Breakout Sessions

Session 1

Ways to Reach More People in Worship - Lovett Weems
     Learn how the worship experience can best be designed to attract and involve more people in
     your church.
Blended Worship – Both/And* - Jan Boehm
     Worship which appeals to both the traditional and contemporary.
Getting Started with a Puppet Team, The Basics - Avonda Row & Carrie Moton
     Who- ages, supplies- curtains, stage options, puppets.
Increasing the Visibility of Your Church Using "Elbow Evangelism" - Glen Hanson
     Learn about the innovative, and sometimes daring, ways Iowa's newest United Methodist
     Church in Bondurant has made its presence known and attracted both the "unchurched" and
      "dechurched" in that community.
Caring Ministry Overview* - Jacque Coulson
     Sharing ideas on all the ways we care for and nurture our church family.
Created By God for 4th-6th Graders - Betty Stout
     God created all humans—male and female.  The “Created By God” program is designed for all
     4th-6th graders and their parents to explore the Christian perspective of human sexuality. 
How to Start (or Restart) a Youth Program - Rick Webb
     The basic steps to getting a youth program (grades 6th-12th) off the ground.
Building Youth Leaders* - Shelly Kubik
     See how to use Discovery Weekend, a weekend retreat for 6th-8th graders, to build your
     9th-12th grade youth into leaders.

Session 2

Creating Thematic Worship - Jan Boehm & Martha Ward
     Starting with scripture at the center, build a worship service where the Biblical text, sermon,
     prayers, visuals and music tie together thematically.
Resurrections in the Small Church - Cindy Hickman & Friends
     Hear from smaller rural churches who have experimented with new ministries and discovered
     new life.
Beyond Committees* - Bob Ward
     Organizing around ministry teams instead of committees will greatly increase the number of
     volunteers. Learn the steps to take.
Sports Ministry - Let's get to work! - John Wagner
     A session on planning and implementing Sports Ministry in the next 3 months.
You've Got a Puppet, Now What - Avonda Row & Carrie Moton
     Lip synch, how to manage the arms, bring your own puppet [optional]. Hands on class.
Vacation Bible School for Every Church - Pat Crownover
     Explore the different ways your church can host a Vacation Bible School.  From morning,
     evening, to backyard VBS—your church can reach out to the children in your church and
     community. (Covers pre-K thru 6th grade)
Disaster Training 101 - Trish Burket
     You will learn some basic ways to be equipped to help your family, church and community
     during a disaster and then have a keyhole look at some specialized trainings in which one can
     train to use your gift of service in the world of disaster.
Youth Ministry Round Table* - Rick Webb
     This is your opportunity to discuss the challenges that you face along with other youth
     workers who are in the same boat. (Grades 6th-12th)

Session 3

Authentic Praise Leadership - John Wagner
     Prayer and Praise: Planning worship leadership by starting our knees.
More Resurrections in the Small Church - Cindy Hickman & Friends
     Hear from additional smaller rural churches who have experimented with new ministries and
     discovered new life.
Sermon-Based Small Groups - Kate Pauly
     Encouraging connection through study, learn how sermon-based small groups can jump start
     your small group program and allow for Christian connection and deeper study.
Making Chancel Choir a Relevant Part of your Worship Arts Ministry - Melody Webb
     Exploring your choir's relevance as defined by its music, membership, mission and ministry in
     worship.
From Marketing To Membership* - Bob Ward
     An overview of the evangelism process at AFUMC, including Church Life 101 curriculum.
Multiply Your Mission Outreach to “The Least of These” - Martha Ward & Friends
     Explore how Matthew 25:35-36 came alive for Ankeny FUMC, using the ministry team model
     to reach out to neighbors in need, near and far away.
More than “Just for Fun” – Puppet Ministry with Meaning - Avonda Row & Carrie Moton
     Making Biblical messages central in your puppet performance.
Beyond Third Grade Bibles - Pat Crownover
     Discover new and exceptional ways to help your 3rd Graders understand and enjoy their new
     Bibles.
Working Yourself Out of a Job* - Shelly Kubik
     How to recruit, equip, encourage and celebrate with your volunteers.

* - Denotes a breakout returning this year by popular demand

Friday Afternoon Ministry Samplers

Agape Garden - Craig Crist
     How to start a mission garden in your own backyard.
Prison-After Care - Thom Bryant & Terry Boehlje
     The “Why’s” and “How’s” of supporting persons released from incarceration for healthy
     re-entry into the community. 
Power Point for Beginners* - Jan Boehm
     Starting with the very basics for brand new power point users.
Prayer Stations: Mini Meditative Places - Jacque Coulson
     Creating personal worship spaces in the church environment.
Kids Can Be In Mission, Too! - Pat Crownover
     Kids want to help others.  There are many ways that you can involve children with
     opportunities to share and be involved in missions.
Multiply Your Christmas Giving to Mission - Martha Ward
     The Advent Conspiracy and other holiday giving ideas.
It’s More Than Money - Kathy Beyer & Pat Stofferahn
     Presenting your operating budget in missional form.
Financial Peace University* - Kate Pauly
     Learn basic facts about Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, how to promote it, and
     how this critical life topic reaches beyond the church walls.
Capital Campaigns - Bob Ward
     Learn about two major approaches professionals use for capital fundraising and which might
     be best for your church.

* - Denotes a sampler returning this year by popular demand