Bay Area 2008 Conference Seminar Descriptions
Harbor Light Church | Fremont

Seminar Series No. 1 — Friday, October 10 — 8:30-9:30 pm

1. Alise Barrymore — Fusion and Fraction: Paradigms and Practices in a Post Modern Christian Context — Chapel           
It has been said that the church's role and responsibility is to interpret and embody the Christian faith in a manner that is faithful, relevant, and intelligible. In our contemporary context the challenge has become how to engage and examine the connections and contradictions of post-modern thought and Christian witness. In this session, we will explore some of the current trends in the Emerging Church Movement/Conversation and hear how one church seeks to create a safe space for the discouraged, disinterested and distant to encounter God.

2. Keith Battle — The Importance of Clear Biblical Teaching & Preaching — St. James Sanctuary           
In a day of dramas, video clips, props and various metaphors used to enhance our messages, we must have an allegiance to the Scripture and its ability to radically impact and improve lives. In this session you will learn some key tools for Biblical exposition that will help you to be relevant without abandoning the Bible.

3. Peter Chao — Leadership Transition: Legacy for the Future — St. James Little Church           
The nurture of leaders for the future can be effectively implemented by incumbents whose eyes are on the vision and not on holding on to power. Building a leadership estuary not only renews the organization but keeps the vision relevant to current needs.

4. Barry Davis — Hope, God’s or Ours? Jeremiah 29:11 Unwrapped —Rm H16
“Why doesn’t Jeremiah 29:11 work for me? My friends quote that verse to me, telling me to ‘hang in there, and things will get better’ – but things only get worse. What’s wrong with me . . . or maybe . . . what’s wrong with God’s Word?” What’s wrong is that we often rip Jeremiah 29:11 out of its context. We sell short the true hope that it offers and grasp at an illusion that does not satisfy. During this session, we will explore God’s greater hope in Jeremiah 29:11 – a hope that, rightly understood and rightly applied, will powerfully transform our lives and allow us to offer God’s hope to others. Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB): “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
           
5. Rod Handley — From Bondage to Blessing — Library           
Bondage can bring pain, addiction, struggles, strongholds, etc. Every person has one or more areas that continue to plague them and wreak havoc. Does God want people to remain in bondage? In this session, discover a 5-part strategy from Joshua 10 for helping move people from bondage to blessing.

6. Marilyn Laszlo — God Doesn’t Make Mistakes with Our Lives — St. James Parish Hall           
Sharing stories of my 24 years and experiences in Papua New Guinea and the things that God taught me that helped me to persevere under what seemed as impossible challenges, I will talk about “The Great Commission” and how one knows if one is ready to step up to the plate and do whatever is needed and make a difference…here, there or over and beyond.

FEAR: What are your fears when it comes to serving God, whenever, wherever, and whatever? What fear is it that might hold you back from taking those blind steps, not knowing where it may lead? We will never have a picture of tomorrow or the future. What steps have you taken?

FAITH: In what way is your faith challenged today when we live in such a blessed country with such an abundance of choices when we need help or are in trouble – we call 911, AAA, police, fire department, hospitals, doctors, etc.? God says that without faith we cannot please Him.

FOLLOWING GOD: How do we find that purpose in life? His will for our lives have been planned for us before we were born. “I know the plans I have for you saith the Lord…” He has the blueprint, we just need to follow it. God doesn’t make mistakes or poor choices for our lives. Trust Him. Being wholly committed to the work of the Lord – and that is wherever you are right now. How are you serving the Lord right now? What has been your part in the Great Commission?

7. Nancy Sebastian Meyer — Life: Satisfaction Guaranteed? — Music Room
Why is life so hard? Why can’t I be happy? Discover real promises in God’s Word that guarantee hope, peace and joy now, despite your circumstances.

8. Jim Miller — Papahood: The Spirituality of Being Dad — Rm H4
God shapes our souls in unique ways through the act of parenting, as parenting puts us in touch with the heart of our heavenly Father. Come discover practical steps for developing your own character and spiritual growth while you raise kids, whether you are Dad, Mom, or parent-to-be. In an age where fathers in particular have lost a sense of divine calling to their role as parent, come explore the powerful, touching, and humorous ways in which God shapes our souls while we coach and love our children.

9. Dawn O’Brien — Sex in the City of God — Rm I12
A friend recently confessed, “If I hear or see one more juicy sex scene, I’m gonna BUST!” As Christians called to be “set apart” in a world FLOODED by sex, it’s all we can do to keep our nostrils above water! Need a lifesaver? Tired of the same old message in church...when the world is selling the same exciting message? Come get a hard-hitting dose of reality-Christianity.

