ELECTIVES
SCHEDULE
Customize your Convention with 8 tracks and 27 robust sessions to choose from.
Prayer
Prayer Thursday, June 22: 8:00–8:30 AM | Room 101
Convention Prayer Gathering
Gary Kendall
God moves in response to our prayers. Often God is willing but waiting for His children to join Him in seeking His presence, His timing, His outcomes, and His motivation. Your prayers pave the way for God to move in these meetings.
Thursday, June 22: 10:00–11:30 AM | Room 101
Prayer for Change, The BLESS Rhythms
Gary Kendall
Learn to pray missional prayer. Reach friends, neighbors, and loved ones through practicing the BLESS Rhythms. Expect increased spiritual vitality and watch for God opportunities.
Credentialing & Administration
Credentialing & AdministrationThursday, June 22: 8:00–1:30 PM | Room 116
Equipping and Empowering Assemblies in Credentialing Challenges
Alyse Simon, Jeannette Flynn, Joshua Brandt, and Lori Fast
Dialogue with the leaders in Credentials and Leadership Focus. Understanding and reviewing the changes to the 2023 Credentials Manual. Introducing the advances to Leadership Focus in both the Spanish and the English track. Engaging our new technology platform, Atlas. Resources for intentionality in addressing diversity and unity in our congregations, our communities, and our culture.
Friday, June 23: 9:00–10:30 AM | Room 117
Atlas: A New Technology Platform for the Journey Ahead
One login. A world of connection. With the input and expertise of a diverse array of local Church of God pastors, regional pastors, administrative professionals, and IT and communication specialists, Church of God Ministries has designed a unified platform built to handle all the functionality of each of the currently separate platforms—all with a single login. Receive an update about where we are in the process and learn how to access information, tools, and resources.
Soul Care
Soul CareThursday, June 22: 10:00–11:30 AM | Room 121
Healthy Pastors in Struggling Times
Phil Lewis
It’s hard to get and stay healthy mentally, physically, and spiritually—but not impossible! Learn some practical ways to keep your mind, body, and spirit strong. Your health impacts the health of your family and your ministry.
Thursday, June 22: 9:00–Noon | Room 103
SafeTALK: A Program on Suicide Prevention and First Aid*
Gary Carr
In this three-hour workshop, you will learn how to be ready, willing, and able to assist someone who is thinking about suicide. It is like a “first aid” for any kind of caregiver to apply. You will discover clear and helpful steps to take and become more aware of those at risk around you.
*25-person limit
Friday, June 23: 9:00–10:30 AM | Room 123
6 Ways to Greatly Improve Your Marriage
Mark and Rachel Nelson
Taking a look at six areas that will help us improve our marriages in a healthy and meaningful manner. In a world where people are confused by what marriage really is, it will be important to explain what marriage is from a Christian point of view.
Church Health
Church HealthThursday, June 22: 10:00–11:30 AM Room | 122
New Wineskin: Church Strategies that Work (A Panel Discussion)
Dan Turner and Zack Szmara
Be challenged by a panel discussion that will help us learn what postures and practices will help churches thrive in a world where so many seem unwilling to give the church a chance (Fresh Expressions). Learn ways your church can join in the transformative work of learning, connecting, and welcoming immigrant newcomers (Immigrant Connection). And see how churches in severe decline are finding new life through a pause in their organizational life and a radical shift in approach to ministry (Dying to Restart). For pastors and church leaders looking to make the biggest impact in their communities.
Thursday, June 22: 10:00–11:30 AM | Room 123
Recruiting and Growing Ministry Leaders for Ministry in Your Local Church
Chip Taylor and Cliff Forbes
God is still at work. He is using local churches to bring the good news of Jesus to their communities, and He is working in the hearts of individuals who want to do their part to spread the gospel. He is calling His people into ministry. Both Trellis and Intern Academy are working to create a pathway to intersect those that are called with the local church. For pastors who want to raise up new leadership.
Thursday, June 22: 10:00–11:30 AM | Room 124
Redefining Success in Ministry—A Small Church Perspective
Karl Vaters
In this session, Karl Vaters talks about redefining ministry success from a biblical standpoint. He walks through several key ways that small churches function differently than our friends in big churches—and how this perspective impacts everything we do in pastoral ministry, no matter what size of church you serve.
