Many of us see the same need—couples marrying later, divorcees hesitant to remarry, and a longing for deeper relationships. Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cairo wanted to find a way to strengthen marriages, encourage commitment, and create a bridge for people to experience Christ. “The Marriage Course” by Alpha became our strategy. In this workshop, Pastor Sessa shall share what has been tried at Resurrection—the successes, the challenges, that Resurrection Lutheran Church has been learning along the way. If your congregation is looking for a practical, welcoming way to invest in marriages, this session will offer real-world insights and next steps to get started.

You will learn to raise money so that your mission is funded, even if you do not feel comfortable talking about money even if your congregation never really has these sorts of conversations.

Our world is driven by stories. This includes our television shows and movies. In this workshop, participants will learn how to utilize television shows and movies in preparing and leading Bible studies and discipleship classes. This method does not only teach participants the truths of the Lord’s Word but also teaches people to live and act like Jesus.

This workshop will examine how to minister to the needs of people who are suffering in our congregations and homes.

In an age of exegetical exploitation that keeps Lutheranism in captivity, let us discuss practical approaches to navigate the faith and church life from non-colonial missional practices.

The path to Holy Baptism and Confirmation can be challenging to navigate. There may be many questions that people have when considering membership in the Body of Christ and a congregation. As we are “Making Disciples for Life” by “Engaging the World with the Gospel of Hope,” this workshop will review basics from the Ancient Catechumenate model as it relates to youth and adults who want to be members of the Body of Christ.

Jesus said to make disciples. Did that mean, “listen to sermons and sing hymns,” as though that was the whole deal? (Oh yeah, and make a generous offering?) It is not what we are shown in the Gospels; it is a lot more exciting than that. Jesus got His people doing stuff, great stuff, kingdom stuff. He says to us, “Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” [Mt 28:20]. Does your congregation have definite steps for apprenticing people to know Jesus and getting them to do His stuff? You will after you participate in this workshop!

This workshop is ideal for parishioners, ministry leaders, and anyone seeking to be prepared better for emergency response with faith, love, and service. It also serves as an introduction for individuals and congregations interested in LERT and Spiritual First Aid certifications, as well as practical strategies for organizing and leading effective response efforts in their communities.

The workshop will focus on the strengths of Lutheran Christian heritage as the path toward effective ministry in urban contexts in the future. An analysis of risk in tackling Kingdom work from a Scriptural perspective will be explored in detail. This workshop is not for the risk averse.

How does a congregation begin or expand an adult Christian Education program? This workshop will encourage raising expectations of every adult in the congregation to be a part of growing in the Word. We shall examine programming, material, promotion, and leadership of Bible studies and small groups to foster participation of every member.

Has your congregation considered GriefShare? GriefShare is a national ministry designed to provide hope and healing after the loss of a loved one, with the help of the Lord. Find out how to get one started and how it can benefit not only your congregation but also your community.

With an increasing shortage of church workers, helping workers thrive is not only an investment in your parish’s work, but also is an act of intentional care with huge dividends. Come find some simple ways to help your church workers thrive in your ministry as you strengthen your witness for Jesus.

Join The Rev. Peter Deberny and Mrs. Carol Mittelstaedt for a discussion on creative ways to engage children and youth in worship and Sunday School. Discover how active involvement helps young people grow spiritually while drawing their parents deeper into the parish community. Learn practical strategies to create a welcoming environment in which the entire family can feel connected and invested.

From Lutheran Service Builder and Sundays and Seasons, to a dizzying array of online and print resources, there seems to be no end to recommendations for how the worshiping community should pray. This session will offer several different perspectives and practices for preparing the Intercessions. Pastor Boehler will engage participants in a conversation about best practices and what factors to consider in writing the weekly general prayers.

Gain a fresh perspective on outreach. Discover tools and tips as well as creative ways to connect with your wider community, regardless of your budget. We shall venture into a little bit of everything with respect to outreach, including marketing tips, social media, graphic design, event ideas, creating ambiance, and making guests feel welcome in your congregation.

The goal of this workshop is to provide an overview of these essential topics of retirement planning: the social/emotional aspect of retirement, creating a retirement budget, identifying your retirement income stream, and health care in retirement. Participants will receive a retirement planning workbook to aid in their retirement planning.

Dr. Martin Luther rightly understood that Holy Scripture is the sole rule and norm for authority in the Church. We do not read Holy Scripture in isolation from others in the Church. In this session, we shall look to the community of the ancient Church with figures such as Irenaeus, Athanasius, and Augustine to learn techniques and priorities for reading Holy Scripture that can continue to feed the Church spiritually today.