10. Ben Pierce — What “Missional” Looks Like in Suburban Churches — H17           
Ben Pierce planted New Hope Church in San Carlos, California in 2004. The vision God gave the church is dramatically missional. The congregation is suburban and largely composed of young families – the demographic many believe is the hardest to mobilize for doing church missionally. Many of us feel the Spirit’s call to do church missionally but feel our churches are really difficult to turn in that direction. Ben will be sharing what he’s learned about how to rewire church to benefit those outside its walls. We’ll focus on how this church model differs from what many of us have been used to and also learn strategies for steering the churches and ministries in a missional direction.

11. Christy Pierce — Turning Up the Volume on God’s Whispers in Your Life — Activity Center           
Is there an area of your life where you really need to hear from God? If Jesus were to whisper to you about something very specific and personal this weekend, what would that be? Come join Christy Pierce and her ministry team as we teach about hearing God’s voice in very biblical and practical ways. Learn how to turn up the volume to hear God more clearly in your own prayer life. An opportunity to hear God’s voice through prophetic words will be possible along with confidential prayer teams will also be available to any who want prayer.

12. René Schlaepfer — Battling Burnout in Ministry — Sanctuary
We’ve all had one of “those days” but what if you’ve had one of “those years”? You’re tired, beat up and ready to quit. How do you go on? Is there any hope of feeling joy in ministry again? The good news is you’re not alone and there is hope! In this seminar we’ll just sleep and rest the whole time! Just kidding, we’re going to talk about the symptoms of burnout, explore how heroes of the faith have handled times of burnout and apply what we learn from them. We’ll also talk about making choices that lead to joy and longevity in ministry. René has struggled with burnout and, after ending up in the hospital with severe anxiety attacks, speaks with compassion and conviction on this topic.

13. Ken J. Silva — Free Your Church (Yourself) from the Fears of Evangelism — Rm H6           
One of the greatest desires we have as believers is to see our family, friends and neighbors come to Christ, but fear has paralyzed a great many of us. How can we free ourselves, and those we lead, to overcome the fears that freeze our witness? This session will help you to:

• Discover common fears that hinder and ways to overcome them.
• Avoid conflict so you can communicate with confidence and care.
• Discern where God is working and how to join Him in it.

14. Jane Van Antwerp — The Children’s Ministries Reality Show: A Leader’s Heart and Vision — Rm R208           
How can we lead with love and passion but be firmly planted in reality? So much in ministry can move us out of what is vital—our heart living in the reality and vision of God. This session will explore the traps we can get caught in especially in Children’s Ministries, and how we can guard the wellspring of our lives—our heart and vision.

YOUTH TRACK ELECTIVE (YOUTH ONLY)
15. Blaine “Sumo” Sato — Memoirs of a Pharmaceutical Rep (Youth Only) — Y Room
This seminar will show how God uses all aspects of our life for good — especially the foolishness of this world to confound the wise.

Seminar Series No. 2 — Saturday, October 11 — 11:00 am – 12:15 pm

1. Martin Bruce — How to Start a Dance Ministry — Rm H16
So you think you can dance? How about dance as a ministry? The increasing popularity of Reality TV dance shows such as “America’s Best Dance Crew” and “Dancing with the Stars,” is making dance an art form that draws in more and more people. In this seminar, we will go over a step by step process on how to start a dance ministry. We will also give you biblical principles on how to run and grow a dance ministry. Lastly, we will look at how you can use dance as an avenue to reach people in your community, both in and outside the four walls of the church.

2. Tony Campolo — What Christians Can Learn from Sociologists — Sanctuary           
Most university students view sociology as a demythologizing discipline that is hurtful for the Christian faith. This need not be the case. It should be remembered that the first three presidents of the American Sociological Association were either preachers or children of preachers. The only two sociologists who ever won the Nobel Prize were both intensely committed Christians.

In this seminar, we will see some of the ways in which Christians can find much in sociology that is useful in helping them to understand their own faith and how to relate their faith to people who are roundabout them. We will explore some of the basic ideas of Emil Dirkheim, Max Weber, and even Karl Marx. We will talk about how sociologists view religious movements being turned into deadly-structured organizations and how sociologists understand the difference between power and authority and affecting social change. We will look at ways in which concepts of God are developed by societal systems and how the Bible stands over and against those concepts. In this, we will be giving special attention to Romans 1.

