Jeremie Beller – Edmond, Oklahoma

Intergenerational Ministry and Faith (Friday 9:45 & 11:00 Rm 012)

God envisioned a vibrant church made up of young and old growing together in faith. As statistics point to increasing numbers of youth and young adults leaving the church, a return to the intergenerational model of ministry might be part of the answer.

Ron Bontrager – Lubbock, Texas

A Treasure Trove of Preaching Ideas from Hebrews (Friday 11:00 Rm 124)

The author of Hebrews called his epistle a “word of exhortation” (13:22), which characterizes what all Christian preaching should be. This class will offer numerous examples of both the content and types of sermons, and it will include suggestions on planning a series of sermons and consider special challenges facing those who preach from this beloved epistle.

Blan Chrane – Mexia, Texas

Ministry to Parents with Adult Children (Friday 9:45 & 11:00 Rm 210)

A ministry offering confidential prayer, confidential support, and a safe place to talk in a small group setting about their adult children who have fallen away from God and the church. The causes for the prodigal exodus range from homosexuality and rape to drug and alcohol abuse. It is a way to help parents, who are not comfortable or are ashamed to talk about this with the church family, to have a confidential voice, support, and help while they wait for the Lord to answer the prayers offered on their children’s behalf. We don’t offer solutions or helpful tips for what does and doesn’t work. We know that only God can provide healing in our kid’s lives. We listen without judgment. We support without hesitation. We pray without ceasing or doubt. The Devil has many ways to draw our kids away from Christ. The world has many mixed messages that are bombarding our adult children. Choices and actions have consequences. But one thing that doesn’t change is that no matter what happens, parents are never to give up on their kids!

Steve Diggs – Nashville, Tennessee

Leading Your Church Through “Me” Culture (Thursday 9:45 & 11:00 Rm 214)

Each year Steve Diggs shares fresh insights on contemporary church leadership with a special focus on techniques for making our historic message relevant in today’s culture. This year Steve will be presenting a series of 10 thought-provoking concepts that will radically improve how we do church.
Challenging! Encouraging! Upbeat!

Gary Dodd – Nashville, Tennessee

Let’s Hang on to What We’ve Got! (Friday 11:00 Rm 214)

Jesus Christ made us holy by the sacrifice of his body once for all (Heb. 10:10). Since Christ saved us, we have a lot of love between us and are called to a dynamic relationship with him. Hebrews expands the Gospel by exhorting us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess” (10:23). Though Satan endeavors to shake our confidence, let’s hold on to what we’ve got (10:32-39)

Gibby Gilbert – Lubbock, Texas

Family and Youth Ministry: A Learning Experience (Friday 9:45 The Well)

The Hebrew writer states in chapter 12:1 “…since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” then proceeds to challenge his readers with necessary actions based on the testimony of the lives of those who had demonstrated faithfulness to God. As we look back over the 60-plus years of ministry to families and youth in the churches of Christ, let’s review those actions that have honored God and commit to the godly practices that we should pursue in the future.

Jimitri & Ruby Green – Commerce, Texas

Ministering as a Couple (Thursday & Friday 9:45 Rm 124)

The focus of this class is to provide insight and encouragement to families in the role of ministry. Traditionally, when a minister is hired for a role in the church, there can sometimes be unspoken, very few, or no expectations of his family. This has caused wives to feel pressured into assuming certain roles, or feeling uneasy pressure of being a minister’s wife, which sometimes leads to disruption at home. This class will focus on establishing expectations and will discuss how to have great success through ministry as a team with family alongside and involved in carrying forth a mission.

Keith Harris – Lewisville, Texas

Surviving Selfishness (Thursday 3:00 Rm 012)

One of the most challenging temptations in our world today is the desire to exalt self. In a world that celebrates individualism, that says, “You do you,” and, “Do what makes you happy,” selfishness is the dominant force directing the steps of so many. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to humble ourselves, to consider the needs of others above our own, to submit our will and lives to the will of God. So, how are we to survive in a society that would have us believe “It’s all about me!”?

David Hurlocker – Ephrata, Washington

Following Jesus’ Method of Making Disciples (Thursday & Friday 9:45 Rm 126)

It seems odd that the church committed to the Great Commission of Jesus to make disciples of all the people groups would be in decline in our nation. It is not enough to believe in Jesus’ mission. We also must be committed to Jesus’ method of making disciples who make other disciples. These practical classes examine the process Jesus used to make His disciples. He simply shared His life and teachings with those he discipled. His method is so effective it impacted the very history of civilization! Those early disciples grew the number and devotion of disciples from a few to many multitudes in a very short time. His method can easily be implemented in every congregation regardless of attendance or staff size. These classes focus on the Life-on-Life discipleship method of Jesus with an emphasis on how we can create relational disciples in every local congregation today!

Aubrey Johnson – Old Hickory, Tennessee

Imagination Therapy: The Golden Rule and Your Marriage (Friday 3:00 Rm 012)

In Matthew 7:12 Jesus shared His most powerful tool for living an abundant life. The Golden Rule is also the world’s most effective tool for improving your marriage. If you understand and apply this simple rule, it will take your spiritual life and relationships to a whole new level.

