Worship: New Hope Plus One Worship Team
First Address: What We Do When We Minister: The Apostle Paul as a Case Study - Dr. Dallas Willard

Worship: New Hope Plus One Worship Team
Second Address: Being and Making Disciples - Dr. Dallas Willard

Workshops: Set 1 - Select 1 of 6 workshops in Set 1
Regional Leadership/Facilitators

Workshops: Set 1 (select 2)
Offered at 10:45 a.m. and 1:15p.m.

(Biblical Study)
Poetic Grace in the Psalms - Rev. Dr. Thomas Worth
In this workshop we will look at how the Psalms parallel our lives and can help us come into more meaning in our prayer life. We will look at some of the psalm forms and use them to begin to create psalms of our own.

Tom Worth has been a pastor and Bible teacher in pentecostal/charismatic circles since the early '80s. For over 15 years he has made annual mission trips to Bulgaria where he teaches in pentecostal/charismatic churches. He has been a poet of the Incarnation for over 30 years. He holds Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Northeastern Seminary and is currently the pastor of Community Covenant Church in Manlius, New York. He serves as an adjunct faculty member at Pinecrest Bible Training Center and teaches from the Psalms at conferences and retreats.

(Theological Focus)
The Theology of the Cross in an Age of Prosperity & Suffering – Dr. Beth Gerhardt

Suffering and pain raise the most difficult and deepest questions for ministers and laity alike. Why do illness, catastrophe, and other harm impact the most faithful of Christians? Why do horrific events happen to anyone? God is a good God; how can a God of love allow evil to persist and persevere in our world today? This workshop provides an opportunity to explore and discuss a theology of the cross as a foundation and paradigm for reflecting on these questions and issues. Our starting point for discussion will be the Scriptures and several modern interpreters: Jürgen Moltmann, Reinhold Neibuhr, Walter Brueggemann, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Henri Nouwen. We will further explore how a framework of a theology of the cross can lead to the development of ministerial tools for pastoral care that is grounded in a Christian ethic of hope.

Professor of Theology and Social Ethics at Northeastern Seminary, Elizabeth Gerhardt has extensive experience in the many arenas of social ministry. She taught on the faculty of Roberts Wesleyan College’s Master of Social Work program before coming to NES. Her dissertation title was: Martin Luther’s Theology of the Cross: Cause or Cure for Domestic Violence? She holds a Th.D. degree from Boston University School of Theology in church history and social ethics. Her earned degrees include: Th.D., Boston University School of Theology, 2000; S.T.M., Boston University School of Theology, 1995; M.S.W., Rhode Island College, 1986; M.A., Providence College, 1983; B.A., State University of New York at Geneseo, 1977. 

(Ministry Focus)
1st Century & 21st Century Church Planting - Rev. Luis A. Perez

Using local examples this workshop introduces participants to the often overlooked and misunderstood concept of house/micro/simple churches and their effectiveness throughout the ages. Presented as part of the regional church and another wineskin from God’s heart to extend His kingdom and reach the harvest, attendees will be exposed to: the latest research on the emerging church; the form and function of the house-church wineskin, and how it is happening in Rochester, N.Y. Participants will also be encouraged to consider how house/micro, community, and mega-churches can work together.

Rev. Luis A. Perez earned an MSW degree and serves as assistant professor and director of field education in the Division of Social Work at Roberts Wesleyan College. After serving as an assistant pastor for 16 years and seven as executive director of a highly successful faith-based community development corporation, Luis launched The BridGe, a network of house and micro churches serving the Greater Rochester area.

(Ministry Focus)
Generosity in an Age of Scarcity – Rev. Dr. Val Fowler
We serve a generous God. God not only calls us to be generous, but also places in our hearts the desire to be generous. This workshop will celebrate the gift and the call of generosity. The workshop will challenge our climate of scarcity by celebrating the biblical message of abundance. In particular, we will explore the interplay between Genesis 37 and Deuteronomy 14; and will unpack what Jesus says in Luke 6:38.

