DAILY: TUESDAY-THURSDAY
Jesus Christ
Meditations on the humiliation of God and the exaltation of man as both take place in Jesus Christ–THE Word of God
DAILY MORNING DEVOS: 8:00 AM
ROOM: Stanley Cup
Randy is the Spiritual Director of the Collage of Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University and a faculty member in the Department of Bible Missions and Ministry.
God For Us
This will be a textual tour through Romans 8 and its implications and applications for our lives and even ministries at times. It will take place over the course of 5 classes between Tuesday-Thursday.
DAILY TEXTUAL CLASS:
Tuesday: 2:00 PM & 3:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM & 4:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM
ROOM: WIMBLEDON
Chris has served in Ministry since 1991. He has served in places including, Gateway Church of Christ in Pensacola, FL, The Hills Church of Christ in the Ft Worth area, and Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene. He has been the Senior Minister here at The Branch Church since January of 2001. He met his wife Tara during the time they were both attending Abilene Christian University and married her in 1992. They have 3 children, Skyler, Garrison and Cooper.
TUESDAY, January 7, 2020
Brave Marriage: Loving From the Strength of Jesus
This workshop will be for any person, or couple, who wants to gather healthy, practical tools to: practice love from a place of bravery, show up in conflict or misunderstandings, and create an atmosphere of love and belonging.
WORKSHOP: Tuesday, 9-12:00 PM
ROOM: World Series 2
Rick and Beverly Ross count themselves extremely blessed by God to be able to minister together. After 43years of marriage, they have a common history to share. Yet because their methods of delivery are so distinct and the emphasis in their educational backgrounds so diverse, they bring a mixture of approaches to the subject.
Rick has been Preaching Minister for the Decatur Church of Christ in Decatur, Texas since 2005. Beverly is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and has been a marriage counselor since 2001.
Navigating Conflict
Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to undo us. This workshop will focus on navigating conflict in healthy and productive ways. Through the use of stories, discussion, and personal reflection, participants will gain a basic understanding of conflict styles while being equipped with simple, practical tools to use in times of conflict.
WORKSHOP: Tuesday, 9-12:00 PM
ROOM: Super Bowl 2
Greg Pirtle is a speaker, coach, and mediator who believes that peacemaking skills are essential. His presentations and services have been used in businesses, families, schools, churches, and non-profit organizations. He holds a Masters degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation from Abilene Christian University. He also facilitates graduate classes in interpersonal conflict and communication theory. Before transitioning to his current role, he spent nearly 20 years in youth and family ministry at two different churches.
Avoid A Complacent Leadership Culture and Lead by Coaching
Curiosity and connection can change your youth ministry by learning the skills of a thoughtful coach that listens deeply and asks insightful questions. Learning how to lead by coaching can transform your youth ministry, teens, parents, staff, and elders from awareness to action. Come learn about the art of intentional listening and asking powerful questions that catalyze growth and will change your youth ministry culture. See firsthand how coaching works and how you can accelerate your personal growth this year to lead with humility and courage.
WORKSHOP: Tuesday, 9-12:00 PM
ROOM: Super Bowl 1
Dr. David Fraze works for the President (not that one) and serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Youth Ministry at Lubbock Christian University. He has lead the team of ministry coaches at the National Youth Workers Convention for the past few years and helps oversee and edit the Youth Specialties blog. He also partners with the Fuller Youth Institute and Fellowship of Christian Athletes to impact churches, youth workers, coaches and teenagers. He can be found drinking strong coffee, reading books, talking to people, singing musicals, in the weight room (leg day optional) or on a football field. The very best part of David’s life is spending time with his wife Lisa and their two children Braeden and Shelbee.
Lantz Howard holds a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and received his undergraduate at Lubbock Christian University. He currently works as Discipleship Minister at Park Avenue Church of Christ in Denison, TX and is a Professional Leadership Coach for Perissos and Champion Hope. He has spent over 15 years in vocational ministry with 10 of those years being in youth ministry. He is passionate about awakening the soul of ministers and marketplace leaders to live on mission and is a member of the International Coaching Federation.
