Preaching-Teaching Convention Workshops
Choose from over twenty-four workshops in six different tracks.
Exegetical Preaching Track
- How to Preach Exegetically with Dr. Chuck Sackett
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 2:30 p.m.
Given the lack of agreement on defining expository/exegetical preaching, this workshop will attempt to clarify the critical components of sermons that take the text seriously.
About Dr. Chuck SackettDr. Chuck Sackett has been experiencing over 50 years of God’s grace in using a most unexpected servant to preach and teach His amazing grace. Husband to Gail, father of Michelle, Amy, and Jill. All of whom love and serve Jesus.
- Preaching Exegetically through the Gospel of Mark with Dr. Mark Scott
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 3:30 p.m.
The sky is the limit on how to preach the Gospel of Mark exegetically. Various preaching strategies will be examined such as verse-by-verse, section-by-section, themes, imagery, discourses, and biographies.
About Mark ScottDr. Mark Scott serves as faculty emeritus and graduate studies professor at OCC. He has also served the college as academic dean, director of preaching, and professor of New Testament and biblical communication. Mark holds a D.Min. from Denver Seminary, an M.Div. from Lincoln Christian Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree in theology from Ozark. Mark and his wife, Carla, have four children, four children-in-love, 17 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
- Preaching Exegetically through Titus with Dr. Chuck Sackett
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 2:30 p.m.
Allowing location to influence how to preach through Titus, and allowing a series through Titus to influence my location.
About Dr. Chuck SackettDr. Chuck Sackett has been experiencing over 50 years of God’s grace in using a most unexpected servant to preach and teach His amazing grace. Husband to Gail, father of Michelle, Amy, and Jill. All of whom love and serve Jesus.
- Preaching Exegetically through Jonah with Jaron Scott
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 3:30 p.m.
When is the right time to preach through Jonah? What pastoral purposes could be accomplished by preaching through the book of Jonah? What approaches could be taken to preaching through the book? This workshop aims to equip preachers and teachers to unleash the power of Jonah.
About Jaron ScottJaron and his wife, Chelsi, live in Joplin, Missouri. Jaron and Chelsi have one son, Theodore. Jaron serves as a pastor of Christ’s Church of Joplin and faculty member of Ozark Christian College.
Practical Teaching Track
- Unlocking Affordable Excellence: Navigating Free Resources for Kingdom Success with Terry Byrd
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 2:30 p.m.
In today's ministry, resources play a crucial role in driving success and fulfilling the mission of the kingdom. This seminar will empower kingdom workers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive, regardless of financial constraints.
About Terry ByrdTerry Byrd currently serves as the outreach director for ChurchApps.org, a non-profit ministry that provides open-source ministry tools for churches. He has been in the ministry for 42 years, with experience in everything from campus ministry to Christian School administration. Terry serves as an elder at Tyro Christian Church, he and his wife, Patty, have 4 children and 11 grandchildren.
- Theology of Scripture with Dr. Michael DeFazio
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 3:30 p.m.
How to orient our reading and teaching of Scripture to the actual book God has given us.
About Michael DeFazioMichael DeFazio is Dean of Lincoln Seminary and Professor of New Testament and Hermeneutics at Ozark Christian College. He worships with his wife Beth and their children (Claire and Carson) at Christ's Church of Oronogo, where he also serves as an elder.
- Elders as Teachers of Doctrine with Jim Dalrymple and Dr. Michael DeFazio
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 2:30 p.m.
Jim and Michael serve as elders at Christ's Church of Oronogo in Oronogo, Missouri. Together, they encourage elders to evaluate how they steward their responsibility as the primary teachers and guardians of doctrine in their church family.
About Jim Dalrymple and Michael DeFazioJim Dalrymple is the executive vice president of advancement and New Testament professor at OCC. Jim and his wife Stephanie met at Ozark, and they have three children. Jim serves as an elder at their home church in Oronogo, Missouri.
Michael DeFazio is Dean of Lincoln Seminary and Professor of New Testament and Hermeneutics at Ozark Christian College. He worships with his wife Beth and their children (Claire and Carson) at Christ's Church of Oronogo, where he also serves as an elder.
- Spiritual Formation through Corporate Worship Music with Mark Proctor
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 3:30 p.m.
The songs we sing in corporate worship often stay in our minds and hearts seven days a week. Consequently, they often shape our theology as much as other forms of teaching. This workshop will explore how we can plan corporate worship music for healthy spiritual formation.
