Preaching-Teaching Convention Workshops
Tuesday, Feb 17 (2:30 PM)
- Leading through Cooperative Preaching
Fred and Monte will draw on their experiences as preachers, and Fred as an elder, to share wisdom on involving elders in the preaching of the church. They served together (as elder and Lead Minister) at Marion Road Christian Church (Rochester, MN), where over the last 18 months Monte has trained a group of elders to serve the church well from the pulpit.
About Dr. Fred HansenPhD (Religious/Biblical Studies), Radboud University, 2019; MDiv (New Testament), Lincoln Christian Seminary, 2009; MA (Old Testament), Lincoln Christian Seminary, 2002; BA (World Missions), Lincoln Christian College, 1997.
About MOnte FrenchMonte graduated from Ozark Christian College in 2017 and from Denver Seminary in 2019. Since March 2020, he has served as the Senior Minister at Marion Road Christian Church in Rochester, Minnesota. He and his wife, Whitney, have a 2-year-old son, Maxwell, who fills a good portion of their downtime with music and toy tractors. (Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend Preaching and Teaching in-person, as he chose instead to attend a family vacation in Florida.) He loves Jesus and the Church, and is grateful for any opportunity to share from his limited experience if it might encourage others in the work God has called them to do.
- Working Genius Overview
An assessment-based resource to help teams work better together and more efficiently. As a certified facilitator with Working Genius, Damien will provide an overview of the model, how it can help your team, and a summary of what is involved in a team training.
About Damien SpikereitDamien is the Chief Financial and Operating Officer and a professor of biblical communication at OCC. He is also a teaching minister at Carterville Christian Church and serves on the Board of Directors for Mustard Seed Network. He earned a bachelor’s degree from OCC, a master’s degree from Lincoln Seminary, and an MBA from Pitt State University.
- Renew.org presents: The Word of the Lord
What makes a sermon more than a speech?
About Jonathan StormentJonathan is the Preacher at the Pleasant Valley Church of Christ in Little Rock, Arkansas, He and his wife, Leslie, have five children and are passionate about discipling the next generation in the way of Jesus. Storment has written two books: How to Start a Riot and Bringing Heaven to Earth,” which he co-authored with Josh Ross.
- From Programs to Purpose: Turning Attenders Into Partners in Mission
Why do most people come to your church? Is it because of the preacher, the building, their friends, or the programs? While these connections might draw people in, they don’t always lead to lives transformed on mission. This workshop challenges leaders to move beyond measuring success by attendance or program participation and instead focus on equipping their people to carry out the mission of the church every day. Learn how to shift your culture from consumer-driven involvement to vision-centered disciple-making, where people are uniquely trained, empowered, and sent to live out their faith with purpose.
About Andrew EstesAndrew serves as the Director of Training for Nexus: Church Planting and Leader Care and as a Church Vision Coach with the RunFree.co. Since 2017, he has helped pastors, planters, and nonprofit leaders articulate their God-given vision and build practical strategies for disciple-making and mission clarity. Andrew brings experience with church plants, established churches, and ministry teams of all sizes, guiding leaders to clarify their vision, aligning and strengthening their culture, and activating the calling of every believer.
He holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine and a Bachelor's of Biblical Literature from Ozark Christian College (2008). Andrew is also certified in the 6 Types of Working Genius, the 4 Disciplines of Execution, and is a Younique Life Coach. He lives in Loveland, Colorado, with his wife, Megan, and their four children.
- Cotton Candy World: An overview of the main ideas of Ecclesiastes
In this workshop, we will explore the dominant themes of a misunderstood book and why its message is as urgent as ever.
About Dr. Chad RagsdaleChad serves as the academic dean at Ozark. He also teaches part-time in the classroom, primarily in the areas of philosophy and apologetics. He is particularly passionate about discerning the ways that Jesus engages with contemporary culture.
- The Preacher and AI: Friends or Foes?
In this workshop, we'll explore the dangers and benefits of using AI in your sermon prep, as well as offer a few practical suggestions to help preachers use AI ethically and effectively.
About Jason PoznichJason is professor of Biblical Communication and New Testament at Ozark Christian College. He has preached for more than twenty years, serving churches in Missouri, Illinois, Las Vegas, and Kansas.
- Establishing a Theological Vision for Worship Ministry
In a day where we chase fads in worship services (i.e. the latest songs, models, or even the most ancient practices because they're "cool"), we must do the hard work of cultural assessment and engagement. This workshop will help navigate the hard work of seeing the Biblical foundation for worship and assessing the current worship culture of your congregation, as well as how to shift that culture as needed to better engage (i.e. change) the culture in your community.
About Corey ScottCorey and his wife, Leah, have been married since 2000. They have four children (Ethan, Kaylee, Kasen and Caleb), and a daughter in law, Emilia. He and Leah helped plant a church in Chanute, KS in 1999. In 2003, they moved to Springfield, MO to serve with Northside Christian Church as the Worship Minister. In 2017, Corey also began to serve as the Global Outreach minister. Corey and Leah love to work on their home together, enjoying projects around the house and in the garden. He also loves watching animated movies…with the kids, of course. He has a passion to help people pray. He loves leading worship, preaching, and playing guitar. He is an amateur barista and collects vinyl records as a hobby.
