2009 Workshop Descriptions

...AND HE TOOK THE CHILDREN IN HIS ARMS AND BLESSED THEM - Dee Bee Wright

Sharing ideas for including children in worship as well as alternative activities for children during worship time. Dee Bee Wright is an elder and a deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church and has a passion for children’s ministry, Christian education and worship. (session 2)

ALCOHOL AND YOUR TEEN - Rev. Michelle Thomas-Bush

Alcohol use and abuse is often seen as a typical adolescent rite of passage. We know that alcohol use is the number one problem for adolescents. So how can the church equip our parents, our youth leaders, and our teenagers to faithfully respond to this problem? Adolescence is a critically formative phase of development, physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is essential to help our young people acquire strong relationships, enduring self-esteem, creative opportunities for play, a sense of belonging and a healthy identity as a child of God. Our role is to provide a foundation of faith-filled values as well as continued guidance, especially on matters that have large consequences such as alcohol use and abuse. Join us as we explore every aspect of alcohol use and abuse for both our parents and youth. You will leave with all the resources for a workshop for both groups as well as ideas for enriching your youth ministry and ministry with parents. Rev. Michelle Thomas-Bush is a minister of youth and young adults at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida. She became an alcoholic as a teenager and has a passion for equipping our youth to face the dangers of alcohol use and abuse as well as helping parents understand appropriate responsibility. (session 4)

ARTFUL WORSHIP - Erika Funk

We know about liturgical dance, song, even poetry and drama....but is that all there is to using the arts in worship? What about furniture, food, fabric and other means of faithful expressions? There is no limit to how people of faith may express themselves in worship but there are limits to what we may want as far as taste, resources and let’s just say it...the cheese factor! During this time we will explore, invent and witness ways to best use the arts in your own context. Erika Funk is a California native and a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary. She currently serves as the Youth Initiative Minister at Broad Street Ministry in Philadelphia. She has a passion for beaches, tea, teenagers and the public library. (sessions 2 & 4)

 

BOOK OF ORDER: IT'S MORE INTERESTING THAN YOU THINK (HONEST!) - Deane Kemper

Intended for Presbyterians who don’t keep the Book of Order on their bedside tables, we’ll cover the biblical foundations of our Presbyterian system, how the Book of Order works and how it serves lay people and ministers in our church. Please bring a Book of Order with you! Deane Kemper is a long time parish pastor and seminary professor in New England and California. He has served as interim pastor in several of our congregations. (sessions 2 & 4)

CALLED TO BE A DEACON - Pat Painter

We’ll begin with a review of the biblical references covering the duties of a deacon, progress to the many facets of caring for a congregation in today’s environment and finish with guidance on getting organized and functioning effectively. Time for sharing ideas will be included. Pat Painter is a deacon at Westminster Presbyterian Church, having served two terms as their moderator. She has served in many areas including women’s activities, Hands of Christ, office volunteer and choir member. (sessions 2 & 4)

 

CALLED TO BE AN ELDER - Jim Deavor

Come understand and appreciate the nature of your call as an ordained elder. We’ll discuss biblical models of elders in the Old and New Testament and the responsibilities and duties of elders as stated in the Book of Order. Jim Deavor serves as Clerk of Session at Westminster Presbyterian Church and as Chair of Council for Charleston Atlantic Presbytery. (sessions 1 & 2)

 

CHOOSING CURRICULUM:  MORE THAN PRETTY PICTURES - Dr. Kathy Dawson

What are the criteria we use for selecting published curriculum resources? We’ll explore this question together as we cooperatively develop a general tool for the evaluation of published resources. Looking beyond the marketing devices used to entice you to buy, we will look at biblical, theological, educational and practical reasons for choosing one resource over another. Dr. Kathy Dawson is Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary. Her work at Columbia includes teaching courses in faith and human development, spiritual lives of children, models of teaching curriculum and resources, and teaching young children. Her most recent publication is Confessing Faith: A Guide to Confirmation for Presbyterians. (session 1)

 

