Crucial Partners - The local church and Christian education

Barry Giller (Head of School : Charlotte Christian School)

Description of Presentation

Research and demographic studies keep reminding us that the younger generation is fleeing the traditional church. A crucial partnership can be and should be formed between the local church and the Christian education movement as we together seek to develop and cultivate a Biblical worldview in our communitys' young people.

Background Information

Barry Giller is currently the Head of School of Charlotte Christian School, a non-denominational school with 60 years of tradition and a current enrollment of 1000 students grades JK-12. Mr. Giller has been in Christian education for 18 years serving in schools in New York, Florida, and Connecticut. He has served as a faculty member, athletic director, and principal prior to becoming a head of school. Mr. Giller earned is undergraduate degree in secondary education from Wheaton College, and a masters in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern. He, along with his lovely wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of seven children and they attend Church at Charlotte.

The GREEN CHURCH Initiative

Tim Cool (Vice President : Comperio C3 / Founder : Cool Solutions Group)

Description of Presentation

For the past 2 decades, we have heard about the need to "Go Green" and "green up" our environment. During this period of time, the term GREEN has gone from describing fringe environmentalists chaining themselves to trees in the pacific northwest, to today! Where it is mainstream, acceptable, and actually expected. See how it applies to your church...and can actually save you money!

Background Information

Tim Cool is the VP of comperio C3 and founder of Cool Solutions Group. Comperio C3 is a Facility Stewardship Specialist firm specializing in facility planning, development/construction and long term life cycle management. Cool Solutions Group is a provider of industry leading software solutions to assist churches in promoting their Facility Stewardship initiatives.

Using the “Purchasing Process” to help fund your ministry

Mark Towell (President : National Church Purchasing Group, Inc.)

Description of Presentation

In today’s economy, most ministry budgets are being squeezed tighter and tighter, while at the same time, they are being presented with more and more ministry opportunities. What if there were some creative ways that you could help fund these ministry opportunities through your regular purchasing process? Every day, your ministry makes purchases, some routine and some unique, as well as paying utilities, insurance, and other business related expenses.
In this session, we will look at several saving opportunities available to you in your everyday business life that could potentially transfer these disbursements to enhancing your ministry.

Background Information

President of National Church Purchasing Group, Inc. , Mark has been a leader with several ministry organizations. He has developed a passion for local ministry outreaches, realizing the impact a local church can have on its community. This goes hand and hand with NCPG’s philosophy and mission statement - every ministry dollar saved on expenses equates to a ministry dollar that can be invested back into the ministry, where it belongs.

Ministry Planning prior to Master Planning

Michael Janaskie (Vice-President : GJS )

Description of Presentation

Ministry Planning is the process of thorough analysis of the church's ministries in which to help determine its personality and then make informed projections about the future. Our approach to the Ministry Planning process involves a variety of step to successfully create the desire Master Plan. The steps include an in-depth analysis concern mission, ministries, strategies, facilities and resources.

Background Information

Michael is a founding partner of GJS ARCHITECTS, LLC. His broad based experience with building types such as institutional, commercial, religious and residential, enable him to respond to a range of challenges. An emphasis on thoroughness, quality and working smarter, not harder are his daily quests. His ability to communicate ideas using 3D visualization allows clients and consultants to clearly visualize their project design. Michael has been a licensed architect since 1995.

Generation to Generation: How Different Age Groups On-Ramp to Giving

Alan Wildes (Generosity Coach : GENERIS)

Description of Presentation

Every generation is different. Every generation is motivated differently in their actions and giving is no different. We will explore what inspires different age groups to give. What calls people of different age groups to be called to action which then inspire generosity?

Background Information

I have been with GENERIS for 11 years working in the areas of stewardship and generosity. We believe generosity is about a culture. A culture that gives out of it's abundance and sustains giving in times of drought. We see changed hearts toward a lifestyle of generosity, rather that a moment of "feel good" giving that may wither and fade.

Social Media?  The Next Step!