- Formation vs. Deformation
How do we equip the Church to resist popular culture during one of the most mind-capturing times in human history?
About Tyler McKenzieTyler is the Lead Pastor at Northeast Christian Church, also known as “The Love the Ville’ Church”. He is known for his real-time preaching on pressing issues, his love for teaching Bible, theology, and cultural engagement in accessible ways, and his deep passion to see peace and justice prevail for all the people of Louisville.
He has coproduced five seasons of a fun podcast for elementary kids called The Preacher and the Piano Man in which he plays the Preacher, the hamster, Scary Gary, Queen Sparkle-Shimmer-Puffy-Poo, Lars the Lava Lamp, and many other characters. He writes the monthly Engage column for the Christian Standard. He volunteers as a little league baseball coach.
He has an MDiv in Biblical Studies from Cincinnati Christian University and is currently finishing his doctorate at Wheaton University. He is married to Lindsay and is the father of Palmer (the baseball player), Larkin (the princess-gymnast), and Olsen (the bear).
- OCC Academy and Your Church
OCC has several new ministry resources for you and your church. In this workshop you will learn more about OCC Academy, Ministry Cohorts, NextLevel, and OCC Press. Hear about new and upcoming content as well as strategies for how you might implement these resources in your church.
About Jim DalrympleJim is the Chief Advancement Officer and teaches New Testament at Ozark Christian College. Jim also serves as an elder at their home church in Oronogo, Missouri.
About Justin DewellJustin serves as the Director of OCC Resources and as a Professor at Ozark Christian College. With a background in local church leadership, Justin has held preaching ministries throughout Kansas, Missouri, and Kentucky. He is passionate about strengthening ministry leaders. Justin lives in Joplin with his wife, Jenna, who keeps Joplin caffeinated as a talented barista, and is rarely seen without a Dr Pepper in hand.
- Colossians: Faithful in a Small Place
Though it was the smallest church in the smallest community of any to whom Paul wrote, there are more people in Colossae called "Faithful" than in any other church that received an epistle. This workshop will look at the church in this small town and suggest four important characteristics of the faithful church in the small place.
About Dr. Barney WellsDr. Wells grew up in a small-town church (Ellettsville, Indiana), served rural churches in Indiana and Illinois for over thirty years. He is a BA and MDiv graduate of Lincoln and earned a DMin degree in Rural Ministry at Bethel Theological Seminary. He has filled a number of roles at Lincoln Christian University, most recently as Dean of the Seminary. he currently directs the Fred Craddock Center for Preaching Excellence at Johnson University. Barney's wife, Marcia, is also a Lincoln grad and has served the churches as an education director and children's minister.
Tuesday, Feb 17 (3:30 PM)
- Renew.org presents: What Actually Works
Disciple Making Practices of North America’s Most Effective Disciple Making Churches
About Dr. Bobby HarringtonDr. Harrington is founding and Lead Pastor of Harpeth Christian Church (by the Harpeth River, in Franklin, just south of Nashville). He is the founder and point leader of Discipleship.org (Jesus' method of disciple making) and RENEW.org (Jesus' teachings to fuel disciple making). He completed studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, the University of Calgary, Asbury Seminary, with a Master of Theology Degree from Harding University and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written or co-written over 20 books, and he has published over 300 blogs. He champions the teachings of Jesus and disciple making. He is a Canadian now living in Nashville. He loves family, hockey, football, politics, and traveling to Israel. He lives with his wife in the Nashville area, near his two married children and six grandchildren. He writes in collaboration with other leaders who champion the ways of Jesus.
About Daniel McCoy
Daniel is happily married to Susanna, and they have 3 daughters and 2 sons. He is the editorial director for RENEW.org as well as an affiliate professor of philosophy for Ozark Christian College. He has a bachelor’s in theology (Ozark Christian College), master of arts in apologetics (Veritas International University), and PhD in theology (North-West University, South Africa). Among his books are the Popular Handbook of World Religions (general editor), Real Life Theology Handbook (with Andrew Jit), Mirage: 5 Things People Want From God That Don’t Exist, and The Atheist’s Fatal Flaw (co-authored with Norman Geisler).
- Call and Care - Leadership Pipeline for the Church (part 1)
During this two-part workshop, we will explore what the church is called to be in raising up the next generation of church leaders. The first session will focus on the call and care of pastors.
About Tim SnyderTim grew up under the lights of Cornhusker football in Lincoln, NE. He graduated from Nebraska Christian College and Cincinnati Christian Seminary before spending the past 30 years in ministry. Having served the local church, on staff at Nebraska Christian College and as an Executive Director for a Hospice agency, Tim is currently at Calvary Christian Church in Bellevue, NE. He is the Missions and Outreach pastor and oversees their Calvary Leadership Institute which is helping raise up the next generation of church leaders. He is married to his college sweetheart for 35 years and has two grown married daughters and is first grandchild.