This presentation provides an overview of the basic responsibilities and fiduciary duties of directors (or trustees), officers, and key persons of New York Religious Corporations. Covered topics include fiduciary duties, conflict of interest policies, investment policies, and keeping accurate minutes.

In addition to the Commandments and the Creed, Dr. Martin Luther gave prayer a central place among the six chief parts of his Small Catechism. This workshop will explore the many ways that the Word of God and prayer can support and challenge our ongoing life of discipleship as we journey toward His promised coming Kingdom. The presenters will engage participants in a conversation about a number of models for how to practice, as Francis de Sales described it,"The Devout Life."

Did you know that as a part of the LCMS YOU are fulfilling Jesus' call in Matthew 28:19 to "go...and make disciples of all nations?" Find out how from Abigail Young, one of our Synod’s nearly 100 missionaries, before she deploys to teach music in the Dominican Republic and discover more ways you can get involved in LCMS International Mission.

The term, “psychology” comes from the Greek words for “study of the soul.” It is true that modern psychology can offer much help to understanding and working towards great emotional and mental health. As Christians, we may also rediscover the wisdom of those Christians who searched the soul to understand our lives in relationship with Christ more honestly. Using the early Church as our guide, we shall examine how we may rediscover important ways we may look at the depths of our spiritual lives as we trust and obey Jesus as repentant disciples.

This workshop will help leaders recognize anxiety in our youth, church members, and wider community. Anxiety is contagious and can easily spin out of control, leaving chaos in its wake. We will focus on learning about anxiety and the techniques that help diminish anxious feelings. Also, this workshop will discuss when it is necessary to consult a professional counselor.

Are people from your parish attending this summer’s LCMS Youth Gathering in New Orleans? Are you thinking about attending a future gathering? Either way, this workshop is for you. You will gain valuable information on fundraising ideas, travel tips, preparing your youth, what happens at the Gathering, what to do after you return home, and more.

Join us for a deep dive into Dr. Martin Luther’s insights on the theology of the cross. For those interested in intensive theological engagement, this session explicates a concentrated study on the theology of the cross and the cruciform Christian life as found especially in the writings of Martin Luther and other theologians. In addition, this workshop provides resources for further theological study and reflection on the theology of the cross for faithful Christian witness today.

Join us for a deep dive into Trinitarian theology and the Word of God. For those interested in intensive theological engagement, this session presents a thoughtful study on the Trinity and the Word of God and draws upon ancient, medieval, and contemporary sources in Christian theology. In addition, this workshop provides information for further theological study and reflection on the Trinity and Word of God.

This presentation provides an overview of key provisions of certificates of incorporation and bylaws for New York Religious Corporations, including board structure, quorum, and the process for amendment.

Whether your congregation has a contemporary worship service or not, or if you are thinking of starting one, this workshop will be filled with practical information to help you glorify the Lord in a contemporary setting. Topics will include choosing and obtaining music, running rehearsals, using AV equipment, strengthening your musicians’ skills, utilizing software and web sites, and making the most of God's gifts in your congregation.

Is it a mystery or rocket science? No. A few basic questions and answers.: How much money is coming in? Where is it going? What do we owe? Is there money in the bank? It’s that simple. There may be no need for the 26 reports that QuickBooks can produce. In this workshop we shall look at the important recording and reporting. It really is easier than you think.

Since 1978, LCEF (Lutheran Church Extension Fund) has partnered with LCMS members and ministries to fund projects that support the work of God's Kingdom. Please join us and get reintroduced to LCEF, learn about our rebrand, and learn about the various ways that we serve as a trusted partner of the LCMS.

While the liturgical year does not change, the circumstances in which our congregations find themselves continues to change and evolve. Resources such as Lutheran Service Builder, Sunday and Seasons, Prelude Music Planner, and SOS (Substitute Organist Service--a digital option available for congregations that do not have an organist/pianist ) will be reviewed. This session will encourage worship planners to utilize resources fully, enabling congregations to sing their faith in Christ.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is an excellent community outreach tool. It invites those who normally would not attend church services and events to build long-lasting and memorable Christ-centered relationships. It offers a variety of ways for the entire congregation to become involved. VBS can be the start of the journey for growth in your Sunday School and growth in the next generation. Older Christian adults can offer opportunities for families to grow in faith and in their relationship with God as the Holy Spirit provides the harvest. VBS engages and introduces parents and their children to a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Learn how an aging congregation saw the Lord bring many young families from the neighborhood to their congregation during a three-year time period.

The "Disciples" will bring innovation and guidance on how to raise the youth in music in today's generation.