Preaching-Teaching Convention Workshops
Choose from over twenty-four workshops in six different tracks.
Workshop Schedule
- Tuesday, February 20 · 2:30PM
- Preaching through the Book of Hebrews with Dr. Chad Ragsdale
- Principles of Studying for a Sermon with Dr. Mark Scott
- Multiplying Disciples with Bryan King and Adam Jones
- Legal Issues Facing the Church Today with Doug Miller and Alan Stanley
- Team Leadership with Jaron Scott
- Pastoral Counseling with Laura Porter
- Preaching through the Book of Hebrews with Dr. Chad Ragsdale
- Tuesday, February 20 · 3:30PM
- Preaching through the Book of Daniel with Dr. Jason Poznich
- Principles of Studying for a Lesson with Beth DeFazio
- Strategies for Family Discipleship with Blake Barnhart
- Engaging the Place You Are with a Gospel Presence with Mark Christian
- Leaders who Pray with Warren Brosi and Rob Petersen
- Searching for Healing and Finding Hope by Doug Delp
- Preaching through the Book of Daniel with Dr. Jason Poznich
- Wednesday, February 21 · 2:30PM
- Preaching through the Book of Deuteronomy with Dr. Fred Hansen
- Preparing Your Preaching Plan (Annually and Weekly) with Dr. Jason Poznich + Panel
- Something’s Happening in the Next Generation of Students with Evan Osgood, Hannah Seitz, Gail Seitz, Jenny Scott
- The Source of Your Identity with Elijah Dally
- Leaders Who Take a Stand with Lito Solorio and Dudley Rutherford
- Mental Health in Ministry with Laura and Dave Porter
- Preaching through the Book of Deuteronomy with Dr. Fred Hansen
- Wednesday, February 21 · 3:30PM
- Preaching through the Book of Revelation with Matt Proctor
- Preaching with Clarity with Damien Spikereit
- Changing the Way We See Children’s Ministry with Evan Osgood, Gail Seitz, Jenny Scott, Hannah Seitz
- The Disciple’s Mind with Dr. Chad Ragsdale and Dr. Daniel McCoy
- Creating a Healthy Staff Culture with Jayson French and Jennifer Deardorff
- Helping People through Death and Grief with Scripture with Doug Delp
- Preaching through the Book of Revelation with Matt Proctor
Exegetical Preaching Track
- Preaching through the Book of Hebrews with Dr. Chad Ragsdale
Tuesday, 2/20 @ 2:30 pm
In this day when faithful resilience is such a pressing need, the book of Hebrews has a special relevance. In this workshop, we’ll talk about the major themes of Hebrews and ways to preach or teach your way through the book.
About Dr. Chad RagsdaleChad serves as the executive vice president of academics and academic dean at OCC. Since 2005, Chad has also taught apologetics, philosophy, and biblical interpretation at the college. Chad and his wife, Tara, have three kids. chadragsdale.com
- Preaching through the Book of Daniel with Dr. Jason Poznich
Tuesday, 2/20 @ 3:30 pm
Preaching through the book of Daniel involves tackling well-worn stories we've all heard since our spiritual infancy, as well as strange apocalyptic visions. In this workshop, we'll discuss how to develop a sermon series through Daniel, some interpretive clues to help us understand the book's design and purpose, and a few suggestions to help us preach Daniel.
About Dr. Jason Poznich
Jason is a professor of biblical communication and New Testament at OCC. He also serves as the interim preaching team lead at College Heights Christian Church in Joplin. Jason has preached for around twenty years, serving churches in Missouri, Illinois, Las Vegas, and Kansas. Jason and his wife, Kayla, have two children, Zoe and Joshua.
- Preaching through the Book of Deuteronomy with Dr. Fred Hansen
Wednesday, 2/21 @ 2:30 pm
Explore preaching and teaching strategies and considerations for the Book of Deuteronomy.
