Jump to Afternoon Workshops
MORNING WORKSHOPS
FUNDAMENTALS OF UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE, led by The Rev. William B. Sutton III, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Stratford.
The goal of this workshop is to introduce the participants to some of the fundamental tools that are necessary for a lifelong systematic reading and understanding of the Bible. This workshop will also provide the participants with an overview of the Christian Bible and a basic understanding of the process that was used to produce the Christian Scriptures.
MAINTAINING A HEALTHY PRAYER LIFE, led by The Rev. Anne Coffman, Pastor, Central Christian Church, Danbury.
How do we keep our prayer lives from growing stale or even boring? Get ideas on your prayer style and tips on how to nurture lively and rewarding times in prayer.
UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE AND NATURE OF WORSHIP, led by The Rev. Robert Beckwith, Pastor, South Woodstock Baptist Church.
For most congregations, the Sunday morning worship service is the centerpiece of the life of the church. This time of gathering will likely include many different component parts that contribute to the overall experience of worship. The purpose of our workshop will be to examine how each of the elements found in our worship services contribute to and sometimes distract us from worshipping God.
INTERPERSONAL PEACEMAKING: DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE, led by The Rev. Stacy Emerson, Pastor, Union Baptist Church, Mystic.
Do you find it challenging to cope with conflict and people who are difficult to engage without the experience escalating uncomfortably? You’re not alone! There are skills that can help you bring peace to such relationships. In this workshop we will explore interpersonal peacemaking skills and the dynamics of conflict as we grow in understanding as to what it means to be a follower of Christ, even when dealing with difficult people.
CHURCH LEADERSHIP: THE ROLE OF THE DEACON. Led by The Rev. Kenric Prescott, Pastor, Union Baptist Church, Hartford.
Depending on the church, its traditions, ethnicity, and other factors, deacons are elected for designated terms; or are elected and then ordained for an indefinite term of office. The title of “Deacon” biblically means “servant,” but most see the office as a position of power and authority; which is it? The facilitator will lead participants in an exploration of biblical principles to affirm and strengthen the ministry of Deacons as Servant-Leaders.
TRUSTEES: Much More than Cold Blooded Bean Counters and Folks Who Care More About Maintaining the Building than Saving Souls… Led by The Rev. Michael Wu, Pastor, First Church of Winsted.
We will consider the Biblical basis for the work of the Trustee; the importance of communications with Church staff and other Church Boards; Christian decision making (is there something in between breaching contracts in the name of God and getting fleeced?); promoting teamwork so you’re not the only person taking out the trash; controls and processes to protect God’s assets; collaboration with other churches.
BEST PRACTICES OF TREASURERS. Led by William Smith, member, Community Baptist Church, Manchester.
An interactive workshop with a handout summarizing Church Treasurer issues dealing with who should be a treasurer and what the task (opportunity!) involves. Interactions with the Financial Secretary, staff, and payees as well as budget and government issues will be covered. All Treasurers (and other interested seekers) are welcome at this focused but interactive discussion of issues relating to this important church position.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS. Led by Mrs. Joyce Blandon, Discipleship Partner, and member of Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church, Hamden.
What makes your Sunday school time effective? How do you know your students are leaving your session with a good understanding of the lesson’s main point? This session will lead you in practical discussions and exercises to help you evaluate what you are currently doing in the classroom setting. There will be tips and handouts to help you lead your classes more effectively.
IDENTIFYING AND NAMING YOUR GIFTS AND PASSIONS AND BRAINSTORMING WAYS TO USE THEM IN VOLUNTEERING. Led by The Rev. Mary Brodhead, Discipleship Partner and member of Noank Baptist Church.
Discover the joy of identifying your gifts and passions and discovering how you can use them, seeking God's inspiration and power in your life. How can we experience this in our local churches and be blessed with the opportunity to focus on our chosen ministry?
THE MISSIONAL CHURCH. Led by MaryAnn Blank, member of First Baptist Church in Essex.
How can you discern a mission outreach project for your church to benefit your local community? Using the model recommended by ABCUSA for local Missional outreach, you will learn a step by step process that can enable you to serve your community in a way that will meet its needs.
TRANSFORMING MY TIME FOR THE GLORY OF GOD: A LESSON IN TIME MANAGEMENT. Led by The Rev. William Mathis, Pastor of The Springs of Life-Giving Water, New Haven.
The workshop will concentrate on helping leaders to evaluate and develop skills that will allow them to organize and utilize their time wisely, efficiently, and beneficially for the mission of Christ and will emphasize the organization and use of one's time as a reflection of praise, power, provision, protection, and promotion as we seek to reveal God in our everyday activities.
FROM A MANGER TO AN MP3: MARKETING YOUR CHURCH, GETTING THE WORD OUT. Led by The Rev. William Keane, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Branford.
When the Word became Flesh, it was an eternal intention and invitation to "package" and proclaim the Gospel! This workshop will explore ways your congregation can make your message and presence known everywhere that God calls for you to share the Good News.
TECHNOLOGY AND WORSHIP. Led by The Rev. David Reed-Brown, Pastor of Second Baptist Church, Suffield.
This workshop will focus on using electronics for audio, video and imagery in worship. We will pass on information about simple portable systems for projecting video and amplifying audio to enhance the experience of worship. How can we use media in worship? Where is the line between useful media for worship and technological distraction?
IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING CHURCH ANNIVERSARIES. Led by members of the Historical Committee.
Will your congregation be celebrating an anniversary soon or has your congregation recently celebrated one? The ABCCONN Historical Committee would like to bring together people to share ideas about anniversary celebrations. Participants who come with the idea of asking questions and making suggestions will benefit the most.
