1-2 Workable Evangelism for All Size Churches

Bob Pierson
This class will provide strategies for reaching new people for Christ that work and have been proven in all size churches using primarily church programs and ministries as a way to positively reach new people for Christ. The class is based on Bob Pierson's book Needs-Based Evangelism. This class is directed to all church leaders.

1-3 Should Faith Mix with Politics?

Stan Basler
This workshop will address issues of systemic sin and explore biblically and theologically the role the church should play in forming public policy as a matter of authentic discipleship. The class is for anyone. The main points include discussion of systemic sin (corporate sin), enculturation of the church, and prophetic ministry ,i.e. "Thus sayeth the Lord" to powers and principalities.

1-4 Hurry Up and Wait: Planning Now for Later

Karen Distefano
Planning for an event that may never happen can seem a little like getting all dressed up with nowhere to go. Having a prepared, well-organized disaster response plan in place for your church and community can help to lessen the impact of a traumatic event that can happen at any time. The period between disasters is the perfect time to develop your church's disaster response plan and build a committed, well-trained disaster response team within your congregation.

1-5 The Use of Demographic Information for Your Local Church

Diana Northcutt
Looking a census data and other information to help local churches make healthy decisions for the future of their church. Preregistration will enable local churches to look at their particular data and is recommended for this class

1-6 It Worked for Us Ideas/Models

Donna Heldermon
One of the beautiful things about the UMC is that we are connectional. Because we are connectional we are open to allowing the Holy Spirit to help us learn from each other. This class will provide an opportunity for the sharing of what ministries and or events worked for your church and then in turn you will receive information on what worked for other churches around our Conference. To attend this class, we ask that you bring with you at least one ministry that has worked for your church to share with others. This will be a time of constant discussion, brain storming and question and answering.

1-7 "Who are THOSE People"...and how do we minister to them.

Herb Smith
Interacting discussion on holistic and healthy approaches to addiction ministry for the whole congregation.

1-8 Trustees, More than just Buildings

Brian Bakeman
The job of the Trustees includes managing the buildings, risk management, other legal issues, and bequests.

1-9 S/PPRC

George Warren
For all members of Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committees, whether newly elected or continuing. Our District Superintendent will share how appointments are made, the consultative process with pastors and churches, responsibilities over recruiting and interviewing church members that are considering ordained ministry and methods of effective supervision of staff.

1-10 Re-Ignite the Go-Go's, Slow-Go-s and No-Go's

Charles Herndon

Discussions on how congregations can minister to people based on mobility—rather than age in the areas of spiritual development, health, fellowship, education, life transitions, service, intergenerational interaction, daily assistance, and National Grandparent's Day. This is directed towards anyone interested in ministry by, for, to, and with the growing numbers of older adults in our communities.

1-11 On To Perfection: Effective Manuscript and Non-Manuscript Preaching

Adam Shahan
Much of our continuing education as clergy and lay speakers in this conference is not coming in the area of pulpit ministry. It is imperative to continue honing this practice, which is both an art and a spiritual gift. This course is designed to equip clergy and lay speakers with the tools to work together in groups to become better preachers for our churches. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Submit a typed manuscript or a video of a homily lasting no longer than seven minutes to ashahan@okumc.org  twelve days before the workshop begins. One manuscript and one video will be used as object lessons. If your manuscript or video is selected, you will be informed five days before the workshop. Questions? Contact Rev. Adam Shahan @ 405-517-8133.

1-12 Congregations working with Veterans Part 1

Joseph L. Lynch
With so many of our fellow Oklahomans being deployed with the military, including the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guard units and Reserve components, how can congregations faithfully serve those in the armed forces, their families, and the religious professionals who care for them, especially those deployed overseas? This two-part class will cover congregational and pastoral care for veterans and their families. Part 1 will cover congregational care, including acknowledging and celebrating the veteran's return; with the veteran's permission, conducting a welcome home celebration; using caring listening skills in communicating with the veteran; if needed, providing a safe place for the veteran to be able to debrief about his or her situation; taking care of the veteran's family during deployment; providing free marriage enrichment retreat for the veteran and spouse; being sensitive to and alert for signs of distress with the veteran and family members; and acquainting the veteran and family with resources available to them.

