Summit Seminars
| Schedule | Seminars |
About 50 seminars, on a wide range of topics, will be offered at the EAN Summit. Related seminars will be sequenced into tracks, making it easier to attend seminars on related topics.
FRIDAY 10:30am (during an Affinity Group Session)
Research focus:
Van Kicklighter & Van Sanders:
“Identifying, Engaging, and Tracking People Groups in North America:
receptivity among first generation immigrants”
FRIDAY 1:30pm
Building the Multicultural Church:
Danny Tao: “Hidden Landmines in Multiethnic Churches”
Don't just learn about the complexities of cultivating a multiethnic church, but experience them! In just a short, one hour simulation, we'll explore the dynamics of power and cross cultural conflict in a multiethnic church. The more people who come, the more fun the simulation.
Ministering to the second generation:
Tom Lee: “Generational Challenges of an Ethnic Church”
Exploring some of the generational challenges of an ethnic church, moving from new immigrant first generation, to children of immigrants (2nd Generation), to grandchildren of immigrants (3rd generation). We will use Boston Chinese Evangelical Church’s multi-generational experience as a foil, and some current theories of multi-generational ethnic ministry. We will begin to understand the need and validity of the linguistic/cultural specific ethnic church, and explore the needs of an increasingly Americanized 2nd generation and of 3rd generation trying to be ethnically inclusive. We will also explore models of multi-generational ethnic ministry.
Women in Intercultural Ministry:
Cynthia Fantasia & Gloria Hammond:
“Come and See: Developing a Ministry to Women that Crosses Cultures“
We read in John 1:43-46 how Jesus calls Philip to be His disciple, "follow Me." Philip does just that and then, amazed at this Jesus, calls out to Nathanael to "Come and see!" Women are naturally relational, and they develop relationships that create an openness to the Gospel. Women naturally reach out, invite, and nurture those relationships. Join us as we discover ways to design a ministry to women that will enhance and encourage these relationships, this openness to the Gospel, and this joy in drawing a sister to the Lord.
Understanding Cultural Openness to the Gospel:
Tom Leger: “Reaching Across Ethnic Worldviews with the Gospel”
With so many different worldviews and religions, how can you present the Biblical worldview and have it understood when you are all done? Will all your talk just end up as a muddled mess? Will the message get syncretized? How can you share with a Muslim, Buddhist, or North American teen? There are some ways to teach the Bible’s core message so that it is clear and understood. Come learn more.
My desire is to give some practical thoughts of how we can present the Gospel across the ethnic grid of understanding so more people here in the states can know and believe the message of salvation clearly for themselves. If we train and equip believers, then they will be more emboldened to share that life changing message.
Ministering to International Students:
Michael Dean, Roberto Laver, and Beau Miller:
“Epic Fail: Ignoring International Students”
Urgency & Responsibility of International Student Ministry (ISM). Ever doubt the effectiveness of reaching internationals temporarily in North America? Come hear what is happening from the most elite colleges in the nation to your local church setting. There is a place for ISM in every ministry setting. There is room for everyone in ISM. Do not miss out on God’s work of bringing the nations to Himself. Come and prepare to join the movement. Each church will want to have a representative present for this one!
Haitian focus:
Carlot Celestin:
“The Political Struggle for Survival and its Effect on the Haitian Family Unit”
This seminar will survey an understanding of Haitians as an ethnocultural group; their perspective of family life, and relationships. It will attempt to explore the typical behaviors noticeable among Haitian couples and individuals and the influences that govern their behaviors. It will survey the "ethnosociocultural model" as a systemic counseling method to marriage and family counseling for family therapists.
Immigration & Refugees:
Jenny Hwang: “Welcoming the Stranger: A Christian Response to Immigration”
Immigration is one of the most complicated issues of our time. Voices on all sides argue strongly for action and change. Christians find themselves torn between the desire to uphold laws and the call to minister to the vulnerable. In this workshop, co-author of Welcoming the Stranger Jenny Hwang provides a theological and policy perspective on immigration, debunking common myths about immigration while offering concrete ways for the church to respond.