The Creatives: Someone Old, Someone New, Someone Bearded, and a Magician, too!
For the first time at NCYM a true creative “workshop” will be offered. The longer you stay in ministry, the more likely you are to experience seasons of creative drought. It’s stems from exhaustion, lack of inspiration, lack of connection to the source, and sometimes a lack of tools at your disposal. This workshop will attempt to inspire you with thoughts on the creative process, ideas for moving forward, and even some intervention moments to help you personally get unstuck. Come to this class ready to answer the question, “Where do I feel creatively stuck in this season?”
WORKSHOP: Tuesday, 9-12:00 PM
ROOM: World Series 1
Otter Creek Church of Christ
Hendersonville Church of Christ
Maury Hills Church of Christ
Volunteer Panel
Finding great Youth Ministry volunteers, using them effectively, and keeping them are sometimes difficult tasks. Come learn from a panel of Youth Ministry volunteers on how to do that and more.
CLASS: Tuesday, 2-3:00 PM
ROOM: Stanley Cup
Jacob has been ministering at the Decatur Church of Christ in Decatur, TX since 2002. He is married to Heather who works alongside of him in ministry to Youth and Families. They have three children, Mia, Addi and Jayce.
The Death of Evangelism… and it’s Resurrection!
As many churches shrink and youth groups dwindle, some are rekindling the light of Christ-centered, gospel driven outreach… and are growing. What is their secret? Could it be some ancient truths we have lost? Come learn four surprising keys to effective the evangelistic approaches that can enable your teens to reach their friends and see your group grow.
Effective and Healthy Ways to Reach Today’s Teens
CLASS: Tuesday, 2-3:00 PM
ROOM: Super Bowl 1
For more than 20 years, Jeff Walling has been speaking before thousands each year in inspirational and motivational workshops and seminars across the globe. Having preached for some of the largest churches in the country, he is regularly called on to keynote for youth conferences. Jeff serves as Pepperdine’s Director of the Youth Leadership Initiative, working to raise up the next generation of young Christian leaders. Jeff and his wife Cathryn have three married sons: Taylor and Courtney, with children Finn and Imogen; Riley and Megan; Spencer
and Gabby.
You Don’t Always Have To Be “On”
In ministry positions all over the US, we are hearing about numerous people experiencing burn-out at rapid rates. What is causing this? There are many factors, and one of those might be that full-time ministers feel the pressure to always be “on” and perform in their positions. What if there is another way? Come & let’s find out together!
CLASS: Tuesday, 2-3:00 PM
ROOM: Super Bowl 1
Nikki is a lover of the Lord, being outdoors, drinking coffee, singing, & laughing. She is always up for a good conversation with family, friends, & soon-to-be-friends. Nikki has been in youth ministry for 7 years & looks forward to many more!
Best Practices for being in partnership with schools
Schools are overwhelmed and understaffed, and teenagers are facing more than ever before. Learn how you can best parter with your local school to make a difference. Through this class, you will find out how to give school staff the support they need and equip students to better face life’s challenges.
CLASS: Tuesday, 2-3:00 PM
ROOM: Super Bowl 2
Karlie Duke is the Marketing & Development Director of Teen Life where she started working after graduating from Abilene Christian University. Through her work with Teen Life, Karlie has direct contact with facilitators, schools, churches, donors, and students. Karlie has a heart for teenagers and the vulnerable life stage they are in, and she is passionate about helping students get the support they need to live life better.
Keeping Your Students Grounded with Spiritual Discipline
We know that practice is essential for any team to be successful on game day. For our walk with God, spiritual disciples are not meant as a way to achieve salvation or righteousness, but rather a way to practice righteousness. Our response to tragedy around us may already be determined by how much we have practiced beforehand to be ready to pray, give, and fast. In this class we will talk about activities and approaches to make these spiritual disciplines more accessible to our students. While I will have samples of some things that I have done, I am always seeking out ways to do better for my students so please feel prepared to share what great things you are doing in your church to teach these things.