CHURCH 2.0 - Rev. Mark Hunt

A look at the intersection of Theology and Technology especially looking at: an overview of technologies available to churches (especially blogging, websites, social networking), how these might be effective to advancing the Kingdom of God , and potential pitfalls in their use. Rev. Mark Hunt is pastor at Rockville Presbyterian Church on Wadmalaw Island . He is husband to Meghan and father to Andrew and Benjamin. He enjoys church, prayer, reading the Bible, fishing and going to the beach. His interests include: Jesus, his wife, his kids, friends, worship, music, ice cream and coffee. (sessions 1 & 3)

 

CHURCH TREASURERS - Doug Szubski

This informative workshop will include as many of the following topics as we can fit into our TWO-session time frame: functions of treasurers, reporting, internal controls, record keeping, non-profit accounting, pastor compensation and audits/reviews. Doug Szubski is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is a past president of the National Association of Accountants, Charleston Chapter, and serves as a board member of several social and civic organizations. Doug has also served as a church treasurer. This workshop lasts two full sessions. (sessions 1 & 2)

 

CLERKS OF SESSION - Jim Deavor

Jim Deavor A nuts and bolts look at the work of the clerk, including the constitutional duties, this workshop fills TWO-sessions. Jim Deavor serves as Clerk of Session at Westminster Presbyterian Church and as Chair of Council for Charleston Atlantic Presbytery. This workshop lasts two full sessions. (sessions 3 & 4)

 

CLOSE THE BACK DOOR & WELCOME NEWCOMERS - Lynette Hawkins

Ever wonder, “Why do our first time visitors come just one time”? Explore the ways to build bridges from the pew to small groups so that people feel connected to your congregation. Get sample scripts for follow up by phone, email and snail mail. Lynette Hawkins is an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church who took a leap of faith and moved from the corporate world to follow God’s call, sharing her passion for helping ministries reach out to the community. Everything she teaches takes a very practical approach, using a technique she developed known as A.R.K.— Attract, Reach and Keep! (session 2)

 

CONFIRMATION:  WHY? WHEN? HOW? - Pie Mikell

What is the “right” age for confirmands? What are your expectations about the youth? What should your expectations be? Join us as we explore the whys, whens and hows of confirmation. Pie Mikell serves as Associate for Congregational Nurture of Charleston Atlantic Pres­bytery. She is a graduate of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education and is a certified educator. (session 2)

 

CONFLICT IN CHURCH:  SPIRITUAL & PRACTICAL DIMENSIONS - Rev. Philip West

We will consider the biblical and spiritual aspects of church conflict, what creates it, and how to deal with it by creating an atmosphere for healthy dialogue. Philip West is pastor of Harbor View Presbyterian Church and brings 20 years of experience in the church and a wonderful perspective to this topic. (session 2)

 

COSMIC PRESBYTERIANISM: GUIDELINES FOR EVOLVING 21ST CENTURY CONGREGATIONS

Rev. Dr. Jim Miller

Over the past 450 years, human understanding of God’s first book, the book of nature, has expanded both astronomically and infinitesimally. Yet, since the mid-eighteenth century, there has been a pronounced abandonment of attention to that book in congregations as an aid to the understanding of God’s second book, the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. This workshop will introduce participants to ways to read both books together such that each is understood better. The workshop will consider the gifts and limitations of science, the power and moral challenges of science based on technologies and the bearing of science and technology on the full life of the congregation -from worship and preaching to church education and local mission. Rev. Dr Jim Miller is a retired PCUSA minister who served for ten years as the Senior Program Associate for the American Association for the Advancement of Science Program on Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion. The organization seeks to increase the interaction between scientific and religious communities to encourage a more integral approach to contemporary issues of faith and life. (session 3)

 

COUNTING OUR DAYS:  JOURNALS, PRAYERS, DEVOTIONS & MORE - Julie Cox

We’ll write, play, read, pray, try new things and experience familiar things in new ways as we explore ways to pray and express our prayers. Julie Cox is an elder and Sunday School teacher and serves the Presbytery of New Harmony as Associate for Program and Administration.  She is a pet owner, museum go-er, journal keeper, movie watcher and avid reader. (sessions 2 & 4)

CREATING A MINDSET FOR HOSPITALITY - Lynette Hawkins

Why does welcoming matter? Come and discover what guests notice on Sunday morning. Learn the four steps to creating a hospitality mindset and how to train ushers to think from a guest’s perspective. Lynette Hawkins is an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church who took a leap of faith and moved from the corporate world to follow God’s call, sharing her passion for helping ministries reach out to the community. Everything she teaches takes a very practical approach, using a technique she developed known as A.R.K.— Attract, Reach and Keep! (session 1) 

