2009 CBF General Assembly
Workshops
More than 60 workshops will be offered during the four workshop sessions at General Assembly. Topics and speakers include:
WORKSHOP SESSION I
THURSDAY, 1:30 TO 2:40 P.M.
BIBLE STUDY: The Good Samaritan
Dorisanne Cooper
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas D
Come hear insights shared about one of the most familiar parables in the Bible – The Good Samaritan. Come to a newer understanding about embracing the world as you claim neighbors across the street and around the world.
Stand up for Human Rights: Exploring ways You can Engage in Justice and Peacemaking Ministries
CBF Field Personnel Panel, Partner Organizations and a Fellowship Church
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas A
Join the ongoing conversation around the CBF community of missional practice – justice and peacemaking ministries. Enter the world of religious persecution, human trafficking, war and genocide, women’s rights, and child labor to see how you and your church might engage.
Minister of Missions Network
Chris Boltin, Matt Sciba, Amy Wilkins, Mike Young
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/346 AB
Some of the best ideas are borrowed ones! Come join the dialogue with this network of ministers of missions and mission leaders. Hear what other churches are doing. Learn about new and creative ways of engaging in our world.
8 Ways to Change the World
Colleen Burroughs and David Harding
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/335 ABC
There are over 1.1 billion people with no access to safe drinking water. As a Millennium Development effort, CBF has pathways for direct involvement to address this unnecessary crisis. Learn how to engage through a network of partnerships such as Watering Malawi and Water is Life International in Ethiopia. Hear information about resources and practical ideas for responding to all eight Millenium Development Goals.
Being a Teaching Church
Valerie Burton and Panel
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/340 AB
CBF’s Ministerial Residence Program – a component of the Initiative for Ministerial Excellence – is the capstone of a personal, spiritual and educational pilgrimage contributing to the readiness of young ministers to accept the next call. Be introduced to the richness of this program by some of its residents and mentoring pastors. See if your congregation is ready to serve as a teaching congregation.
Preschool and Children’s Ministry Certification
Janice Haywood
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/339 AB
As the need for trained children’s workers and ministers arise, CBF and Campbell University Divinity School respond by making available a preschool and children’s ministry certification to both lay and clergy. Come hear about the who, what, when, where, and how of this training slated to begin in the fall of 2009.
Connecting with Dots: MDG’s, Foreign Assistance and YOU
Diane Ford Jones
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/336 AB
Eradicating poverty and hunger requires a concentrated effort with clear, measurable goals. Learn practical ways congregations can utilize their God-given gift of citizenship to streamline and strengthen outdated U.S. development efforts and move toward engaging and really achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
400 Years of Baptist History: What’s a Church to Do Now?
Bill Leonard and James Dunn
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas E
Come hear if there are answers to these questions – What historical clues inform, perhaps even transform, Baptist identity for the future? Do words like covenant, conscience and conversion – so important to early Baptists – still have meaning in a post-modern church? When all is said and done, is there a “Baptist future" in the church, and if so, what would that look like?
Who are Muslims and How Should We Baptists Relate to Them?
Michael McCullar and Rob Sellers
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas F
We tend to fear that which we don’t understand. Learn the basics of Islamic history, theology, beliefs and practices. Learn how to engage in dialogue with Muslims. You will leave with a genuine understanding of Muslims which may lead to deeper understanding and relationships.
Breathing Life into Mission Education
Devita Parnell
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/338
Do you think mission education is a thing of the past? Walk through an upcoming unit from the CBF missional formation resources with the perspective of all four age groups. Experience how missional formation is not just about missionaries and their impact on the world, but about the potential for God to change the world through us. Engage in hands-on learning through cultural activities, missionary testimonies, and unique experiences. Come and see how you can integrate mission education back into the life of your congregation.
Preaching with Imagination: Preaching that Keeps the Preacher’s Soul Alive
Roger Paynter and Brett Younger
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/343 AB
How does the preacher keep offering a fresh and lively word? Can the preparation and delivery of sermons be a source of spiritual renewal week in and week out? Learn ways in which preachers can engage their own journey, the Scripture, the church and the world.