Special attention will be given to how sociologists equip us to analyze the ways in which our Christian faith has been molded by the dominant culture and, thus, becomes unfaithful to biblical principles. We will point out how sociologists make us aware that there is a kind of radical Christianity that transcends cultural forms that needs to be embraced if we are to live out the will of God in our time.

3. Dave Chae — Connect/Build/Serve — Music Room           
What does holistic growth look like? We usually feed our minds or our emotions. What if following Christ means both? Come join us as we share and explore together what it means to have our whole being immersed in the work of God. They say relationships are the glue to ministry. How true it is! In addition, we'll learn how to feed on Christ and be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we go. Together we'll explore how to build trust, feed ourselves through God's word, and identify our sweet spot in God's Kingdom.

4. Dan Chun — The Radical Lifestyle of Humility — St. James Little Church           
We may want to learn many leadership techniques, but it is Humility that makes or breaks us. Counter-intuitive and a new revolutionary style of leading, the Humble Leadership Style releases the power of God, helps us to see how we can improve, and empowers people with whom we minister. The seminar will show how the lack of humility endangers our work, caps vision, lowers our effectiveness and blocks the Holy Spirit.

5. Barry Davis — Hope in the Midst of 21st-Century Chaos: The Book of Revelation — Rm H17           
Beyond timelines, beyond headlines, the Book of Revelation is designed to transform lives. Sadly, for most Christians the book remains an enigma, a jumble of symbols and signs, a confusing trek through an unknown future that has little to do with life as we know it. Even if we understand all of the symbolism, we rarely apply the truths of this book to make a difference in the way we run our businesses, guide our families, or interact with classmates or neighbors. Yet the Book of Revelation was written to first-century Christians not to provide a way of escape from their world but to help them triumph with hope in every facet of their lives in the midst of the chaotic upheavals they faced. In this session, we will dig into the Book of Revelation and learn how to apply its hope to our everyday life.

6. Kay Harbal — Compassion Unleashed: Emptying Churches, Filling Needs — Rm H6           
Pastors and church leaders can become preoccupied with filling church seats on Sunday rather than fulfilling the mission of Christ: to make disciples and to bless many nations. Compassion Unleashed is literally a call to the church to unleash followers of Jesus into the community to bring blessing and transformation. Participants will discover tangible ways to empower Christ-followers toward acts of compassion that can build bridges into their local communities. Compassion Unleashed explores the possibilities of unity, creativity and innovation as churches empty into the streets, meet felt needs, and forge new ground in building the kingdom of God.

7. Kevin Harney — Leadership Inside Out — Chapel
Your inner life as a leader will shape your outer work of ministry. If the inner life is healthy, your ministry will flourish. If things go wrong on the inside, no amount of programming or planning can cover it up. God wants you to lead for a lifetime. He is ready to pour His Spirit through you in powerful ways for the rest of your life. Join us as we discover skills for leading from the inside out.

9. Paul Jackson — Taking the Multimedia Leap with MediaShout — Rm H4           
Discover the power of MediaShout by going beyond the basics. You will see the flexibility of MediaShout in creating Scripts by using all the power of Cue Templates and the Cue Properties Box.

10. Jim Miller — Teaching to Change the World — Library           
How can we become effective communicators of the good news in today's world? Here are ten practical steps to teaching with passion, character, thoughtfulness, and power, regardless of whether we do so in a sacred or secular setting, in the pulpit or at the dinner table. If everyone is called to preach the gospel, everyone is called to prepare.

12. Bill Pannell — Preaching for Revival — St. James Parish Hall
Protestantism in America and American character has been profoundly shaped by revivals. These awakenings were often the result of the preaching of men like Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, George Whitefield and Charles Finney. Could such awakenings happen today? What kind of preaching would be required to effect such renewal? What role would the local congregation play in such an occurrence? This session will address these questions.

13. Christy Pierce — No Fear in His Presence: Spiritual Warfare & Deliverance Ministry That Brings Freedom Not Fear! — Activity Center
Have you ever felt oppressed or under attack in your personal life? Did you ever meet a Christian who claimed to see a demon hiding under every bush? How would you help a friend or church member who felt they were fighting demons or dark spirits? In this session, we will be looking at spiritual warfare from a balanced biblical perspective and learning more about the authority Jesus gives us as Christians to fight spiritual darkness. Too often, spiritual attack and deliverance create confusion and fear among Christians and today’s church leaders. This session will seek to clear away the “fog” around spiritual warfare and also give practical tools about how to walk in God’s authority and power. We’ll talk about how to deal with demons without being afraid. It will be a safe place to ask questions and receive prayer ministry as well.