 

DISCIPLESHIP - Rev. Henry Rivers

The Christian journey of discipleship is our response to a call from Jesus Christ to be his disciple. This journey requires a commitment to deny self, take up the cross and follow Jesus. What does this really mean? What does it mean to take on Jesus’ yoke? How do we surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Understanding that Christian discipleship is a life long commitment, this session will be an interactive presentation of these issues. Henry Rivers is a native Charlestonian. He has served the Presbyterian Church as an elder, deacon, trustee, church school teacher, youth leader and currently is the Pastor and Educator at Hebron Zion Presbyterian Church on Johns Island . (sessions 1 & 2)

EVALUATION OF CONGREGATIONAL TRANSFORMATION - Rev. Charles Heyward

This workshop will assess the effectiveness of a congregation’s mission statement and demonstrate how to develop a contemporary mission statement that reflects the congregation’s mission direction for today. Rev Charles Heyward is the pastor of St James Presbyterian Church. In his congregational ministry, Rev Heyward focuses on church administration and annual planning and goal setting. He is the assistant chair of the Congregational Development Ministry Unit. (session 3)

 

FAITH & CONTEMPORARY ISSUES - Rev. Cress Darwin & Colin Kerr

Religion and politics are the two things you are not supposed to talk about at dinner, but what about at church? Can we wrestle and apply our faith in a way that speaks with relevance to the issues of today without alienating non-Christians or dividing our congregations? Discover how to approach hot-button issues in a way that is outreaching, appealing, and edifying to the body of Christ. Rev. Cress Darwin is the pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Charleston . In 2006, he organized the Darwin Symposium on Evolution and Intelligent Design. Colin Kerr is the Director of Christian Education at Second Presbyterian Church Charleston . He is the host of Talks on Tap and author of A Heaven-Backed Rebellion: Uncovering the Political Vision of Christian Liberals. (session 4)

 

GETTING MESSY FOR GOD:  HANDS ON HANDS IN ACTIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASSES - Lindy Coleman

Elementary school age children like to experience things for themselves. They have ideas, opinions and enthusiasm! We’ll explore a variety of ways to turn lessons into hands on, hands involved activities to help them get involved with the lessons. Lindy Coleman is a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and a long-time elementary Sunday School Teacher. (session 1)

 

GOD'S GIFT SHOP - ALTERNATIVE GIVING - Mary Robinson

If you would like to share God’s love with a hurting world and are looking for meaningful gifts for your family & friends, come and learn how to organize an alternative gift-market for your church. Mary Robinson serves as DCE at First-Scots Presbyterian Church and is very involved in their alternative giving project. (session 1)

 

HANDBELLS - Dr. Ron Davis

This hands on session will provide the participant with learning techniques for creative musical expression. New and creative ways of using handbells to enhance worship will be explored. Beginners and experienced ringers are welcome! Dr. Ron Davis is Associate Professor of Music at Presbyterian College where he is the director of studies in sacred music, music theory and organ. He is also the director of PC Ringers, a handbell ensemble which is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the premiere collegiate performing groups in the southeastern US. (session 3)

 

HEALTHCARE AND THE 21ST CENTURY CHURCH - Russ Blackwelder

47 million Americans are uninsured. The future and effectiveness of medicare and medicaid are debated. Many describe our entire health care system as broken. We will explore if the church has a role in the future of healthcare and discuss what roles we might possibly play. Russ Blackwelder has an MDiv. from Columbia Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a medical degree at MUSC. (session 3)

 

HELP! I'M TEACHING MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH - James Rogers

Teaching the faith to middle school youth can be scary, but it shouldn’t be! Learn ways to capture their attention, incorporate their energy, and have them coming back for more. Learn practical ways to teach that can be applied to Sunday School or Youth Group Settings. James Rogers is the Associate Pastor for Youth at First-Scots Presbyterian Church and enjoys serving as an adult advisor for the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery High School Youth Council. (session 1)

 

