2018 Leadership Training School Workshops

Morning Workshops

Instructor: Rev. Mary Hughes Gaudreau, Oklahoma Conference of Churches

This workshop explores resources and “next steps” for local congregations to find practical, reasonable, vetted, and balanced resources to prepare for a potentially violent armed intruder on church property.

Instructor: Regional Youth Council

Six members of the Regional Youth Council attended the 2018 International Affairs Seminar, March 16-24. They will take questions about their experiences and learnings about the difficulty of reconciling. This session is open to adults and youth.

Instructor: Rev. Darlene Martinez and Rev. Julia Jordan Gillett

Used in a traditional model, Children Worship & Wonder provides a solid faith foundation for our children. However, the stories can be used in a variety of settings! Come explore how these beautiful, basic Bible stories can infuse your entire congregation with wonder.

Instructor: Rev. Larry Metzger

Conflict is present in every church at one time or another by virtue of the fact that members are in conflict. Often the conflict at work, in the home or school is brought into the church in disguise.

Instructor: Rev. Virzola Law

Join our Keynote Speaker for an engaging dialogue about ministry.

Instructor: Pastor Milton Bowens Jr., Shepherd Street Christian Church

Engaging ALL voices at the table of the 21st century church addresses the most significant societal trends that impact the church, and offers insight to what the 21st century church is forming into, with practical ways the church can respond by engaging all voices (ie, age, gender, race, etc.).

Instructor: Rev. Joshua Bell, First Christian Church, Perry, OK

This class will be designed for people that are new serving as an elder or those that have been serving 100 years. We will briefly look at the history of eldership in Christianity and journey together all the way to the way Alexander Campbell would have viewed elders, to what does an elder do now?

Instructor: Leslie Lesieur, Phillips Theological Seminary

Do you desire to learn more about the Bible or stewardship? Could a short class on leadership benefit you and your church? You are invited to explore the new Ministry Training Program at Phillips Theological Seminary. These courses are an effective way for laity and clergy to enhance their gifts and ways they serve their congregation.

Instructor: Rev. Bobby Hawley, Christian Church Foundation

This workshop will provide an overview of how to increase the likelihood of receiving estate gifts and growing an endowment fund.

Instructor: Travis Carlson and the Regional Youth Council

Regional Youth Council Escape Room. Have you ever wondered how someone came to reconcile the situations that have happened to them in life? Discover a story of a teen who is trying to show his faith in different ways. Each discovery will lead you to a clue that will eventually get you out the door.

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Craig Walls, Disciples Church Extension Fund

Are our buildings more Tent or Temple? And should we renovate, re-envision, remodel, or relocate?” Learn from Disciples Church Extension.

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Lisa Davison, Phillips Theological Seminary

The Bible is too often used to condemn those who identify as LGBTQ. Dr. Lisa Davison will help us think carefully and critically about how we read the Bible, understandings of sexuality in the Bible, and what the Bible does/does not say about homosexuality.

Instructors: Patty Jennings and Rev. Arnold Nelson

Come learn how to plan quality worship together. Come learn how to plan quality worship together. We will explore worship planning, discuss what defines quality worship, and learn how we can work together to enable the most powerful worship in this place.


Afternoon Workshops

Instructor: Regional Youth Council

Six members of the Regional Youth Council attended the 2018 International Affairs Seminar, March 16-24. They will take questions about their experiences and learnings about the difficulty of reconciling. This session is open to adults and youth.

Instructor: Rev. Mary Hughes Gaudreau, Oklahoma Conference of Churches

Churches are uniquely gifted in providing hope and practical assistance following disasters and other crisis events. This workshop introduces basic information as well as practical tips for personal and church preparedness and response.

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Lisa Davison, Phillips Theological Seminary

This workshop will look at the strong history of Disciple’s biblical interpretation (exegesis), beginning with Alexander Campbell, in order to gain a better appreciation for this important piece of Disciple identity.

Instructor: Eric Gray, Oklahoma Disciples Foundation

The program will focus on following Christ through generous living and giving both on a current basis as well as through planned gifts.

Instructor: Pastor Milton Bowens Jr., Shepherd Street Christian Church

Engaging ALL voices at the table of the 21st century church addresses the most significant societal trends that impact the church, and offers insight to what the 21st century church is forming into, with practical ways the church can respond by engaging all voices (ie, age, gender, race, etc.).

Instructor: Rev. Brandon Johnson, First Christian Church Lawton

Churches are facing the long overdue need to clarify understandings of inclusion and sexuality. How do leaders create spaces honoring human dignity and honest conversation leading to transformation? This class will explore strategies and realities pertaining to inclusion and the LGBTQ community.

Instructor: Rev. Joshua Bell, First Christian Church, Perry, OK

This class will be designed for people that are new serving as an elder or those that have been serving 100 years. We will briefly look at the history of eldership in Christianity and journey together all the way to the way Alexander Campbell would have viewed elders, to what does an elder do now?

Instructor: Rabbi Abby Jacobson, The Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma

Please join us as we discuss how we can work together as people from many faith traditions. There is so much more that we can do to bring us together than divide us.

Instructor: Rev. Darlene Martinez, Harvard Avenue Christian Church

Join me as we look at a brief history of labyrinths and the variety of ways they are used today. Participants will have access to a variety of finger labyrinths and a large canvas labyrinth to walk in prayer as we consider our spiritual gifts and how we may use them.

Instructor: Leslie Lesieur, Phillips Theological Seminary

Do you desire to learn more about the Bible or stewardship? Could a short class on leadership benefit you and your church? You are invited to explore the new Ministry Training Program at Phillips Theological Seminary. These courses are an effective way for laity and clergy to enhance their gifts and ways they serve their congregation.

Instructor: Rev. Bobby Hawley, Christian Church Foundation

This workshop will provide an overview of how to increase the likelihood of receiving estate gifts and growing an endowment fund.

Instructor: Travis Carlson and the Regional Youth Council

Regional Youth Council Escape Room. Have you ever wondered how someone came to reconcile the situations that have happened to them in life? Discover a story of a teen who is trying to show his faith in different ways. Each discovery will lead you to a clue that will eventually get you out the door.

Instructors: Patty Jennings and Rev. Arnold Nelson

Come learn how to plan quality worship together. Come learn how to plan quality worship together. We will explore worship planning, discuss what defines quality worship, and learn how we can work together to enable the most powerful worship in this place.