About Dr. Fred Hansen
Fred is married to Dr. Cindy Hansen, and they have two grown children. He has been teaching for nearly 25 years and is passionate about the Bible, ministry, and missions.
- Preaching through the Book of Revelation with Matt Proctor
Wednesday, 2/21 @ 3:30 pm
For many preachers, Revelation feels like a haunted house more than a welcoming home, and they avoid preaching it. Can Revelation be preached without getting weird or getting fired? The answer is yes, and this workshop will show you how.
Practical Teaching Track
- Principles of Studying for a Sermon with Dr. Mark Scott
Tuesday, 2/20 @ 2:30 pm
Steps for studying for a sermon are good, but principles of studying for a sermon are better. It’s hard to reduce the study for a sermon to a few "easy" (?) steps. Broad principles include things like exegetical, theological, and cultural work alongside securing a simple big idea, a solid path for the movement of a sermon, and stories, metaphors, and analogies that make the presentation delightful.
About Dr. Mark ScottMark 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 from Ozark. Mark and his wife, Carla, have four children, 16 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
- Principles of Studying for a Lesson with Beth DeFazio
Tuesday, 2/20 @ 3:30 pm
From kids' ministry to adults', our teaching ministries in the church reach more lives with the Word than a typical Sunday sermon. Join the conversation on how to prepare well to reach all ages and learning styles as we prepare lessons that are accurate and effective.
About Beth DeFazioBeth teaches public speaking, preaching, and teaching at OCC. Beth has taught in the church for 24 years and has instructed all age groups from preschoolers to adults. She is passionate about communicating God's Word carefully and creatively.
- Preparing Your Preaching Plan (Annually and Weekly) with Dr. Jason Poznich + Panel
Wednesday, 2/21 @ 2:30 pm
In this panel-style workshop, we'll learn from several of our main session speakers on how they plan and develop their weekly messages and their long-range preaching calendars.
About Dr. Jason Poznich
Jason is a professor of biblical communication and New Testament at OCC. He also serves as the interim preaching team lead at College Heights Christian Church in Joplin. Jason has preached for around twenty years, serving churches in Missouri, Illinois, Las Vegas, and Kansas. Jason and his wife, Kayla, have two children, Zoe and Joshua.
- Preaching with Clarity with Damien Spikereit
Wednesday, 2/21 @ 3:30 pm
Our job as preachers is to work hard on the little things so our audience can work hard on the big things. Structural integrity, clear direction and purpose, fitting illustrations, and transitional precision are the little things that make a big difference. As Bob Russell once said, "The difference between a good sermon and a great one is...about five hours."
About Damien Spikereit
Damien is executive vice president of administration and professor at OCC. He is also a teaching pastor at Carterville Christian Church and has taught preaching for twenty years.
Discipleship Track
- Multiplying Disciples with Bryan King and Adam Jones
Tuesday, 2/20 @ 2:30 pm
Rediscover Jesus' pathway of making disciples who make disciples and learn practical steps to equip your church to do the same.
About Adam Jones and Bryan KingAdam serves as the preaching minister at the Christian Church of Carl Junction (CCCJ) in Carl Junction, Missouri. Adam’s greatest joy in ministry comes from leading people to discover their role in the kingdom mission of making disciples. CCCJ has been developing a hybrid model of large and small gatherings, with the goal of multiplying disciples in every neighborhood.
Bryan serves as mobilization minister with Cedar Ridge Christian Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He loves to see ordinary disciples be engaged in the Great Commission. Over the past decade, Cedar Ridge has implemented a local church disciple-making vision that reaches local neighborhoods and sends church members as missionaries among the most unreached places and peoples on the globe.
- Strategies for Family Discipleship with Blake Barnhart
Tuesday, 2/20 @ 3:30 pm
As ministers of children and youth, we recognize that our ministry extends to the entire family unit. In this workshop, we will discuss different strategies for family discipleship and how they fit within the greater context of every church's discipleship mission.