Hispanic focus:
Sergio Perez: “A Church of Impact”
This seminar will examine how the spiritual condition of our region has changed in 25 years, and how a passionate local vision for God's church can expand to a passionate regional vision. Preparing for revival involves prayer in the Spirit, Unity of the Spirit, and a Restoration of Giving.
Research focus:
Brian Corcoran, Doug Hall, Rudy Mitchell, Erik Nordhye:
“Researching Diverse Urban and Ethnic Churches and Communities”
Given all the different types of research, and the cultural complexities of churches and cities, what are some of the ways you can learn from your context? The Emmanuel Gospel Center www.egc.org and Agape Partners International www.agapepartners.org will share from a variety of research projects and initiatives which have collaboratively engaged mono and multi-ethnic: churches, communities, and focus groups in ways to help understand and nurture the development of vital Christianity and cities. For updates and discussions before, during, and after this seminar event visit www.egc.org/ems2010 and www.livingsystemministry.org
Individual Seminars:
Sandy Good:“Ministry is Messy Business”
Whenever we get involved in the lives of people in need ( which is all of us) we encounter situations and issues that can be "messy". After identifying some of the "messiness", this seminar will give suggestions intended to help the pracitioner to deal with the messiness in a Christ honoring way.
Chandler Im: “Understanding and Reaching Buddhists in our Community”
Key questions of this seminar include: (1) What are goals and attitudes for interfaith interface with Buddhists in our community?; (2) What are basic doctrines of Buddhism?; and, (3) How can we Christians share the Gospel more effectively with our Buddhist neighbors?
T.V. Thomas: “The Isaac and Ishmael Connection”
Provides the biblical basis and key insights in relating lovingly with Muslims in your circle of influence and confidently sharing the Good News of Jesus with them.
Terry Sparks: “Training Pastors and Leaders for North American Ethnic Congregations”
This seminar will present a biblical mandate and method for developing leaders for the church. It compares informal and informal training and leadership models by looking at the advantages and limitations of each. Ample time will be provided for interaction by participants.
FRIDAY 4:00pm
Building the Multicultural Church:
Danny Tao: “The Journey of a Multiethnic Church: what
we've learned at the Greater Boston Vineyard”
Since opening its doors 13 years ago, The Greater Boston Vineyard Church has grown into a vibrant, multiethnic church. We'll look at some of the lessons we've learned along the way and give you some tips for how your church can grow in its own diversity.
Ministering to the second generation:
Leslie Verghese & Thomas Idiculla:
“Leadership Challenges Facing Youth of South Asian Communities”
South Asian Christian churches have been in existence in the USA for over four decades. The second generation constitutes the vast majority of membership in most of the churches. However, the first generation is in leadership in most of them. This seminar will discuss the challenges that this situation raises within the church, as well as the external realities that we must understand to adapt our ministerial and leadership styles to meet the needs of youth. Promoting and maintaining our culture and heritage is very important for our current and future generations. We must closely re-evaluate how we address the issues, and strive to change our actions and responses without compromising our standards or Biblical values which will also build our next generation.
Women in Intercultural Ministry:
Joyce Holt: “There’s No Discrimination in Abuse”
Abuse crosses all racial, geographic or socioeconomic boundaries – none are exempt. With 1/3 of all women reporting having been abused and the rate of abuse in religious families the same as those in non-religious families, domestic abuse is a silent common denominator upon which the body of Christ can unite. A Christian response to survivors offers believers a chance to experience God in new and profound ways. It also offers non-believers a chance to meet God at their time of deepest need.
Understanding Cultural Openness to the Gospel:
Don Wright: “Barriers and Doorways to Sharing Jesus with the Japanese“
Japanese do respond positively to the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, there are theological, cultural and social barriers that hinder this process. With proper prayer and preparation these can be turned into doorways for the gospel.
Ministering to International Students:
Michael Dean, Stuart DeLorme, Willard (Butch) Dickerson, Steve Hope:
“Designing Appropriate Models for your Community: What does ISM Look Like?”