CLASS: Tuesday, 2-3:00 PM
ROOM: World Series 2
Chris taught Math and Physics at Canyon High School for ten years before becoming the youth minister at University Church of Christ in Canyon, Texas. He serves with his wife of 9 years, Kaylee, and 4 year old son Carson. Serving as a youth minister in the same community he taught and grew up has been a huge blessing and has allowed him to provide his parents with insight that students are going through on a daily basis.
Challenges of Sexual Identity for LGBTQ Youth
This session will equip those working with youth and young adults to better understand topics of sexual orientation and gender identity and to respond with compassion. We will discuss the challenges that youth face with their families and in their faith communities.
CLASS: Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 PM
ROOM: Super Bowl 1
Sally Gary is the Executive Director of CenterPeace, Inc., a non-profit that helps churches and families learn a more Christ-like response to LGBTQ+ individuals. She is also an educator with 20 years of experience teaching middle school through college. Sally’s work with CenterPeace grew out of her own personal experience as a gay woman growing up in the Church of Christ.
It’s Tax Time – Are You Ready?
Your taxes are complicated and unique, are you sure they are correct?
In this class we will cover housing allowance, business expenses, correct W-2s, 1099s, deductions/credits, healthcare, quarterly estimates, etc. The objective is to reduce your tax burden while minimizing chance of audit.
CLASS: Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 PM
ROOM: World Series 1
Mitch Monroe is the owner of Assist Financial Services, a company that has been serving ministers for 50 years in the areas of taxes, insurance and retirement planning. Mitch is also a Certified Financial Planner and registered investment advisor. Assist Financial Services is located in Lubbock, TX but serves ministers all over the United States as well as missionaries in foreign countries.
Church Shooting: Now What?
Even the best security can’t protect churches from violence. What can you do as a youth minister to help your teens deal with a church shooting? During this hour, you will learn about counseling strategies that will help you in the aftermath of a church shooting or any other type of violence. While grief counseling will help, your teens need your help to deal with witnessing a trauma. Come learn what you can do to help.
CLASS: Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 PM
ROOM: World Series 2
Dr. Beth Robinson is a Professor in the Pediatrics Department at TTUHSC. She is a licensed professional counselor, an approved supervisor for licensed professional counselors, and a certified school counselor. She earned a doctorate in Counselor Education at Texas Tech University, a master’s in Education Counseling at West Texas State University and bachelors at Oklahoma Christian College. Dr. Robinson has written several books and developed therapeutic coloring books for foster children. She is Super Smart, Loves God and Super good with Teens!
Partners in Crime: Bridging Relationships from Youth into Campus Ministry
The transition from high school to college, out of the youth group and into the “church” is wrought with struggles. Together we will explore the benefits and possibilities of youth ministers collaborating with the campus ministries in your state. Specifically, we will address how to help students transition out of the youth group successfully. We will talk about how to collaborate without stepping on one another’s toes.
CLASS: Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 PM
ROOM: Stanley Cup
Jessica Knapp is the associate campus minister for Ambassadors 4 Christ in Tucson, AZ. Her specialty is working with at-risk youth and college students. She spent 14 years as a volunteer youth minister, during which time she graduated with her PhD in Mathematics Education from Arizona State University and worked a day job as a professor of mathematics at Pima Community College. She loves working with students, reading, singing, teaching, SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and traveling. She has a passion for talking about God and all things chocolate.
We are Ministers who also happen to be Women
This class will host a panel of women ministers. The goal of this class is not to debate what Women Ministers can or can not do, but it is an opportunity for these ministers to share how they operate in their churches, ways they have been successful, and best practices for supporting a women minister in your life.
CLASS: Tuesday, 3:30-4:30PM
Super Bowl 2
Holly is the Middle School Student Minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, TX. She has worked in Abilene since 2013 and has been married to her husband, Wes since 2014. They have a son named Henry and two dog-children named Brooks and Scout.
WEDNESDAY, January 8, 2020
Youth Ministry in a Smaller Setting
Navigating the ups and downs of ministry at a “small” church.
CLASS: Wednesday, 11-12:00 PM
ROOM: World Series 1
Chris has been the youth minister at the Northside Church of Christ in Nashville Tennessee for 13 years. He and his wife Bekah have 3 boys, Isaac, Eli and Abel.