About Mark ProctorMark Proctor teaches music in the OCC Worship and Creative Arts Department. He is a long time worship leader for churches in Maryland, Missouri and Indiana. He also writes, records and releases music online. On the weekends, Mark preaches at Sparta Christian Church near Springfield, MO.
Discipleship Track
- Calling Students Into Vocational Ministry with Jayson French and Katelyn Adams
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 2:30 p.m.
Every year, more ministers retire than people come to fill their shoes. How do we close the gap? CIY President Jayson French and CIY Director of Digital Products Katelyn Adams will share about CIY’s initiative to see 30,000 students called into vocational ministry in the next decade and the resources they create to help those students follow through on their decision.
About Jayson French and Katelyn AdamsJayson French is a true believer in the power of the local church and has dedicated 15 years on staff to the local church over 20 years at Christ In Youth as its current President. With a Bachelor's in Biblical Literature from Ozark Christian College and a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln Christian University, Jayson is a seasoned leader with a passion for preaching, teaching, and calling young people to Kingdom Work. When he's not championing the church, Jayson enjoys sharing life stories and hobbies, including hunting, fly fishing, home renovations, and more. He's also a proud husband to Janice and father to their four children: Justin, Levi, Sydney, and Cylis.
Katelyn Adams serves as the Director of Digital Resources at Christ in Youth and is working to leverage the digital space and emerging technology to resource churches to call youth to Christ and Kingdom Work beyond CIY events. Prior to her time at CIY Katelyn spent over 12 years in youth ministry and holds a BA in Graphic Design from Oklahoma State University. Katelyn lives in Tulsa, OK with her husband and two young boys. She and her family continue to worship and serve at Kirk of the Hills Church.
- Raising Disciples: Guiding Kids into the first 13 years of life into a Faith of their Own with Dr. Teresa Roberts
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 3:30 p.m.
The first 13 years of life are the most important for discipleship. Come learn a developmental discipleship pathway to guide the children in your life and ministry into a faith of their own.
About Teresa RobertsTeresa Roberts is Professor of Ministry and Christian Formation, Program Director of Children’s Ministry, and a vice president at Ozark Christian College. She is an expert in children’s spiritual formation training with more than 30 years of ministry experience.
Dr. Roberts holds a Master of Arts in Family and Youth Ministry, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry. She serves in children’s ministry at Carterville Christian Church where she attends with her husband and step-daughter.
She is the author of "Raising Disciples: Guiding Your Kids into a Faith of their Own" released by NavPress. October 2024.
- A Strategic Plan for Multigenerational Discipleship with Brittany Schools
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 2:30 p.m.
Does your church have a strategic plan to pass the torch of faith to the next generation? Learn ten core discipleship landmarks that demonstrate the commitment of every generation in your church to partner with parents and families as they raise children, students, and even adults to become true disciples.
About Brittany SchoolsBrittany Schools currently works at Legacy Christian Church in Kansas City where she works on the Central Service Staff as Director of Family & Affinity Ministries. Outside of vocational ministry, Brittany teaches ballet, choreographs a local middle school musical, and provides the high school show choir all of its moves for the Pops concerts. She loves decaf americanos, cooking, widows and her roles as wife, mother, mother-in-law, and Grandma!
- The Discipleship Gospel with Phil Claycomb, Andrew Estes, and Chris Hedges
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 3:30 p.m.
Discover how the Gospel we preach determines the disciples we make in this dynamic session. Many modern Gospel presentations focus on personal salvation but neglect the implicit call to discipleship. Join a powerful discussion led by an experienced church planter who is multiplying disciples in a small town in Kansas, with fruit rooted in intentional Gospel training. Together, we’ll uncover how Jesus' original message calls us to repent, believe, and follow him, bringing God’s' kingdom today. This session will equip you with practical tools to preach, teach, and lead others in a Gospel that produces genuine, life-changing discipleship.
About Phil Claycomb, Andrew Estes, and Chris HedgesPhil Claycomb and his wife, Barb, have been church planters since seminary, seeing themselves as missionaries to North America. Their first assignment was to launch a church for the unchurched with only unchurched people—a thrilling challenge. Over 13 years, they planted two churches, each of which planted another. In 2001, they shifted to coaching and training other church planters. After working with Stadia from 2001-2005, they moved to Texas in 2006 and started Nexus: Church Planting & Leader Care, where they now focus on supporting church-planting couples and families.
