other this week. Start your day off right with exercise and A special FUGE worship gathering will be led by Kellie and devotions combined in one. Kristen (music) and Curtis Zachary (sermon).
Connecting with NAMB Gospel Foundations 3: Longing for a King Kevin Ezell, President & CEO, NAMB Darron Edwards, Senior Pastor, United The North American Mission Board is the leading church Believers Community Church (Kansas City, planting network and offers tremendous opportunities in MO); Trustee, LifeWay Christian Resources compassion ministry and evangelism. We’ll introduce you to the leaders of our organization and the best ways to In Longing for a King, God’s people live in the Promised connect with our ministries and team. Land, but they are not free. Their rebellion against their Redeemer has led to their oppression. They long for a King to overthrow their enemies and lead them into Discover Your Creative Evangelism Style! prosperity. Learn how God was faithful to provide Kings Richard & Karen Lee, Sub-Saharan African who would lead His people faithfully. But even the best Peoples, IMB of these human kings could not overthrow their greatest oppressor—the sinfulness of their hearts. In this breakout session you will explore and discover the unique way God has shaped you to share the gospel.
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How to Make Sure Your Members Are Preschool Storytime: Colorfull by Dorena Growing in Christ Williamson Charles Grant, Conference Speaker (Mt. Juliet, Ashlin Jenkins, Ministry Assistant, East End TN); New Church Catalyst, Tennessee Baptist Baptist Church (Suffolk, VA) Convention (Brentwood, TN) In this story we will discover and celebrate the colors God How do people really grow? Learn the process that brings gave you. to life that kind of person described in the Bible. There’s no magic formula or mantra to recite here, but rather a substantive measure of research with churches and The Emotionally Healthy Pastor individuals who have wholeheartedly answered the call of Ben Mandrell, President & CEO, LifeWay Jesus to make disciples. Christian Resources (Nashville, TN) Pete Scazzero, Co-Founder, Emotionally Healthy Discipleship (Queens, NY) Lead Like Jesus: Starting a Sisters Who Care Ministry In the midst of a season of stressful decisions and heightened isolation, we wanted to provide a timely Valerie Carter Smith, Executive Director/ resource to help pastors slow down and focus on their Treasurer, Women’s Missionary Union, National spiritual and emotional health. WMU Sisters Who Care Facilitator, Mt. Tabor Baptist Church (Richmond, VA) The Love UpRISING Jesus gathered a group of ordinary folks around himself Senior Pastor, Zion Missionary and discipled them for kingdom service. Are you feeling Robert James, called to lead like Jesus? You may be surprised to know Baptist Church (Roswell, GA) that WMU makes disciples of Jesus who live on mission. This class will help pastors and leaders train the next Come and explore the possibilities! generation for community engagement and ministry.
Missional Discipleship Understanding Worship Mark Croston, Program Director, National Haywood Robinson, Senior Pastor, The Director of Black Church Ministries, LifeWay People’s Community Baptist Church (Silver Christian Resources; Executive Pastor, Springs, MD) Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church Paul’s admonition in Romans 12:1–2, frames worship for (Nashville, TN) the believer as a personal response to 1) God’s gracious actions on our behalf in the past and 2) the generous Having a few classes is not enough. Learn the why’s and benefits of those actions we continue to enjoy each day. how’s of making your discipleship ministry effective, Believers are encouraged to freely, fully, and faithfully getting the real job done, and turning members into express gratitude to God through worship of Him as a missionaries. way of life.
Political Disciple: Stewarding Our Public Witness in the Age of Tribalism Understanding Young Adult Church Kathryn Freeman, Lawyer (Austin, TX) Dropouts and What to Do About It Scott McConnell, Director, LifeWay Research, The goal of this workshop is to help attendees understand how to engage politics and public policy from a biblical LifeWay Christian Resources (Nashville, TN) perspective. Participants will take away basic tools to Research among young adults shows that 66% stop engage in public policy discussions in a way that upholds attending church regularly between ages 18–22. But the biblical truth and the command to love your neighbor as research also listened to their reasons why. We will look yourself. at practical steps we can take now to keep Millennials and Generation Z in church.