12. Jeff Schulte — The Seasons of a Man’s Life — St. James Sanctuary
We’ve all heard the jokes about men not being willing to ask for directions when they are lost. But there is some truth to the fact that many men will travel a long way in the wrong direction before looking at a map. Every man moves through a series of predictable stages in his life – studies show this and the Bible describes it. The key to moving gracefully from one stage to the next is understanding what’s happening in those transitions when “what worked” in the previous stage isn’t working in this one. In this session, we will describe these seasons and discuss what it looks like for a man to make the critical transitions so he finishes his life having gotten to his desired destination.

13. Jane Van Antwerp — What Lasts: Building Authentic Community in Children’s Ministry — Rm R208           
No matter the size or amount of resources, the rarest thing a Children’s Ministry has to offer a family can be authentic community. In this session we will look not only at program and curriculum, but beyond—to how we can be a part of the Spirit’s movement toward community. We will also examine the common blocks to real friendship for staff, volunteers, parents and kids.

YOUTH TRACK ELECTIVES (YOUTH ONLY)
14. Jason Harper — The Dirty Little Secret (Youth Boys) — Y Room           
Jason Harper breaks the silence of how to address the issue of porn in faith communities. As a speaker and author with xxxchurch.com, a website devoted to fighting pornography, Jason meets people in the industry and those addicted to porn, and offers hope through wholeness in Christ.

15. Dawn O’Brien — So U Think U Can...Romance?! (Youth Girls) — Rm I12
Seriously, it’s all some people talk about! ‘Boy Crazy?’ Boys make us crazy! It’s a lot of fun and it plays a huge part in who we become as women of God. If it’s so terrific for my faith, how do I start? Hear hard-hitting answers, get down-and-deep discussion, & emerge a Love-Living, Agape-Wielding Girl 4 God!

Seminar Series No. 3 — Saturday, October 11 — 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm

1. Dave Chae — TransforMission — St. James Little Church           
What is our purpose in life? Does God save us merely to give us entry into heaven? Or does God have a something specific in mind? In this workshop, we'll learn how to apply the gospel to our hearts and then to others. TransforMission is the notion that we are transformed so that we can enter into the mission of God to re-create the world.

2. Peter Chao — Leading in Uncharted Waters: Breaking into the Future — Rm I12
"Blue Ocean Thinking” is a strategy that will break a new path into the future and revolutionize our ministry or business operations. This seminar explores some dimensions of new approaches that will distinguish our organizations.

3. Rod Handley — Accountability, the Missing Link — Music Room
“Accountablity” is a buzz word in society today but how does it work in practical terms? This session will offer answers on how real accountability works and the many benefits involved. You will come away with a greater urgency to be relationally connected and motivated to pursue accountability when you return home.

4. Kevin Harney — Ten Shifts That Will Transform Your Leadership Potential — St. James Sanctuary
Small shifts can bring huge shockwaves of transformation in the life of a leader. These “seismic shifts,” infused by the power of the Holy Spirit, can bring greater fruitfulness, focus and joy in ministry. Join us as we explore ten simple and doable actions that will have BIG Kingdom impact.

5. Jason Harper — The Dirty Little Secret (Adults) — St. James Parish Hall
Jason Harper breaks the silence of how to address the issue of porn in faith communities. As a speaker and author with xxxchurch.com, a website devoted to fighting pornography, Jason meets people in the industry and those addicted to porn, and offers hope through wholeness in Christ.

6. Joel King — The Heart of Our Mission: Make Disciples! — Rm H17
It’s one thing to say that the church is about making disciples and quite another to actually make disciples. In this session we will explore what a disciple is, how did Jesus make disciples, and what the church can do to make disciples today. You’ll walk away from this workshop with a framework for making disciples and some specific ideas on how to do it at your church.

7. Marilyn Laszlo — Mission Possible — Sanctuary           
I will be telling stories of my 24 years and experiences in Papua New Guinea and the things that God taught me that helped me to persevere under what seemed as impossible challenges.

The Great Commission – Are you ready to step up to the plate and do whatever is needed and make a difference…here, there or over and beyond. What does it mean to be involved in the Great Commission?

FEAR: What are your fears when it comes to serving God, whenever, wherever, and whatever? What fear is it that might hold you back from taking those blind steps, not knowing where it may lead? We will never have a picture of tomorrow or the future. What steps have you taken?