HELPING YOUR PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN REFLECT THE PW MISSION STATEMENT - Dottie Kelley

Moderators with growing Presbyterian Women’s groups will share how they are growing their groups. Learn how to have effective Cluster Gatherings to share information and fellowship. Hear the latest news from church-wide gathering. Dottie Kelley is the moderator of the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Presbyterian Women, an elder at Palmetto Presbyterian Church and serves as the chair of the Global Missions Committee. (session 3)

 

I CONFESS & WHY DO WE HAVE CONFESSIONS? - Rev. Mike Fitze

We’ll share creative ways to use all of our confessions in worship, Christian education settings and even for evangelism. Come discover why this book is part of our constitution. Rev Mike Fitze is pastor of Palmetto Presbyterian Church. He has a B.A in journalism and public relations, a Master’s degree in public administration, and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Columbia Seminary. (session 1)

 

INTEGRATING SPECIAL NEEDS IN YOUR CHURCH - Phil Blevins

Join us as we discuss the growing need to include children and adults with special needs into the life of the church and leave with some tools that will help that inclusion succeed. Phil Blevins is the Executive Director of Carolina Autism, a non-profit organization serving people with autism throughout their lifespan. (session 1)

 

JOYFULLY LAYING THE FAITH FOUNDATION - Gloria Parlor

We will explore how young children learn, providing a variety of resources, activities and examples of effective teaching methods to use with children three to five years old. Gloria Parlor is a member of Hebron-Zion Presbyterian Church where she has spent many rewarding and challenging years being inspired by the children. She serves as an early childhood educator at John & Mattie Washington Preschool. (session 1)

 

THE JOY OF WORSHIP - Charles Frost

Charles Frost Come join us as we examine the liturgical year, focusing on what corporate worship is, how we worship and why we do what we do in our worship settings. Charles Frost began his music studies at an early age, playing the organ and directing choirs in churches as a high school sophomore. He has a Bachelors and Masters of Music in Church Music. Charles currently serves as the Minister of Music, organist and choir director at Sea Island Presbyterian Church. (session 1)

 

LABYRINTHS ANYWHERE - Rev. Chuck Goodman and Rev. Lonna Chang-Ren Lee

Portable labyrinths can be expensive to purchase and too big to fit in the average church fellowship hall. Come discover some inexpensive and easy methods for making labyrinths that may work in different spaces, including the church parking lot or grassy areas. Chuck Goodman is the Associate Pastor for Youth and Families at Mt. Pleasant Church . Throughout his 15+ years of ordained ministry, he has always loved working with youth and being Presbyterian. Lonna Chang-Ren Lee is a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary and has served as an Associate Pastor and Co-Pastor to two San Francisco churches. She has led numerous retreats and studies on spiritual disciplines for Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church. (sessions 1 & 3)

 

LOW COST WAYS TO REACH OUT AND INVITE - Lynette Hawkins

Budget tight? Are you looking for ways to share your ministry events without spending lots of money? Get practical tools to equip members and invite friends, acquaintances, strangers and family to your church. Lynette Hawkins is an ordained elder in the Pres­byterian Church who took a leap of faith and moved from the corporate world to follow God’s call, sharing her passion for helping ministries reach out to the community. Everything she teaches takes a very practical approach, using a technique she developed known as A.R.K.— Attract, Reach and Keep!  (session 3) 

 

MIDDLE YEARS: MINISTRY WITH TWEENS - Rev. Aimee Buchanan

She is still a child, yet you see the teenager growing inside of her. He’s still just a kid, but you see something changing in him - something growing up. As confusing as these “between years” are for you as a parent or teacher or youth advisor, they can be just as confusing for the child experiencing it. Come discuss the “tweener” years (ages about 9-12) and ways to reach out and minister to these wonderful kids! Aimee Wallis Buchanan has been in Youth Ministry for 19 years and currently serves as the Director of Asheville Youth Mission, a new ministry in Asheville, NC which brings youth/college/church groups into the Asheville area to do mission Aimee and her husband, Bill, are the co-authors of two books: All That We Are and Making Worship Real. (session 3)

 