Darrell Myers (Vice President : NCPG)

Description of Presentation

Unless you have just decided to bury your head in the sand, you know there is huge potential with implementing a social media strategy for your ministry. Several questions always arise: How do we implement it effectively? Which platforms should we use? How do we track it? Should we do it ourselves or hire a company? How should we deal with negative or misleading comments on social media platforms? There are real answers to these questions and applications that can solve all of these issues. 

Background Information

Darrell is the VP of Sales and Marketing for NCPG.  He majored at Virginia Commonwealth University in Business Administration and Marketing.  He has worked on staff as a Youth Pastor and a Worship Minister.  With a strong aptitude for and interest in electronics, Darrell pursued training and education that allowed him to quickly master the professional sound and audio/video world in the 90’s.  This, in turn, led to specialties in programming, web development, and graphic design.  Darrell has been interviewed by several national magazines for his expertise in media and marketing.

Partnership Between Local Church and a Counseling Center

Palmer Trice (Founder : The Barnabas Center )

Description of Presentation

Every pastor faces situations with his parishioners that are beyond them. For starters, how you recognize those situations? Then, how do you choose a counseling partner? Counselors, like pastors, think in distinct ways about the struggles that your people face. You want your people to get counsel that lines up with what you think is best. What questions do you ask? What are you looking for? Then, once you've found them, how do you want to structure your partnership? Learn about what a partnership with a local counseling center could look like for your church.

Background Information

Palmer Trice founded The Barnabas Center in 1989, seeking to extend his counseling and teaching efforts to the broader Charlotte audience. Prior to founding The Barnabas Center, Palmer spent 10 years on staff with Young Life and also served as minister of discipleship at a church in Charlotte. Palmer is an ordained Presbyterian minister and graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He received his bachelor's degree in history from Washington and Lee University.

Corporate Worship: Traditional, Modern, Biblical

John Stegemerten (Pastor, Worship Ministries : Hickory Grove Baptist Church)

Description of Presentation

I intend to offer biblical and practical advice for constructing a worship program that pulls from our past and propels us into the future.

Background Information

In college, I traveled throughout the country with Liberty University's premiere student musical group, Sounds of Liberty. I have served as the Associate Minister of Music and now as Worship Pastor at Hickory Grove Baptist Church's main campus in Charlotte, NC.

Worksite Wellness Overview and Best Practices

James Smith (Director : Wellness Consulting)

Description of Presentation

Overview of Wellness as a Business Strategy Best Practices and World Class Solutions

Background Information

Earned AHA's Fit Friendly Company (Platinum) twice for local operations of Fortune 500 Firm. Registered Dietitian and 1 of fewer than 19 Board Certified Specialists in Sports Dietetics. Master's Degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Engaging Your Congregation in the Worship Experience

Dr. Keith Duncan (Author, Songwriter, Conference Speaker, Ordained Minister and Worship Leader)

Description of Presentation

Many congregations view the praise and worship segment of our church services as nothing more than a pre-service show. This class will help you transition your congregation from spectators into active participators and will help to cultivate a healthy and biblical worship culture within your congregation.

Background Information

Keith travels widely in the U.S. and around the world, appearing with Ron Kenoly, Benny Hinn, Morris Cerullo, 4-HIM, John Tesh, Avalon, Judy Jacobs, Alvin Slaughter, Kurt Carr, and other ministers and musicians. Keith frequently has been featured on Christian television programs on TBN and Daystar, and is a regular guest worship leader with Inspiration Ministries. He travels to churches and other nations conducting impacting, life-changing workshops and seminars. He, his wife Michele, and their son Judah make their home in Fort Mill, SC and now travel as Worship Missionaries to the nations

Audit - What it Is and Isn't and How to Prepare

Terry Lancaster (CPA & Owner : C. Dewitt and Company, PA, CPAs)

Description of Presentation

We will review the objectives of a financial audit, as well as alternatives to a full audit. We will also cover how to prepare for an audit and the steps you can take to make the audit go as smoothly as possible.

Background Information

Terry Lancaster is an owner of C. DeWitt Foard and Company, PA, CPAs, a Charlotte accounting firm specializing in church and not-for-profit audit and tax. The firm currenly has more than 250 not-for-profit clients.

