March 1, 2025
9:15 am – 2:00 pm

Crown Heights Christian Church
4020 N. Western Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Schedule

9:15  Registration & Coffee

9:45  Welcome!

10:00  Workshops – Session 1

11:00  Workshops – Session 2

12:00  Worship

12:40  Lunch

Registration

Registration Closes February 24th

$25 per person:

Adults 19+, includes lunch

$10 per person:

Youth (10-18), includes lunch

$10 per person:

Host church volunteer, includes lunch

Mission Project

We are encouraging participants of Empower & Equip to bring items to donate for The Spero Project.

The Spero Project is a local non-profit organization that welcomes resettled refugees by connecting our new neighbors to people, resources and learning opportunities that make Oklahoma a place of belonging.

What to Donate

Items you may bring include: toilet paper, towels, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, and laundry detergent. Bring what you can to support this local mission. For a wider look at the ongoing needs and ways to support The Spero Project check here: Housewarming Information

Guest Preacher Rev. Dwayne Rodgers

Pastor Dwayne E. Rodgers, is a native of Dallas, Texas. In 1993, Pastor Rodgers completed his undergraduate studies at the Kentucky State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. In response to God’s call to ministry in 1994, he attended and received his Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas in 1999 and was ordained into the Order of Christian Ministry through the Southwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2003.

Pastor Rodgers was called to serve as the Senior Minister at Wildewood Christian Church in August of 2017. Prior to his tenure at Wildewood he served as Senior Minister at the Bonnie View Christian Church in Dallas, Texas from 2004–2015, and Senior Minister of the New Vision Christian Church in Fort Worth, Texas from 1997-2003.

Pastor Rodgers is passionate about the Word of God, which is evidenced by his sermon delivery and his desire to see the church at large increased in saved souls. Not only is he a dynamic preacher, but God has also seen fit to bless him with great leadership and administrative skills and an ability to teach and explain the Scriptures for varying levels of understanding. He is a God-called man with the anointing of the Holy Spirit in his life and ministry. Many have rededicated their lives to the Lord, and many have made their confession of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior as a result of his preaching and teaching.

Since transitioning to the Oklahoma Region, Pastor Rodgers has served as the Central Area Co-Moderator of Clergy, served on the Oklahoma Regional General Board, and the Commission on Clergy for the Oklahoma Region. He currently serves as an advisor to the Administrative Secretary for the National Convocation of the Christian Church (DOC).

Pastor Rodgers shares his life and ministry with his wife, Ye’Maya.

Workshops

10:00 AM – Noon

Youth Connections

Grades 6-12

Instructor: Rev Bill Hemm & Co.

Games and connections a peek at what Ash Wednesday and that Lent thing are all about, a mission project, and more.

Children's Connections

Grades K-5 (Child care is available for younger children.)

Instructors: Rev. Julia Jordan-Gillette & Rev. Paul Ragle

Crafts and games and stories for the younger crew, including some special Lenten Learnings.

10:00 AM

Where Will Your Church Be in 2035? Life Cycle of a Church

Time: 10:00 am

Instructor: Rev. Susan Payne

Time waits for no one – including congregations! Congregations go through “life stages,” similar to any living organism. We will look at the lifecycle of a church, explore possible courses of action at each stage, and assess attendees’ role in congregational transformation for new life.

Preparing for the Resurrection: A Walk Thru the Lenten Texts

Time: 10:00 am

Instructor: Dr. Warren Carter (PTS)

Preachers & Teachers, get ready for Lent 2025! Dr. Carter will lead you through an overview of the key lectionary texts and themes for the season to aid your preaching and teaching.

Faith Beyond the Pew: Connecting Church and Home

Time: 10:00 am

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Olivia Bryan Updegrove (Faith Tutors)

Faith Tutors offers resources for busy families and individuals seeking practical ways to engage in Christian faith at home, along with support to churches and faith communities with a focus on making faith a meaningful part of everyday life.

Rural Ministry Network

Time: 10:00 am

Instructor: Interim Regional Minister Randy Kuss

Ministry in rural settings comes with great challenges AND great opportunities. This is the start of what will be ongoing opportunities to connection with others in rural ministry to share resources, find support, develop strategies, discover and claim unique strengths and gifts.

11:00 AM

Where Will Your Church Be in 2035? Leaving a Legacy

Time: 11:00 am

Instructor: Eric Gray (Oklahoma Disciples Foundation)

What impact will your church have this year, next year, in 2035, and even beyond? Let’s explore how to create a permanent stream of income to support mission and ministry now and far into the future.

Mental Health Challenges for Kids in Oklahoma

Time: 11:00 am

Instructor: Robyn Cowperthwaite, MD

The numbers for young people are startling with greater numbers each year struggling with depression and stress and trauma. Learn some steps parents and church can take to provide support and stability for them so they heal and flourish.

Congregational Connections

Time: 11:00 am

Instructor: Rev. Colton Lott, Pastor Elaine Howsley & Pastor Randy Martin

Looking for ways to get connected with other Disciples congregations? Hear some exciting models churches around the region are using to gather together for community, worship, learning, service, and fun and begin to vision how your church might connect with others.

Disciples 101: Who Are We?

Time: 11:00 am

Instructor: Rev. Ronnie Hopkins

Disciples of Christ . . . A quick look at our beginnings on the frontier and onward to exploring who we are in this day and time as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Choir Connections

Time: 11:00 am

Instructor: Rev. Debi Powell-Maxwell

Sing, sing, sing! Learn some new music and experience the lift of the spirit that comes with voices raised together in harmony and beauty!

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