Critical Condition
Criticism can rock your world and damage our joy in ministry. Let’s explore ways to sift through criticism and find truth. May it never become louder than the voice of Jesus within us.
CLASS: Wednesday, 11-12:00 PM
ROOM: World Series 2
Beverly is the Founder and Executive Director of Wise County Christian Counseling and Jenny’s Hope (a grief center for children and adults). She is experienced in helping marriages and families experience connection and reconciliation.
Unicorns and Zing Signs: Helping Teens Articulate Their Faith
We love it when a student “gets it” in our youth ministries, but what exactly is it that they are getting? The National Study of Youth and Religion revealed that most students are never asked by adults, “What do you believe?” This class will equip you with tools to help you get your students articulating their faith out loud.
CLASS: Wednesday, 11-12:00 PM
ROOM: Hall of Fame
Walter Surdacki has 29 years of youth ministry experience as a full time youth minister, volunteer, parent of a teen in youth group and as an elder. He currently is a professor of Youth Ministry at Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN. He holds degrees in theology from Pepperdine University (MS ’92) and Fuller Seminary (MDiv ”96, DMin ’06) He is married and has two grown daughters
Helping students lead worship
So you have a few students that need to be developed to become worship leaders. We will take a look at key things that are needed to helping students grow to people who lead others to God through music.
CLASS: Wednesday, 11-12:00 PM
ROOM: Super Bowl 2
Tquan Moore has been in ministry for 20+ years, lives in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area, and currently is the Student Worship Minister at The Hills Church (NRH campus). When he is not working with students in the Worship ministry, he writing/ performing his own music or spending time with his family.
Getting Things Done When You Aren’t In Charge
Individuals often believe only the people in charge can make things happen/get things done. This class will prove this notion inaccurate. Those not in charge get things done in wonderful ways and you can too!
CLASS: Wednesday, 11-12:00 PM
ROOM: Stanley Cup
Jon Mullican co-leads HOPE Network Ministries with Grady King since 2013. Jon specializes in helping church leaders as they lead their churches, providing counsel on governance, group process, and strategy. Jon holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Development from Pepperdine University. Jon is married to Dana for 34 years and has three grown children.
How Do I Help My Students Understand the Big Story of Scripture?
This seminar rehearses the Grand Story that is at the root of all stories (no, it’s not Goonies). It’s the Grand Story of Scripture: Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration, told in a way that makes vivid both the chapters of darkness and the chapters of wonder. If your students don’t know this story, they don’t really know their story.
SUPER SESSION: Wednesday, 2-3:30 PM
ROOM: World Series 2
Dr. Duffy Robbins, Professor of Youth Ministry at Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania, is a respected youth ministry veteran with over forty years of experience in the field. He speaks
around the world to teenagers and people who care about teenagers. Duffy also serves as a Teaching Pastor at Faithbridge Church, Spring, Texas, and a faculty member in the Doctor of Ministry program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he co-leads the doctoral cohorts for Ministry to Emerging Generations.
Creative Ideas for Soul-Care in Ministry
Ministry is a full-time job of taking care of other people’s souls, but we follow the one who says to us, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” You’ll leave this class more rested and more equipped with creative ways to care for your own soul as you’re poured out for others.
CLASS: Wednesday, 2-3:30 PM
ROOM: Wimbledon
Houston and his wife Karen spent the first 12 years of their marriage in church ministry. He’s now a professor of ministry at Abilene Christian University and they are volunteer small group huddle leaders at their church. They also have four children who are 17, 15, 12, and 9.
Discover what’s working and find hope
Negative perceptions. Church dropouts. Prodigals and nomads. It’s easy to become discouraged by all that’s going wrong when it comes to Christiantiy and the emerging generation. Yet what’s going right? In fact, signs of hope are springing up all around. Major new Barna research uncovers what’s working – five practices that contribute to resilient faith. Enter the world of resilient young adult Christians and learn how they are sustaining faith. Finally, you can find hope in all that God is doing among young disciples today.
