Prep

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Friday

Making Disciples: Including...→

Making Disciples

Including the Mentally Ill and Their Families

Friday  | 10–10:45am | Room D &

Saturday  | 9–9:45am | Room B

Within our culture, mental illness is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized illnesses today.Frequently people with mental illness feel excluded; they and their families often don’t feel welcome at churches or fellowships. Learn how to reach out and show them that they are included within the body of Christ.

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Better understand the stigmas we have within our culture about mental illness and that people with mental illness need to hear they are loved and included in the sacrifice of Jesus as much as anyone else. Learn some ways to reach out, as well as ways the mentally ill may see the world. Understand some of the challenges they face. Become aware of things to say or not to say and ways to help them cope. For example, people who deal with chronic depression sometimes have trouble just accomplishing basic day-to-day tasks. Reaching out with a phone call, mowing a lawn, or taking a meal to them can be a huge help.

Meet the Presenter

JoAnn Lagge

JoAnn Lagge is the senior pastor for Grace Communion Church in Sioux Falls, SD. JoAnn and her husband, Dennis, have two sons. Ten years ago, one of her sons was diagnosed with a mental illness, and she and her husband became caregivers. The experience taught them firsthand about the stigma involved with mental illness.

Ok, I Said Hello. Now What? →

Ok, I Said Hello. Now What?

Saturday  | 10–10:45am | Room A

Successfully negotiating the “now what?” can be the difference between being a successful tool in the hands of God and not. This point in our interaction could be very uncomfortable, yet it does not need to be if we remember a few simple points. In this workshop, attendees will be provided with practical tips to prepare for such an eventuality.

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Share challenges that can hinder engagement and receive encouragement to move past them.Attendees will experience less discomfort related to engaging with individuals about the gospel.

Meet the Presenter

Kenneth Barker

A native of the twin island country of Trinidad and Tobago, Kenneth completed his doctoral degree in organizational and industrial psychology in 2017. He is the lead pastor at Shepherd’s Community Church in Harvey, IL. Kenneth and his wife, Lisa, have two children.

Pain, Honesty, and Healing (Ages 15–23)→

Pain, Honesty, and Healing

Friday  | 10–10:45am | Room A | (Ages 15–23)

We are constantly told to show only the side that has it all together. Addressing our unique and shared trials, we will have an honest and open conversation about the ugly parts of life. We will look at ways to cope with and heal from our pain in the way God intended and spread hope to others.

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Young people in our churches today may be getting the false message that everything is okay, and if it isn’t, there is something wrong with them. However, regardless of how we are raised, what life experiences we face, and who we believe in, our time on earth can be riddled with pain, loss, and unanswered questions. Talking about these issues is one of the first steps to finding peace and perspective. Knowing there are others experiencing the same hardships helps build a sense of community and support. It is the facilitators’ hope that attendees will be encouraged and informed, knowing Jesus helps us to heal, to share the truth about our struggles, and to understand that the pain is only temporary.

Meet the Presenter

Izzy Hernandez

A recent graduate of the College of DuPage, 22-year-old Izzy Hernandez has grown up in the church but really started taking his faith more seriously only after finishing high school. He is currently a youth leader at Good Shepherd Church in Cicero, IL. He is excited to hear how young people have been affected by the story of Jesus and how they plan to share Him with those around them.

Jessica Newby

Jessica Newby is a recent high school graduate from Joliet West High School where she participated in cross country, choir, Group Interpretation, Jazz Cats, and other activities. This fall she started her college journey at Olivet Nazarene University and hopes to major in the field of education. She endured the struggles and privileges of growing up as a pastor’s kid in a household of eight and strives every day to have a deeper and more personal relationship with Jesus.

Rock the Universe →

Rock the Universe

Friday  | 10–10:45am | Room B

Acts 1:8 works hand in hand with Christ’s declaration that He will be with us until the end of the world.This presentation addresses the many ways Christ has been and is with us, empowering and helping us to be the disciples and disciple makers we are called to be so we can—rock the universe!

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At times, due to the busyness of life, we might forget who and whose we are. When we forget who we are, purpose and mission are lost. In this physical, temporal world, believers constantly need to remember to keep the main thing, the main thing and that God rocks! Acts 1:8,“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,” is a scripture that works hand in hand with Christ's statement, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” What does this mean for us and our mission today?

Meet the Presenter

Lisa Barker

A passionate exhorter, worship leader, and speaker, Lisa works as a lead consultant for eChurchAdmin. She is a former vice president of fund development and special events of the Urban League of Broward County in Florida.  Lisa lives in Chicago with her husband Kenneth and their two children, Kelsey and Michael.

Saturday

Making Disciples: Including... →

Making Disciples

Including the Mentally Ill and Their Families

Friday  | 10–10:45am | Room D &

Saturday  | 9–9:45am | Room B

Within our culture, mental illness is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized illnesses today.Frequently people with mental illness feel excluded; they and their families often don’t feel welcome at churches or fellowships. Learn how to reach out and show them that they are included within the body of Christ.

Read More

Better understand the stigmas we have within our culture about mental illness and that people with mental illness need to hear they are loved and included in the sacrifice of Jesus as much as anyone else. Learn some ways to reach out, as well as ways the mentally ill may see the world. Understand some of the challenges they face. Become aware of things to say or not to say and ways to help them cope. For example, people who deal with chronic depression sometimes have trouble just accomplishing basic day-to-day tasks. Reaching out with a phone call, mowing a lawn, or taking a meal to them can be a huge help.

Meet the Presenter

JoAnn Lagge

JoAnn Lagge is the senior pastor for Grace Communion Church in Sioux Falls, SD. JoAnn and her husband, Dennis, have two sons. Ten years ago, one of her sons was diagnosed with a mental illness, and she and her husband became caregivers. The experience taught them firsthand about the stigma involved with mental illness.

Experiencing Outside the Walls →

Experiencing Outside the Walls

Friday  | 9–9:45am | Room A

In July, Good Shepherd Church, in conjunction with Church Multiplication Ministries, participated in presenting an Outside the Walls (OTW) outreach event. In this workshop, we will share what OTW is and discuss the challenges and the benefits we faced in participating in an OTW event.

Meet the Presenter

Israel Hernandez

A native Chicagoan, Israel is the lead pastor of the Good Shepherd Church in Cicero, IL. He is a physical therapist and member of the Cicero Clergy Committee. He is the husband of Margaret and father of two sons, Izzy and Noe.

Mentoring →

Coming Soon!