Reach internationals who stay here or who return home on mission. Hear some time tested principles and strategies that apply to various models and all locations: urban or rural, large church or small, on campus or one on one. Come learn how everyone interested in cross cultural missions can start reaching international students. Hear from those with over 100 combined years of practical experience in touching the world. Take back at least four models for ministry with international students including church based, on campus, ethnic congregations, & residential ministry.
Haitian focus:
Sol Vedrine & Andrew Winkler:“Haitian Diaspora Ministry and 'A New Haiti'”
On January 12th, 2010, the eyes of the world focused on the city of Port-Au-Prince and the people of Haiti. They found walls crumbled but a spirit of faith unbroken. Within the unbroken faith is vision, a vision of “A New Haiti”. A vision not focused on the geographical land but focused on the global people of the Haitian Diaspora. Pastor Soliny Védrine will address this vision while exploring its history. This history includes both the history of the Haitian Diaspora and the history of His ministry within the community.
Pastor Vedrine will give a historical overview of the spread and creation of the Haitian Diaspora. He will then explain the development of the vast network of Haitian Pastors and Christians leaders throughout the Haitian Diaspora which culminated in “Vision Global”, a gathering of Haitian Christian Leaders that occurs every three years to discuss the needs of the Haitian community both in Haiti and in the world. These leaders gather from Haiti, Canada, the United States, France, French Guinea, Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and beyond.
Andrew Winkler, Haitian Ministries International Associate, will share his experience as a Non-Haitian entering and participating in the ministry.
The purpose of the presentation will be to inform individuals of God’s work amongst the Haitian Diaspora in order to inspire, challenge and teach individuals that desire to serve their own communities or serve a diaspora community such as the Haitian community. Particular focus will be placed on developing a strong collaborating network that will develop sustainable ministries within communities on a global and local level. The presentation will highlight the practical aspects of the research generated by the Emmanuel Gospel Center.
Hispanic focus:
Pastor Omar Soto: “The Dynamics of a Diverse Body: Pastoral Reflections on 1 Corinthians 12”
We live in a time of greater awareness and interest towards the development of ethnic diversity in our ministries. Whether churches are seeking to reach out through missionary efforts abroad or connecting with other ethnic groups within their cities and neighborhoods, there is an increasing need to learn the dynamics of how to make this romantic, yet uncomfortable connection happen.
This workshop seeks to provide the necessary tools for lay leaders and pastors who desire to either initiate or further extend their ministry with people of different ethnic or doctrinal backgrounds. We will engage in pastoral reflections based on 1 Corinthians 12, exploring the different challenges, frustrations, joys and encouragements that this portion of Scripture has to offer to churches who are intentionally seeking to live within the diversity of the Body of Christ.
Immigration & Refugees:
Torli Krua:
“Big Problems, Big Opportunities: Christian Understanding and response to the growing
global refugee crisis”
Jesus, speaking about the signs of his coming in Matthew 24, mentioned of "wars and rumors of wars, famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places...and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." In 2010, the refugee quota of the United States has been increased from 70,000 to 85,000 and funding for refugees was stepped up from $1.2 billion to $1.48 billion dollars. Christians need to understand and respond to the growing global human catastrophies that preceed the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus.
Research focus:
Brian Corcoran, Doug & Judy Hall, Bobby Bose, Annette Wright:
“Regional Networking of Diverse Urban and Ethnic Churches and Communities”
Churches and cities are highly complex, dynamic, and interrelated within a living urban regional ecosystem. Considering how a church, city, or regional ecosystem operates requires an interdisciplinary, collaborative learning process to understand and nurture the development of these living systems, vital Christianity, and cities. For updates and discussions before, during, and after this seminar event visit www.egc.org/ems2010 and www.livingsystemministry.org
Individual Seminars:
Lisa Smith & Christian Zebley:
“ Reaching the World through Alpha for English Speakers of Other Languages ”
Learn about the rapid growth of this newest form of The Alpha Course designed to reach English Speakers of Other Languages. Alpha for ESOL is an innovative way to reach people of all nations for Jesus Christ. Learn what Alpha for ESOL is all about, how it started, and how it addresses the needs of people around the world with less experience with the English language and Christian concepts.