- Social Media, Algorithms, & Ministry
This workshop will cover social media best practices for churches, when to use paid social media ads, and practical tools to streamline content creation.
About Christian ShultzChristian serves as the Coordinator of Marketing Strategies at OCC, and has previously served as the social media manager at his church. He believes social media is a tool to help get people into their local church where they can hear the Gospel.
- Unclogging the Ministry Pipeline (part 1)
Practical help on how to send more students from your church into vocational ministry.
About Robert WitteBob has dedicated his life to ministry and training leaders. From 1997 to 2011, he served in youth and preaching roles. He joined Ozark Christian College in 2011 and currently serves as Vice President of Enrollment, while also teaching ministry leadership and Old Testament classes. Bob and his wife, Lisa, have been married since 1997 and are proud parents of two married sons, Joshua (wife Waltham) and Caleb (wife MaKenna), who all graduated from OCC and currently serve in ministry.
- Missional Partnerships
Exploring missions partnership issues and blessings for the local church in America. Learn about missional trends and how the local church can navigate their support and partnerships well with their global missions.
About Brice WurdemanBrice has been the director of intercultural studies since 2021. Before coming to Ozark, his family served overseas for 15 years in the Caribbean region. He is married to Amanda, and they are the proud parents to seven children.
- Counsel Couples with the Mind of Christ
Christian counseling applies Biblical psychology, and is distinctively different from generic counseling based on secular psychology. Our counsel should reflect that “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16b)! This presentation focuses on principles of marriage revealed by God in Scripture. Insight from over 55 years of marriage and 40 years of counseling couples will enrich you personally and enhance your ministry to married couples.
About Dr. Don OttDr. Ott is an ordained evangelist and licensed psychologist with ministries based in Russellville, Arkansas since 1987. His doctorate is from Rosemead School of Psychology in La Mirada, California and he is a charter member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He served on seven church staffs in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and California, and was adjunct professor for Mid-South Christian College in Memphis, Tennessee for 32 years. In 1994, he established Christian Psychological Resources, which provides outpatient services locally and leadership development seminars globally. As a mental-health missionary, he has made over 45 trips to 15 countries on six continents, and has directed Cuba Bible Institute in Havana since 2009. Don and Johniece married in 1970. They have two daughters, three sons, and seven grandchildren. He enjoys fishing, swimming, photography, and running. Lifestyle Christianity is his passion: Jesus Christ and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life!
- Faithful to the Word: Teaching Kids to Read and Live Scripture
Faithful disciples start with a faithful reading of God’s Word. In this workshop, Dr. Teresa Roberts will equip children’s and student ministry leaders to help young people move beyond Bible stories to real biblical understanding. Learn practical ways to train kids and teens to interpret Scripture, connect truth to life, and develop a love for God’s Word that strengthens their lifelong faith.
About Dr. Teresa RobertsDr. Roberts is Professor of Ministry and Christian Formation and Program Director for the Children’s Ministry major at Ozark Christian College/Lincoln Seminary. She is the author of Raising Disciples: Guiding Your Kids into a Faith of Their Own (NavPress) and brings over 30 years of experience in children’s ministry, supported by two master’s degrees and a Doctor of Ministry. Teresa currently serves as a volunteer at College Heights Christian Church, where her husband, Chris, is the Operations Ministry Lead.
- Leading Side by Side: How Lead Pastors and Elders Stay Healthy Together
Every Lead Pastor–Elder relationship experiences seasons of mountaintops and valleys. In this workshop, a Lead Pastor and Elder will explore how to recognize healthy “mountaintop” seasons and steward them well, while also learning how to faithfully traverse valley seasons together without losing trust, unity, or mission. Through biblical principles and real ministry experience, this session will address communication, shared leadership, and navigating tension in a Christ-honoring way. The workshop will conclude with a dedicated Q&A time, allowing participants to engage directly with both a Lead Pastor and an Elder on real-life leadership challenges.
About Lito SolorioLito was born in California and started ministry in 2002 under the mentorship of Ozark Grad Dave Rutherford. After graduating from Ozark Christian College in 2010, he served in several different areas of ministry at CrossCity Christian Church (formerly Northside) in Fresno, California. He married his high school and college sweetheart, Tiffany (Ozark Attender), and they have four children, Malachi, Jericho, Penelope, and Elyana. In July 2016, Lito and his family moved to Wichita, KS to serve as the Lead Pastor at Countryside Christian Church where they have spent the last 9 years. Lito’s second passion behind ministry is comedy and improvisation. He has over 25 years of improv experience and has coached three middle- and high-school-level improv teams, with the latest, Cosmic Improv, launching this year. One of Lito’s greatest moments was being invited on stage to perform with improv legend, Colin Mochrie!