1-13 Precious Memories: Oral Interviews and Local Church History

Charlene Lingo
Local church historians and other laity interested in their church's history and church staff involved in maintaining official records and historical documents will benefit from this session. Information and materials about traditional programs and guidelines for preserving local church history will be provided. New this year will be a video presentation and discussion of oral interviews as a simple and yet compelling way to capture the history and heritage of your church and the "stories" of individuals who lived and helped shape its history.

2-1 Children and Creativity

EvaMarie Campbell
Designed for those who work with children. Did you know that by the age of 40 we are operating on only 2% of our creativity? Children are growing their creativity how can we help them continue to grow and develop their creativity?

2-2 How to Share Your Faith in Our Contemporary Society

Bob Pierson
This class gives clear understanding for sharing the faith in a very secular world, how Christians can be effective in reaching new people. It is based upon the new book, "TELL" by Bob Pierson. This class is directed to all church leaders.

2-3 Making Disciples: In and out of Prison

Stan Basler
The workshop will present opportunities for person to live out their faith in ministry with incarcerated persons, formerly incarcerated and their families. The class is directed to lay and clergy looking for ways to be in ministry. The three main points are that ministry is possible to families of incarcerated, with formerly incarcerated in the community and in prison ministry.

2-4 Small Membership Congregations

Diana Northcutt
We will look at the great things small membership churches can do. What are the key indicators for healthy small membership churches. Network with one another. What is some of the new research saying about the viability of the small membership church.

2-5 Making a Difference: Starting a New Ministry

Donna Heldermon
Is God calling your church to expand your ministries? All laity who see a need or feel the heart tug for making a difference and desire methods for success in beginning new ministries are welcomed.

2-6 The Communications Connection

Sam Welch
Though our mission to go and make disciples remains the same today as it was for the first disciples, we live in a more broadly connected world. It is ever more challenging to make connections to effectively share our good news. This workshop will offer an interactive setting to introduce you to multiple media tools to enhance your church's ability to engage diverse communities. This class will use discussion, handouts, and video to highlight key components of effective Christian communication in our time.

2-7 Advancing Hope Around the World: UM Missionaries & Their Ministries

Karen Distefano
"Missionary" is one of the oldest and most honored offices of the Christian church, with origins found in Paul's writings in the New Testament. UM missionaries witness and serve in dramatically different locales and cultures and engage in a range of professions and activities. In this workshop, find out how your church can be actively involved in the work our missionaries do on our behalf. The class is great for anyone who wants to know more about how the United Methodist Church makes a difference around the world!

2-8 Effective Financial Leadership

Brian Bakeman
Are finances running your church or is your church running the finances? This class is designed for the chairs of Finance Committees, new and old, to discuss the leadership role of the chair.

2-9 Guiding People Into Ministry

Shelley Daigle
This class will help pastors, PPR members, youth directors and other interested laity have conversations with people who are hearing God's call for a future in lay or ordained ministry. Did you know we have at least 17 possibilities for specific ministries in the UMC?

2-10 Young Adult Ministries Council

Adam Shahan
This class will be for all clergy and laity interested in knowing more about the Conference Council on Young Adult Ministries and what it is doing to reach out to young adult laity and clergy across this conference. This class will provide opportunities to become involved in some of the new things that the Council will be doing beginning in 2012 to serve the needs of a larger and more diverse group of young adults.

2-11 Congregations working with Veterans
Part 2

Joseph L. Lynch
Part 2 will cover pastoral care issues, including the emotional cycle of deployment; PTSD; traumatic brain injuries; suicide prevention; end of life issues, including bereavement and loss; chemical dependency, including self-medication, substance and alcohol abuse; domestic issues, including arguments, verbal, and physical abuse; military sexual trauma; crisis ministry; reintegration and resiliency.

