Thanks to our hard-working workshop coordinator Laura Willenburg, we have an exciting line-up of workshops for the October 2024 conference! Here are their titles and descriptions:
- Appreciating the One True God Through Science and Creation – Tony Taylor
- Have you ever wanted to know more about how to connect science and the beauty of God’s creation? If so, you won’t want to miss this presentation! In this workshop, you will: learn about the wonders of the created universe, witness visually stunning experiments and demos, examine the benefits of scientific curiosity and thinking critically, and learn how science is useful for testing and authenticating major aspects of biblical history. Whether you are a kid, teenager, or an adult, there will be something to learn and appreciate for all ages!
- Becoming Trauma-Informed – Laura Willenburg
- Most everyone will experience trauma at some point in their life and will find themselves in situations where they need resources to help them understand trauma and/or get help for themselves or their loved ones. In this workshop, Laura Willenburg provides a framework for understanding trauma and how it affects people, and provides resources for finding hope, help, and healing for those experiencing the effects of current or past trauma. This workshop is designed for people from all walks of life, but will be especially helpful to pastors, lay ministers, people in helping professions, trauma survivors and their loved ones.
- Church Planting – Will Barlow and Sean Finnegan
- In this workshop, Will Barlow and Sean Finnegan talk about their experience planting the newly established Compass Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky with the help of the seasoned organization Living Hope International Ministries. Together, they share how they turned a vision of a healthy thriving unitarian church into a reality. Topics covered include: pastoral and core leadership selection, finances, vision and mission, location, policies and procedures, and church culture. If you have an interest in being part of a unitarian church plant, you won’t want to miss this one.
- Community Building – John Truitt and Timypaul Lupe
- John Truitt and Timypaul Lupe share practical ways churches and other Christian groups can grow through various community-building activities. They will share real-life experiences of connecting with those around them through both spiritual and recreational activities that help produce vibrant healthy groups and mature disciples of Jesus.
- Evangelism – Nate Swanson
- Many Unitarians are looking for practical ways to share their beliefs about the One True God and his son. In this workshop, Nate Swanson shares wisdom from his experience with evangelism. His practical advice will help believers share their beliefs in a way that is winsome to others without compromising the truth. Come ready to be inspired and energized to share your faith!
- Hearing God’s Voice – Michele Norton
- From the beginning, God desired a family that he can commune with. At some point, you became a part of his family and heard his call on your life. Now is the time to sharpen your “ears” to hear the Creator speak to you in ways that you may not experience currently. It is within the family of God that his voice is most heard. In this workshop, we will explore the tangible and intangible aspects of being sensitive to him. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned believer, all are welcome.