The United States of the 21st Century is a strategic, global crossroads where people of every nation can be reached for Christ. Alpha USA is making great efforts to engage the rapidly growing ethnic population of the United States. By 2010, there are estimated to be 43 million foreign-born citizens in the United States. (13.5 % of US pop.) Many urban centers such as LA, New York and San Francisco have large foreign-born populations over 35%. Over 600,000 international students are present on US campuses each year.
Alpha for ESOL and Alpha in Other Languages (72 Translations) are highly effective tools for sharing the Gospel in a non-threatening way with foreign-born citizens.
Alvin Sanders: “Breaking Cultural Captivity”
In this interactive workshop learn a process that enables both individuals and organizations to respond effectively to cultural differences.
T. K. Chuang and Lee Yih: “Outreach to Chinese Scholars & Intellectuals”
Chinese students and professionals are the most responsive people group and most fruitful mission
field in America. This seminar will provide some insights and effective approaches to outreach these
people from the atheist-scientist background.
Leonardo Espinosa: “Worship and the Arts in Multicultural Ministry”
In this seminar we will consider the imperatives of worship, as well as the challenges that multicultural / multiethnic settings pose to the worship ministry of the church. We will pay attention on how memory and creativity contribute to shape the identity of the local church as a diverse worshiping body, and will discuss practical ways in which the arts can foster a deep spirituality, support discipleship, and enhance the expressions of worship of the church.
SATURDAY 1:30pm
Building the Multicultural Church:
Paul Berube:
“Multicongregationalism as a Means of Fostering Intercultural Unity and a Bridge to Reaching the Nations”
Paul will draw on his experience with Grace Fellowship presenting, “Multicongregationalism as a Means of Fostering Intercultural Unity and a Bridge to Reaching the Nations”. Paul is offering a unique mature model that needs to be heard as part of the Church of New England’s unique gifts.
Ministering to the second generation:
Sam George: “Developing Effective Ministry to Ethnic Youth and Families”
This seminar will help you understand children born to the immigrants and family dynamics of the immigrants homes. It will provide a framework to understand ethnic identity and assimilation process in emerging generations and how to shape your ministry to the entire immigrant households.
Women in Intercultural Ministry:
Sarah Durfey: “Human Trafficking: modern day slavery and how we as the church are connected”
There are an increasing number of churches getting involved in the Not For Sale “underground church network.” This is a vital and driving force in the movement as churches respond to the call to be instruments of love and righteousness in society. As the Body of Christ we are his hands and feet. We are called to give, and to serve. We have a hope that is greater than all of the brokenness and evil in this world. As Christians we must stand up against this oppression and let our words and actions proclaim the good news of freedom! We must help to rescue victims of trafficking from their physical bondage and share the amazing message of the hope that we have in Christ. It is a message of true healing and redemption from the scars of abuse.
Understanding Cultural Openness to the Gospel:
John Cosby: “The Importance of Worldview in Ethnic Ministries”
Worldview is about core assumptions of reality. Those need to be identified and replaced with Biblical assumptions of reality if deep change in people’s lives is to happen. This needs to begin with an analysis of our own worldview. A common false ministry assumption is that the way I understood the gospel message will be the normal way others around the world will also understand it.
Ministering to International Students:
Tim Sigman & Kay Eaves: “Spiritual Architects: Reproducing Disciples to Reach the Nations”
Mobilizing Individuals, Churches and Cities. No one need do this alone. Come hear how to gather others around you to make an impact on the darkness and shine the light of Jesus to the nations gathered among us. It matters not if you have thousands of internationals or hundreds or less. Learn the basics for multiplying yourself through reaching others who will reach the world. Tim and Kay have both served in massive, highly diverse cities and smaller ministry contexts. Come get practical insight how to start from scratch and on your own to building larger teams and partnerships with others.
Immigration & Refugees:
Patricia Sobalvarro & Damaris Lopez:“Insights from the work of Agencia ALPHA”
We will share our experience gained during the past seven years in this social ministry. ALPHA, a Spanish acrostic for Reaching Goals For Latinos Today, is a social ministry of Boston's Congregation Lion of Judah that serves the immigrant community, not just Hispanic immigrants, but those from many other countries as well. ALPHA fosters immigrant integration in this society through:
- social services such as translators, interpreters, notary publics, immigration legal department, and referrals
- educational programs such as financial and citizenship classes, civic workshops, etc.