CBF’s Ministry of New Church Starts
Bo Prosser, Linda Jones, David King, Mike Lewis
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/344 AB
CBF continues to start new churches throughout the nation in a variety of forms. Come hear about the CBF partnership model of new church starts at the state and national levels. Meet and dialogue with those involved directly in the Fellowship’s new church starting effort.
Sticky Faith and Servant Families
Jon Singletary
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas C
Come hear research with practical implications for church leaders interested in nurturing the faith of families, including youth and children, through serving others in your community and beyond.
Embracing the Realities of Climate Change: Welcoming Environmental Stewardship to your Neighborhood
Robert Walker and Tim Gilbert
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas B
Come hear how individuals and churches can be good stewards of creation. Scientific facts about humanity's culpability for the acceleration of climate change will be partnered with a Christian understanding of humanity's responsibility for environmental stewardship.
Writing for Publication – as a Neighbor for Neighbors
Ross West
Thurs/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/337 AB
Learn how to develop skills in ministering to people through writing for publication – from newsletters to articles, blogs, studies, and books. Explore your own creative spirit in developing a ministry of writing.
Workshop Session II
Thursday, 3:00 TO 4:10 p.m.
Prophetic Preaching: The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Bill Shiell and Nikki Hardeman
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas D
Hear proclaimers preach on this familiar parable and then talk about the art and craft of how they brought the sermon into being. Discover ways to craft your own sermons for being prophetic calls to missional engagement.
Congregational Resources Galore
Rick Bennett, Devita Parnell, Bo Prosser
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/338
Join CBF and several of its resource partners as we explore the latest printed resources for you and your church. In addition to CBF, resource providers such as Smyth and Helwys and Upper Room will be available to speak with participants about the practical use of available resources for Sunday School classes and all approaches to spiritual formation. Special emphasis will be given to two new missional resources from CBF: Glimpses of Missional Faithfulness and Becoming Like Christ: Helping Children Follow Jesus. Participants will receive a coupon for 10% off on CBF resources purchased at General Assembly.
400 Years of Baptist History: How a Church Can Speak-Up Now
James Dunn and Bill Leonard
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas E
The American experiment in church state relations was significantly influenced, some would say "shaped", by Baptists. The deepest theological principles and their ethical corollaries are the abidingly relevant foundation for the roles of church and state in the United States. Learn more about the role Baptists played in church state relations.
Congregational Song that Embraces the World
Mark Edwards
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/340 AB
At the heart of “being a neighbor” is inclusion, in our homes and in our churches. Come explore congregational song that will help your church be inclusive and neighborly in its worship. Discover resources that will bring creativity and richness to your worship experiences.
Ten Things You Can Do for the Unity of the Church
Steve Harmon
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/346 AB
By all accounts, the modern ecumenical movement is not moving much. Despite dramatic breakthroughs in the past few decades, the quest for a visibly united church now meets with indifference by many, impatience by some, and outright hostility by others. Come learn what the members and ministers of local Baptist churches can do for the unity of the church as the ecumenical movement’s most important participants.
Harvesting in the Western Heritage Culture
Charles Higgs
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas B
Church planting in the Western Heritage Culture is reaping a great harvest in Texas – 20 percent of Americans embrace the Western Heritage and 80 percent of them are unchurched. Come hear about the success of Western Heritage Church Starting in Texas. The average BGCT Cowboy Church has about 40 baptisms per year – 70 percent are adult converts and 70 percent of the 70 percent are men. You will hear what makes a Cowboy Church work and how to start a Cowboy Church in your community.
Who are Muslims and How Should We Baptists Relate to Them?
Michael McCullar and Rob Sellers
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas F
We tend to fear that which we don’t understand. Learn the basics of Islamic history, theology, beliefs and practices. Learn how to engage in dialogue with Muslims. You will leave with a genuine understanding of Muslims which may lead to deeper understanding and relationships.