12 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference WEDNESDAY
Undivided: Awareness, Part 3 NAMB We are meant to be an undivided example in a divided world. In NAMB’s free, five-week Undivided video series and discussion guide, pastors J.D. Greear and Dhati Lewis unpack what it looks like to move your church toward genuine gospel community across racial lines.
We Have This Ministry: How Associate Ministers Can Take Their Ministry to the Next Level James McCarroll, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church (Murfreesboro, TN) This class will explore new insights on how associate ministers can enhance their proficiency in ministry and congregational service. It will provide some pivotal insights on leading worship, performing pastoral care, and structuring/enhancing their preaching.
Women of the Word, Part 3 Brenda Croston, Conference Speaker, Teacher, Women’s Ministry Leader, Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church (Nashville, TN) This class offers practical guidance and helpful tips for women who want to go deeper in their study of the Bible and learn how to teach others to do the same.
13 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference THURSDAY
12 Ways to Make Cash Without Cash Connecting M&M Dots: Missions and Iris Perkins, Author, Entrepreneuer, First Lady Ministry in the Local Church of Shalom Baptist Church (Newport News, VA) Carolyn Fountain, Women’s Mission and Ministry President, Louisiana Baptist Like the woman who swept her house to find the lost Convention (New Orleans, LA) coin, this class offers 12 ways to find cash you never knew you had. Have you ever wondered why WMU and Women’s Ministry is needed in your church? This session will explore the whys and hows for leading women to be strengthened in Big Results: Teaching Preschoolers discipleship and missions. & Children Brenda Croston, Conference Speaker, Teacher, Connecting with Generation Z Women’s Ministry Leader, Mt. Gilead Missionary Jerome Coleman, Lead Pastor, First Baptist Baptist Church (Nashville, TN) Church of Crestmont (Willow Grove, PA) This course will provide the basics of Sunday School Not every young person is a millennial. Come learn how to organization and practice for churches serving the Black connect with and minister to Generation Z. community. This is an attempt to answer the question, “What can we do in our Sunday School to maximize our impact for the spiritual growth and development of our How Should I Respond to Politics? children?” Mark Croston, Program Director, National Director of Black Church Ministries, LifeWay Breaking Barriers and Maximizing Christian Resources; Executive Pastor, Measurables Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church Quincy Stratford, Senior Pastor, Carmel (Nashville, TN) Friendship Church (Wesley Chapel, FL) Politics is a tricky subject, but our YOU Bible Study lessons speak directly to it. Investigate the Scriptures on how to be The average church in the US is about 200 members. effective for the kingdom of God in the arena. Don’t settle for average. If we will reach the world for Jesus we need you to learn how to break the 200 barrier. I Second that Emotion Breathing Life Into Sunday School Darron Edwards, Senior Pastor, United Scott McConnell, Director, LifeWay Research, Believers Community Church (Kansas City, MO) LifeWay Christian Resources (Nashville, TN) Trustee at LifeWay Christian Resources Many Sunday Schools are on life support and need new Emotions affect our worship life, our work life, and our life breathed into them. Learn 12 essentials that can help wedded life. Learn practical applications and biblical any Sunday School regain health and vitality in fulfilling the principles to help deal with them in the right way. Great Commission’s command to go and make disciples. Conference is based on a new 2019 book by the presenter. Marriage Talk 1 Dexter Hardy, Campus Pastor, Eastside Baptist Christian Exercise Flow & Devotion Group Church; Auther/Co-Founder of Married with Candace Croston, Abundant Life Property Passion and Purpose (Smyrna, GA) Solutions & Investments LLC; Communications Author, Speaker, Pastor’s Wife, Director, Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church Kim Hardy, and Co-Founder of Married with Passion and (Nashville, TN) Purpose (Smyrna, GA) Don’t have enough time for your daily exercise and daily As great as marriage is it can at times be a struggle. devotions? You don’t have to choose one over the other Get some real talk about real life and biblical solutions this week. Start your day off right with exercise and that work. devotions combined in one.