- an advocacy branch, advocating for a humane immigration reform in the United States.
Individual Seminars:
Gregg Detwiler: “Diaspora Missions from New England to the Ends of the Earth”
We will explore the findings of the “Diaspora Missions Research and Development Project”, in which hundreds of dynamic grassroots diaspora missions networks have been identified from New England to the world. We'll examine some of these models and the practitioners who are leading them.
Sandy Good: “Praying for Others in our City”
We'll explore some of the Biblical teachings on prayer. It is the belief of the presenter, that prayer is the missing factor in many of our ministries. We will explore the why and how of intercessory prayer for our city. Questions such as "why should we pray?" and "how should we pray?" and "for whom should we pray?" will be answered.
Lynn Haines: “Is Your Church Ready for what God is Doing?”
This seminar covers why the International community is coming to America, who they are. It gives the role of the church and individual in meeting the need of the International community.
Roland Wells: “Law & Gospel: Doing Justice without losing Gospel proclamation”
The 20th Century saw the rise of the "Social Gospel" and "Liberation Theology," which destroyed the mainline urban churches. They quit telling people about Jesus. This workshop is an easy-to-understand overview of how we can do justice/people care/service ministry and not lose track of proclaiming the Gospel and keep the evangelical task of the church in the forefront.
Rabbi Felix Halpern: “Removing the walls: the Rise of the Rehaboth Church”
Historically, the Church has engaged in Jewish evangelism with great zeal and mission mindedness. However, a challenge of the emerging "un-walled” Church of today, requires a paradigm shift moving away from past evangelistic modalities and traditions that have erected walls of disconnection from the greater body. We face an ancient question that is recorded in Jeremiah 6:16; "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it." Rabbi Halpern brings a thought provoking analysis of our history, as well as our present responsibility in the forth-coming harvest of Jewish souls to Messiah.
SATURDAY 3:30pm
Ministering to the second generation:
Sam George, and Thomas Idiculla:
“Panel discussion on 2nd generation issues and ministry”
Join us for a discussion as we explore some of the implications of our earlier presentations, and dig into some new topics in this area.
Understanding Cultural Openness to the Gospel:
John Cosby and Don Wright:
“Panel discussion on how cultures vary in their response to the Gospel”
Join us for a discussion as we explore some of the implications of our earlier presentations, and dig into some new topics in this area.
Ministering to International Students:
Danny Castiglione: “Making Igloos for the Tropics?”
Discipleship that works for the return culture: Equipping Individuals, Churches and Cities for ISM by making the best use of money, time and human resources. Keep the end goal in sight as we disciple internationals and train workers. Come receive answers to these questions: How do we prepare students to return to their home countries? By encouraging international students to sit in large contemporary American churches are we equipping them to return as leaders in their own cultural context? How do I find the right people or the best ministry tools? How can I be the best steward of my limited time with an international student? Where can you get contextualized materials? What networks exist for ISM?
Hispanic focus:
Andres Cisterna: “-- TITLE TBD-- (Spanish, with English interpretation) ”
Immigration & Refugees:
Ruth Sieck: “Trusting God even with Immigration Matters”
Truth matters, and as a Christian we need to be faithful in the conduct of immigration issues. U.S. immigration law is complicated, and the consequences for making a wrong decision or failing to act in time are severe. These are issues faced by internationals every day. They struggle as they try to maintain legal status or get legal status, and how to continue to pursue their goals in the U.S. with this burden on their backs. They are constantly reminded that they are "foreigners" and feel unwelcome. Many times, Christians, including ministry workers, feel compelled to stretch the truth and take short-cuts to obtain results they think they want, rationalizing their decisions in a variety of ways. We believe one reason that ministry workers are put in this position is that they are not educated enough about the U.S. immigration law system and do not know where to turn for assistance they can trust, so that they can adequately serve their ministry and internationals in a God-honoring way. This is an opportunity to show support and encourage them to do what is right even if it means sacrifice and difficult decisions. Learn how to encourage them in the truth and to trust God to work in the details. We know: "God works all things together for His good".