MUSIC FOR SMALL CHURCH - Dr. Ron Davis

We’ll explore a variety of resources that are readily available to churches with smaller music budgets and ideas for making music in worship for churches with limited personnel (choir members, instrumentalists, music directors, etc.). Dr. Ron Davis is Associate Professor of Music at Presbyterian College where he is the director of studies in sacred music, music theory and organ at the college. (session 1)

 

NURTURING THE FAITH OF CHILDREN THROUGH MUSIC - Charles Frost and Sylvia Trimmier

We will explore the many possibilities of using music as a vehicle to teach God’s word, seasons of the church year and other tenets of the faith. We will include practical ideas for rehearsals, musicals, children in worship and music camps. Charles Frost began his music studies at an early age, playing the organ and directing choirs in churches as a high school sophomore. He has a Bachelors and Masters of Music in Church Music. Charles currently serves as the Minister of Music, organist and choir director at Sea Island Presbyterian Church. He has appeared in recitals in many churches across the country and leads numerous workshops and choir retreats. Sylvia Trimmier currently serves as Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Orangeburg and has a Bachelors and Masters of Music in Church Music as well. (session 4)

 

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL: PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR ADVENT  AND CHRISTMAS - Pie Mikell

In this Bible study participants will experience daily lectionary readings for Advent and Christmas using a variety of Bible study methods. Please bring your Bible. Pie Mikell serves as Associate for Congregational Nurture of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery. She is a graduate of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education and is a certified educator. (session 4)

 

PERSONNEL & LEGAL ISSUES FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH - David Yandle

Join us as we address legal issues facing the local session. We’ll include discussion about harassment, discrimination, insurance and personnel issues. David Yandle is an attorney and an elder who has represented churches and the Presbytery and serves on the Presbytery’s Permanent Judicial Commission. (session 3)

 

PRESBYTERIAN MEN: WHY MEN HATE GOING TO CHURCH - Alphonzo Parker & James Parlor

Why are our churches experiencing a decreasing number of men in the local and national church? What signals are men currently receiving about church? We’ll share ideas and ways to send the right signals that will help turn things around. Alphonzo Parker is an active member and chairman of the Zion Olivet Presbyterian Church Men’s Council. James Parlor is an elder and active member of the Hebron Zion Presbyterian Church Men’s Council, serving as their secretary.  (session 2)

 

REACH THE NEXT GENERATION - Lynette Hawkins

Is your congregation looking to reach people in their 20s and 30s? Learn what young adults wish you knew. Explore ways to reach out to this group so that they see and pay attention to the message. Uncover how to welcome young adults via church web-site, e-vites, Facebook and YouTube. Lynette Hawkins is an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church who took a leap of faith and moved from the corporate world to follow God’s call, sharing her passion for helping ministries reach out to the community. Everything she teaches takes a very practical approach, using a technique she developed known as A.R.K.— Attract, Reach and Keep! (session 4)

 

SAFEGUARDING PEOPLE AND ASSETS OF THE CHURCH - Stephen Hiott & Betsy Lewis

Mishaps, misunderstandings, and missing assets are most often the quick and devastating results of inadequate internal controls. From embezzlement and abuse to unfounded accusations, the leadership of churches across the globe is often hampered by inefficient management of its procedures. In this presentation we will describe simple, effective policies and procedures that will deter temptation, protect the innocent volunteer, and safeguard the assets of the congregation. Stephen Hiott is a CPA, CFP and the CFO and Chief Strategist of Aretec, Inc.,a business consulting firm. His multiple experiences in entrepreneurship enables Steve to design “out-of-the-box” solutions to modern business and finance challenges. Steve has served as an Elder and Deacon, and currently serves as the Treasurer for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Betsy Lewis is licensed to practice as a Certified Public Accountant in North and South Carolina and is also a Certified Internal Auditor, a Certified Fraud Examiner, and a Certified Fiduciary and Investment Risk Specialist. She currently serves as a Deacon and the Chair of the Finance Team for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Charleston , SC. (session 3)

SHARING OUR MISSIONS - Charleston Atlantic Presbytery’s Local & Global Missions Committee

Wondering what mission opportunities Charleston Atlantic Presbytery and its churches are involved in? Looking for ways to get your church plugged in? Excited about unique mission opportunities your church is already involved in? Come hear about the local, national, and global mission efforts of the Presbytery and ways that churches can partner together to make a difference. Bring information to share with other churches about what your church is doing in mission and ways they could get involved with you Members of the Global & Local Missions Committee. (session 2)