FAITH: In what way is your faith challenged today when we live in such a blessed country with such an abundance of choices when we need help or are in trouble – we call 911, AAA, police, fire department, hospitals, doctors, etc. God says that without faith we cannot please Him.

FOLLOWING GOD: How do we find that purpose in life? His will for our lives have been planned for us before we were born. “I know the plans I have for you saith the Lord…” He has the blueprint – we just need to follow it. God doesn’t make mistakes or poor choices for our lives. Trust Him. Being wholly committed to the work of the Lord – and that is wherever you are right now. How are you serving the Lord right now? What has been your part in the Great Commission?

8. Stan Long — Lead Like Jesus and Inspire Hope — Rm R208
The need for competent leadership has never been greater. When leaders lead correctly, followers are inspired to hope for a better future. Jesus manifested 12 characteristics that we can duplicate and lead like he did. What are they? How can we lead like Jesus?

9. Nancy Sebastian Meyer — Beyond Expectations: Finding Joy in Your Marriage — Library           
Don’t throw in the towel! Discover what brought love back to Nancy’s disillusioned, despondent heart and restored joy to her marriage—despite its imperfections. The “tingles” are there for the taking!

10. Bill Pannell — Preaching and Reconciliation — Chapel           
Reconciliation is the goal of the Gospel. It is the church’s top priority. So what happened to this central focus of the good news? Why is there so little movement of God’s people toward one another? Or are we to finally acquiesce in the face of mega-growth here and there, and multi-ethnicity everywhere? What is the future of reconciliation? This session will seek to explore this issue with hopeful suggestions in the service of the Gospel and the church’s renewal.

11. Ben Pierce — Staying Faithful When Results Are Slow — Rm H6
If you’ve said “Yes” to the Lord to do ministry in the Bay Area, you’ve signed on for laboring in one of the most difficult fields anywhere. Yet Jesus loves the Bay Area and He has called many of us to invest our lives here. How does one engage in ministry with hope, faith, and confident expectations when results are small or slow in coming? How does one stay passionate and maintain faith that God will have His way here, and that what we are doing is vital to that end? Whether you are a pastor or a lay leader, this seminar will help you minister with more hope, joy, and expectation.

12. Christy Pierce — Normal People, Extraordinary Healing — Activity Center
This session is designed for anyone who has wanted to learn to pray for healing but is afraid it’s not their “thing” and may even be “weird.” It’s a time to look at the biblical foundations for a ministry of healing in your Christian life and church. We believe your faith will be increased as you hear real life stories of normal people who follow Jesus today and are experiencing healing they never thought possible. You’ll learn a practical healing prayer model that works for those with no experience as well as those who’ve been involved in healing prayer for years. Finally, there will be opportunities to receive healing prayer for those who need physical, emotional or spiritual healing.

13. Jeff Schulte — A Biblical Definition of Manhood — Rm H4
We all know that you don’t become a man by just getting older: a boy becomes a man when he begins acting like a man. But what does that look like? What is the definition of manhood that reaches down deep into a man’s soul and calls him to be the very thing he was made to be – a man! If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time. This presents a challenge for most men who when asked, “What is a man?” would struggle with a vague, ambiguous, nondescript answer that is more a reflection of conventional manhood than real Biblical manhood. Every man who attends this session will leave with something most men do not have (and therefore can’t pass on to others) – a clear definition of what it means to be a man. You might have grown up and left home without it, but you don’t have to leave this conference without it.

14. Ken J. Silva — Simple, Transferable Tools for Sharing the Gospel — Rm H16
Why is it so hard for us to share the gospel, especially with friends and relatives? Love compels us, but then fear prevents us. This session will add Simple, Transferable Tools to your witnessing belt, things you can do, be and say to become the witness we all desire to be.

You will learn:
• How to use stories to heighten interest and communicate the gift of salvation.
• Cultivating relationships and discerning when a friend’s heart is open to hear the gospel.
• A gospel tool that is easy to learn, fun to share and nearly impossible to forget!

YOUTH TRACK ELECTIVES (YOUTH ONLY)
15. Jon Irving — One Small Step, One Giant Leap (Youth Only) — Y Room
The direction our life heads in is set not only in big events, but the small apparently ordinary life decisions, the things we choose to do or not do. What does it mean to live courageously in the every choices in life, so you can look back weeks, months or even years from now and be amazed where God has taken you? Come find out the small steps that lead to giant leaps leading to living a courageous and radical life.