About Jim Vasey
Jim is an alum of Ozark Christian College and a longtime servant-leader in the local church. He met his wife and college sweetheart, Shelly Brown Vasey, while attending Ozark, and they have two children—one of whom followed in their footsteps as an Ozark alum. Jim has faithfully served on the Elder Board at Countryside Christian Church for 25 years and has continued his commitment to Christian higher education as a Trustee at Ozark Christian College since 2010.
- Simplifying Wills, Trusts, and Probate
Confused about estate planning, selecting guardians for minor children, preparing for incapacity, and avoiding probate? Using plain language OCC Attorney Doug Miller will explain how you can provide for your loved ones and favorite ministries with the least amount of time, effort, and cost. All attendees will receive a free estate planning guide.
About Doug MillerDoug Miller has been the attorney for Ozark Christian College since 2002. He enjoys helping people provide for their loved ones and favorite ministries through their wills, trusts, and estate plans. Doug is licensed to practice law in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
- Becoming a Hero-Maker: Mobilizing Your Church for Everyday Mission
Is your church’s mission statement unintentionally placing the weight of the mission on a few rather than mobilizing everyone? Many pastors are seen as the primary ‘heroes,’ but true impact comes when leaders equip their people to carry the mission daily. This workshop helps church leaders evaluate whether their mission inspires involvement or limits it. Learn how to shift from a centralized, Sunday-focused model to empowering every believer to advance the Gospel in their everyday lives. Participants will leave with practical strategies to clarify and activate a mission that everyone shares and carries forward.
About Andrew EstesAndrew serves as the Director of Training for Nexus: Church Planting and Leader Care and as a Church Vision Coach with the RunFree.co. Since 2017, he has helped pastors, planters, and nonprofit leaders articulate their God-given vision and build practical strategies for disciple-making and mission clarity. Andrew brings experience with church plants, established churches, and ministry teams of all sizes, guiding leaders to clarify their vision, aligning and strengthening their culture, and activating the calling of every believer.
He holds a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine and a Bachelor's of Biblical Literature from Ozark Christian College (2008). Andrew is also certified in the 6 Types of Working Genius, the 4 Disciplines of Execution, and is a Younique Life Coach. He lives in Loveland, Colorado, with his wife, Megan, and their four children.
- Increasing Your Ministry Longevity
While critically important today, concerns about ministry burnout and the recipe for longevity are not new. What's more, our goal is not merely to last but to thrive. This workshop will explore wisdom from the Apostle Paul on maintaining ministry faithfulness all the way to the finish line.
About Dr. Michael DeFazioDr. DeFazio is Dean of Lincoln Seminary and Professor of New Testament and Hermeneutics at Ozark Christian College. He worships with his wife Beth and their children (Claire and Carson) at Christ's Church of Oronogo, where he serves as an elder. Before coming to Ozark, he served in pastoral ministries in California and Missouri. He earned a PhD from the University of Aberdeen and has written More Jesus, a devotional commentary on Paul's letter to the Colossians.
Wednesday, Feb 18 (2:30 PM)
- Leading with a Limp: maintaining ministry effectiveness when you aren't at your best
Ministry leaders are not exempted from physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. These difficulties are uniquely experienced and are often complex, but in many instances God works through and beyond these circumstances to enhance our kingdom influence. This workshop will offer cautions and guidelines based on one leader's biblical and anecdotal reflections on life and leadership, as a complement to clinically-based insights that may be gleaned from other resources.
About Jeff SnellJeff serves as the associate dean of Lincoln Seminary, where he offers courses in preaching, Bible, and ministry. He previously served as a faculty member at Ozark, a professor, associate dean, and Doctor of Ministry program director at Lincoln Christian Seminary, and dean of the School of Christian Ministries at Johnson University. He has served churches in various full-time and interim ministry roles, and has preached or taught regularly in a variety of international environments.
- Crucial Conversations Overview
One key to building trust is healthy communication that rejects two unhealthy extremes—avoidance or verbal assault. Crucial Conversations offers a "truth-in-love" model for communicating hard things that can lead to growth and trust.
About Damien SpikereitDamien is the Chief Financial and Operating Officer and a professor of biblical communication at OCC. He is also a teaching minister at Carterville Christian Church and serves on the Board of Directors for Mustard Seed Network. He earned a bachelor’s degree from OCC, a master’s degree from Lincoln Seminary, and an MBA from Pitt State University.
- Renew.org presents: Practical Principles
What I’ve Learned in over 50 years of ministry
About Cam HuxfordCam grew up in the farmlands of South Carolina, where his early aspirations to become an attorney were transformed at the age of 15 by a call to ministry. He graduated from Point University in 1978 and went on to pursue graduate studies at Emmanuel School of Religion.
Following his academic journey, Cam served as Senior Pastor at Betaw Christian Church and Rock Hill Christian Church. At the age of 27, he was called to lead Savannah Christian Church, a congregation that would later be renamed Compassion Christian Church to better reflect its expanding mission to the surrounding communities. After 40 years of dedicated service, Cam recently retired from the same church, having seen it grow from 260 members to more than 10,000 across seven campuses.