Joint Venture: Practical Spirituality for Embracing the World
Jeanie Miley
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/335 ABC
Embracing the world for Christ begins with spiritual health, wholeness and vitality in one’s own life. Come explore practical ways of participating in the joint venture of faith development. Come discover practical insights for enriching your own spiritual formation.
The World has Changed: Church and Missions in a New Global Neighborhood
Matt Norman and panel
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/344 AB
We find ourselves today in a situation where everything is the same . . . but it is also different. How do we deal with the reality of globalization? Come hear insights and dialogue regarding the global shift the church is experiencing and its effect on mission. Discover ways to embrace the world as you claim your neighbors.
Traditioned Innovation – Leadership that makes a Difference
Dave Odom
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/339 AB
How can Christians lead in ways that invigorate the present and envision the future by honoring the church’s past? Come explore how this way of thinking is both ancient and contemporary. Come discover ideas for missional energy in your own congregation.
Preaching with Imagination: Preaching that Keeps the Preacher’s Soul Alive
Roger Paynter, Brett Younger
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/343 AB
How does the preacher keep offering a fresh and lively word? Can the preparation and delivery of sermons be a source of spiritual renewal week in and week out? Learn ways in which preachers can engage their own journey, the Scripture, the church and the world.
Endorsement and Dialogue
George Pickle and Jim Pope
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/336 AB
Learn about the meaning and experience of the importance of endorsement for chaplains and pastoral counselors. The needs and interests of CBF-endorsed chaplains and pastoral counselors will be discussed and also the response of CBF to these vital ministries.
Sticky Faith and Servant Families
Jon Singletary
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas C
Come hear research with practical implications for church leaders interested in nurturing the faith of families, including youth and children, through serving others in your community and beyond.
“And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:29 (NIV)
Wayne Smith, David Frost, Sheila Humphries, Lesi Nelson
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/337 AB
Come explore our often forgotten neighbor, the one living with HIV or AIDS. Panelists will share personal experiences and offer guidance in this unique ministry area. Participants will discover ways to minister to this neighbor.
Seeing and Responding to the Poor, the Hungry and the Neglected
Meredith Story Williams, Field Personnel Panel, Partner Organizations, and a
Fellowship Church
Thurs/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas A
Join the ongoing conversation around the CBF community of missional practice -poverty/transformational ministries. Enter the world of rural and urban poverty, hunger, clean water, and orphans and neglected children to see how you and your church might engage.
Workshops Session III
Friday, 1:30 TO 2:40 p.m.
Bible Study: The Good Samaritan
Dorisanne Cooper
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas D
Come hear insights shared about one of the most familiar parables in the Bible – the Good Samaritan. Come to a newer understanding about embracing the world as you claim neighbors across the street and around the world.
Won’t you be my Neighbor? Women Ministers as Friends, Sisters, Wives and Mothers
Robin Bolen Anderson and Panel
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/335 ABC
Join this panel discussion of women in ministry. Women are vital congregational ministers. Join this panel in discussing the many roles in which women are involved both in their churches, in their communities, and as neighbors to the world.
Conducting an Annual Prayer Retreat for Your Church
Rick Bennett
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/338
When does a congregation learn to pray? How do you equip and enable congregants for a life of prayer? Discover a format and resources for creating an annual prayer retreat that congregants will anticipate. Participants will discuss retreat formats and dynamics, possible content, and leadership models.
Being Missional in Your Church Context: Meeting the Real Needs of Your Neighbors
George Bullard, David Crocker, Dick Hamm, Ken Kessler, Gary Nelson
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/339 AB
Come hear and experience a panel dialogue about poverty, affluence, contextual ministry, and evangelism in the borderlands of society. Discover ways for missional engagement that you can go home and immediately apply to your congregation.
Well Being and Excellence in Ministry
Valerie Burton, Layne Smith, Bill Bruster
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/344 AB
Discover how a new resource can be used by congregations and their pastor and leadership teams to nurture well-being and excellence in ministry. Explore how to provide practical sustenance for ministers and congregations by viewing ministry as not merely the performance of tasks but also as the presence of gifts and graces. Gain insight into ways ministers can be intentional about self-care and ways congregations can assist their ministers for life-long ministry.
