God's Power and Our Weakness

Scott Risley
2 Corinthians 11:16-12:10

Paul addresses the accusations of false teachers who are attempting to discredit him. Surprisingly, Paul doesn't list his accolades and credentials but instead shares about the copious and intense suffering he has endured for his ministry. By doing so, Paul gives us a lesson on humility and also teaches us how to endure suffering well and allow it to draw us closer to God, because His power is most evident in the face of our weakness.

Good Friends Are Hard to Find

Patrice McCormac
1 Samuel 23

Our culture is plagued with loneliness. Part of the problem is that we are often more concerned about whether people are being good friends to us than if we ourselves are being a good friend! As we examine the biblical story of David and Jonathan's friendship however, we see several key elements of good friendship. To be a good friend, we must warn our friends of danger even when it may be risky for us. We should speak and wish well of them, encourage, and initiate choosing to commit to the friendship. As we move away from our own selfish tendencies and toward these habits, we move toward becoming a good friend to others.

The God Who is There in Conflict

Bev DeLashmutt
Romans 2:1-3

Unresolved conflict stirs up many negative emotions, including confusion for how God is involved. God does, however, have a will for conflict, and it is that he seeks to be glorified. He is glorified both through resolution and when even one person obeys his principles for conflict. This means that no matter how the other person may respond, we are responsible for our own response. We are called to withhold judgement, address our own failure first, relate wisely, seek God for our needs, and treat the other as we want to be treated. Through these steps, we can have a more God-centered approach and response to conflict.

Freedom from the Guilt and Shame Trap

Sara Bott
Zephaniah 3:11

Guilt relates to specific actions we may wrongly commit, while shame is the negative defining of self. Shame is rooted in identity. God calls us to have humility and repentance for the wrong things we do, but he offers us freedom from having a life that is persistently defined by guilt and shame. In order to gain victory from this trap, we must assess the differences between positive shame and guilt and negative shame and guilt. Seeking freedom allows transformation, intimacy with God and others, and ownership of our new identity in Christ. This workshop includes several practical ways to help move away from the negative uses of guilt and shame.

Joy & Reconciliation

Jim Leffel
Philippians 4:1-3

When we are willing to set aside our own expectations, examine our blind spots and realize that we are also a difficult person to get along with, we can build real relationships. These relationships help us through life and show the unity that is ours through the body of Christ. Euodia and Syntyche are struggling to get along and Sue Olah and Theresa Moon share their struggle to work through conflict and towards friendship.

Joy & Unity

Jim Leffel
John 17:20-23

Unity in our lives matters because we are witnesses of God's grace and good news. There are many ways in which we can all pursue unity with one another. We learn, not only how we can pursue unity, but that when we pursue unity with the same humility Jesus demonstrated by dying on the cross, we will have real joy in our lives.

Washing the Disciples' Feet

Ryan Lowery
John 15:12-13

What was one of Jesus' last acts before going to the cross? He washed his disciples' feet at the Passover meal. This act of humility towards even the one who would betray him shows unconditional love. Jesus was able to do this because of the gifts God had given him, his knowledge of where he came from and his knowledge of where he was going to.

The Triumphal Entry

Ryan Lowery
Matthew 5:5

Soon before his crucifixion Jesus enters Jerusalem, greeted by people who anticipate he is the Messiah who would conquer their oppressors. Instead, his entry marks the start of his trip to the cross to suffer for the sins of man, and conquer the oppression of sin for those who seek him.

Finding Rest for your Soul

Gary DeLashmutt
Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus tells followers how they can find rest for their souls by following him. What does it mean to take on his yoke? How can we understand being gentle and humble of heart?