Remake Yourself to be More Successful

LynnMarie Earl (Motivational and Christian Speaker and Author)

Description of Presentation

While encompassing several points of what to do, and not do, to be more successful in, this seminar concentrates on communication, finances, time management, and taking control of things you can change.

Background Information

LynnMarie has been teaching for over 20 years and is available as a speaker, teacher, and coach. Her business book is Yes, He Actually Said That! and her Christian book is Essays of Encouragement.

Church Financing in the 21st century

Russ Priddy (Vice President of Business Developement : Great Nation Investment Corp.)

Description of Presentation

In spite of a bad economy, the body of Christ continues to grow. Many churches are faced with the need to build or buy facilities. We will look at the current opportunities for financing, and discuss options available to local churches.

Background Information

Russ is a Sr. VP with Great Nation Investment, a 22 year old Christian Investment Banking Institution. Russ has been in the Church Financing Industry since 1995, and is a graduate of Marshall University and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Developing Media for Worship

Rick Harwell (Pastor : Mecklenburg Community Church)

Description of Presentation

Using media to create a worship environment that engages believers and encourages those who are exploring Christianity toward the truth of the Gospel.

Background Information

Rick is a pastor with Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, NC. Over the years, he has worn many hats, including worship planning and leadership, creative team, music director, speaker, and teacher. He currently leads the development of video for use in the weekend services.

Worship - More Than Music

Lem LeRoy (Senior Worship Pastor: Carmel Baptist Church)

Description of Presentation

This presentation will explore practical ways to enhance your corporate worship services by utilizing a variety of creative elements. Whether your services are traditional, contemporary or somewhere in between, you'll learn how to integrate some fresh ideas.

Background Information

Lem is the Senior Worship Pastor at Carmel Baptist Church in Matthews, NC where he leads and oversees all Sunday morning services. Lem has served on the worship staff at Carmel since 2002. Prior to that, he served as Worship and Outreach Pastor at Trinity Baptist in Ocala, FL and Worship Pastor at Forest Heights Baptist in Athens, GA. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Georgia in 1995. Lem enjoys teaching about worship and has a passion to lead people into the presence of God. Lem and his wife, Ellen, have been married since 2006 and are expecting their first child in July.

Ministry Branding

Charles Collie (Managing Director & Senior Consultant : BoldStroke Consulting)

Description of Presentation

In this presentation, Charles will reveal a way to see what’s at the intersection of what the Bible says about the church’s mission and the skills, desires and personality of your congregation. The real power of branding comes from standing for biblical truths in a way that is relevant to your congregation, your community and the world.

Background Information

Charles helps organizations live their purpose by creating a brand focused culture that is ingrained in every aspect of its operations and communications. Working with organizations to use social media to communicate and create community around their brand has become one of his specialties. During a 17 year consulting career, Charles has spanned the globe working with businesses, associations, governments and non-profits. At times, God has called Charles to work with His church. Charles has worked with churches to identify their unique God-given purpose (in essence the church’s brand) and then work alongside the church to plan, organize, work and communicate in accordance with God’s word and their brand.

Rest that Cape Superwoman!

Regelyn Edwards (Executive Director : The Encouraging Place)

Description of Presentation

As women, we are forever doing . . . doing this for family, doing that for hubby, doing this for the church, for the boss . . . just so busy doing and a lot of time, hating it. Why, because we're doing more than God called us to do. So, we need to take that big "S" off our chests and learn that "NO" is not a curse word.

Background Information

For 14+ years, I worked at Building Together Ministries, an urban ministry in the heart of the city. There I started an outreach to women across the city and last year we reached 500 women from all walks of life. I've always had a love for womens ministry and have spoken at churches, retreats, womens fellowships etc. I love it and because I'm a over doer I confess, and had to minister this topic to myself first!

The Building Process for Churches

David Batten (President : JH Batten, Inc)

Description of Presentation

Come together with other church leaders as we review the development process and help your church face one of its biggest challenges : building new facilities. Understand the key elements of a successful building program and learn from the successes - and failures - of others.

