Friday evening will open with "The Mind of Christ";
Saturday morning, "The Hands of Christ"; and,
Saturday afternoon, "The Feet of Christ".

This won't be your typical look at the "Body of Christ" as in the church; but rather, we will be examining the actual mind, hands, and feet of Christ and how we as His disciples can learn from His example.

• The Bible View vs. Liberalism—The church is being challenged by subtle attacks on the Bible’s authority. Such attacks are, in effect, attacks upon the Holy Spirit and must be confronted seriously and vigorously.
• The Bible View vs. Calvinism—We will examine what the Bible says about the saving act of regeneration performed on the heart of the submitting sinner.
• The Bible View vs. Pentecostalism—In the early decades of the church, some gifts were supernatural and miraculous in nature. We will examine and critique the claims of Pentecostals and Charismatics that such gifts still exist.
• The Bible View vs. Mysticism—Following baptism, the Holy Spirit dwells continually in the life of every believer. We will see that His purpose is to give us sanctifying power - the power to be holy, and not to give us mystical or subjective knowledge.

Using Social Media to Grow Your Church or Ministry – Howard Brown, CEO, CircleBuilders.com.  In this workshop participants will explore the use of social media and modern day digital communications in their kingdom building efforts.  The workshop will examine open social networks, text messaging, blogging, audio and video podcasting, live streaming, private online Christian communities and more.  Workshop participants will discover helpful, practical strategies for developing web, marketing, communications, and member outreach.

Building a Blended Family That Works – Tyler and Julie Barlage, Minister, Community Christian Church. Statistics show that approximately 1/3 of all weddings in America today form stepfamilies.  The blending of a family can make marriage and parenting a bit “bumpy” to say the least.  This workshop will explore insights from experience and strategies for developing a godly, blended family that gets along.

The Bible:  Light for Your Life – Dr. Rubel Shelly, President, Rochestor College. There is no Christian faith apart from the book we call the Bible.  What reason do we have to believe the Bible is what it claims to be—the Word of God?  How does the Bible serve as a guide to human life?  What does it mean to affirm its authority over us?  How do I read Scripture so that it is light for living rather than a puzzle to master?  This workshop will help you to understand the Bible’s claims and how they relate to authentic faith.

9:45-10:45 Workshop Session Two:

Growing Ministry in the Small Church – Roger Keur, Retired Minister. Small churches play a vital part in the spiritual development of many Christians, yet the limitation of resources, staff, and volunteers can seem daunting.  This workshop will explore ideas and strategies for developing a church ministry that grows disciples and impacts the community of which it is a part.

Loving Kids to Christ – Jeanne Wilson, Children’s Minister, Plainfield Christian Church. Children are both the church of today and the church of tomorrow.  Teaching them to become serving disciples is essential to the church’s future.  This workshop will help you discover ways to lovingly, creatively and systematically grow children who love the Lord and serve His church.  Highlights of the workshop include:  defining what a successful children’s ministry is, facility and budget details, choosing curriculum; recruiting, screening and showing appreciation to volunteers; and program ideas.

DARE to CARE Ministry – Steve Leaming and Valerie Girdwood. This workshop will share details of an effective ministry of the Holt Christian Church, one which is enabling them to share the love and compassion of Christ with the people of their church and the needy in their community.

2:00-3:00 Workshop Session Three:

The Christian Response to Homosexuality in Our Culture Today – Facilitator TBA. Gays have made inroads into American culture, becoming more accepted by the general public.  The faith community is challenged to sensitively discuss this topic while maintaining a Biblical foundation and godly approach to outreach.  This workshop will explore what the Bible has to say about homosexuality, how the Christian can build respectful relationships with gays, understanding that their spiritual needs are vast and largely unaddressed by the church today.  Workshop participants will discover ways they can accept gays as individuals in an authentic way while maintaining Biblical perspective, and participants will discover ideas on how churches might respond to gays in ministry without advocating the homosexual position.

Using Social Media to Grow Your Church or Ministry – Howard Brown, CEO, Circlebuilders.com In this workshop participants will explore the use of social media and modern day digital communications in their kingdom building efforts.  The workshop will examine open social networks, text messaging, blogging, audio and video podcasting, live streaming, private online Christian communities and more.  Workshop participants will discover helpful, practical strategies for developing web, marketing, communications, and member outreach.

Faith:  How the Blind See – Rubel Shelly, President, Rochester College. The center of Christian faith is the person Jesus of Nazareth.  How shall we understand His claim to be Son of Man and Son of God?  Is it reasonable to believe He is who He claims to be?  What does it mean to “believe” or “trust” Jesus as Redeemer and Lord?  How does He meet the human need?  This workshop will help you to present the story of Jesus to others with authenticity and credibility.

This year’s Michigan Christian Convention will be focusing on the God “who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us.” These may be the times that try men’s souls, BUT these are also the times that demonstrate what a great and awesome God we serve. I would encourage you to put this year’s convention, April 20-21, on your schedule and join us as we give glory to God in the church and in Christ Jesus.

Henry Hawver
President 2012