Val Fowler is pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Honeoye Falls, New York and also serves as the stated clerk of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. He has been a pastor for 33 years, and the ministry of generosity has been a thread throughout that ministry. His academic research explores the relationship between pastoral care and stewardship development. Val has served pastorates in Quanah, Texas; Pryor, Oklahoma; Denton, Texas; and Chili, New York.

(Ministry Focus)

Sermon Shapes for Living Texts – Dr. Linda Adams

Often the expected structure for sermons is built on "three points and a poem."  Yet God's Word comes to us in a variety of literary forms, calling for a variety of ways to shape the sermon without squeezing it into a rhetorical box.  Explore how to bring the Word to the people in a shape that allows the text to live.

Dr. Adams is an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church of North America, and has served as senior pastor of New Hope Free Methodist Church in the city of Rochester since 1998. Prior to that appointment, she served in St. Charles, IL and Spring Arbor, MI. She holds a D.Min. with special emphasis in preaching and leadership, Asbury Theological Seminary, 2000; M.Div., Asbury Theological Seminary, 1991, at which time she was awarded Asbury’s Frank Bateman Stanger Award for Excellence in Preaching.

(Community/Social  Involvement)
Faith-Based Initiatives...Partnering With the Government – Mr. Mel Walczak

What is the "establishment clause" and why is it necessary to have "greater cooperation of church and state" in order to deal with the many complex problems of the human condition? Participants will look at the history of government-funded faith-based initiatives, then review current efforts and explore the benefits of "partnering with the government". The workshop is designed to provide special insights as well as some very practical steps for connecting to the variety of governmental programs that can compliment your many ministries.

Melvin H. Walczak is the director for the Monroe County Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives. There he oversees outreach to the faith community in general and serves as a liaison for local county government to faith-based and community organizations with the goal of expanding the work of faith-based and community groups in the area of human services. Mel has served Monroe County for nearly 12 years, first as a special assistant to former county executive and then in the current county executive's administration as the assistant director for human services and now in the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Before coming to work with Monroe County, Mel enjoyed over 25 years in church ministry, serving the Rochester Roman Catholic Diocese for nearly 12 years and the Polish National Catholic Church for the balance.

Workshops: Set 2 (select 2)
Offered at 3:00 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.

(Biblical Study)
Interpreting Revelation, Yesterday and Today – Dr. Timothy Dwyer 

Revelation is often either obsessed over or left out in the ministry of the church today.  Reclaim the book of Revelation for the pulpit and the pew by exploring some of the fascinating ways it has been understood throughout Christian history. This workshop includes an analysis of Revelation and popular culture in the U.S. and reflection on the book in its early Christian context. 

Dr. Dwyer is an Associate Professor of Christian Scriptures at Roberts Wesleyan College as well as an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern Seminary.  He is an ordained minister in the Church of God (Anderson, IN) and has served as a pastor and prison chaplain. Dr. Dwyer was educated at Aberdeen University in Scotland (Ph.D.); Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.); Azusa Pacific University (B.A.); and San Jose City College (A.A.). He has also studied at Yale and Indiana University.

(Theological Study)
Building Community: The Return of Ritual – Rev. Dr. Richard Douglas

This workshop is an opportunity to take a fresh look at the efficacy of ritual as an instrument of personal transformation and social cohesion. We will examine the extent to which the footwashing ritual is germane to building community among diverse social and religious groups. Its focus will be primarily on the footwashing ritual as a biblical custom and its theological implications for faith communities seeking to bridge the divide that separate individuals and groups.

Reverend Richard Douglas is the pastor of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. He has served in this capacity since 2000. Zion Hill is a Church with a strong emphasis on social ministry. It seeks to make the gospel relevant beyond its four walls. He graduated with honors from Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Political Science. He completed his graduate studies at Colgate Rochester Divinity School where he earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry Degrees.