Individual Seminars:
David Wright:
“Leveraging Communities: Building Collaboration Among Cultures and Across Denominations to Transform Communities”
This workshop will be a very interactive discussion among participants about building collaborations across churches of different cultures and denominations in order to transform our communities. The presenter will lay a foundation for proven practices, but participants will be invited to discuss these and to offer innovative methods for improving multi-cultural/multi-denominational collaboration. Participants can expect to walk away with proven practices and new ideas for starting and building relationships beyond their own ethnicity and denomination.
This workshop is for anyone who works with youth. This session will focus on the conference theme, exploring the challenges of urban, and multi-ethnic youth ministry. We would all like to believe that there is one, bottled “formula” to make this happen. Christ however, sees, each heart and wants to meet that person at their point of need. There are some practical tips, however, that can help bring the ministry along to help see this happen. In this interactive session, we will be exploring some different elements and options for bringing transformation to youth ministry; while bridging the gap between the urban and suburban multi-cultural differences.
Wendy Davis and Rishi Kumar Marwad:
“Bridging the communications gap: understanding an Indian conversion”
The speaker will describe how how Jesus touched a young man in a remote village in India, eventually bringing him to the Boston area, where he is now engaged in diaspora mission to his homeland. Rishi Kumar Marwad experienced many extrordinary miracles that turned him from Hindu witchcraft to a life of devotion to Jesus, but he was not able to adequately tell his own story in English. This seminar will explore ways in which the speaker learned about Indian culture by reading novels and memoirs set in India, and by other techniques, enabling her to relate to Rishi Kumar, and retell his story in a way that is accessible to western readers. Rishi Kumar Marwad will also be present at the Summit, and will participate in this seminar.
Russell Begaye: “Syncretism in the Native American Experience”
The gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every generation and people group. All messengers want to make the gospel relevant to the receiver. In doing so they oftentimes struggle with the question of how much or what part of the culture should be retained or used? This is my struggle even to this day.
Glenn Smith: “Key Indicators of a Transformed City”
The seminar will explore the key indicators of a transformed city. After exploring some biblical and theological motifs, the presenter will use some urban geographical notions that a congregation can employ to participate in the social and spiritual transformation of the city.
Ralph Kee: “Urban Church Planting: diversity in the root, diversity in the fruit”
A new urban church plant that starts with a core group of diverse people can maintain that diversity for decades, and can more likely plant diverse daughter churches that plant diverse daughter churches that plant diverse daughter churches, indefinitely. This workshop is about championing urban based church planting movements that multiply new churches of ethnic, economic, educational, generational and sociological diversity from the start and for years to come.
Virginia Ward: “Building a Cross-cultural Youth Ministry ”
The new reality of youth ministry is built on a multi-ethnic foundation. This workshop is designed to bring us through the stages of developing a multi-ethnic youth ministry.
Roland Cooper: “Prayer”
Roland E. Cooper is the Senior Associate Pastor of Jubilee Christian Church International, Boston, MA. His responsibilities include performing weddings, preaching and teaching the Word of God, pre-marital and marital counseling, funerals and pastoral care counseling. He is the Cell Ministry Pastor, and oversees the Prayer Ministry, Deacons Ministry, Ministers of Care (Home/Hospital Visitations), and Creating Effective Leaders and Mentoring
Brian Seim: “Hidden challenges of immigrant churches”
This seminar will explore the following issues:
- Examine seven challenges that every immigrant church faces.
- How does an immigrant pastor face these challenges as a leader?
- How can we get these issues on the table with boards and other leadership forums?
- What are some of the next steps to acknowledging and dealing with these seven challenges?
John Wang: “Mission by the immigrant churches: What are they doing?”
Many discussions have been focused on immigrants as the target of missionary work. However the immigrant churches also develop their own mission and outreach programs. The presentation will report the preliminary results of a study among the Chinese, Hispanic and African immigrant congregations in New York City.
Attendance at the seminars is of course included with your registration.
But be sure to sign up for the seminars that interest you upon arrival, so
that you can get into the ones you want.