Background Information

The goal of JH Batten is not just providing a quality building for your church, but to provide quality ministry by fully understanding the church's mission and vision.

Creating A Cohesive Team

Kevin Pledger (Worship Pastor : New Vision Church) & Alan Parker (Pastor : New Vision Church)

Description of Presentation

One is too small a number to do anything great. It's a known leadership truth. But the fact is that those in church leadership still fall short of their potential in ministry due to the inability to form a cohesive team around them. These tools will help you do just that!

Background Information

Kevin has 24 years experience as a Worship Pastor and 14 years experience training leaders in the local church. He is a worship songwriter signed as a staff writer for PraiseCharts and studied music at Truett-McConnell College, Belmont University, and Liberty University.

Alan Parker is the Lead Pastor at New Vision Church in Fayetteville, GA. New Vision Church launched as a new ministry in Fayetteville on Easter Sunday, 2004 from a vision from God to begin a ministry to reach the Next Generation.

Using Facebook to Help Your church

Kenny Brown (Executive Pastor : New Charlotte Church)

Description of Presentation

In today's world, communication is changing as we speak. How do we effectively communicate with our churches in order to empower them to be engaged and invite friends? Facebook has been a great communication tool. Come learn from our successes and failures.

Background Information

Kenny Brown is the Executive Pastor of New Charlotte Church. He has planted a church. He led a small group ministry with over 200 groups with 2200 participates and mobilized the church to serve over 50,000 hours in a year. He oversaw the development of a multi-site ministry, the family ministry, and has been a campus pastor. He values integrating Christ centered ministry with the best business practices.

Social Media Ain't Going Away. #praiseGod

Mark MacDonald (Creative Director, PinPoint Creative Group)

Description of Presentation

Almost 80% of Americans are registered with Facebook, Twitter or other social mediums to build relationships, learn trends, share the Gospel and waste time. Pastors and congregations everywhere are doing it. Mark MacDonald, a self-admitting social mediaholic and communications expert, will share the best way for Churches to be using the medium. This isn't for the beginner. Let's tackle the "next step" issues. So that we waste less time and use this technology for God's glory.

Background Information

For 25 years, Mark MacDonald, an award-winning marketing-communications strategist and Creative Director, has been assisting corporations and ministries to develop effective brands. In the past 10 years with PinPoint Creative Group, he has dedicated his time to assisting churches (and companies that work with churches) communicate effectively.

Helping your Church with Communications

David Bennett (Faith Based Vertical Marketing Manager : Ricoh US)

Description of Presentation

Explore the 5 steps of communication methods of how to connect with and grow your ministry, in ways that set you apart and grasp a clear understanding of what matters to your members and visitors. 1)Maintain control of how you communicate. 2)Keep the continuity of your mission and message. 3)Help set you apart. 4)Understanding of what matters to your members and visitors.

Background Information

Grew up in Worcestershire, England and have now been in the USA for 21 years, have and continue to work with many faith based /church organizations, learning more about them and constantly exploring how we can help them flourish. In my job capacity I am awarded the privilege to be responsible for the faith/church market in the US and to help our people empathize and align them with your goals.

Toy Box Leadership

Bob Adams (Church Development Consultant : JH Batten Inc.)

Description of Presentation

Everything you need to know about leadership is in my toy box! You will laugh and learn like a kid again as we dig through the toy box to find leadership skills to put in “play” at your church. Takeaways include the number one need for leaders today, practical leadership skills help, and a challenge to help you grow as a leader – while developing the next generation of leaders as well.

Background Information

Bob Adams is Lead Church Development Consultant for JH Batten, Inc., a church design-build firm. Prior to joining JHB in 2004, his background included over 23 years as an associate/executive pastor for 3 churches with primary responsibilities in church facilities administration, communication and discipleship. Bob’s passion is helping church leaders thrive by turning challenges into opportunities. He is a frequent speaker at national leadership events on a variety of topics, also writing for national publications as well as publishing a daily leadership blog. He is actively involved at Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC at the Uptown Campus, where he serves as a Guest Services Coordinator.