Jump to morning workshops
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
DEVELOPING A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: THE PRACTICE OF KOINONIA. Led by The Rev. Dr. J.P. Morgan, Pastor, Montowese Baptist Church, North Haven.
Christian fellowship is a key aspect of the Christian life. Believers in Christ are to come together in love, faith, and encouragement, which is the essence of koinonia. Join us as we gather together and discuss major ways for Christians to be involved in and develop spiritual and practical skills in the practice of koinonia.
WITNESSING AND SHARING CHRIST IN THE 21ST CENTURY. Led by The Rev. Dr. Tommie Jackson, Pastor, Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Stamford.
The Good News is shared in many ways; it is not always verbal but a Christian witness does always involve a lifestyle. In this seminar methods and practices of sharing the Good News, and taking it into all of the world, will be examined for application and practicality in the 21st century. Please come having read Matthew, Chapters 5 – 7, Mark, Chapter 1, Luke, Chapter 9, and John, Chapter 1.
TIME – TALENT – TREASURE – TEMPLE. Led by The Rev. Chris Drew, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Plymouth.
Stewardship needs to be more than an emphasis shared at a single time of the year to "raise the budget." Bring your ideas to this interactive workshop as we discuss issues of Time, Talent, Treasure & Temple.
RUNNING A MEETING 101. Led by The Rev. Lisabeth Gustafson, Interim Pastor, Bristol Baptist Church.
You find yourself having to lead a meeting of a board or committee at your church and you are dreading the thought. Rather than dreading running that meeting, there are some simple practical steps you can learn to make your meetings productive and great.
WRITING A SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM GEARED FOR YOUR CHURCH. Led by The Rev. Amy Hollis, Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church, West Hartford.
Join in doing worshipful work as we take a hands-on approach to learning how to create a Sunday School Curriculum that meets the need of the local congregation. Bring a Bible, notepad, and church calendar (if available), and let’s get started. You will leave with tools and practical ideas for creating both an overview for Church School as well as weekly lessons plans.
HOW TO PREPARE AND LEAD A BIBLE STUDY EFFECTIVELY. Led by The Rev. Sonia Gonzalez, Hispanic-Ethnic Ministries Coordinator, ABCCONN.
Leading a Bible study or a small group discussion can be one of the most exciting and satisfying experiences of your Christian life. You can really influence and impact your group members. In this workshop we are going to discuss principles and methods to effectively start and lead Bible studies or small group discussions.
CARING FOR THOSE IN NEED IN OUR CONGREGATIONS. Led by The Rev. Richard Doyle, member, South Congregational First Baptist Church.
Modern lifestyles are often characterized by multiple demands upon our time and energy that can lead to a sense of alienation and despair. Often the needs and hurts - even of those sitting next to us in church – go unrecognized and unaddressed. In this modern age, how can we reclaim a most important function: A Church That Cares?
A TRINITARIAN MODEL OF LEADERSHIP. Led by The Rev. John Endler, Pastor, Central Baptist Church, Hartford.
All too often the Church employs models of leadership derived from our corporate and economic culture. In doing so the Church fails in its vocation to embody a different way of being in the world. What if the Trinity was more than a mathematical riddle but actually gives us a pattern for living and leading both in the Church and in the world? This is the question which we seek to answer.
BEST PRACTICES FOR OFFICE PROFESSIONALS: SECRETS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BEHIND THE SCENES MINISTRY. Led by Mary Williams, Administrative Manager, ABCCONN.
With over 20 years of administrative experience in Baptist (Union Baptist Church, Mystic) and Methodist churches, in addition to her current position at ABCCONN, Mary is well qualified to lead a lively discussion on dealing with the challenges of managing a church office: interruptions, telephones, confidentiality, nurturing volunteers, filing, support groups, and more. Handouts will be provided.
WELCOMING THE VISITOR IN YOUR CHURCH. Led by The Rev. Robert Genevicz, Pastor, Stratford Baptist Church.
How do we create an atmosphere of hospitality and warmth which will make visitors want to return? Ushers, welcoming committee, gifts, visitors’ cards, follow-up contacts, and coffee hour are some of the tools on which we will focus in this time together.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN IMPACTED BY POVERTY. Led by The Rev. Marilyn Turner, Associate Executive Director for Program Ministries, National Ministries.
The data relating to the negative impact poverty has upon the lives of innocent children gripped by the evils of poverty are staggering and, for many of us who desire to make a difference, the numbers can be overwhelming. While this workshop will share current data about poverty, it will also share stories about some of the ways we (American Baptists) have been making a difference. Participants will also be equipped with tools and ideas that are effective for reaching out into communities to make a difference in the lives of children living in poverty.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND CHURCH SAFETY WITH CHILDREN. Led by Tricia Baker, member, First Baptist Church of Mansfield.
We all want to keep the children in our church safe and reduce the risks to volunteers and staff - and the church as a body. Is your church up to date in this area? Learn to evaluate the effectiveness of your church's Risk Management policies and practices. Where are you vulnerable? What questions should you be asking? What kind of resources is available? What COULD happen if you don't address this and stay updated?
THE FUTURE IS SO BRIGHT - I GOTTA GET WIRED! Led by Laura Austin, member, First Baptist Church of Mansfield.
Does your church know they can be friended by people all over the world who will never attend in person? Find out how technology can enhance your ministry through podcasts. Lose your fear of the unknown and jump into 2010 alive with connections to the younger generation. You don't need to have devices to learn the benefits and pitfalls of the electronic revolution.
GREENING YOUR CHURCH. Led by The Rev. Tom Carr, Pastor, First Baptist Church, West Hartford.
In this workshop we will examine ways to integrate ecological stewardship and human justice into the ministries and mission of local congregations.