Cam also had the honor of serving as the 2008 President of the North American Christian Convention, now known as the Spire Conference. In addition to his pastoral work, he serves on the Board of Directors at Point University. In his retirement, he continues to impact lives nationally and internationally, speaking at Ministers’ Conferences, Church Leadership and Growth Conferences, Marriage Seminars, and Men’s Retreats.
Cam and his wife, Sarah, are proud parents of three sons—Cam, Harrison, and Garrett—who are all actively involved in ministry, along with their wonderful wives, Hailey, Lindsay, and Megan. Together, they have twelve grandchildren, who, as you can imagine, are a joyful blessing to their lives!
- Eldership Development & Onboarding Processes
Are you intentional about developing, training, testing, and onboarding elders in your church? This workshop will explore biblical principles and practices of healthy churches.
About Jim DalrympleJim is the Chief Advancement Officer and teaches New Testament at Ozark Christian College. Jim also serves as an elder at their home church in Oronogo, Missouri.
About Peter BucklandPeter is the Senior Director of Personnel and Strategy at Christ’s Church of Oronogo. He has held this position for 8 years and also teaches as an adjunct professor at Ozark Christian College. Prior to his work at the church, Peter taught for 20 years as a professor at Ozark Christian College in the areas of leadership, family ministry, counseling, and Christian education. He specialized in the area of marriage and family relationships. He has also been an elder at Christ’s Church of Oronogo since February 2001. Peter also serves as a board member for Blackbox International which is a ministry that provides a home and treatment for sexually trafficked boys in the Dominican Republic. Peter and his wife, Vana, have been married for 42 years and have three children: Audrey (35), Austin (33), and Alex (31) and his wife, Sierra. He will be a first time grandpa in April, 2026!
About Michael DefazioDr. DeFazio is Dean of Lincoln Seminary and Professor of New Testament and Hermeneutics at Ozark Christian College. He worships with his wife Beth and their children (Claire and Carson) at Christ's Church of Oronogo, where he serves as an elder. Before coming to Ozark, he served in pastoral ministries in California and Missouri. He earned a PhD from the University of Aberdeen and has written More Jesus, a devotional commentary on Paul's letter to the Colossians.
- Intentionally Simple Worship Services
Oftentimes the most significant things in our lives are the simplest. Bread and juice become spiritual fuel. Songs become prayer...and become incense before the Throne. Clear proclamation becomes a frontal attack to the spiritual forces of evil. And a glorified bathtub becomes the occasion a person's eternity is changed! In curating worship gatherings, we have the charge to plan them not to "wow" people, but to empower people to go and do likewise. This workshop will make a case for the value of simple worship services, not to get off the hook of working hard, but to give our congregations handles from which they can lead their own worship gatherings for the purpose of multiplication.
About Corey ScottCorey and his wife, Leah, have been married since 2000. They have four children (Ethan, Kaylee, Kasen and Caleb), and a daughter in law, Emilia. He and Leah helped plant a church in Chanute, KS in 1999. In 2003, they moved to Springfield, MO to serve with Northside Christian Church as the Worship Minister. In 2017, Corey also began to serve as the Global Outreach minister. Corey and Leah love to work on their home together, enjoying projects around the house and in the garden. He also loves watching animated movies…with the kids, of course. He has a passion to help people pray. He loves leading worship, preaching, and playing guitar. He is an amateur barista and collects vinyl records as a hobby.
- Faithful Families: Equipping Parents to Raise Disciples at Home
James calls us to a faith that is lived out, not just believed. The same is true for families—children learn faith best when they see it in action at home. In this workshop, Dr. Teresa Roberts, author of Raising Disciples: Guiding Your Kids into a Faith of Their Own, equips church leaders to help parents live and teach authentic faith in everyday life. You’ll discover practical ways to encourage, train, and resource parents to raise children who follow Jesus faithfully where they are.
About Dr. Teresa RobertsDr. Roberts is Professor of Ministry and Christian Formation and Program Director for the Children’s Ministry major at Ozark Christian College/Lincoln Seminary. She is the author of Raising Disciples: Guiding Your Kids into a Faith of Their Own (NavPress) and brings over 30 years of experience in children’s ministry, supported by two master’s degrees and a Doctor of Ministry. Teresa currently serves as a volunteer at College Heights
- Helping Students Follow Through
The three things every student needs to stay connected to Jesus and serve in your church.
About Jayson FrenchJayson French is the president of CIY, where is he has served for over 20 years. He is passionate about seeing a generation grasp the Gospel and do Kingdom Work. Under his leadership, the team at CIY is leading an initiative to call 30,000 young people into ministry.
About Eric Epperson
Eric Epperson is the director of development at CIY. During his two decades at CIY, he has told stories that have inspired and partnered with church leaders around the world to help young people serve and love the church.
- Preaching & Teaching Worldview in the Local Church
This workshop will explore why it is crucial for preachers and teachers in the local church today to embrace and communicate a biblical worldview in our upside-down cultural moment. When the church and its leadership is silent on the important cultural issues of the day, they are forfeiting opportunities to communicate truth and help Christ followers develop and nurture an unapologetic Christian worldview.