SUPER SESSION: Wednesday, 2-3:30 PM
ROOM: Super Bowl 1
Mark Matlock has been working with youth pastors and students for two decades. He speaks to thousands of students around the world each year at PlanetWisdom Conferences, and presents biblical truths in ways that motivate people to change.
In addition to being an advisor to Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention, Mark’s the founder of WisdomWorks Ministries, an organization exploring the accelerated acquisition of wisdom in teens. He’s the author of several books, including What Does God Want From Me?, Living a Life That Matters, Don’t Buy the Lie, and Freshman.
Mark lives in Texas with his wife, Jade, and their children.
Saying is Believing
“Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” More and more, Friends, our words are becoming necessary. Various studies across the United States show that both teenagers, and adults for that matter, are less and less articulate about their faith. They are active participants at their local churches, but when they are asked to speak of their faith, they are speechless. This is a problem. When someone has a hard time talking about something, that person often has a hard time believing that thing is true. If we can’t talk about our faith, we will have a hard time taking our faith seriously. When we talk about our faith, we become more faithful people.
SUPER SESSION: Wednesday, 2-3:30 PM
ROOM: World Series 1
Amanda Drury (PhD Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Associate Professor of Practical Theology at Indiana Wesleyan University where she lives with her husband and three children. She is the author of Saying is Believing: The Necessity of Testimony in Adolescent Spiritual Formation, and Trauma and Testimony (forthcoming). Amanda was recently awarded a 1.5 million dollar grant to start the Imaginiarium–a center to explore new forms of ministering with young people through missional innovation. She also serves as the founding director of The Brain Kitchen, a non-profit organization in Marion, Indiana serving at-risk children with after-school mentoring and cooking classes in a trauma-informed environment.
The Biggies: Teaching Teens the Essentials of the Faith
This is a crash course in the historic christian faith. It covers “what to teach” and “how to teach it.” Game-changer!
CLASS: Wednesday, 4:00-5:00 PM
ROOM: World Series 1
Scott Adair and his wife, Amy, have been married for 30 years. They have three grown children and one grandchild. Scott teaches at Harding University where his current slate of courses includes Christology and Living Christian Traditions.
Leveraging Technology in 2020
How mobile is your ministry? How mobile are your students? If these two answers are completely opposite, you might consider learning how to leverage technology in 2020 and beyond! Join Holly Racca and Joseph Mankin as they share creative ways to use technology and not end up being used by technology.
CLASS: Wednesday, 4-5:00 PM
ROOM: Stanley Cup
Joseph is the Youth Minister at Hillsboro Church of Christ in Nashville, TN and the Creative Director of NCYM. He has served in Nashville since 2006 and has been married to his wife, Courtney since 2005. They have 2 children (Noland & Corlee) and a labradoodle named Koda.
Holly is the Middle School Student Minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, TX. She has worked in Abilene since 2013 and has been married to her husband, Wes since 2014. They have a son named Henry and two dog-children named Brooks and Scout.
What Youth Ministries can learn from Children’s Ministry: Bringing Children to the Table
What does it look like to cultivate a church culture that recognizes children and youth as the Kingdom of God NOW. How do you move from programming to providing opportunities for kids to be active participants rather than passive recipients. What does it look like to become spiritual advocate rather than merely providing childcare.
CLASS: Wednesday, 4-5:00 PM
ROOM: World Series 2
Summer is the Children’s Family Minister at North Davis Church in Arlington, TX. where she has served the last six years with her husband, Bret, who is the Worship Minister. Summer has three children: one daughter in ninth, one in eleventh, and a son who just entered his Freshman year at Lipscomb University. Summer recently completed her M.Div from Lipscomb University.
Learning to Love: the perspective of a parent & pastor of a same-sex attracted son.
How do you stay grounded in truth while showing love? Everyday, people close to us make decisions that create tension and an uncomfortableness. But because Jesus beautifully interferes with our understanding of how we live, you and I can make a better choice.
CLASS: Wednesday, 4-5:00PM
Super Bowl 1
Tim works as the lead minister at Crosspoint Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. He worked with families and adolescents in a church context between 1993-2013 as a youth and family minister. He served on the board of directors for National Conference on Youth Ministries for 7 years. He is the author of Beautiful Interference. He married his best friend, Robin, in 1991 and has two terrific adult sons, Tanner and Garrett.
