Applying Isaiah's Anonymous Servant Passages

Gary DeLashmutt

Isaiah 53

Many Christians are aware that Isaiah 42, 49, 50, and 53 predict Jesus' first coming. Few realize, however, that the New Testament also applies these passages to Jesus' followers. This workshop explores these applications so that believers can become more effective servants of the Servant.\r\n

Battling Discouragement in Ministry

Doug O'Malley

Isaiah 53

A life dedicated to ministry requires perseverance. There are times of discouragement, deep pain, and failure. Whether it is seeing friends say no to God or facing our own personal weaknesses and failure, doing ministry is tough. How do we face setbacks and discouragement in ministry faithfully? How can we learn not to give up during times of discouragement but actually thrive and grow?

The Comfort of God

James Rochford

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

God's comfort is referred to 29 times in the apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. This is not sappy sentimentalism, Paul graphically describes the reality of suffering but describes the comfort of God in equally powerful terms. And the comfort of God increases as our suffering for Christ increases. We can learn to suffer victoriously by giving thanks, trusting in key Biblical promises, and persevering in faith.

The Gospel and Christian Growth

Mike Sullivan

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Once we've heard the good news about Jesus' sacrifice and God's grace, what comes next? It's tempting to change the gospel in order to make it more appealing to people (such as salvation through works, not faith). But when the gospel is used properly, it can be a powerful tool for serving in difficult circumstances and encouraging others to grow.

Created for Good - Restoring Hope in Our Christian Lives

Brian Adams

Katie Adams

Romans 7:24-25

The fear of falling from grace can at times cripple us, especially when we see other spiritual leaders fall. But while we are capable of evil, we have been created for glory. God created us for good, and he offers his comfort for the fearful. By observing the transformation of the apostle Peter we see a model of grace's power to provide hope and change. In fact we see powerful transformations scattered across the Bible! These examples and truths give us hope in our own Christian lives.

The Conversion of the Thessalonians

Mike Sullivan

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

What led the people of Thessalonica to become followers of Jesus? The messengers (Paul, Timothy, Silas and others) were dedicated, worked as a team and used evidence when they talked about God and Jesus. God pursued them and provided power and conviction. And the recipients were open to hearing the message and making their own decision. They were then motivated to share the gospel with others.

Helping Disciples Develop Time with God

Sara Bott

Colossians 3:16

As we seek to fan the flame, igniting other's time with God, we should seek to understand three main concepts: our role in motivating people, actions through which we can help motivate, and areas in which we should seek to motivate. When we understand what is our role apart from God's, we can imperfectly but effectively motivate others without falling into manipulation. To ignite a fire in others, modeling is important as well as persuading, instructing, encouraging and vision-setting. With these tools, we can help others develop a consistent and faithful time with God that is still centered around grace.

Importance of a Positive Outlook in Ministry

Conrad Hilario

Hebrews 10:32-35

While holding and presenting a positive outlook is scientifically shown to cause others to thrive, spewing negativity just further feeds our negative attitude. The difference is between effective, motivational leadership and defeatism, which leads to unbelief. If we remain with our negative outlook, we are at risk of becoming cold towards the very people God calls us to love. Thus, we should seek a positive outlook in ministry without running to the other extreme of being overly positive. Finally, we can cultivate a positive outlook through several key steps outlined in this presentation.

A Shepherd's Heart

Scott Risley

Acts 20:1-38

Paul encourages the elders from Ephesus. He lays out characteristics of being a Good Shepherd in this speech to the Ephesians. There are also risks when pursuing being a Good Shepherd to God's flock, and there's a responsibility that comes with serving in this way.