About Greg TaylorGreg Taylor is the Director of Partnership Development for his alma mater, Lincoln Christian Institute as of September 1, 2025. Since graduating from Lincoln Christian College in 1991, Greg has held full-time ministries in Moweaqua, IL (First Christian Church), Clinton, IL (First Christian Church), and Danville, IL (Second Church of Christ), and was also the Director of Admissions at Lincoln Christian College from 1999-2006. Greg has been married to his college sweetheart Marla since 1992, and they are blessed with two adult children, Jordan (Jacob) Vangen and Peyton (Kaitlin), and two amazing grandsons, Janner and Judah. Greg enjoys preaching and teaching in a variety of settings, and has a heart for the local church. Greg is especially passionate about addressing the challenges facing local church ministry staff.
- Is Your Estate in Order?
Have you signed documents to plan for incapacity, end of life decisions, avoiding probate, and charitable giving? OCC Attorney Doug Miller will review a helpful estate-planning checklist to ensure that all of your intentions will be accomplished.
About Doug MillerDoug has been the attorney for Ozark Christian College since 2002. He enjoys helping people provide for their loved ones and favorite ministries through their wills, trusts, and estate plans. Doug is licensed to practice law in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
- The Power of the Push
A Necessary Factor in Student Leadership Development
About Penny ArnoldAfter spending 25 years in education as a teacher, coach and administrator, I became a full-time children's minister at Red Brush Christian Church in my hometown of Louisville, Illinois. Attempts at melding ministry development with educational practices has become a personal quest. Through God's direction, this quest and the dedication of intentional church leaders, the Step Forward Student Leadership Program was created and a new style of student discipleship was developed. My favorite things in life are my family (especially my nieces and nephews), my Christmas tree farm and store (think Hallmark) and developing strong student leaders into Kingdom Workers.
Wednesday, Feb 18 (3:30 PM)
- What I Wish Someone Had Told Me
Ten simple practices to help preachers find their voice.
About Matt MeroldBio Coming Soon
- Renew.org presents: Paradigm on the Theological Hills to Die On
The Essential, Important and Personal Elements of the Faith.
About Dr. Bobby HarringtonDr. Harrington is founding and Lead Pastor of Harpeth Christian Church (by the Harpeth River, in Franklin, just south of Nashville). He is the founder and point leader of Discipleship.org (Jesus' method of disciple making) and RENEW.org (Jesus' teachings to fuel disciple making). He completed studies at Princeton Theological Seminary, the University of Calgary, Asbury Seminary, with a Master of Theology Degree from Harding University and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written or co-written over 20 books, and he has published over 300 blogs. He champions the teachings of Jesus and disciple making. He is a Canadian now living in Nashville. He loves family, hockey, football, politics, and traveling to Israel. He lives with his wife in the Nashville area, near his two married children and six grandchildren. He writes in collaboration with other leaders who champion the ways of Jesus.
About Daniel McCoy
Daniel is happily married to Susanna, and they have 3 daughters and 2 sons. He is the editorial director for RENEW.org as well as an affiliate professor of philosophy for Ozark Christian College. He has a bachelor’s in theology (Ozark Christian College), master of arts in apologetics (Veritas International University), and PhD in theology (North-West University, South Africa). Among his books are the Popular Handbook of World Religions (general editor), Real Life Theology Handbook (with Andrew Jit), Mirage: 5 Things People Want From God That Don’t Exist, and The Atheist’s Fatal Flaw (co-authored with Norman Geisler).
- Chaplaincy as Vital Ministry
This workshop will introduce you to the world of Chaplaincy in all it’s various forms. Ministers who pursue the field of chaplaincy find themselves on the frontlines of ministry in our society. Whether literally on the frontlines serving as a military Chaplain or in hospitals, hospice care, prisons, jail, police departments, fire department or the VA system chaplains have access to people and situations that no other minister has.
About Dr. Kal McAlexanderDr. McAlexander graduated from Topeka College of the Ministry in 1978 and spent seven years pastoring his home church in Mayetta, Kansas. While there he served as City Councilman, Fire Chief and Mayor. He left there to serve two years as Dean of Students at Christian Heritage College.
In 1986 he felt a strong call to military ministry and began Seminary at Cincinnati Christian where he received an MA in 1987 and a M.Div. in 1988.
In August of 1988 he came on active duty and received orders to Third Battalion, MCRD, Parris Island.
Next Chaplain McAlexander received orders to USS Mobile Bay, CG-‐-53 homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. The ship was deployed for DESERT STORM; Keep the Peace, Southern Watch and the Mount Pinatubo Evacuation. Mobile Bay served as the Northern Picket Ship for DESERT STORM.
In July of 1993 he received orders to Post Graduate School at Fuller Theological where he received a Doctor of Ministry Degree.
From there he moved down the coast to Naval Station San Diego where he served as Special Projects Officer for Urban Missions, establishing a outreach ministry that ministered to over 250 children a week.
