Improve Your Serve March 5, 2016 8:00 Registration 9:00 Opening Plenary Session (streaming) 10:15 Workshop 11:30 Session 2 Workshop 12:30 Lunch 1:30 Workshop 2:40 Closing Plenary Session (streaming) Nashville First Church Track 1 Nazarene Youth International (NYI) #N1A Sharing the Story: How Your Youth Ministry Can Spark Hope Youth ministries do many marvelous things for the Kingdom that aren't always shared with the greatest level of success. In this workshop we will share some tools to help your youth share, your church know, and your community connect to the story of the good things happening within your group. Presenter: Nate Pruitt Nate Pruitt is a minister to youth and families having served at Westwind Community of Faith and Trevecca Community Church on the MidSouth District. He is a father of three, an author, and an occasionally sought after speaker. Session 2 #N1B High Fives and Heroes Realizing the Power of Small Groups and Middle School Ministry Small groups provide an opportunity for students to be known and loved by a consistent leader. This leader models Christlikeness in the way they interact with their group, lead discussions/games, and connect with students and families outside of group time. One of the highest and hardest callings within a ministry context, but then again Hero is not a title easily earned. Presenter: Jeremy Byler
Pastor Jeremy Byler is the Middle School Pastor at Erin Church of the Nazarene in Erin, Tennessee. He also serves the MidSouth District as Pre-Teen Director and organizer of the annual #Nazatween event. #N1C Open Forum on Youth Ministry and MidSouth NYI Have questions about how others do youth ministry? Questions about the MidSouth NYI? Bring your questions, thoughts, ideas and let s collaborate our local ministry efforts together and find out more about what is going on with the MidSouth NYI. Presenter: Stephen Kihnley Stephen has served as the youth pastor at Gallatin First Church of the Nazarene since November 2011. He and his wife Bethany have a 2/12 year old. Stephen has also served on the district council for the past 4 years. Track 2 Children s Ministry #N2A1 Preschool 101: Bright Ideas to Light Up Your Preschoolers We'll cover classroom management techniques for smooth transitions and to draw everyone in, fun and interactive ways to present the Bible story, and games and activities to round out your day! Presenter: Tonya Marks Tonya serves Children s Pastor at Columbia Grace Church of the Nazarene, where she and her husband, Tracy, have been since 1999. She loves helping children grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Tonya believes the key to raising people of God is encouraging the church and family to partner together. She grew up in a loving Christian
home in South Carolina and was taught and shown how to live for Jesus from an early age. Over the years God has provided Tonya with many opportunities to lead children through camps, childcare jobs, earning and Education degree at Trevecca Nazarene Univeristy, being a public school teacher, and best of all being a mom to her children. #N2A2 Technology on a Shoestring Budget Adding technology to a children's ministry environment doesn't have to be expensive. This session will provide practical ways you can add a little technology to your children's ministry without breaking your ministry budget or being a computer genius. The value of printed material will also be discussed and there will be time for Q&A! Presenter: Ed Yeager Ed Yeager has been a children's pastor for almost 18 years, currently on staff at Clarksville First Church of the Nazarene in Clarksville, TN. Ed collects Pez and ugly Hawaiian shirts. He enjoys geocaching, fishing, canoeing, camping, and being outdoors (when it isn't too hot or too cold). He is also fascinated with all things tech and, even though no one who knows him would believe it, has an apiary. Session 2 #N2B1 Nursery 101: Setting Up a Nursery to Welcome We will cover the basics of nursery ministry. Topics include setting up a multi-age nursery (infants-preschool), policies, and teaching tools. When do we start nursery ministry? I'll give you a hint It begins at conception! We will discuss ministering to expectant parents all the way to dedication. Presenter: Jessica Byler Pastor Jessica is the Administration and Preschool Pastor at Erin Church of the Nazarene. She has been in ministry for 15 years. Jessica is married to Jeremy (PJ), who also serves as a pastor at Erin. They have 3 daughters, Aubree (10), Paisley (7) and Chloe (5). Jessica enjoys zumba, playing volleyball, cooking and reading. She also LOVES church camp. Jessica has a deep desire for children to know God and know that they can have a relationship with Him.