After years in local ministry, Andrew Estes now serves as the Director of Training for Nexus: Church Planting & Leader Care helping church planters clarify their disciple-making vision. He also supports leaders nationwide through his work at RunFree.co, training leaders in the Vision Frame through the Pivvot Process designed to help leaders shift their vision and culture toward real disciple-making growth. He is also an executive and life coach leading teams and individuals to find clarity through tools like The 6 Types of Working Genius, Younique, and more. Andrew lives in Loveland, CO with his wife Megan and their four children.
Chris Hedges is the Senior Pastor and church planter of Harvest Christian Church in Winfield, KS. After coming into ministry through a non-traditional route, Chris has used his marketplace leadership skills to advance the Gospel in remarkable ways in Winfield. Chris partnered with Nexus: Church Planting and Leader Care and the Christian Evangelistic Association (CEA) of Kansas to launch Harvest CC in 2018. Their church is seeing incredible disciple-making fruit as they train leaders in the Kingdom Gospel.
Culture Track
- Cultural Intelligence in Conflict Resolution with Matthew McBirth
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 2:30 p.m.
Explore how different cultures around the world and in the United States resolve conflicts. Learn how conflict resolution styles are influenced by your own culture and how to identify other cultural conflict resolution styles to better approach multicultural communities.
About Matthew McBirthMatthew McBirth works as Professor of Biblical Studies and Director of Multicultural Affairs at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO where he strives to raise up servant leaders who love God, love neighbor, and embrace Jesus’ beautifully diverse kingdom. He is the husband of Allison, father of Asa and Naomi, and child of God.
- Repenting of My Inner Deist with Dr. Chad Ragsdale
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 3:30 p.m.
Apologetics tends to make rationalistic arguments in support of faith. While we should be thankful for these arguments, they run the risk of creating a sterile, powerless, deistic type of faith. Hear my journey out of this deistic apologetic toward a more robust faith in the God who is near.
About Chad RagsdaleChad Ragsdale serves as the Academic Dean at Ozark. He also teaches part time in the classroom primarily in the areas of philosophy and apologetics. He is particularly passionate for discerning the ways that Jesus engages with contemporary culture.
- Leading Worship, Shepherding Souls: The Role of a Worship Pastor with Chip Songer
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 2:30 p.m.
Hear how to integrate spiritual practices in worship services, care for volunteers, train team members, and shepherd from a worship minister's perspective.
About Chip SongerChip Songer is the Worship Director at Christ's Church of Oronogo in Southwest Missouri. He is an alumni of Ozark Christian College. He loves to spend time in the great outdoors, climbing mountains, bow hunting, or spending time with his family. Chip is married to his high school sweetheart, Raina, and they have three kids, Theo, Edison, and Winifred.
- Engaging Gen Alpha in Kingdom Work with Korey Klein and Eric Epperson
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 3:30 p.m.
The next generation doesn’t just need to listen and learn. They are ready to use the unique gifts, talents, and abilities God has given them to serve the church. CIY Director of SuperStart Korey Klein and CIY Vice President of Story Eric Epperson will encourage you to create opportunities for preteens to serve in your church and community.
About Korey Klein and Eric EppersonKorey Klein serves as Director of SuperStart at Christ In Youth. He grew up in Joplin, MO, and loved creating funny videos with his siblings as a kid, which led him to grow as an entrepreneur and own his own film business. Over the years, Korey fell in love with the purpose of CIY SuperStart and loves getting to rub shoulders with Children's & Preteen Ministers around the country. He and his wife Hannah have two littles (Phoenix and Zion) and attend Racine Christian Church.
Eric Epperson serves as the Vice President of Story at CIY, where he leads a team of storytellers and church advocates who steward the strategic vision for the organization’s communication efforts. Eric holds a BA from Ozark Christian College, an MA from the University of Oklahoma (Boomer!), and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Strategic Communications from the University of Central Oklahoma. An avid distance runner and a big fan of breakfast (though not for dinner), Eric can be found patiently awaiting an OKC Thunder championship. He calls the north side of Oklahoma City home with his wife, Torrie, and their daughters.
Leadership Track
- Is It Well with Your Soul? with Adam Turner
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 2:30 p.m.
No leader can be truly healthy, strong, or secure without a supportive circle. We were designed for enriching relationships. While community is at the heart of genuine Christianity, it takes time to develop—authentic connections cannot be rushed. Come hear the importance of having diverse mentors for your spiritual health.