Something new awaited Chaplain McAlexander in New Orleans. He served as Coast Guard District Eight Chaplain, where he had pastoral oversight for 133 units scattered over 26 states.
Answering a need to have airborne qualified Chaplains he volunteered to attend Army Airborne School and received his jump wings in November of 2000.
In 2000 orders came to serve Marine Air Group 13, Yuma, Arizona. It was from Yuma that MAG-‐-13 embarked on USS Bonhomme Richard and deployed for OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.
Chaplain McAlexander returned to the Coast Guard in 2003 serving as the Deputy Chaplain of the Coast Guard and orchestrating 26 Coast Guard Chaplains serving in operations following hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. The Military Chaplain Association selected him as Coast Guard Chaplain of the year.
Air War College was the next assignment. Chaplain McAlexander received a Masters in Strategic Studies and completed Joint Professional Military Education 1 and 2.
Following Air War College orders came to the Third Marine Regiment in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
While there he earned his Fleet Marine Force Qualification. Chaplain McAlexander was promoted to Captain and transferred across the street to serve as the Command Chaplain Marine Corps Base Hawaii where chapel attendance grew from 70 to 350.
He reported as the Force Chaplain for Commander, Navy Cyber Forces Command, Joint Expeditionary Base, Little Creek-‐-Fort Story, Virginia. Shortly after arriving he was realigned under U.S. Fleet Cyber Command-‐-U.S. TENTH Fleet, as the Fleet Chaplain.
In his last tour he served as the Pacific Area Chaplain on Coast Guard Island, Alameda, California. Pacific Area is comprised of 13,000 people, covers nine states and 74,000,000 square miles of ocean.
Kal currently serves as the Executive Director for the Chaplaincy Endorsement Commission of the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ.
Chaplain McAlexander holds a Bachelors Degree in Sacred Literature from Topeka College of the Ministry (Topeka, KS), a Master of Arts in Church Growth from Cincinnati Christian Seminary (Cincinnati, OH), a Master of Divinity from Cincinnati Christian Seminary (Cincinnati, OH), a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from Air War College (Montgomery, AL), also earning his Joint Professional Military Education 1 and 2. He holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA).
Chaplain McAlexander’s personal decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and numerous unit awards, campaign and service medals.
Chaplain McAlexander is married to the former Cynthia Marie McCulley of Topeka, Kansas. They have three children, Josh, Jess, Kalie and two daughter-‐-in-‐-laws, Rachelle and Jessy with three grandchildren, Landon, Raelynn and Baker.
- Create - Leadership Pipeline for the Church (part 2)
During this two-part workshop, we will explore what the church is called to be in raising up the next generation of church leaders. The second session will look at creating opportunities through Internships and Residency programs in your church.
About Tim SnyderTim grew up under the lights of Cornhusker football in Lincoln, NE. He graduated from Nebraska Christian College and Cincinnati Christian Seminary before spending the past 30 years in ministry. Having served the local church, on staff at Nebraska Christian College and as an Executive Director for a Hospice agency, Tim is currently at Calvary Christian Church in Bellevue, NE. He is the Missions and Outreach pastor and oversees their Calvary Leadership Institute which is helping raise up the next generation of church leaders. He is married to his college sweetheart for 35 years and has two grown married daughters and is first grandchild.
- Unclogging the Ministry Pipeline (part 2)
Practical help on how to send more students from your church into vocational ministry.
About Robert WitteBob has dedicated his life to ministry and training leaders. From 1997 to 2011, he served in youth and preaching roles. He joined Ozark Christian College in 2011 and currently serves as Vice President of Enrollment, while also teaching ministry leadership and Old Testament classes. Bob and his wife, Lisa, have been married since 1997 and are proud parents of two married sons, Joshua (wife Waltham) and Caleb (wife MaKenna), who all graduated from OCC and currently serve in ministry.
- What do you do when the church you love feels like it’s barely breathing?
This workshop tells the honest story of a church that found itself on life support and the slow, sometimes messy way God began writing a new chapter. A chapter that was born out of real leadership decisions, hard conversations, missteps, prayer, and perseverance.
Together, we’ll explore the biblical foundations and practical leadership principles that matter most when a church is struggling and share what actually helped, what didn’t, and what we learned through the process.
Maybe you’re in a difficult season right now. Maybe you’re sensing a change coming. Or maybe you simply just want to be prepared for when revitalization becomes your assignment… this class might be for you.
About Jeff ChamberlainJeff has faithfully/imperfectly served as the Lead Pastor of Copper Creek Christian Church for the past eight years. Jeff has served in ministry in Missouri, Illinois, and Arizona, experiencing firsthand what church leadership looks like when things are thriving...and when they’re anything but. He doesn’t just care deeply about revitalization; he’s lived it. He has learned from it, and he continues to wrestle with what faithful leadership looks like when the path forward isn’t obvious.
He cares deeply about the local church and believes renewal doesn’t come from shortcuts or hype, but from patient faithfulness and trusting God to bring life where it feels least likely.
Want to spark a long conversation with Jeff? Ask him about his family, the local church, college football, or his early-morning workout group.