Thursday, June 22: 10:00–11:30 AM | Room 125
Conflict Resolution Strategies for Pastors
Chris Cottrell
Are you looking for tips for dealing with conflict in your church? Do you need some strategies for how to engage in difficult, crucial conversations in healthy ways that could lead to some kingdom outcomes? This conference will offer pastors and church leaders strategies and resources that focus on working towards acceptable, God-honoring resolution and reconciliation.
Chaplaincy
ChaplaincyThursday, June 22: 8:00–9:00 AM | Room 103
Pastoral Ethics for Military Chaplains
Nathan Willowby
Since chaplains work in a non-church setting, they face daily events that demand the highest ethical decisions for their organization and their personal integrity. In this workshop, you will come away with a rationale for thinking through current ethical dilemmas.
Thursday, June 22: 1:30–2:30 PM | Room 103
Introduction to Federal Chaplaincy
Gary Carr
This seminar introduces you to federal agencies that employ clergy to serve as full-time, part-time, or volunteer chaplains. The Federal Bureau of Prisons and Department of Veterans Affairs are seeking chaplains. Ministry requirements and application processes will be presented.
Thursday, June 22: 2:30–3:30 PM | Room 103
Medical Community Roundtable
Several chaplains serving in hospitals and medical offices will discuss their experiences and credentials as chaplains. They will answer your questions about clinical pastoral education, board certification, and working as an integral part of a health care team.
International
InternationalThursday, June 22: 2:00–3:00 PM | Room 101
A World of Good Live Podcast
Nate Tatman and Andrew Gale host A World of Good podcast and will be bringing in guest voices for this live recording. A World of Good shares stories of the good God is doing through people and churches around the world. Join this event to hear more about and from the global church!
Friday, June 23: 9:00–10:30 AM | Room 122
Preparing to Travel: Free Training for Cross-Cultural Trips
In this session, participants will be introduced to the new, online trip training material produced by Global Strategy and Children of Promise. The material covers missions and the Bible, the global church, culture, and more. It’s available for use by churches as a free resource to prepare teams.
Saturday, June 24: 6:30–8:00 AM | Convention Center Outdoor Plaza
Global Strategy 5K
The Global Strategy 5K is a fun-run to benefit the work of Church of God Ministries Disaster Relief. Funds will be used to support a number of disasters that Global Strategy is engaged with globally.
Saturday, June 24: 8:15–9:30 PM | Servant Solutions Gathering Place (Ballroom B)
Global Strategy Reception
Come and connect with Global Strategy missionaries, personnel, and international guests from every region. This a come-and-go reception.
Updates & Resources
Updates & ResourcesFriday, June 22: 9:00–10:30 AM | Room 120/121
Town Hall
Go ahead, ask anything…no, really! A popular session at the Church of God Convention, this Town Hall offers guests the chance to direct questions anonymously to Jim Lyon and Church of God Ministries leadership, including General Assembly finances.
Friday, June 22: 9:00-10:30 AM | Room 125
A Fresh, New TOOL for Fresh, New Believers
Friday, June 24: 8:15–9:30 PM | Servant Solutions Gathering Place (Ballroom B)
Kingdom Connections Reception
CHOG Ministries Advancement Partners
Strengthening your family, strengthening systems for your church, and serving your community.
Thursday, June 22, 8:15–9:30 PM | Room 121
Reception Honoring Pastor George Skramstad: Celebrating 57+ Faithful Years of Music and Worship Arts Ministries
Youth Ministries
Youth MinistriesThursday, June 22, 9:00–11:30AM | Room 102
Youth Ministry University 101 & 201
Thursday, June 22, 11:30AM–1:00PM | Room 102
Student Ministries Lunch (Bring Your Own)
Thursday, June 22, 1:00–2:00PM | Room 102
Youth Ministry University 301 & 401
Continuing with the discussion of the materials downloaded from Youth Ministries “YM” University, and diving into the final two-course offerings.
Friday, June 23, 9:00–10:30AM | Room 102
Five Dysfunctions of a Team: An Overview
Saturday, June 24, 9:00–10:30AM | Room 102
Developing a Student Ministries Calendar
From Curriculum to Camps. Meetings to Mission Trips. Fundraising to Family Ministry. We will discuss ideas for building a well-thought-out plan for your ministry calendar.