 

THE SPIRITUAL LIVES OF CHILDREN - Dr. Kathy Dawson

How do we know what children believe? How can we best help them to grow in their faith? We’ll explore the latest research in children’s spiritual development and its implications for the way we teach children at church and home. We’ll also explore resources connected with the growing field of children’s spiritual formation, which some see as an alternative to traditional Bible study for children. Dr. Kathy Dawson is Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary. Her work at Columbia includes teaching courses in faith and human development, spiritual lives of children, models of teaching curriculum and resources and teaching young children. Her most recent publication is Confessing Faith: A Guide to Confirmation for Pres­byterians. (session 3)

 

STEWARD OF CHILDREN - The Darkness to Light Organization

Attend this TWO-session long training which teaches adults how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse. If your church requires this training for its volunteers, you can complete the training during these two sessions. This workshop lasts two full sessions. (sessions 3 & 4)

 

THE STEWARD LEADERS GAME! - Rev. Deck Guess

The Steward Leader’s Game is a facilitated event that increases fiscal management ability, develops leadership perspective and improves teamwork. Over the course of this TWO session long workshop, we’ll participate in the game which simulates an entire year of managing a congregation’s finances, with a view to sustainability, fulfillment of mission and building goodwill and community strength. You’ll leave with the tools to facilitate this in your own congregation! Deck Guess is the Associate for Congregational Life for Charleston Atlantic Presbytery. This workshop lasts two full sessions. (sessions 3 & 4)

 

TEACHING FAITH TO ADULTS - Dr. Kathy Dawson

How can we encourage more adults to take advantage of learning opportunities in the church? How can we help adults to not only grow in knowledge, but also in faith maturity? Come explore issues in adult learning and how it is changing in our current age. Bring your own stories of faithful adult teaching to share. Dr. Kathy Dawson is Assistant Professor of Christian Education at Columbia Theological Seminary. Her work at Columbia includes teaching courses in faith and human development, spiritual lives of children, models of teaching curriculum and resources and teaching young children. Her most recent publication is Confessing Faith: A Guide to Confirmation for Presbyterians. (session 2)

 

TEACHING FAITH TO SR. HIGHS - Rev. Michelle Thomas-Bush

The church cannot assume that the same methods of faith-building will work with our current Senior High youth and the youth of the next generation. Our young people expect more from the church. They desire a youth ministry that is rich with spiritual practice, immersing them in God’s love, challenging their preconceived ideas and at the same time being FUN! We will explore practical ideas for Sr. High ministry from Sunday School to youth group and some programs we don’t even have names for yet! Rev. Michelle Thomas-Bush is minister of youth and young adults at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida . She enjoys lock-ins, broomball, and a really good Bible Study. Her most recent passion is spiritual direction with Sr. High Youth. (sessions 2 & 3)

 

TEACHING TEACHERS TO TEACH - Cameron Smith

Are you in charge of teacher training? Or do you ask, what is teacher training? Or maybe you know what it is, but your volunteers can’t squeeze it into their busy schedules? Join us as we share some valuable tools for training your volunteer teachers and/or youth leaders and look at ways you can “squeeze” the training into busy lives - yours and your volunteers’. Cameron Smith has served as the Director of Christian Education at James Island Presbyterian for seven years. She is married to Jason and mother of Matthew and Austin.  Currently, she is pursuing a Masters of Divinity through Erskine Seminary. (session 2)

 

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PRESBYTERIAN? - Jim Simpson

Come share resources, relationships and realities to inspire faithful living as Presbyterian Christians. Rev Jim Simpson is the Director of Church Relations at Presbyterian College . (sessions 2 & 4)

 

WHAT IS MISSIONAL THEOLOGY?  THE BASICS FOR MISSIONAL LEADERS - Rev. John Hage

We want to engage, equip and inspire our congregations to be missional leaders. Missional formation challenges leaders and the churches or organizations in which they serve to discern and live out God’s calling. This class will explore the theology of the missio dei, the culture we live in, vocation, courage, partnership and testimony. Rev John Hage is the Associate Pastor for Mission at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. (session 1)