North American Mission offers affordable teaching/training seminars for youth, family, and congregational health. North American Mission is subsidizing this seminar ministry to enable churches and groups of churches to afford this valuable ministry. Check out the seminar titles and contact North American Mission at nam@clba.org for more information.
Meeting 'em Where They're At / The 4 Laws of Learning
(1 hour)
Before we seek to bring the Gospel message to people we ought to first seek to understand who they are an how they learn. Jesus always knew his audience and delivered his message accordingly. By learning a few keys, our teaching can become much more effective.
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, SS Teachers
BE-Attitudes: Basic Training for Youth as Leaders
(45 minutes)
In Christ, we are called to “be who we are,” i.e. who God has declared us to be in Him. With that firmly in mind, we’ll look at 5 “Be-attitudes” that will help us in pointing younger kids to Christ. This seminar is geared toward those who are teaching/leading children.
Audience: Youth, SS Teachers
Board Relations and Governance
(1-2 hours)
What is the role of a board? What criteria should be used in selecting board members? How do we avoid conflict between board and pastor/director so that energy goes toward ministry? What expectations ought board members to have? We’ll examine these questions and more.
Audience: Church Leaders
Capital Campaign Development
(Up to 3 hours)
This seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of the elements included in capital campaigns. You will be taken through the processes of feasibility study, plan, implementation, and follow-up. Further consultation is available.
Audience: Church Leaders
Delivering the Message
(1 hour)
When considering the Gospel message and the importance for children and youth to grasp it, we need to consider two questions: “What do they need to hear and how should they hear it?”
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, SS Teachers
Growing a Community
(45 minutes)
It is reported that 73% of people attending our churches today are there seeking relationships. If that is the case, what are some key principles in our churches being able to offer authentic community to this world that so desperately needs it? We’ll cover key components that can benefit congregations, youth groups, classrooms, and small groups.
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, SS Teachers, Church Leaders
I Don’t Get ‘Em: Gaining Insight Into Today’s Youth
(1 hour)
Each generation of youth has a culture of its own. To an outsider, it can be puzzling at best and frightening at worst. But we cannot roll over and go back to sleep and we cannot run for our lives. We'll learn what makes them tick, and how to bring the Gospel message to this generation.
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, SS Teachers, Church Leaders
The Imparted Life: 7 Keys to Lifegiving Leadership
(1 hour)
Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church that "we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel, but our very lives as well." Paul understood that a life that is shared with others is both important and impacting. One area where an imparted life is especially necessary is in the realm of leadership. Whether in the workplace, in the ministry, or in families, leadership is needed that is based on servanthood and sharing one's life with others. Come for the seminar -- leave with a renewed passion to invest in the lives of others.
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, SS Teachers, Church Leaders, Youth
It’s All Part of the Plan
(2 hours)
Learn the value of retreating and how to plan one for your group, from concept to final evaluation. Practical suggestions will be offered regarding purpose, program, planning, promotion, and facility selection.
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, Church Leaders
Keys to Solid Communication
(1 hour)
Short of resorting to a bullhorn, how do we equip our staff to be able to meet needs of others n a timely and appropriate fashion? Communication is key, we know. But how can we do it effectively so that people are on the same page, ready to meet need and are eager to do so? Tune in!
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, Church Leaders
On Target – Developing Themes That Teach and Build Momentum
(1 hour)
Themes and curriculum that is developed with clear purpose and goals will bring the message of the Gospel in a lifegiving and memorable manner. This seminar will explore key components of this process.
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, SS Teachers
Overcoming Fears That Cripple
(45 minutes)
Too often people flee from opportunities to invest their lives in the lives of children and youth because of fear. In this seminar, we’ll identify and properly address fears that can steal joy and cause us to miss out on opportunities to be Gospel-bearers.
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, SS Teachers
Parenting for Purity
(Up to 4 hours)
How can a young man or woman keep their way pure? (Ps. 119) Culture tells our kids that purity is a curse, but the Bible teaches us that purity is a blessing. And it is! Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.” As we raise up our children, parenting for purity is essential. It is too important to allow our children to do it alone. And in their world, it becomes very confusing, even to Christian kids. Explore keys to think about as you mold the hearts of your children and encourage then to live pure and holy lives, by God’s grace.
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, SS Teachers, Church Leaders
Parenting on Purpose
(90 minutes)
Most people desire to parent well, but it is a challenge. In this clear and engaging seminar, we'll take a peek into today's culture, discuss three "moves" that make a difference, and explore seven RGR's (real good responses).