About Blake BarnhartBlake is a family minister at Legacy Christian Church in Overland Park, Kansas. Blake has been married to his wife, Jaymi, for five years. He enjoys talking ministry, playing video games, and rooting for his hometown Kansas City Chiefs.
- Something’s Happening in the Next Generation of Students with Evan Osgood, Hannah Seitz, Gail Seitz, Jenny Scott
Wednesday 2/21 @ 2:30 pm
If you looked at the world around us, you’d believe that today’s students want nothing to do with faith. However, we believe this generation is hungry for the truth Jesus has to offer and for adults to care enough to show them the way. Join the discussion on how we can create a discipleship culture that students crave.
About Evan Osgood, Hannah Seitz, Gail Seitz, Jenny ScottEvan serves as the NextGen pastor at Antioch Christian Church in Marion, Iowa. While he helps lead the NextGen ministries of the church, Evan loves leading the preteen and middle school ministry. Evan has served as a student pastor for 25 years in churches of all sizes, and he has served with Antioch since 2014. Evan and his wife have three sons.
Hannah serves as the high school pastor at Antioch Christian Church - Marion Campus in Marion, Iowa. Hannah grew up at Antioch, graduated from OCC, and returned to be on staff with Antioch in 2017. She loves working with students and discipling the next generation.
Gail has served as the early childhood pastor at Antioch Christian Church - Marion Campus in Marion, Iowa since 2015. Gail originally came to Antioch with her husband John (deceased 2019) when John began as the church’s lead pastor 23 years ago. Gail has four grown children serving in churches across Iowa.
Jenny serves as a children’s director at Antioch Christian Church - Marion Campus in Marion, Iowa. Jenny joined the Antioch staff in 2022 after serving as a volunteer in the children’s ministry for seven years. She and her husband have two daughters and three sons.
- Changing the Way We See Children’s Ministry with Evan Osgood, Gail Seitz, Jenny Scott, Hannah Seitz
Wednesday 2/21 @ 3:30 pm
The world is changing fast for the next generation. The effectiveness of children’s ministry will be less about programming and more about building a discipleship culture—leading someone else to do what you do—for your volunteers, parents, and kids. Come discuss methods for building a healthy children’s ministry that empowers people to change kids' lives.
About Evan Osgood, Hannah Seitz, Gail Seitz, Jenny ScottEvan serves as the NextGen pastor at Antioch Christian Church in Marion, Iowa. While he helps lead the NextGen ministries of the church, Evan loves leading the preteen and middle school ministry. Evan has served as a student pastor for 25 years in churches of all sizes, and he has served with Antioch since 2014. Evan and his wife have three sons.
Hannah serves as the high school pastor at Antioch Christian Church - Marion Campus in Marion, Iowa. Hannah grew up at Antioch, graduated from OCC, and returned to be on staff with Antioch in 2017. She loves working with students and discipling the next generation.
Gail has served as the early childhood pastor at Antioch Christian Church - Marion Campus in Marion, Iowa since 2015. Gail originally came to Antioch with her husband John (deceased 2019) when John began as the church’s lead pastor 23 years ago. Gail has four grown children serving in churches across Iowa.
Jenny serves as a children’s director at Antioch Christian Church - Marion Campus in Marion, Iowa. Jenny joined the Antioch staff in 2022 after serving as a volunteer in the children’s ministry for seven years. She and her husband have two daughters and three sons.
Culture Track
- Legal Issues Facing the Church Today with Doug Miller and Alan Stanley
Tuesday 2/20 @ 2:30 pm
Church leaders need to be aware of potential risks so they can protect their ministries and participants. An attorney and a CPA will discuss the most common legal issues facing churches today.
About Doug Miller and Alan StanleyDoug is a church elder and the attorney for OCC.
Alan serves as the senior director and treasurer at Christ's Church of Oronogo in Oronogo, Missouri.