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Ministry to Women: The Essential Guide Unleashing the Power of Wordsearch for Leading in the Local Church Steven Ward, Training Specialist, Wordsearch Kelly King, Manager of Magazines/Devotional Bible Software (Austin, TX) Publishing and Women’s Ministry Training, This class will demonstrate to you how you can utilize LifeWay Christian Resources (Nashville, TN) Wordsearch Bible Software to help you study more efficiently and effectively. You will discover how to search This class provides a solid theological framework that by word, phrase, reference, and even by topic. Discover for will serve as a foundation for practical ministry. Covering yourself God’s Word various topics including discipleship, events, mentorship, communication, and crisis, this resource will challenge your status quo in women’s ministry and platform your day- to-day administration as you lead women to walk more closely with Christ and serve Him in the local church. VBS Gospel Presentation Chuck Peters, Director of Operations, LifeWay Kids, LifeWay Christian Resources (Nashville, TN) Racial Reconciliation in the Southern Sharing a Gospel invitation with children at their level can Baptist Convention be a challenge. See a complete and yet age appropriate Mark Johnson, Senior Pastor, Edgewater presentation here. Baptist Church; Associate Faculty, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (New Orleans, LA) Racism is sin. Repentance, reconciliation, and restoration may sound radical, but they are required for all serious believers.
Remember the Prisoner: Criminal Justice Reform and the Church Kathryn Freeman, Lawyer (Austin, TX) This workshop will examine the role of Christians in the national conversation about criminal justice reform. Participants will learn about principles for reform and promising reform initiatives and learn how their church can get involved in bringing restoration where there was once brokenness.
Undivided: Intentionality, Part 4 NAMB We are meant to be an undivided example in a divided world. In NAMB’s free, five-week Undivided video series and discussion guide, pastors J.D. Greear and Dhati Lewis unpack what it looks like to move your church toward genuine gospel community across racial lines.
15 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference FRIDAY
African Americans Through History Who Four Pastors of Different Ethnicities Talk Shaped Missions About Race Richard Lee, Sub-Saharan African Peoples, IMB Christ Fellowship Teaching Pastors (Miami, FL) Throughout history, African Americans have played an Pastors Omar Giritli, Mark Croston, Carlos Cardenas important role in reaching a lost world for Christ. Come and Rick Blackwood engaged in conversation about and learn about some of these and explore ways you can racial injustice through the lens of the gospel, leaving us play your part in reaching a lost world. challenged and encouraged.
Christian Exercise Flow & Devotion Group How Should Christians Homeschool Candace Croston, Abundant Life Property Solutions & Investments LLC; Communications Their Child(ren)? Director, Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church Tracy Y. Woods, Primary Home Educator, (Nashville, TN) Language Arts Tutor, and Challenge B Director for Classical Conversations Don’t have enough time for your daily exercise and daily devotions? You don’t have to choose one over the other “The chief end of education is to know God and make Him this week. Start your day off right with exercise and known and govern your life according to His principles.” - devotions combined in one. James B. Watson, 1st President of Arkansas AM&N College. One of the greatest dangers that believers face revolves around outsourcing our child’s learning to public educators Decluttering Your Soul without monitoring their learning experience. What does Iris Perkins, Author, Entrepreneuer, First Lady it mean to be a productive citizen who promotes human of Shalom Baptist Church (Newport News, VA) flourishing while thinking distinctly Christian. This seminar will strengthen your ability to “take every [educational] Holding on to anger, bitterness and resentment are like thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). filling your spiritual house with clutter. You won’t have a pleasant day until you clean things up. Join me on a journey to declutter your soul. Jesus on Leadership: How to Become Expanding Your Ministry Through a Servant Leader Partnerships Breonus Mitchell, Author, Lead Pastor, Dennis Mitchell, Executive Director, Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church National African American Fellowship, SBC (Nashville, TN) (Atlanta, GA) By following the pattern of Jesus’ ministry of training people to do Kingdom work, you will learn to apply biblical This session provides participants an overview of biblical principles of servant leadership to your ministry. principles for ministry partnerships and an overview of Mission and ministry resources and partnership opportunities. Leading a Special Needs Ministry Exploring Prayer Brenda Croston, Conference Speaker, Teacher, Women’s Ministry Leader, Mt. Gilead Missionary Iris Perkins, Author, Entrepreneuer, First Lady Baptist Church (Nashville, TN) of Shalom Baptist Church (Newport News, VA) It is our duty to make the gospel of Jesus Christ accessible Lord, teach us to pray, is what the Disciples asked Jesus. and plain to all people, including individuals who learn in It is also what every modern disciple needs to know. manners different from the status quo. Come and discover simple, easy ways to share the gospel with exceptional and Special Needs learners.