2-12 Worship Arithmetic 1 + 1 + 1 = 7

George Warren
George will describe how all the different parts of a worship service (hymns/praise songs, prayers, affirmations, drama, scripture, sermon, bulletin cover and room decor) need to all point to one message so that the effect of each component will build upon the last to have one clear message rather than a dozen different (and confusing) messages. The whole is definitely greater than the sum of the parts.

3-1 UMW: What's It About

Kathy Caldron
This class is for anyone interested in learning more about United Methodist Women. We will discuss who is a member and what does it mean in today's world. We will cover coming events and how they relate to the purpose.

3-2 Next Step Evangelism for Medium Size Churches

Ray Crawford
We will explore the dynamics involved in making disciples of Jesus Christ within the medium size church. In addition, we will discuss strategies for growing a medium size church into a large church.

3-3 It Worked for Us: Successful Children's Programming

Brittany Sky Stanley
We will have an open forum where we will discuss the most successful programming we have had in our children's ministry programs. I will bring my favorite ideas, and I hope you will bring yours to share as well! This class is for anyone who works with or supervises those who work with children, and are interested in bringing back new ideas for their congregations children and families.

3-4 Web Ministry

Charles Neff
Discover the online tools your church or ministry can tap into to harness the marketing power of the internet. Topics will include effective website design, using Facebook to connect your members, and strategic text messaging.

3-5 Transforming Families: Making the Most of Confirmation!

Frances Ibanez & Chris Herrin
Does your Confirmation program need a face lift? Have you given up on Confirmation altogether? Come to find out how to change your focus from just reaching youth to mentoring the entire families from just adding members to transforming families.

3-6 It Worked for Us Ideas/Models

Donna Heldermon
One of the beautiful things about the UMC is that we are connectional. Because we are connectional we are open to allowing the Holy Spirit to help us learn from each other. This class will provide an opportunity for the sharing of what ministries and or events worked for your church and then in turn you will receive information on what worked for other churches around our Conference. To attend this class, we ask that you bring with you at least one ministry that has worked for your church to share with others. This will be a time of constant discussion, brain storming and question and answering.

3-7 The Doctor Says It's Cancer

Karen Distefano
A cancer diagnosis is a frightening experience. The individual may feel fear, uncertainty, anxiety, depression, anger, isolation and hopelessness-sometimes all at once! Family and friends, too, go through a wide range of feelings, including helplessness: we want to help, but we just don't know how. Having a cancer care ministry in your congregation can help bridge that abyss of despair and suffering. As Christians, we are called to minister to the sick. At the same time, however, we need to be very careful in how we interact with people who are experiencing a serious diagnosis.

3-8 What Every Church Member Should Know About Poverty

George Warren
We will be exploring the book by the same name by Dr. Rubye Payne and Bill Ehlig. We will see why poor people behave in ways that seem strange to the mostly middle class folks in our churches. We will receive ways to effectively seek them out, minister to them, truly help them, and share the Gospel with them.

3-9 Accessibility Issues In the Local Church

Hank Jenkins, Heather Scherer, Paula Steinbacher and Bob Barrett
Accessibility Audits are done by each local church, each year, at Charge Conference and many local churches realize (or don't) that their facilities (parking lot, entrances, bathrooms, fellowship halls, and even sanctuaries) are preventing certain people from being able to access these places. This workshop will provide stories, ideas, and resources for remedying some of the most common and easy-to-miss ways that local church buildings can become more accessible. The course will include both practical and theological ideas about the issue of accessibility.

3-10 Our United Methodist Social Principles and Advocating for Justice

Brian Mangan
Learning more about the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church and how you can be a voice for United Methodists through the UM-CAN network and their work to be an active voice for our state policy makers and beyond.

3-11 United Methodist Men

District UMM Team
UM Men from our District will share some of the events we do together as a district and will also share "how to's" for starting and building an effective ministry with and by the United Methodist Men in your congregation.

3-12 Membership Matters

Janelle Brammer, Jim Stilwell, or Cindy Robertson
When members join our church the congregation promises to support newcomers in their spiritual life. This class will offer ideas for newcomer assimilation, including several ideas for Basic Christian/United Methodist Beliefs Classes perfect for new Christians or Methodists or those who have been a part of the UM Church, but who have never gone through confirmation.