Call to Action/Call to Prayer/Call to Mission

For the last three years the United Methodist Church has invested significant time, energy and money into the “Call to Action.” Now, the Interim Operations Team is working diligently to prepare the denomination for significant missional change and recommend to the 2012 General Conference new structures and priorities for the 21st century. This workshop is a call to prayer and participation. Together we will understand what is taking place, when the critical times for prayer and discernment are scheduled; and, how we can pray and participate in the transformation of The United Methodist Church. John Wesley taught the early Methodist people, “God does nothing apart from prayer.” If you want to see an outpouring of God race and power within the UMC, come join us in prayer!

Presented by: Rev. Tom Albin

Time: Saturday 9 to 11 a.m.

Dancing Out on Spiritual Limbs: Trusting God with Specific Prayer

Praying specifically is not offering a laundry list of our opinions to God as to what should happen in our own lives, the lives of friends and in the world.  Specific prayer is seeking to know God's heart in a matter and praying along the lines of His will to see it to fruition.  Like a beautiful dance, we must let God lead!  Topics covered in this session will include the danger of blanket prayers, seeking God's heart, sanctifying our imagination and tenacity in prayer.

Presented by: Linda Holland

Time: Friday 2 to 4 p.m.

Developing a Culture of Prayer in the Church

A prevailing temptation in the local church is to substitute busyness for the priority of seeking the presence of Jesus.  The work of the church is kingdom work to the extent that the Body of Christ is rooted and grounded in loving communion with God.  This is the most important priority of the spiritual leadership within the church.

Presented by: Dr. Alan Weatherly

Time: Friday 9 to 11 a.m.

Followers First and First Followers

Discipleship as the art of Pilgriming with Jesus.

Presented by: Leonard Sweet

Time: Friday 2 to 4 p.m.

Intimacy with God

Unhindered closeness, being God’s confidant, experiencing His power and presence are possible through intimacy with God.  Come to learn more about those things that build intimacy with God and those things that hinder intimacy with the Lord.  This will be an interactive workshop where you are given the opportunity to pray and share with others.

Presented by: Margie Burger

Time: Saturday 9 to 11 a.m.

Learning To Pray For Others - Intercessory Prayer 101

The workshop is based on Terry Teykl’s book Praying Grace. During the workshop, we will explore the model presented in Terry’s book and sharpen our skills in praying for others by ushering them into the presence of God. A very important principle of intercessory prayer is the “One Moment Principle.” We know that God can do more in a moment to help a person, than we can accomplish in a lifetime of service and action. The subject of intercessory prayer is far deeper than can be covered in one session, but this workshop will present a basic model for prayer and hopefully a give you a renewed passion to seek God in prayer.

Presented by: Pastor John Ryberg

Time: Saturday 9 to 11 a.m.

Len Sweet Workshop #3

Len shares various thoughts.

Presented by: Leonard Sweet

Time: Saturday 2 to 4 p.m.

Living Prayer

In the four gospel accounts, there are recorded a number of fascinating things Jesus shared about prayer through parables, conversation, incredible promises, and by His own living example.  We will explore these, as well as tell stories of young people we know who are taking God at His word and living in the power of prayer.  We will also dive into a remarkable invitation John records in his gospel account to "Come and see," and how it paints a seamless picture of living prayer and mission wherever you are.  This picture includes a beautiful window into the pursuing and passionate heart of Father, Son and Holy Spirit for individuals with all kinds of hang-ups, and we can rest assured knowing that Jesus has come for one and all.

Presented by: Ryan & Allison Riggs

Time: Saturday 2 to 4 p.m.

Miraculous Prayer

God alone through the power of His Spirit can establish His kingdom upon the earth.  His eyes are searching throughout the whole earth for those who will enter into intimate friendship with Him and with whom He can share His desires, plans and purposes for the earth. Prayer which touches the heart of God allows us to see what His purposes are and faith is borne in our hearts.  Steadfast, continuous prayer leads us step by step to the realization and fulfillment of these plans and purposes.

Presented by: Cindy McCarver

Time: Saturday 2 to 4 p.m.

Pray at all times! Leading Laity to pray!

Have you ever wondered why the leadership of your lay ministries seem to be ineffective and without enthusiasm? Prayer is the key. Whether you are leading a lay committee of the church, the administrative board, a Sunday school teacher, mission trip leader, working with children or youth or doing anything of service to the Lord, prayer needs to be the foundation of what you do. Hear from personal testimony of what a difference prayer makes in giving power and enthusiasm to what God is calling you to do.  Learn how to get a "fire" going in your area of ministry through strategies of incorporating prayer into everything you do.

Presented by: Danny Cartwright

Time: Friday 9 to 11 a.m.

Prayer & Community Transformation

This workshop is designed to encourage the body of Christ to have a specific focus on how prayer is used as a powerful weapon to bring about community transformation.  The workshop will provide strategies to address community issues that the church should be engaged in without fear.  These issues include crime reduction, poverty, education, unemployment and job creation, gangs and drug problems.  All of these issues are spiritual warfare related and orchestrated by Satan.  Exercising the power of prayer will help deliver people from the stronghold of these sinful activities and prepare the way for them to be led to salvation through Jesus Christ and live more abundantly.

Presented by: Lurone "Coach" Jennings

Time: Friday 2 to 4 p.m.

Prayer - Our Father Who is in Heaven...