The Front Porch Meets Central Perk
Current Leadership Team
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas E
Whether over lemonade sitting on Andy Griffith's front porch or over a cup of coffee at Central Perk with the Friends, communities always have a gathering place to talk about life. Come and seek to bring generations together to talk face to face about life, ministry, and CBF. Whether you are an Andy fan, a Friends fan, or somewhere in-between join us for this opportunity to meet others, share life and thoughts, and discuss how we might partner together in the life of CBF.
Mission opportunities in Africa, Europe and the Middle
Karen Gilbert, Field Personnel Panel, Partner Organizations and a Fellowship Church
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas A
Come explore the world of opportunities available in not only Africa, but also Europe and the Middle East. You will be surprised to discover some opportunities in your own backyard!
Narrative Leadership: Part I
Steve Graham and Keith Herron
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/346 AB
Come be engaged in narrative thought and practices which can illuminate your personal story and how you are leading with it. Understand basic ideas of narrative work, as well as gaining a clearer sense of your personal story.
International Ministry in Your Own Neighborhood
Nell C. Green, Field Personnel Panel, Partner Organizations and a Fellowship Church
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/340 AB
Join the ongoing conversation around the CBF community of missional practice – internationals ministries. Enter the world of refugees, immigrants and international students to see how you and your church might engage.
Becoming a Missional Church: Ways CBF Can Help
Terry Hamrick, Rob Nash, Matt Norman, Bo Prosser, Harry Rowland, Jim Smith
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/343 AB
Come interact with the CBF national staff to learn ways CBF can partner with local congregations, particularly through spiritual formation, leader development and missional engagement to fulfill God’s mission.
Welcome to Your Neighborhood: The Americas – Canada to Chile
Bernie Moraga, Field Personnel Panel, Partner Organizations and a Fellowship Church
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas B
When we think of our neighbors, we often overlook the Americas. One of the world’s largest unreached people groups calls Canada home. Did you know that there is a Fellowship church in Antarctica? Learn about engagement opportunities in this, your closest international sphere.
Hope Meets Hunger – Strengthening Missions, Partnerships, and Policies
Suzii Paynter, Jeremy Everett, Rob Borowski, Bee Moorehead
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/336 AB
Come hear discussion and sharing by a team of partners who are working to feed hungry communities through Christian leadership. Serving the ministry networks of CBF, BGCT, BWA and grants from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and others, a team from Baylor School of Social Work and the Texas Christian Life Commission are building capacity and changing policies in Texas.
In Transition – Healthy Churches become Better Neighbors
Les Robinson, Chris Gambill, Melissa Clodfelter
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/337 AB
This will be the 4th annual gathering of the CBF Intentional Interim Ministers. Join us for fellowship, networking, and discussion of the current status of interim ministry within CBF as well as a continuing education workshop.
Mission opportunities in China Thailand and Beyond
Anita Snell, Field Personnel Panel, Partner Organizations and a Fellowship Church
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas C
Teeming with challenges and exciting growth, Asia IS your neighborhood! Come discover the ongoing work of CBF field personnel in these areas and uncover great engagement opportunities for your church.
The Whole Gospel for the Whole Person (or at least the parts we can work with)
Bill Tillman
Fri/1:30 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas F
Come explore pastoral care that embraces the whole gospel for the whole person. Gain insights into the special ministry of chaplains and pastoral counselors as they embrace their neighbors and enrich their communities.
Workshops Session IV
Friday, 3:00 TO 4:10 p.m.
Prophetic Preaching: The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Scott Hagaman and another proclaimer
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas D
Hear proclaimers preach on this familiar parable and then talk about the art and craft of how they brought the sermon into being. Discover ways to craft your own sermons for being prophetic calls to missional engagement.
