Two Day Event Schedule
Welcome to the 2009-2010 Hitchhiker's Guide to Evangelism Tour!
Bring Four People and the Fifth Attends Free!
Bill Tenny-Brittian and Bill Easum will explore how to share the Good News in a postmodern world in understandable, practical, and effective ways.
Based on the book of the same name, this conference will help clergy, laity, and congregations come to terms with the "E" word. The sessions begin with a reminder that culture has changed and the church is largely operating as if the community is what it used to be. From there, the conference explores how effective evangelism is changing (and must change) to reach the growing population of both unchurched and never churched.
The conference will help participants discover their own answer to the question "Why do evangelism?" as well as giving them practical tools for sharing their faith … not just a rehearsed evangelistic "plan," but real-deal experiences with Jesus. The final sessions include practical tools for pastors and lay leaders to develop a congregation full of evangelists.
Day One
Late Registration 8:30
9:00–10:15
Evangelism and Growing Churches
According to the National Evangelistic Association, in the 70s only 26 percent of the Mainline church “believed” in evangelism. Although “evangelism” still carries baggage, there’s been a revitalization of interest in it by the Mainline. Is it a placebo, a panacea, or just another program?
10:15–10:30
Break
10:30–12:00
The Evangelistic Path
A few short decades ago, the path to Church, Christianity, and Discipleship was very different than it is today. In this session learn how the new culture dips it's toe into Christianity and what it takes for them to make a leap of faith.
12:00–1:00
Lunch On Your Own
1:00–2:30
Evangelism Behind the Desk
Learn the primary secret to growing people and the church and what it means for being God's missionary in your everyday world.
2:30–3:30
Q&A
2:45–4:00
A Church of Evangelists
Gone is the day when the Evangelism Committee was the most effective church growth tool in the toolbox. With a shrinking North American church, we simply can't afford to shirk our evangelistic calling. But how do you get a congregation on board? It's not as difficult as you might think.
Day Two
Registration 8:30
9:00–10:15
Two Metaphors Says it All
Explore the radical difference between the world into which you were born and the world after 1980 and learn the implications for evangelism.
10:15–10:30
Break
10:30–12:00
What’s My Story
In today's church, even long-time members may have difficulty articulating their faith story. Over the years they've been taught scripts, gimmicks, and given theological underpinnings. But when it comes to answering the ultimate question, many are at a loss. What's a congregation to do?
12:00–1:00
Lunch On Your Own
1:00–2:30
Peter, Paul, or Mary: Conversion versus Conversation
For the past couple of hundred years, Paul's conversion experience has been the church cultural norm. The emphasis has been on getting someone "saved." But conversion isn't the only path … indeed, it's only one path. In this session we'll explore an alternative who's time has come again.
2:30–2:45
Break
2:45–4:00
The Accidental Evangelist
Yesterday taught that evangelism doesn't just happen. It takes a concerted effort … time set aside … to share the faith and bring people to grace. It doesn't just happen accidentally. Or does it? Has something changed?
4:00–4:30
Q&A