- Engaging the Place You Are with a Gospel Presence with Mark Christian
Tuesday, 2/20 @ 3:30 pm
Discuss ways we’re called to bring the Gospel into our ministry contexts—with authenticity and with the intention of serving the communities, cultures, and identities around us.
About Mark Christian
Mark serves as the senior minister of Christ's Church of Oronogo in Oronogo, Missouri.
- The Source of Your Identity with Elijah Dally
Wednesday, 2/21 @ 2:30 pm
"Know thyself," is the mantra of our age as more and more personality tests promise the key to unlocking our true selves. This workshop surveys the explanations for how people attempt to understand their identity and what wisdom the Bible provides to answer these questions.
About Elijah DallyElijah serves as the teaching pastor at Christ's Church of Oronogo. Elijah received a bachelor’s degree in Christian ministry from OCC in 2014 and a master’s degree in theological studies from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2019. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree through Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Elijah and his wife, Macy, have four kids.
- The Disciple’s Mind with Dr. Chad Ragsdale and Dr. Daniel McCoy
Wednesday, 2/21 @ 3:30 pm
Our world is increasingly chaotic and noisy, making it hard to think clearly and Christianly. In this workshop, Chad and Daniel will try to cut through the noise and discuss what it means to love God with our minds.
About Dr. Chad Ragsdale and Dr. Daniel McCoyChad serves as the executive vice president of academics and academic dean at OCC. Since 2005, Chad has also taught apologetics, philosophy, and biblical interpretation at the college. Chad and his wife, Tara, have three kids. chadragsdale.com
Daniel is the editorial director for RENEW.org as well as a part-time professor of philosophy at OCC. Daniel is married to Susanna, and they have three daughters and two sons.
Leadership Track
- Team Leadership with Jaron Scott
Tuesday, 2/20 @ 2:30 pm
Join our leadership workshop to understand how Christian theology supports team leadership, exploring both scriptural foundations and the practical benefits of collaborative approaches. Learn essential strategies and practices to effectively lead teams in any context.
About Jaron ScottJaron and his wife, Chelsi, have lived in Joplin since 2013. A graduate of OCC, Jaron also earned a master’s degree in organizational development from Abilene Christian University. He is currently pursuing a D.Min. from Denver Seminary with a focus on leadership. Jaron serves as lead pastor at Christ’s Church of Joplin and professor of organizational leadership at OCC. Jaron and Chelsi welcomed their first child in September 2023.
- Leaders who Pray with Warren Brosi and Rob Petersen
Tuesday, 2/20 @ 3:30 pm
Join us as we survey the prayer life of Daniel to discover prayer practices to lead God’s people.
About Warren Brosi
Since graduating from OCC in 2000, Warren has served with the Belin Christian Church in central Illinois. He and his wife Beth have four children and enjoy ministering in the small town setting. In 2024, Berlin Christian Church is celebrating 200 years of ministry as they continue their mission of making more and better followers of Jesus Christ.
About Rob Petersen
Rob is an Ozark and Lincoln alumnus who currently serves as the pastor of the Scotland Church of God (Anderson) in Carthage, Missouri, and as an online adjunct for Ozark.
- Leaders Who Take a Stand with Lito Solorio and Dudley Rutherford
Wednesday, 2/21 @ 2:30 pm
God gives the church a biblical view on leadership that’s counterintuitive. Together, we’ll unpack how God wants us to lead in love without compromise.
About Lito Solorio and Dudley Rutherford
Lito was born in California, starting ministry in 2002 under the mentorship of Ozark grad David Rutherford. After graduating from OCC in 2010, Lito served in several areas of ministry in California. Today, he serves as lead pastor with Countryside Christian Church in Wichita, Kansas. He and his wife, Tiffany, have four kids.
As lead pastor of Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch, California, Dudley is passionate about preaching God’s Word without compromise, leading people to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, and lifting him up that the world might believe. He founded of Dream of Destiny, which empowers leaders to cultivate unity and diversity in Christian churches and colleges.