Now What?: Using the Enneagram as a Tool for Spiritual Formation
Now that everyone knows their number, what is the point? Learn how the Enneagram outlines your next steps in spiritual growth.
CLASS: Wednesday, 4-5:00PM
Super Bowl 2
Rhesa Higgins is a spiritual director and experienced retreat leader who serves as the founding Director for eleven:28 ministries (www.eleven28ministries.org) in Dallas, Texas, a non-profit dedicated to supporting the spiritual vitality of ministers. She is married to Chad and together they are raising their three kids. Rhesa loves good coffee, dark chocolate, baseball, theatre, and most any good book.
THURSDAY, January 9, 2020
The Keys to Inclusion: Jesus, Humility & Food
We would all agree that God is hungry for the nations, therefore racial unity and inclusion is necessary. However, many of us don’t know exactly where to start in our church, or youth group. This session gives some simple yet challenging insights into how your congregation can be a place that is not only welcome to all, but where all feel welcome.
CLASS: Thursday, 11-12:00 PM
World Series 2
B.Chris is passionate about racial healing and multiculturalism. He works and lives in Memphis, Tennessee where he ministers to the Holmes Road Church of Christ, a multicultural congregation. He is also the founder of UnpopularMe a ministry offering speaking services and church consultation on racial unity, youth/young adult outreach and confronting cultural issues.
“Find. Defend. Love.” The ministry of foster care and adoption
Our family grew rapidly in 2006 through foster care and adoption when we went from a couple with zero kids to a couple with five kids in just four short months. The journey has been full of joys and heartaches. It has contained countless blessings and numerous challenges. Overall, we have seen God take us on a grand adventure because we were willing to say “yes” to foster care and adoption. If you have ever considered the ministry of foster care and adoption; let us tell you our story, share insights we have learned along the way, and give you some resources that will help you begin the process!
CLASS: Thursday, 11-12:00 PM
ROOM: Super Bowl 1
Lance has served as the youth minister at the Springtown Church of Christ since 2009. Ashley teaches Algebra at Poolville High School and helps Lance with youth ministry. They have six kids and their family enjoys board games, hiking, sports, and the great outdoors.
Longevity: Growing Up without Giving Up!
Being called by God is questioned when things get difficult or, when you are criticized, hide your deficiencies or exhaust yourself trying to please others. Managing yourself from the inside out is the key to longevity.
CLASS: Thursday, 11:00-12:00PM
Stanley Cup 90
Grady serves as V. P. and Co-Leader of HOPE Network doing work in mentoring leaders, guiding churches and interim ministry. He serves as part time Director of Church Resources at Oklahoma Christian.
Character Coaching 101
One of the most important roles coaches play in preparing players for competition and life is to give them a chance to develop good character.
We expect a game plan for coaching the X’s and O’s of our sport. What isn’t always clear is how to coach character. Over time we have seen an ever-growing gap develop between coaching the fundamental aspects of a specific sport and the development of quality character. Character Coaches exist to fill this crucial gap in developing the complete athlete.
CLASS: Thursday, 11-12:00 PM
ROOM: World Series 1
Ryan Young is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. As a football athlete, he played at Kansas State University and enjoyed a five year NFL career with the New York Jets, Houston Texans, and signed his final NFL contract with the Dallas Cowboys. While working on his Masters of Practical Theology at The King’s University, Ryan was called to serve as a character coach with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Creativity, Story, and Other Stuff You Assume You Know All About (but might not)
Is your teaching stale? Do you need a jump start on planning a retreat or camp theme? This class will offer both theological and practical ways to get creative in with your teaching and presentations. If you think you know creativity or if you think you’re boring (either way, ask your students and they can tell you) let’s share the joy of imagination together.
CLASS: Thursday, 11:00-12:00 PM
ROOM: Super Bowl 2
Pat has been in ministry for over 20 years as both a student and preaching minister. He loves Jesus, his wife, and his 4 sons (in that order). He also love Sun-Drop and homemade pie.
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