About Adam TurnerAdam Turner is the Senior Minister at Corinth Christian Church in Loganville, GA. He is also involved in working with pastors through Covenant Connections, focusing on soul care for greater spiritual and emotional health. Adam is married to Jennifer, and they have two grown children.
- Creating an Environment that Connects with Unchurched People with Rusty George
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 3:30 p.m.
How do you teach your unchurched community while still growing believers? This seminar will walk you through identifying who you are trying to reach, creating a strategy for how to reach them, and engaging your current believers to be a part.
About Rusty GeorgeRusty George is the Lead Pastor of Crossroads Christian Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he leads with a vision to create a thriving community dedicated to helping people find and follow Jesus. With over two decades of preaching experience, Rusty's ministry journey has taken him from Kentucky, to California, and now to Texas, where he continues to inspire and guide others through his pastoral leadership.
- From Girl Power to Gospel Power: Why the Church Needs Women Who Lead with Lydia Florence
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 2:30 p.m.
Whether you're a woman who serves the church vocationally or as a volunteer, come be reminded why it's vital to live into the calling God's given you as a part of the body. We’ll be equipped by God's Word and encouraged by fellow laborers. Men, if you're looking for a way to help catalyze the women in your church to live into their calling, you're welcome to join, too! Free iced coffee provided!
About Lydia FlorenceI’m a wife to Tristan, a mom to a little dumplin’ named Benny, and I’m crazy about Jesus and helping others meet Him, know Him, and follow Him. I laugh a lot, cry a lot, and dance like a fool at every wedding I’m invited to. I’m a grateful alumnus of Ozark Christian College and privileged to serve on staff at Southland Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky.
- Changing Church Culture with Rusty George
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 3:30 p.m.
What do you do when you want to help change the church culture you either inherited or created? This seminar will help you determine what kind of church and staff you want to be and how to get there.
About Rusty GeorgeRusty George is the Lead Pastor of Crossroads Christian Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he leads with a vision to create a thriving community dedicated to helping people find and follow Jesus. With over two decades of preaching experience, Rusty's ministry journey has taken him from Kentucky, to California, and now to Texas, where he continues to inspire and guide others through his pastoral leadership.
Pastoral Care Track
- The Recovery Ready Church: Navigating the Substance Abuse Epidemic in Our Communities with Greg Morrell
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 2:30 p.m.
Learn how your congregation can address the increasing epidemic of drug and alcohol abuse, relational dysfunction, and roadblocks to recovery in our current culture.
About Greg MorrellGreg Morrell has actively participated in the recovery field since 1987 and has been involved in ministry as a pastoral teacher since 1994. He is a Certified Peer Specialist in the State of Missouri, has completed training in relapse prevention, and holds degrees in Communication, Biblical Literature, and Theology. He served for 7 years as the leader of Celebrate Recovery at College Heights Christian Church and 4 years at God’s Resort in Joplin, MO, as Transitional Coordinator. In addition to individual recovery guidance and care, Greg has developed a seminar for Churches on addiction and recovery and is preparing to publish his first book, “The Spirit and the Steps.” He can be contacted through the website, http://www.intheboatrecovery.com
- Not Too Old with Dave Faust
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 3:30 p.m.
How can we turn our later years into greater years? Based on David Faust’s new book, Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years, this workshop will offer practical, Bible-based wisdom designed to help anyone over age 50 wrestling with questions like:
· Aging makes me anxious. How should I deal with my fears?
· I don’t want to be a grumpy old grouch! How can I cultivate my sense of humor as I grow older?
· I’m concerned about the next generation. How can I maximize my influence as a grandparent?
· I want to keep growing spiritually. How can I enjoy a fruitful relationship with God as I grow older?
· I don’t want to be irrelevant. Where do senior adults fit in the church?
About Dave FaustDave Faust has led churches in New York and Cincinnati, and currently he serves as the Senior Associate Minister at East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis. For 12 years he was president of Cincinnati Christian University. He has written 17 books, including his most recent volume, Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years (College Press, 2024). For over 28 years he authored a weekly column for The Lookout magazine, and he continues to serve as a contributing editor for Christian Standard. He served as president of the 2006 North American Christian Convention. Dave and his wife Candy have three adult children, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
- Secrets of Being a Lifetime Pastor with Dan Toney
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 2:30 p.m.
The path of following God’s leading into full-time ministry can be incredibly rewarding and extremely challenging. Most pastors consider throwing in the towel at some point. Maybe that is where you find yourself right now. In this workshop, Dan will share some key lessons he has learned—often the hard way—through various seasons of ministry. Come be encouraged and challenged on your lifetime journey of serving Jesus.