- A Study in Psalms
The Psalms are the prayer book of God’s people, shaping how we pray, worship, and understand God. In this workshop, we will explore selected psalms and discover practical ways to integrate them into our daily lives through study, meditation, and prayer.
About Matt StaffordMatt serves as the Director of Worship and Creative Arts at Ozark Christian College, where he has been a faculty member since 2004, following 12 years as a campus minister at Ball State University. He currently teaches courses in creative arts, music, worship leadership, and the Psalms. Throughout his career, Matt has focused on college ministry, specializing in worship leadership, discipleship, and spiritual formation. He also directs the Creative Arts Academy, a summer arts camp designed for high school students. His website mattstaffordpsalms.com offers resources for study and reflection on the Psalms. Additionally, Matt is on the board of directors for Casas por Cristo, a home-building ministry in Mexico and Central America. He is married to Joy, and they have two married sons: Aaron, who is married to Katie, and Ethan, who is married to Joanna. Matt holds a Bachelor of Theology in Old Testament from Ozark Christian College and an M.A. in TESOL and Linguistics from Ball State University.
- Counsel Parents with the Mind of Christ
Christian counseling applies Biblical psychology, and is distinctively different from generic counseling based on secular psychology. Our counsel should reflect that “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16b)! This presentation focuses on principles of parenting revealed by God in Scripture. Inside from 33 years with five children growing up and 40 years of counseling parents will enrich you personally and enhance your ministry to parents.
About Dr. Don OttDr. Ott is an ordained evangelist and licensed psychologist with ministries based in Russellville, Arkansas since 1987. His doctorate is from Rosemead School of Psychology in La Mirada, California and he is a charter member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He served on seven church staffs in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and California, and was adjunct professor for Mid-South Christian College in Memphis, Tennessee for 32 years. In 1994, he established Christian Psychological Resources, which provides outpatient services locally and leadership development seminars globally. As a mental-health missionary, he has made over 45 trips to 15 countries on six continents, and has directed Cuba Bible Institute in Havana since 2009. Don and Johniece married in 1970. They have two daughters, three sons, and seven grandchildren. He enjoys fishing, swimming, photography, and running. Lifestyle Christianity is his passion: Jesus Christ and Scripture Applied to Everyday Life!
- Trouble through the ages: The problem of false gospels and heresy in the church and the world
This workshop will address the 2,000 year-old problem of false gospels and doctrines and its impact on the local church and culture. From the first-century heresy of Gnosticism to the fourth-century heresy of Ariansim to modern-day heresies like progressive Christianity, the prosperity gospel, and moralistic therapeutic deism, church leaders must be equipped to recognize false gospels and communicate truth in our current culture of relativism.
About Greg TaylorGreg Taylor is the Director of Partnership Development for his alma mater, Lincoln Christian Institute as of September 1, 2025. Since graduating from Lincoln Christian College in 1991, Greg has held full-time ministries in Moweaqua, IL (First Christian Church), Clinton, IL (First Christian Church), and Danville, IL (Second Church of Christ), and was also the Director of Admissions at Lincoln Christian College from 1999-2006. Greg has been married to his college sweetheart Marla since 1992, and they are blessed with two adult children, Jordan (Jacob) Vangen and Peyton (Kaitlin), and two amazing grandsons, Janner and Judah. Greg enjoys preaching and teaching in a variety of settings, and has a heart for the local church. Greg is especially passionate about addressing the challenges facing local church ministry staff.
- Seeing God as Central to Your Ministry
While the daily, weekly, and yearly demands of ministry life often work against attentiveness to God's presence, nothing is more important to serving God than knowing and loving God. In this workshop, Andy will draw wisdom from church history as well as his own ministry experience to explore how spiritual leaders can see and savor God in all things.
About Andy NicolsPhD (Divinity) in progress, University of Aberdeen; MA (Church History), Lincoln Christian University, 2020; BTh, Ozark Christian College, 2017.
- Finding Contentment: A Study in the Book of Philippians
The apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians has much to say to today's churches and church leaders. Learn Paul's keys to contentment and how you can apply them to your life and ministry.
About Amy StormsAmy serves as the vice president of marketing and communications and an English professor at Ozark Christian College.
- Four Mindsets in the Rural Church
How individuals learn to survive daily life affects how they understand time, work, wealth, people, and other basic ideas. In this workshop, we will examine the four most common ways of thinking in a rural church (or almost any church, really) and explore how these different mindsets influence church leadership.
About Dr. Barney WellsDr. Wells grew up in a small-town church (Ellettsville, Indiana), served rural churches in Indiana and Illinois for over thirty years. He is a BA and MDiv graduate of Lincoln and earned a DMin degree in Rural Ministry at Bethel Theological Seminary. He has filled a number of roles at Lincoln Christian University, most recently as Dean of the Seminary. he currently directs the Fred Craddock Center for Preaching Excellence at Johnson University. Barney's wife, Marcia, is also a Lincoln grad and has served the churches as an education director and children's minister.