- Creating a Healthy Staff Culture with Jayson French and Jennifer Deardorff
Wednesday, 2/21 @ 3:30 pm
Learn with CIY to craft a future-ready, Spirit-led culture for your staff. We're sharing practical, innovative leadership skills to energize and equip your team for lasting impact. Let’s talk about how to build a culture that helps both recruit and retain staff.
About Jayson French and Jennifer DeardorffJayson is a true believer in the power of the local church. He has served 15 years on staff in the local church and over 20 years at Christ In Youth in Joplin, where he currently serves as president. With a bachelor's degree in biblical literature from OCC and a master's degree 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. Jayson and his wife, Janice, have four children.
Jennifer is the vice president of culture for CIY. She has been at CIY since 2005. She studied at OCC and Missouri Southern State University, eventually graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing. She and her husband, Grant, have three kids, Gavin, Drake, and Kinley.
Pastoral Care Track
- Pastoral Counseling with Laura Porter
Tuesday, 2/20 @ 2:30 pm
Pastoral counseling duties in ministry can be extraordinarily rewarding and incredibly draining. This workshop will discuss a care team approach to alleviate the drain of emotional and time-related resources on pastoral staff and to provide the best possible care for those seeking help from the church.
About Laura PorterLaura serves as professor and director of the counseling and pastoral care program at OCC. A graduate of Ozark, Laura is also a licensed professional counselor with over 25 years of counseling experience. Laura and her husband, Dave, served together in located church ministry for most of their 30 years of marriage.
- Searching for Healing and Finding Hope by Doug Delp
Tuesday, 2/20 @ 3:30 pm
We live in a world of medical promises and pharmaceutical wonders, but is that what healing is really all about? The Gospels' authors used three different concepts that can be regarded as healing. Often, it’s when the doctors can't promise healing that the Shepherd clearly joins us in the valley, providing hope with his rod and staff. Come learn what healing may look like today.
About Doug DelpAfter 38 years as a pastor, in 2017 Doug transitioned to hospice bereavement coordination and chaplaincy. Bible college, seminary, clinical pastoral ed, and grief recovery certification have guided Doug’s passion to care for the hurting and equip their caregivers. Doug helps families finish well, define their legacy, and live every last day with love and hope. Doug and his wife of 39 years, Kristi, have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.
- Mental Health in Ministry with Laura and Dave Porter
Wednesday, 2/21 @ 2:30 pm
The high demands and expectations of ministry are often a recipe for stress, burnout, and depression. This workshop will discuss spiritual formation and self-care practices that can help prevent a mental health crisis, as well as strategies for responding to mental health issues that may arise during ministry.
About Laura and Dave PorterLaura serves as professor and director of the counseling and pastoral care program at OCC. A graduate of Ozark, Laura is also a licensed professional counselor with over 25 years of counseling experience. Laura and her husband, Dave, served together in located church ministry for most of their 30 years of marriage.
Dave served as a worship pastor in the local church for 25 years. A graduate of OCC, Dave also has a master’s degree in spiritual formation from Lincoln Christian University. Currently, Dave serves as the data manager of OCC’s Donor Engagement Department.
- Helping People through Death and Grief with Scripture with Doug Delp
Wednesday, 2/21 @ 3:30 pm
Scripture speaks a lot about death, grief, hope, and faith, “but the greatest of these is love." How we present the Scriptures can make a big difference in whether we help or hurt those we intend to support. Come learn a balance of helping authentically through Scripture and loving those who are struggling.
About Doug DelpAfter 38 years as a pastor, in 2017 Doug transitioned to hospice bereavement coordination and chaplaincy. Bible college, seminary, clinical pastoral ed, and grief recovery certification have guided Doug’s passion to care for the hurting and equip their caregivers. Doug helps families finish well, define their legacy, and live every last day with love and hope. Doug and his wife of 39 years, Kristi, have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.