TRACKS AND PRESENTERS

Track #1 – Biblical Preaching and Teaching in a
                 Facebook Age – Dr. Stan Slade

Preaching and teaching requires us to do what is needed to communicate with and connect to our audience.  With the almost daily increases in the use of technology, and ability to communicate in ways not dreamed of five to ten years ago, how can we be sure we are “truly communicating” through our preaching and
teaching? This track will look at effective communication styles and provide challenges to the participant to “re‐think” current styles of preaching and teaching.

Dr. Stan Slade serves ABC International Ministries as a global consultant for theological education working with church leaders around the world to help them become more effective servants of Jesus Christ. His passion is to help others encounter the transforming message of Scripture through inductive Bible studies. Trained at Stanford University (M.A. and Ph.D.) and Fuller Seminary, Stan utilizes his years of experience at the service of women and men who are investing their lives in the work of God’s Reign.
 http://www.internationalministries.org/missionaries/114

Track #2 – Deepening a Pastor’s Spiritual Life – Rev. Dr. John Piippo

This track is designed to engage participants in an exploration and expansion of their inner spiritual lives. One’s spiritual life is deepened as God is allowed access to the whole of our being and life. The track’s purposes include: encountering and experiencing God; experiencing personal transformation; deepening of one’s prayer life; discussion of issues of personal transformation with colleagues in ministry; biblical and theological reflection on this experience; and coming to see and value personal spiritual transformation as the necessary foundation for all relevant church, urban, and global transformation.

Ph.D in Religious and Theological Studies (Philosophical Theology), Northwestern University; Adjunct Professor of Philosophy, Monroe County Community College, Monroe, Michigan (Logic, Philosophy of Religion, Western Philosophy); Adjunct Professor and Project Director, Palmer Theological Seminary, D.Min. in Renewal of the Church for Mission, Philadelphia, PA; Visiting Professor, Faith Bible Seminary, New York City; Visiting Professor, Payne Theological Seminary; Pastor, Redeemer Fellowship Church, Monroe, Michigan AND...married to Linda
since August 1973, with sons Dan and Josh. http://www.johnpiippo.com.

Track #3 Relationships in the 21st Century: Friendships In a Facebook Age-
Drs. Lois and Lee Spitzer

Do pastors have to be lonely? Can a pastor be a friend with church members? How do we maintain and nurture friendships from previous ministry settings? How can we manage friendships with people of the opposite sex? What are “friendship circles”? How can men and women grow in their understanding of each other by becoming more fluent in the language of friendship? Join Drs. Lois and Lee Spitzer and a diverse panel of pastoral leaders in exploring the dynamics, joys and challenges of friendship in a Facebook age.

Dr. Lois N. Spitzer is Assistant Professor of Education at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. Rev. Dr. Lee B. Spitzer is the Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor of the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey. www.abcnj.net. www.spiritualjourneypress.com.


#4 Disciplemaking in the Local Church – Reverend James P. Amend

How do we find the balance between outward focused ministry and inward spiritual growth in the church? Many church leaders are finding that this is not an easy question to answer. Because every church is different, your presenter will focus on both general rules and specific models to help you maintain this balance in your context by equipping your people to be disciplers who multiply disciples. In this Track you will learn ways to recruit and develop leadership, and measure and increase discipleship in your church with an emphasis on both church-wide and individual spiritual development.

Rev. James P. Amend is Lead Pastor of Southside Church in Richland, Washington. He also serves in a variety of leadership roles within the ABC/Northwest Region. Rev. Amend’s commitment to local church discipleship has earned him the Kenneth L. Cober Award for leadership in Discipleship Education. During the 90’s he taught at the National Headquarters of Promise Keepers. Promise Keepers Co-Founder Dr. David B. Wardell describes Amend as a “spiritual mentor with a high view of Scripture. Wherever he goes he sows seeds and then nourishes people as they grow more mature in the faith.” Rev. Amend has spoken and provided leadership in a number of cross-denominational and parachurch settings. He has been serving in ABC ministry for over 25 years in local, Regional, and National positions. He is married and has two grown children.

#5 Haitian Track (sponsored by National Ministries) – Rev. Dr. Edgard Nicolas

Issues specific to Haitian pastors will be addressed.

Rev. Dr. Edgard Nicolas is the American Baptist Churches of New Jersey Associate Regional
Pastor for Haitian Ministries and a leader of the Haitian Alliance. www.abcnj.net