Annual Gathering Workshops
The 45-minute workshops will be offered twice (8:45 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 16) with a break and fellowship time between the sessions. Participants have the opportunity to choose two workshops. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge.
What One Church Is Doing About Predatory Loans – Bob Perry, Leader
University Heights Baptist Church in Springfield is attempting to rescue persons caught in the trap of payday and title loans. The workshop will describe how the church is raising funds to provide collateral for alternative low-interest loans and is working with a local credit union to make the loans and collect repayment. Participants will hear about lessons learned in the process and will have ample time for questions and answers.
Preparing for a Cross-Cultural Mission Trip – Gary Snowden, Leader
This workshop will explore the nuts and bolts of preparing a local church to engage in an international missions project. A large number of topics will be addressed including discovering and selecting a project, enlisting volunteers, handling trip logistics, scheduling of activities, cultural taboos, and many more.
Feed the 5,000 – Engaging in God’s Mission to End Hunger – Zach Schmidt & Doyle Sager, Leaders
In this workshop, we will talk about the biblical call to justice and the important role advocacy plays in reducing hunger in our communities and around the world. Learn about Bread for the World’s work to change policies and conditions that cause hunger to persist, and hear how you can use your voice to faithfully witness on behalf of our poor and hungry neighbors.
When Helping Helps! The Village Partners Model for Missions – Lori Wetmore, Leader
Representatives from William Jewell College share how they use Asset Based Community Development to build relationships with their mission partners and maximize the impact on participants. How to plan, prepare, engage, and reflect in thoughtful and meaningful ways for long-term effectiveness.
International Partnerships: Celebrating the Joy While Tiptoeing Through the Landmines – Roger Hatfield, Leader
This workshop is focused on helping participants understand how to celebrate the joy that comes from a healthy partnership as well as to anticipate the potential challenges and the ever-present landmines.