#N2B2 High Fives and Heroes Realizing the Power of Small Groups and Middle School Ministry Small groups provide an opportunity for students to be known and loved by a consistent leader. This leader models Christlikeness in the way they interact with their group, lead discussions/games, and connect with students and families outside of group time. One of the highest and hardest callings within a ministry context, but then again Hero is not a title easily earned. Presenter: Jeremy Byler Pastor Jeremy Byler is the Middle School Pastor at Erin Church of the Nazarene in Erin, Tennessee. He also serves the MidSouth District as Pre-Teen Director and organizer of the annual #Nazatween event. #N2C1 Elementary 101: Basics of Elementary Ministry from Worship to Events Discover the Joy of ministering to elementary age children. Learn some basics to planning age appropriate worship for them, including setting up a team of volunteers and planning a calendar of events, small and large, to help grow your ministry inward and outward. Most importantly how to help them find Christ! Presenter: Crystal Petty District Children s Coordinator, Pastor to Children and families at Jason Chapel Church of the Nazarene for the past 12 years. Family Camp Children s Coordinator, She has led camps, worship, speaking, etc. and has served in Children s ministry in some capacity for the past 30 years. Her greatest desire is for children to find Christ at a young age so they can discover He has a purpose and plan for their lives. Jeremiah 29:11
#N2C2 Special Needs Ministry (Multi-cultural and ESL) Do you worry if your children are understanding the story? Does your ministry have children from different cultures? Ministering to different cultures or in settings where some are just learning English, brings out challenges both on the part of the minister and the English learners in your ministry trying to grasp what you are teaching. Pulling strategies and best practices from research and experience in the teaching field, this session will equip you with techniques and activities that you can implement to help all children, not just the English learner. Presenter: Michelle Bergman and Lance Connor (ESL) Michelle Bergman graduated from Trevecca with a degree in math education and then completed her master's degree in teaching with a focus in teaching English learners. Now a district licensed minister working towards ordination, she ministers weekly to children at Jason Chapel Church of the Nazarene. Michelle's passion is teaching and learning. Track 3 Nazarene Missions International (NMI) #N3A I m an NMI President: What Now? Local NMI presidents are encouraged to attend this workshop and benefit from the experience and creativity of other MidSouth NMI leaders. Hear up-to-the-minute news about NMI and get a jumpstart on your annual report! Presenter: Sharron Shands Sharon lives in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee and attends the Hermitage Church of the Nazarene. She was an NMI president for eight years, was district Deputation Director for five years, and currently serves as a North Nashville Mission Area Coordinator. Session 2 #N3B The Changing Face of Work and Witness Learn about all the possibilities for Work and Witness, including multigenerational trips, engaging youth, and creative new opportunities for work and outreach. Presenter: Joe Drake Joe is the Regional Elder for Bikers For Christ overseeing Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. He and his wife serve on the Nazarene Motorcycle Fellowship for the global church. Joe has been on four Work and Witness trips: Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina; Capetown, South Africa; and two trips to Senegal. #N3C The Articles of Faith StudyMap (This workshop will be broadcast from DaySpring to the DMRC. Transportation to DMRC will be provided.) Experience this innovative teaching tool, developed by missionary Stéphane Tibi, as he guides participants through the Nazarene Articles of Faith. Learn the foundations of the Christian faith interactively and come away with a greater understanding and retention of our foundational beliefs. Presenter: Stéphane Tibi
Stéphane and his wife Sandra are Nazarene missionaries in Africa, where he currently serves as Field Strategy Coordinator for Africa Central Field. Stéphane has developed graphic tools called StudyMaps for memorably and creatively communicating the truths of Scripture as well as the Nazarene Articles of Faith. Track 4 Adult Ministries #N4A Exploring Motorcycle Ministry Motorcycle Ministries, Biker Sundays, and Protocol of Motorcycling. There will be presentation and discussion of forming motorcycle ministries and conducting Biker Sundays. We will look at the difference in Biker Church, Motorcycle Ministry (MM), Independent Clubs and Motorcycle Clubs (MC). Presenter: Ron Bailey Ron Bailey pastors the Hope Riders Biker Church in Clarksville, Tennessee. Before becoming a pastor, he served as Men's Ministry Director at his local church and as Men's Ministry Director on the District. He has served as the Adult Ministries Director for the District for several years. Session 2 #N4B Exploring Men s Ministry Exploring the importance of Men serving Men in today's world. Discussion will be conducted on why to offer men's ministries and ways to encourage participation. There will be information on the upcoming Men's Retreat and opportunity to register on site. Presenter: John Meeks John Meeks is a Minister serving at First Church of the Nazarene in Clarksville Tennessee. He is the newly appointed District Men's Ministry Director. He served Woodlawn Church of the Nazarene for several years as a layman working in several areas of the church.
#N4C Women Ministering To Women Your District Women's Council invites you to share ministry ideas and learn new ways to reach women. Also to participate in a time of commitment, prayer, and anointing for service. Presenter: Judy Frazier Judy testifies God has been most gracious and merciful to her. She was saved as a young child and called into ministry when in her forties while at her desk in a Trevecca office. Judy presently serves as senior adult pastor at Franklin Community of Faith, teaches a Sunday School class, and enjoys one-on-one ministry and small group ministries. She serves on the District Women s Ministries Council along with a team of godly, loving women. Track 5 Refresh #N5A Tell THE Story Tell THE Story is keeping Jesus' message with his method in order that we can go out and make disciples. This workshop is easy to receive, remember, and retell. It is discovery based, highly engaging, orality centered and uses group discussion. Presenter: Barbara and Larry Fox Larry and Barbara Fox have been married for almost 49 years, have 3 grown children and a couple of granddaughters. They have been on several mission trips and enjoy meeting new brothers and sisters in Christ.