We will be searching Scriptures to know our God and what He says about prayer. We will discuss why some prayers are answered and why some are not, why some people seem to pray so effectively and others never seem to get a prayer answered. In all of this, we will seek to see His glory and to understand the essential connection between knowing our God and praying to Him.

Presented by: Anita Burchfield

Time: Saturday 2 to 4 p.m.

Prayer and Action: Ministry Among the Marginalized in Birmingham, Alabama

Prayer changes us.  Through prayer, we grow closer to God through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in and through us.  We also grow closer to one another and we are transformed for ministry within and beyond our communities and comfort zones.  Come and hear stories of Urban Ministry’s experiences of prayer and action among those who are poor and marginalized in Birmingham’s West End Community.  With the Gospel of Luke and Jesus’ life of prayer as our guide, we will explore how a life of prayer and faithfulness to God moves us to action with our brothers and sisters challenged by urban poverty.

Presented by: Rev. Melissa Self Patrick

Time: Saturday 2 to 4 p.m.

Prayer and the Empowerment of Sustained Missional Movement

Utilizing the Story of Moses lifting his arms as an act or prayer and intercession in Exodus 17, this session equips us with the understanding of the following Kingdom principle: When we pray, there is power. When we do not pray, there is little power. We will explore the richness of this revelation as it relates to God’s Kingdom advancing through the missional movement of His church.

Presented by: Paul Lawler

Time: Friday 9 to 11 a.m.

Praying for Freedom

Prayer is a very powerful tool.  Although many times it becomes our last resort when nothing else seems to work, it really should be used proactively in our life and in our relationship with the Lord Jesus.  The Lord Jesus has shown us that it really should be our first and primary weapon in the battle against the enemy and for the souls of men.  We have seen proactive prayer bring spiritual freedom, healing and salvation to persons.  Prayer is the primary basis for the ministry in which we are involved in Peru.  We would like to share what the Lord Jesus has done in the area of spiritual warfare in Peru and how people have been set free.  We would also like to share in some detail the methods of prayer that we have been using and have found to be successful in the ministry in Peru.

Presented by: Arthur Ivey

Time: Friday 2 to 4 p.m.

Rediscovering Church in a Multi-Ethnic World

If heaven is not segregated, why should our churches be?  What challenges do we face as the local church seeks embody the increasing ethnic, cultural and social diversity of our communities.  In this workshop, church-planter Jay Taylor will explore the theological considerations and practical challenges the Church must face in order to become increasingly cross-cultural in our ministry and multi-ethnic in our pews.

Presented by: Jay Taylor

Time: Friday 9 to 11 a.m.

Storehouse Ministry - A 24/7 House of Prayer and Mission Base

The Storehouse Ministry is a house of prayer and mission base for the community currently operating for 24 hours 1 day a week with a goal of operating 24 hours 7 days a week.  One of the purposes of the house of prayer and mission base is to grow the body of Christ by developing a prayer mindset leading to a missional lifestyle.  This aspect, as well as the various types of prayer and forms of worship experienced at the Storehouse will be discussed with practical examples and application.  In addition, praying through the night, known as the Nightwatch, will be covered.  The Storehouse Internship program that is evolving will be presented as well as the application process for those who may be interested.

Presented by: Susan Taylor

Time: Saturday 9 to 11 a.m.

Strengthening Your Church's Prayer Ministry

Experience God's sweet presence, the Holy Spirit's power, and unity in the body through prayer. In this hands-on workshop, we'll be discussing and developing strategies for your church to thrive as a house of prayer involving every ministry, every meeting, every household, and every member from the youngest to the oldest.  Invite your church to begin to understand the power and joy of prayer.

Presented by: Ted Amey

Time: Friday 2 to 4 p.m.

The Difference One Person Can Make

Joy will look at the need for Spirit-led intercessors today.  She will look at five places in the OT where God said he looked for just one person and couldn’t find one.  God is looking for someone to intercede.  Will you be that one?

Presented by: Joy Griffin

Time: Saturday 2 to 4 p.m.

The Greatest Story Never Told

The Road to Revival among the People called “Methodists.”

Presented by: Leonard Sweet

Time: Saturday 9 to 11 a.m.

The Pastor Who Prays

Every Christian that wants to enjoy life has to take time to talk with God.  In this way, when God calls someone to serve Him as pastor, one of the priorities of this person should be to pray.  Prayers open doors to fulfill the vision of God.  Also, the pastor receives understanding, power and a good opportunity to serve others, but has the authority over all kinds of evil attacks.  Prayer is the key to overcome everything in life.  Praise the Lord for giving us the privilege to pray!

Presented by: Dr. Roman Cruz

Time: Saturday 9 to 11 a.m.

The Persecuted Family of Believers, The True “Missing Link”

We will look at what is taking place in the hostile and restricted nations, the stories of the persecuted family of Believers and the need for the “free church” to learn from these powerful testimonies of faith.  The lives of your brothers and sisters who suffer for Christ will challenge you to be true salt and light in the culture God has placed you.  The question is not “if persecution is coming to America,” but the question is “will the church in America faithfully stand as persecution increases”?  We have been given marvelous teachers in more than 60 nations where it is not politically, socially or religiously correct to be followers of Jesus.  When you leave the workshop you will understand how to pray effectively for these dear saints.  My prayer is also that you will examine your life as I am constantly impressed to examine mine.

Presented by: Darcie Gill

Time: Friday 9 to 11 a.m.