Aaron Sironi

God promises that his word shall not return to him empty, but it shall accomplish that which he purposes, and shall succeed in the thing for which he sent it (Isa 55:11). As biblical counselors, we care deeply about how we bring Scripture to life—both to our own life and to the lives of those we counsel. In many ways, the heart of our work in counseling ministry is remedying the disconnect between Scripture and life. How does Christ enter this person’s afflictions? What does God say that he/she is desperate to hear? How is the Lord a present help in the very details of this person's weakness? What does Jesus want to change in their heart, relationships, and work? This preconference will explore the intersection of life and Scripture and provide an opportunity to grow in our use of Scripture as an ever-sharp instrument of change.

Brad Hambrick

When we think about church-based counseling, we may tend to think about training more than models. The result can be elevated levels of burnout among our lay counselors and elevated liability risks for churches because of unclear informed consent. This is why many churches shy away from starting a counseling ministry. In this preconference, we will seek to provide the categories necessary for your church to create a counseling ministry that balances the three priorities of relationally sustainable, liability wise, and church compatible.

Kelly Kapic

This extended session will discuss two main ideas, broken up with times for discussion and reflection. The first part will consider how we live in a “clock-driven” age that brings unexpected pressures and can increase anxieties and make it all the more difficult to be present with God and others. The second part will explore how comfortable God is with process, and that while we tend to think God only values finished products, if we are to counsel and love others well, we need to appreciate the goodness of process ourselves.

Robert Cheong

Do you desire more fruit from your ministry programs? Are your small groups struggling to bear one another’s burdens? Do you need more leaders who can meet the demands of ministry? Do you want to grow confident in addressing the personal and relational struggles you face in your church? Join us as we examine how the discipleship gaps in our lives lead to gaps in our ministry and how Jesus closes these gaps in powerful and reproducible ways. This pre-conference is for pastors and leaders who long for life-giving ministry centered around Jesus.