One Body: Why Relationships Matter – Shelly Melia

While our world has never been more digitally connected, our world has also never been more emotionally and relationally isolated. Shelly addresses the importance of intergenerational relationships in healthy faith development in children and teens.

Shelly Melia is the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Children’s Ministry and the Master of Arts in Family Ministry at Dallas Baptist University.

Building Biblical Community in Your Small Groups – Joe Sherrer

We emphasize community for groups constantly, but it is more difficult to create than most realize. Learn how to help your leaders develop biblical community in their groups.

Joe Sherrer is the Professor of Discipleship & Ministry Leadership, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, LA.

Prepare to Lead – Training Bible Study Leaders Throughout the Year  – Alan Raughton

Great Bible Study Leaders Aren’t Born—They are Trained! Learn proven, practical ways to intentionally schedule ways to train your leaders throughout the year. Alan Raughton is the Pastor of Christian Education & Discipleship at Nashville’s First Baptist Church, Nashville, TN. Download PowerPoint

Focus on People: Blurring the Lines Between Assimilation & Discipleship – Nathan McClendon

An effective disciple making model begins with assimilation that focuses on relationships. Numbers are people but people aren’t numbers. Are we guilty of having the formula backwards? Nathan McClendon is the Next Steps Pastor, Judson Baptist Church, Nashville, TN.

Senior Adult Ministry: For Such a Time as This – Woods Watson

Examining and equipping for the demands, dynamics, and details of a healthy Ministry to Senior Adults. Woods Watson is the Groups Pastor, First West Monroe Baptist, West Monroe, LA.

Ideas for Building Your Leaders into a Team (Student Ministry Focus) – Patton McClendon

As ministers, we cannot minister to everyone in our ministries. God has called us to equip, empower, and encourage the volunteers we have, and in doing so we can expand the impact of our ministry. In this breakout, we will discuss specific ways to build a strong student ministry volunteer team.  Patton McClendon is the Student Pastor, Judson Baptist Church, Nashville, TN.

7 Practices of the Deep Bench Church: Identifying and Developing your “Bench” of Bible Study Group – Ken Braddy

Leaders World champion sports teams always seem to have a deep bench – a group of players who have been equipped to step in and lead when called upon. If your church doesn’t have an abundance of new leaders, discover seven practices that will help you develop a deeper bench of players who want to take to the field and help your church win. Ken Braddy is the Director of Sunday School & Network Partnerships for Lifeway Christian Resources.