(Ministry Focus)
Personal and Spiritual Formation by the Classics – Rev. Dr. Robert Searle

Discipleship courses abound today yet many still become disappointed in their inconsistent attempts to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and therefore in their lack of progress. This workshop will address these issues with the use of the historic means of grace which have provided a way to become better acquainted with the movement of the Holy Spirit. In so doing, the participant will leave this workshop with practical ways to “walk according to the Spirit” and to remain in the presence of God.

The Rev. Dr. Robert Searle has served as an United Methodist pastor for nearly 30 years and has focused upon spiritual formation and direction for over 20 years.  He has directed the Spiritual Exercises for over twenty years and received a Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Formation from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1997.  Between his ministry in the local church and in ecumenical settings, Pastor Searle has witnessed the transformation of hundreds of lives through the use of our historic means of grace and the related study of spiritual theology.  Pastor Searle also serves as VA chaplain in Canandiagua and Rochester, a chaplain in the Army Reserves, and as an adjunct teacher in Spiritual Formation at Northeastern Seminary.

(Community/Social  Involvement)
Safe Sanctuary: The Church’s Legal and Moral Responsibility –Ms. Gael Orr

The issues and consequences of child abuse and the abuse of vulnerable adults in our churches is a significant concern facing all of our congregations. Sexual predators gravitate to places where children and vulnerable people come together, such as churches, schools, daycares, playgrounds, nursing homes, and the Internet. Churches that neglect to address these issues by failing to put policies and procedures in place may face the consequences of negligent behavior, often resulting in lawsuits. Safe Sanctuary policies can provide a framework and help to prevent physical abuse. This workshop will introduce church leaders to the risks churches face and to resources available deal with the problem. A full training course is being planned by NES and will be offered to church leaders in the near future.

Gael Orr,  who recently joined the staff at Northeastern Seminary as admissions counselor, earned her M.S. degree in human resource development and her B.S. degree in international business from Rochester Institute of Technology. Gael has served as director of Humanity Outreach Partners Enterprises: HOPE, based in Dansville, N.Y. and has led missions teams to 21 countries as part of her call to global missions work.

(Pastoral Care Issues)
Worship as Discipleship and Personal Formation – Dr. Phyllis Moss

Worship not only honors God, it is beneficial to the believer.  It is an important part of the believer's spiritual walk and should be studied by all members of the Body. In the Old Testament the people watched the priest conduct worship rituals. In the New Testament we are God's royal priesthood, temples of the Holy Spirit. This workshop will review John 4 and the new era of worship that was ushered with the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Phyllis Anita Moss is an adjunct professor of worship leadership for Northeastern Seminary. She has also taught worship for Beulah Heights Bible College in Atlanta, GA, The Babbie Mason Music Conference International, and for numerous churches in New York, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. She is the founder and Executive Director of Tehiillah Music Ministries, Inc. and is a graduate of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA, earning M.A., M.Div. and DMin. degrees.

(Ministry Focus)
Processing Change—Maintaining Unity – Rev. Dr. Nelson J.Grimm

This workshop will explore the nature and possible causes of resistance within the life of the congregation. Not only will we consider the potential dysfunctional characteristics of resistance, but we will consider how resistance might serve as an indicator of organizational health. Time will be given to identifying potential strategies for responding to resistance, along with recognizing the necessary personal qualities that leaders must possess to effectively respond to resistance.

Professor Grimm’s earned degrees include:  Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo; M.S., Canisius College; M.Div., Asbury Theological Seminary; B.A., Roberts Wesleyan College. He has extensive ministry experience as pastor, conference superintendent within the Free Methodist Church, and chaplain. He serves as a member of the Ministerial Education and Guidance Board of the Genesee Conference of the Free Methodist Church, is a clinical member of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, and a member of the Evangelical Association of Theological Field Educators. Dr Grimm serves as Director of Field Education and Associate Professor of Applied Theology at Northeastern Seminary.