Southport Heights Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN Oct. 10, 2009

Registration; 8:30 a.m.

Opening Session; 9:00 a.m.

Prelude Music Murray Hollis

Welcome/Prayer SHCC Elder

Call to Worship Scripture Reading Volunteer Minister/Elder

Praise Service Worship Leader

Scripture Reading Volunteer Minister/Elder

Plans for the Day Dave Soucie

Greeting from Standard Publishing Mark Taylor

Introduction of Main Speaker Steve Kehrer

Message Bob Russell

Closing Prayer Volunteer Minister/Elder

First Workshops; 10:15 a.m.

1. Elder / Minister Relationships Room 252

2. Spiritual Formation Fireplace Room

3. Church Safety and Liability Issues Room 236

Case Studies [return to Worship Center]; 11:05 a.m.

We’re handling the Case Studies differently this year.

Lunch [SHCC Castle] 12:10 p.m.

Sit with another Elder of a different congregation.

Second Workshops; 1:00 p.m.

4. Elders and Preachers and Great Sermons Room 252

5. Growing Bigger by Getting Smaller Fireplace Room

6. Tightening Your Budget Belt Room 236

Closing Session; 1:50 p.m.

Prelude Music Murray Hollis

Prayer Volunteer Minister/Elder

Elder Testimonials

Scripture Reading Volunteer Minister/Elder

Door Prizes Jon Vance

Message Bob Russell

Closing Comments Dave Soucie

Closing Prayer SHCC Elder

Congress of Elders 2009 Workshops

October 10, 2009 Southport Heights Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN

First Workshops (10:15 – 11:00 AM)

"Elder / Minister Relationships: The Antidote for Ills and Catalyst for Growth" [Murray Hollis: Director of Christian Friends Connexion and Member of the Vintage Lads Quartet. And Steve Kehrer: Minister of The Church at Heartland Crossing and Member of the Vintage Lads Quartet]

Hear about some specific scriptural weapons that will provide a maximum of God's power for elders and ministers of the church as you fight the various diseases that cause disharmony or as you plan the offensives that will lead you to growth in your congregations. Through many years of experience and during the writing and compiling of their new book "Preacher, You've Got Friends", your seminar leaders have become acutely aware of the spiritual attacks upon the leaders of our churches and many of the answers to the relational challenges we all face. In this seminar you will benefit from the life battles of the twenty-five different contributors to this book, as some of their experiences are presented as potential solutions to the concerns within your own churches.

“Spiritual Formation: What Is It And Why Bother?” [Scott Hayden: Southport Heights Christian Church]

In what way does God bring people into intimate fellowship with Himself? The forming of the soul, that it might be a dwelling place for God, is the primary work of Christian leaders. It is neither an add-on nor an option. If we are not helping people to grow spiritually, we are not fulfilling our responsibility to shepherd them. We, as Elders, must first be drawn into intimate fellowship with Him so that we might encourage others to take the next step in their spiritual growth.

"Church Safety and Liability Issues" [Don Bennett and Ian Farnsley: Town & Country Christian Church, Shelbyville]

This workshop will focus on simple steps in reducing the risk of injury, liability, and threats from hostile sources, and child protection policies and procedures--screening, prevention and reporting. It will include practical and real-life examples, plus simple steps any church can take to enhance the safety of members, staff, and volunteers.

Second Workshops (1:00 – 1:45 PM)

"Elders and Preachers Working Together to Produce Great Sermons" [Steve Yeaton: Cincinnati Christian University Professor, and Batesville Christian Church.]

Indirectly and directly elders can play an invaluable role in helping preachers develop better sermons. This workshop will explore some of the ways elders can work with preachers in developing sermons that effectively communicate God's Word to His people. Preachers and elders are encouraged to attend this workshop together. Preachers and elders are encouraged to attend this workshop together.

“Growing Bigger by Getting Smaller; Building an Effective Small Group Ministry in Your Church [Dave Thurman: The Church at Mt. Gilead]

In an age when people are becoming more isolated and disconnected it is essential that God’s family provide a means for building community, accountability, and healthy relationships. The early church provides the blueprint as the book of Acts continually tells us that believers met both corporately in public places and from house to house in smaller groups. This seminar will help identify successful methods for launching and growing a meaningful small group ministry in your church that will help people learn and apply Scripture, while connecting with other believers.

"Tightening Your Budget Belt: Facing Church Financial Challenges and Changes". [David Strange: Greenwood Christian Church]

The group will discuss ways congregations can manage and continue to provide ministry during the current Great Recession.