About Dan ToneyDan Toney is the Director of Pastoral Care at Christ’s Church of Oronogo where he has a passion for taking care of people. Overall, he has served in full time ministry for the past 32 years (13 in campus ministry and 19 in located church ministry). He has an undergraduate degree from Truman St. University and a Masters Degree from Cincinnati Bible Seminary. He met his wife, Holly, on a mission trip to Taiwan in college where her parents, Ted & Bev Skiles, served as long term missionaries.
- Ministry in Crisis Situations with Sara Wood
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 3:30 p.m.
Discover essential skills and compassionate approaches in our workshop on ministering to crisis situations. We’ll discuss the foundational component of being present in a crisis and the barriers that often hold us back.
About Sara WoodSara Wood is a wife and mother to her favorite humans. She is a Spiritual Director and serves as a Chaplain at a local hospital spending most of her time holding space for people in crisis, tough situations, and major life transitions.
Faculty Features
- Unclogging the Ministry Pipeline with Bob Witte
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 2:30 p.m.
Practical help on how to send more students from your church into vocational ministry.
About Bob WitteBob Witte serves as a Faculty member and Vice President of Enrollment at Ozark Christian College.
- Thinning the Veil: Encountering Jesus Christ in the Book of Revelation with Shane J. Wood
Tuesday, 2/18 @ 3:30 p.m.
Too often, the book of Revelation is consigned to conversations about the "end times." And yet, the first five words of John's book offer a different target: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ." In this workshop, we’ll unpack the book of Revelation centered on Jesus Christ and the transformational power of the Spirit when we encounter him in the text.
About Shane J. WoodShane J. Wood completed his Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh (UK) and published his dissertation entitled: The Alter-Imperial Paradigm: Empire Studies & the Book of Revelation (BINTS 140; Leiden: Brill). Most recently, Shane published his widely acclaimed book Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life (Abilene, TX: Leafwood), receiving endorsements from Scot McKnight, Leonard Sweet, Michael Gorman, Mark Moore, Richard Rohr, Kyle Idleman, and many more. In addition, Shane was recognized by Theology Degrees Online as one of the “100 Remarkable Professors & Scholars Theology Students Should Know About.” He was also a featured scholar in Playing with Fire: A Modern Investigation into Demons, Exorcism, and Ghosts by Billy Hallowell (Pureflix.com, Faithwire.com, and TheBlaze) and in (the expanded and updated) Sacred Pathways: Nine Ways to Connect with God by Gary Thomas. Shane’s other publications include: Dragons, John, and Every Grain of Sand: Essays on the Book of Revelation (Joplin, MO: College Press) and “God’s Triumphal Procession: Re-examining the Release of Satan in the Light of Roman Imperial Imagery (Revelation 20:7-10)” in Currents in British Research on the Apocalypse (Tübingen: Mohr Siebeck).
Shane and his family are now living in Joplin, MO where he is Professor of New Testament & its Origins at Ozark Christian College.
- Resourcing the Tradition: How and Why to Use the Christian Tradition to Understand the Bible Better with Andy Nichols
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 2:30 p.m.
Throughout the centuries, Christians have preached and written extensively on every book of the Bible. While many would like to use their illustrations, exegetical insights, and love of the scriptures, knowing how and where to access Christian texts can be challenging. This workshop introduces how and why we should go back and see what the Church has said about the scriptures.
- Using Imagination as a Spiritual Practice with Doug Welch
Wednesday, 2/19 @ 3:30 p.m.
One aspect of what it means for humanity to be created in the image of God is to have creative minds. Though our imaginations have been corrupted by sin, can we still use our God-given creative minds when reading Scripture and coming before the Lord in prayer? Come and experience how the Spirit might train your imagination to more personally receive biblical truth and hear the voice of Christ.
About Doug WelchDoug Welch has served at Ozark Christian College since 2004, currently as a professor of New Testament and Spiritual Formation. Doug grew up in western Illinois and is still celebrating the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series championship. He graduated from OCC in 1997, has master’s degrees from schools in Massachusetts and Illinois, is completing a D.Min. in Transformative Discipleships, and has held ministries in Washington State, Ohio, and Indiana.
Doug is an elder at College Heights Christian Church in Joplin, and plays drums regularly for the worship team. He and his wife Noi were married in 2019, and they travel often to SE Asia in support of her discipleship and education ministry to young people from impoverished, rural areas, Next Gen Asia.