John Knox – Lubbock, Texas

How to Respond to a Person in Crisis (Thursday 11:00 Rm 010)

A member of your congregation is facing a personal crisis. An unexpected death or the onset of a serious illness creates an immediate need. Personal crisis takes multiple forms. Are you prepared to serve well during such times?

How the Church Can Help a Community in Crisis (Friday 11:00 Rm 010)

A tornado strikes. A young person loses their life in a car crash. A crisis can strike a community with no warning. How can the church serve effectively in such circumstances?

Jeff Lane – Wolfforth, Texas

Forgiveness and Restoration (Friday 9:45 Rm 214)

Many people find it difficult to forgive. This is especially true for adult survivors of unhealthy homes and child abuse. In this class we will look at what forgiveness is and what it isn’t, and show that extending forgiveness may not be as difficult as we originally thought.

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Wes McAdams – Plano, Texas

Living New Creation Lives (Thursday 9:45 & 11:00 Rm 012)

Paul wrote, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” This idea that we are new creation people living in the midst of a world that is passing away should be the lens through which we see everything. How would we live our lives if we truly embraced the idea that the new creation has come and we are already part of it?

Jennifer McWhinney – Lubbock, Texas

I Am Because He Is (Friday 11:00 Flag Room)

This session will focus on the transformative power of God in building our confidence in who we are. It will provide a reminder of the role we have in choosing to follow God and learning to rejoice through trials as His glorious spirit rests upon us.

Matthew Morine – Castle Rock, Colorado

Sharing the Gospel in Today’s Culture (Thursday & Friday 3:00 Rm 210)

How do you share the gospel in a way that connects to people? Culture has shifted, and we can learn how to share Jesus in a way that is not awkward or forceful, but natural. Learn how to tell your story to break through the barriers that people have in speaking about spiritual things. Learn the dynamics within culture that make evangelism hard currently, and learn the solutions to these barriers. In this session you will learn how to read people to know when to share the gospel, how to open the door to your faith journey, and how to deal with a different way of thinking when it comes to sharing Jesus.

John Orr – Fort Worth, Texas

Increasing Your Tribe with Bible Classes (Friday 11:00 Rm 126)

In this class you will be given the tools you need for Bible classes on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Every attendee will be given a free HomeMission workbook on how to accomplish growing the church through Bible classes.

Johnnie Perkins – Lawton, Oklahoma

The Intent of Biblical Texts (Thursday & Friday 9:45 Rm 010)

These classes focus on exploring texts through meaningful conversations, developing a contextual mindset, and learning to let the Bible speak to us. We will emphasize understanding and applying the intent of the Bible to deepen our engagement and interpretation.

Tae Perkins – Lubbock, Texas

Discovering a Key to Deeper Connections (Thursday 9:45 & 11:00 Flag Room)

Loneliness is at an all-time high in our society today. We feel it in our own lives and see it play out in the lives of those around us. The first class will focus on how listening strengthens our relationship with God. The second class will explore how listening well profoundly impacts and deepens our relationships with others.

Recardo Reyes – Corpus Christi, Texas

God Speaks into Their Darkness (Thursday 9:45 Rm 212)

There is no greater sermon than a transformed life! Come and hear about how God has spoken into the darkness of lost people through discipleship, support groups, recovery, and the church. The gospel message is transforming drug addicts, gang members, and criminals into humble, loving servants.

God Speaks to Me, That I May Speak. (Thursday 11:00 Rm 212)

The Gospel message is saving the worst of sinners! Come and hear about God speaking to us about answering the call, about what He tells us to say, about the mission He has given us, and to whom He tells us to speak.

Daniel Smith – Surprise, Arizona

The Role of the Church Family in Youth Ministry (Thursday 9:45 The Well)

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 portrays faith development in youth as occurring during the regular rhythm of life and inclusive of the entire family of faith. This class will seek to explore practical ways congregations can join with families in raising the next generation of Christians.

The Smith Family

The Wonder Years: Missionary Panel (Thursday 11:00 Rm 124)

This class will feature a panel of three brothers who experienced life (1978-1985) as teenage children of missionary parents in Africa. They will share transformative experiences and lessons learned, offer recommendations for missionary families, and demonstrate the power of God to use MKs in His service.

Chase Turner – Monroe, Louisiana

Spanish-speaking Ministry/Church Plants (Friday 9:45 & 11:00 Rm 212)

The Herald of Truth has developed a prototype for effective outreach to the Hispanic communities in the U.S. Come and learn the most effective ways to establish or enhance Spanish-speaking ministries in the U.S.

John Wheeler – Celina, Texas

Lessons Learned from Church Planting (Thursday 11:00 Rm 126)

Shawnee Trail Church of Christ planted a new congregation in Celina, Texas. This class will cover how this plant came to be from inception in 2019, to launching in 2021, and to appointing elders in 2024.

Kerry Williams – Tupelo, Mississippi

Church Growth with Young Professionals (Thursday 3:00 Flag Room)

The West Main congregation in Tupelo, Mississippi, has experienced unprecedented growth among young professionals to the point that 3-4 families are visiting each week and the young adults class now has 60-70 on Sundays. This class will discuss some factors that have contributed to the congregation’s growth with young families.

The Challenge of Restorationism (Friday 3:00 Flag Room)

This class provides insights taken from the SIBI Graduate School Doctoral class, Restoration Theology. We will explore the challenge of balancing the restoration principles of “unity” and “conformity to scripture.”