Session 2 #N5B Tell THE Story Same workshop offering as #N5A. It is being offered twice in the schedule. Presenter: Barbara and Larry Fox #N5C Ministry to Age-Groups and Families Partnership Between Lead Pastor and Staff Wonder what age-group ministry pastors wish the senior pastor knew, and vice versa, with regard to ministering to children, youth, and families? What's the importance of the relationship between staff and lead pastor in these ministries? How can staff teams be developed effectively? How do you maintain morale of these staff teams? Hear the perspective of one who has served as senior pastor, as well as in children's, youth, and family ministries. Presenter: Dustin Bilbrey Dustin Bilbrey is the Senior Pastor at Lewisburg First Church of the Nazarene. He has been serving in this role for 8 months. He wasn't always called to lead as the Senior Pastor, though, as he has served for 9 of the last 12 years in Children's Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Family Ministry. Track 6 Renew #N6A Sabbatical: Why Every Church Should Offer It, Why Every Pastor Should Take It (This workshop will be broadcasting from the DMRC. Transportation to the DMRC will be provided.) Explore in this workshop the mandate for sabbatical rest and apply those concepts to the life of the pastor. Learn what sabbatical is and learn how your church can be faithful to encourage and implement this biblical concept in your pastors lives. Presenter: Steve Estep Dr. Steve Estep has been Sr. Pastor at Clarksville Grace since January 2008. He serves as adjunct professor of preaching at Nazarene Theological Seminary, is an active member of the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce, Clarksville Area Ministerial Association, and is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Clarksville. He serves on the credentials board and Advisory Board of the MidSouth District. He has served as chaplain to the Rossview High School football team since 2010. He is the President/CEO of Restoring the Warriors Heart, Inc. a non-profit ministry to soldiers and their families. In addition, Steve was elected as President of the NTS Alumni Association in 2014 and is on the Board of Trustees for Nazarene Theological Seminary. His hobbies include working out, fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles and jet-skis. He enjoys date nights with Michelle, traveling, and spending time with their kids Brandon (21), Brooke (19) and Blake (17). He is a big fan of the 6-time Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Steve s passions are preaching and prayer. Session 2 #N6B Improving Worship by Improving the Details Putting the order of worship together for a worship service is just a small portion of what it takes to be a leader in worship. The Call, The Team, and The Work are areas that can
transform our worship leading from the inside out. This overview of the ministry of leading a congregation to worship will discuss the foundational understanding of those called to lead and develop teams for local church worship services. Presenter: Jonathan Trees Jonathan Trees serves as pastor at Nashville Grace Church of the Nazarene. #N6C Missional Administration If a Church is to fulfill its mission, then the entire team needs to work together. There is an administrative process that can help the pastor plan, evaluate, and build a missional team. This discussion is designed to point the pastor to tools that can move the staff or ministry team to work toward that same mission. Clarifying roles, defining goals, and working with elevated accountability will be discussed. Presenter: Jonathan Trees Jonathan Trees serves as pastor at Nashville Grace Church of the Nazarene. Track 7 Retool #N7A NazSafe Developing Safety Policies and Providing Sexual Abuse Awareness Training in the Local Church Every local church should develop and implement a policy regarding safety in their ministries to children and youth. This session will provide information regarding the importance of such policies, why it should be supported from pastoral and church board leadership, and how to get started developing a policy in the local church. Presenter: Crystal Petty District Children s Coordinator, Pastor to Children and families at Jason Chapel Church of the Nazarene for the past 12 years. Family Camp Children s Coordinator, She has led camps, worship, speaking, etc. and has served in Children s ministry in some capacity for the past 30 years. Her greatest desire is for children to find Christ at a young age so they can discover He has a purpose and plan for their lives. Jeremiah 29:11
Session 2 #N7B Using Your Local Church s Office 365 Subscription (This workshop will be broadcast from the DMRC. Transportation to the DMRC will be provided.) Were you aware the district provides your local church with one user-subscription to Office 365 Enterprise 3. Were you aware this is a powerful tool for ministry? Would you like to know how to use the tools available through this subscription? This session will introduce you to those tools, including Outlook, Power Point, Word, Excel, One Note, Skype for Business, One Drive for Business, Publisher, and Access. Presenter: James Lunsford James is a co-vocational pastor. He has served as pastor at Fly Church of the Nazarene for the past 22+ years. For 25+ years he has supported his preaching habit as an Information Technology professional. He is Microsoft Certified Professional as well as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer + Internet. James currently runs his own private technology consulting business, helping clients in various industries select, utilize, and optimize their use of technology tools to achieve their business goals. #N7C Developing a Multi-Cultural Church and Ministry Nashville First Church of the Nazarene now includes two immigrant congregations as part of its ministry, including a Haitian Church and a new African congregation mostly from the Republic of the Congo. Join the discussion as Dr. Ulmet shares lessons they have learned in reaching unique groups in their communities. Presenter: Kevin Ulmet Kevin M. UImet has been senior pastor at Nashville First for 4 1/2 years, leading them through transition. Dr. Ulmet holds the B.A. from Trevecca, the M.Div from NTS and the D.Min from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.