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, Parents, SS Teachers
Seeing Jesus Again for the First Time
(75 minutes)
During this flyover of Mark’s gospel account, we’ll zoom in on specific accounts that shed light on Jesus in a way that you maybe haven’t seen before. In this world where counterfeits are becoming more common, it is good to reacquaint ourselves with the authentic Jesus all over again.
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, SS Teachers, Youth, Church Leaders
Troubleshooting: What to Do When “Things Go South”
(45 minutes)
It is normal. It is even probable because the battle for the lives of our children and youth is in full swing. In every teaching situation, there will always be times when things do not go as you planned. Proper expectations and response, kids who need attention, great strategies… we’ll cover them all and more.
Audience: Youth Workers, SS Teachers
What is Truth?
(90 minutes)
Postmodernism pervades everything these days and isn’t going away anytime soon. Did you know the 2006 Word of the Year chosen by the American Dialect Society was truthiness, and it can now be found in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary? It’s defined as “the quality of preferring concepts or facts one wishes to be true, rather than concepts or facts known to be true.” Does that scare you, or does that seem like a wide-open door that is waiting to be walked through? With the widespread moral relativism in the culture today, it is paramount that Christians understand and are committed to bridging teen worldviews and Christian truth!
Audience: Youth Workers, Parents of Teens, Adults
Talking to Teenagers
(1 hour)
Teenagers are being communicated to by every channel possible, so how comfortable are you in your ability to speak to teenagers? Are you getting through all the clutter? Are you confident and enthusiastic, or do you dry heave at the very thought of getting up in front of a bunch of teenagers? This seminar will help you understand the process and develop tools and ideas to become an effective communicator of the Gospel truth to students!
Audience: Youth Workers, Small Group Volunteers, Adults, SS Teachers, Church Leaders
Programming with Purpose
(45 minutes)
Are there safe and easy entrance points for the seeker, and is there a place of substance for those who seek to go deeper… not to mention all those students in-between? The answers to these questions are paramount and make all the difference between just having a program for students and having a ministry to students!
Audience: Youth Workers
Don't Go Big... Go Small!!!
(90 minutes)
Who wouldn’t love to have a huge youth group and be featured on Youth Specialties’ website as an exemplar youth ministry? Big is awesome, but the bigger you get the smaller you need to be. It’s my opinion that small groups should be the heart of any youth ministry’s plan for discipling students, whatever the size of your ministry. Come see why!
Audience: Youth Workers, Small Group Volunteers, SS Teachers
Nex-Gen Leadership
(45 minutes)
One of the most important, but highly underrated, elements of a youth ministry is the development of student leaders. Starting a student leadership team is hard work, but the end result is well worth it. Before you decide you don’t have the time to pour your life into these “future” leaders, consider what impact they can make in the here and now by unleashing them in your youth ministry!
Audience: Youth Workers, Adults, SS Teachers, Church Leaders
Teaching That Makes a Difference
(90 minutes)
Martin Luther once said, “God has committed to us who are old and experienced the knowledge which is needful for them, and He will require of us a strict account of what we have done with it.” Do you want to ignite student’s understanding and faith with the only Words that give life, or are you satisfied with a mile wide program filled with students traipsing along in the shallow waters of their faith? Programs, passion, and planning fill every list in youth ministry education – yet a missing ingredient often is mastering the art and craft of teaching. Come and learn… then teach!
Audience: Youth Workers, Small Group Volunteers, SS Teachers
Sharing Your Faith When You Don’t Have the “Gift.”
(1 hour)
Most of us do not have the “gift of evangelism.” How can we be witnesses to our faith in ways that are authentic and effective?
Audience: Anyone in the church
Closing the Back Door: Welcoming and Retaining Newcomers
(1-2 hours)
Many churches have visitors that do not stick around. Studies have shown that visitors decide within the first eleven minutes whether or not to return.
Audience: Older youth and adults
Developing Leaders: Understanding and using the variety of gifts and personalities given to the church
(2-4 hours)
How can we embrace the variety that God gives to the church? And what can happen when we do?
Audience: Older youth and adults
When the Mission Field Comes to Us: Relating Cross-Culturally to Ethnically Diverse Neighbors
(2-4 hours)
How can we share the gospel with unreached people who come to us?
Audience: Older youth and adults
The Timothy Project
(4 hours)
Developed in partnership with Youth Leadership and the National Youth Leaders Network, this exciting seminar covers topics such as:
Whether a youth pastor, volunteer, parent or interested observer, it is our desire that you will go home better equipped for ministry and motivated to serve.
Audience: Youth Workers, SS Teachers
For more information, call the North American Mission office at 218-739-3336.