Strangers and Neighbors: Models of Hospitality
Neville Callam
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas C
Hear the general secretary of the Baptist World Alliance tell how to reclaim the richness of the biblical model of hospitality for Christians in the modern world, from the strangers among us to our neighbors around the world.
Green Youth Retreats: Caring about Creation
Sam Davidson
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/338
Nearly 75 percent of American teens want to do something to help save the environment . . . but what? How can the church play a part in this? Hear the founder of GreenYouthRetreats.com offer some theological reasons for going green in your church, why it’s important, and how you can begin to make your weekend retreats more eco-friendly.
Creating Global Friendships among Women for Learning and Service
Cindy Dawson, Trudy Johnson, Diana Bridges
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/335 ABC
You are invited to join Global Women as they investigate the global needs of women, discover ways to share their influence to bring change, and respond as God calls all of us to involvement.
Narrative Leadership: Part II
Steve Graham and Keith Herron
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/346 AB
Part II continues to lead you in narrative thought and practices which includes learning how to facilitate case presentations using the narrative approach. Also learn how to use curiosity about theological perspectives that inform narrative practice.
Becoming a Missional Church: Ways CBF Can Help
Terry Hamrick, Rob Nash, Bo Prosser, Harry Rowland, Jim Smith
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/343 AB
Come interact with the CBF national staff to learn ways CBF can partner with local congregations, particularly through spiritual formation, leader development and Missional engagement to fulfill God’s mission.
Reaching the World: Writing and Blogging as Ministry
Lex Horton, Tony Cartledge, Brian Kaylor, Zach Roberts, Aaron Weaver
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/337 AB
Writing can widen your sphere of influence as you minister to neighbors both near and far. Join this talented panel as they explore blogging and writing for Bible studies, news reports, and books.
How a Small Loan Can Change a Life: Discover Economic Development Ministries and How You Can Be Involved
Linda Jones, Field Personnel Panel, Partner Organizations and a Fellowship Church
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas A
Join the conversation around the CBF community of missional practice – economic development ministries. Enter the world of economic and community development, environmental sustainability, and micro/macro enterprise to see how you and your church might engage.
Ministry to College Students: What They Wish You Knew
Wanda Kidd and Mike Young
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/344 AB
Come hear a panel discussion and share a small group opportunity about what college students wished people in church knew about them and their hopes for the church.
Generosity as an Economic Strategy
Phill Martin and Ruben Swint
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/340 AB
Hear messages that Christian leaders should give to their congregations in the current economic climate, how generosity can sustain us in a new world economic reality and effective actions that develop congregational generosity.
Joint Venture: Practical Spirituality for Embracing the World
Jeanie Miley
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/336 AB
Embracing the world for Christ begins with spiritual health, wholeness and vitality in one’s own life. Come explore practical ways of participating in the joint venture of faith development. Come discover practical insights for enriching your own spiritual formation.
The World has Changed: Church and Missions in a New Global Neighborhood
Matt Norman and panel
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas B
We find ourselves today in a situation where everything is the same . . . but it is also different. How do we deal with the reality of globalization? Come hear insights and dialogue regarding the global shift the church is experiencing and its effect on mission.
Employee Benefits Add Value in any Economy
Gary Skeen
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/3rd FL/339 AB
Learn from Gary Skeen, president of the Church Benefits Board, how benefits and total compensation can help your church or organization add value when negotiating and retaining key employees, regardless of the economy.
Collaboration – It’s not Only about You or Me
Bill Tillman, Stacy Conner, Lonny Poe, Steve Vernon
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas F
Churches become neighbors out of the context in which they build the sense of “You’re your neighbor as yourself.” Perhaps being neighborly begins with civility which can lead to agape love for all. Ideas will be presented.
Churches Doing Good the Right Way in a Pluralistic Culture
J. Brent Walker and K. Hollyn Hollman
Fri/3:00 p.m.
Hilton/2nd FL/Ballroom of the Americas E
Churches can be good neighbors in our diverse culture by working with people of other faiths (and no faith) and sometimes government to alleviate social ills. An evaluation of the Obama Administration’s version of the Faith-based Initiative will be offered.