VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 5/23/13)—Fans of the popular TED Talks can experience this format live at the ABCUSA Mission Summit/Biennial in Overland Park/Kansas City, June 21-23, 2013. Scheduled in the event’s exhibit hall at 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. daily, “JP Talks—About the Living Church” feature authors of Judson Press’ Living Church book series.
Every afternoon, two different speakers will present a 10-minute talk on topics to empower, challenge and motivate 21st – century Christians. JP Talks are being hosted by American Baptist Home Mission Societies/Judson Press in a coffeehouse setting with complimentary refreshments. All participants of the Mission Summit are invited to attend.
Friday, June 21, at 2:30 p.m., Susan E. Gillies, former executive minister of American Baptist Churches of Nebraska, will focus on “Empowering Laity, Engaging Leaders: Tapping the Root for Ministry.” Gillies will address cultivating lay leadership and sustaining church leaders in ministry while also caring for yourself as a leader.
Friday, June 21, at 4:00 p.m., Dr. Marvin A. McMickle, president of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Rochester, New York, will highlight “Caring Pastors, Caring People: Equipping Your Church for Pastoral Care.” McMickle will include as well as expand traditional understandings of compassionate ministry through both clergy and laity roles.
Saturday, June 22, at 2:30 p.m., Dr. Trinette V. McCray, assistant professor in Christian Witness and in Worship at Central Baptist Theological Seminary-Wisconsin, will present “Spirituality That Works: Engaging Your Church through Significant Living.” McCray will connect the personal spirituality and social transformation that makes our lives matter.
Saturday, June 22, at 4:00 p.m., Dr. Lee Spitzer, executive minister of American Baptist Churches of New Jersey, will highlight “Making Friends, Making Disciples: Growing Your Church through Authentic Relationships.” Spitzer will explore the growth of individuals as well as church communities through circles of friendship.
Sunday, June 23, at 2:30 p.m., Rev. Douglas Avilesbernal, senior pastor at Calvary Baptist Church of Norristown, PA, will offer “Crossing Boundaries, Becoming Neighbors: Diversity That Works.” Pastor Doug will invite participants to journey “through Samaria,” at a time when Jews and Samaritans didn’t mix as a metaphor for engaging with ethnic and social diversity.
Sunday, June 23, at 4:00 p.m., Rev. Glynnis LaBarre, transformation strategist for the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, will present “Learning Mission, Living Mission: Churches That Work.” LaBarre will outline key components of the Missional Church Learning Experience—relationships, community, and active learning—in creating a supportive environment for churches to explore their response to the rapid changes in our culture.
The Judson Press’ Living Church series is edited by Dr. J. Dwight Stinnett, executive minister, American Baptist Churches Great Rivers Region. For more information about books in the series, visit www.judsonpress.com/books/churchresources/LivingChurchseries.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.