16 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference FRIDAY
Marriage Talk 2 Technology Insights for Churches with Dexter Hardy, Campus Pastor, Eastside Baptist Less Than 300 Members Church; Author/Co-Founder of Married with Michael Pigg, Senior Pastor, Philadelphia Passion and Purpose (Smyrna, GA) Baptist Church (Lithonia, GA) Kim Hardy, Author, Speaker, Pastor’s Wife, and Co-Founder of Married with Passion and Cutting edge technology is not just for mega churches. Learn some key insights for smaller churches that can help Purpose (Smyrna, GA) with member care, communication, giving, evangelism, As great as marriage is it can at times be a struggle. worship, and more. Get some real talk about real life and biblical solutions that work. The Ministry of Reconciliation: Peace with God and Each Other Missional Execution Kenneth Lewis, Director of Information Mark Croston, Program Director, National Services, Assistant Professor of Practical Director of Black Church Ministries, LifeWay Theology, Mid-America Theological Seminary Christian Resources; Executive Pastor, (Cordova, TN) Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church The ministry of reconciliation is the duty of every believer. (Nashville, TN) Stop standing on the sidelines and learn how to get in After discussions with leaders across the country, two the game. things are clear: we have plenty of ideas, and we need help executing to get them accomplished. Struggle no more. Undivided: Gospel Community, Part 5 This is the class you have been waiting for. NAMB We are meant to be an undivided example in a divided Operation Save Our Pastors world. In NAMB’s free, five-week Undivided video series LeJoia VanHook, Educator and Author and discussion guide, pastors J.D. Greear and Dhati Lewis (Nashville, TN) unpack what it looks like to move your church toward genuine gospel community across racial lines. This class will dig deep into the challenges of leading a flock and the effects it brings. It will challenge the church to take better care of their shepherd. What About Me? Staying Healthy and Whole (While You’re Helping Pastors Are People Too: For Members Others), Part 2 Who Love and Want to Support Renee Hill Carter, Writer, Minister and Soul Their Pastors Care Provider (Charlotte, NC) Bryant Lee, Lead Pastor, Higher Expectations Serving, encouraging, watching, and caring for the souls Church; President, The Collaborative Fellowship of others can lend itself to neglecting and dismissing your (Humble, TX) own feelings, emotions, and personal challenges. This can have a negative impact on your whole being, spirit, The pastors care for the flock (Acts 20:28), but who cares soul, and body. Not an indictment but an incitement to for the pastor? Pastors Are People Too aims at helping maximize self-care of God’s wonderful and marvelous leaders and members develop strategies, care for, and temple—you. encourage pastors.
Where Do We Go from Here – How to Pray 4 Every Home Work Locally for Police Reform Oza Jones, African American Specialist, Baptist General Convention of Texas (Dallas, TX) Jerome Coleman, Lead Pastor, First Baptist Church of Crestmont (Willow Grove, PA) Pray 4 Every Home is an evangelism strategy that is easy to employ, can get everybody involved, and will show What is police reform; what kind of police reform do we real results. need; and how can the church help.
17 2020 Black Church Leadership and Family Conference FIND MORE OF YOURSELF IN YOU.
With a lens on urban and multicultural Bible study, YOU follows the same study plan as Bible Studies for Life, but is written from the ground up for your unique ministry context.
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• Personal group participation • Group leaders and discussion • Five daily devotionals per week
YOU + Bible Studies for Life From Sunday to your everyday.
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