Introduction to the Book of Acts

Ben Foust

Acts 1:6-8

The book of Acts is about proclaiming the message of salvation, establishment and mission of the church and the power of the Holy Spirit. It was written by Luke as a historical account of what happens after Jesus' resurrection.

Uniformity & Diversity in Ministry

Gary DeLashmutt

Acts 13:2

In the church, there are ministry roles that all members should play, which can be referred to as ministry uniformity. This includes evangelism, discipleship, loving one another, financial stewardship and corporate prayer. But there is also ministry diversity, ministry strengths and roles that vary between Christians. This includes both spiritual gifts and specific ministry field passion. We should seek a healthy balance between these in our church, and here we discuss what that looks like and how a body of Christ can move toward that balance.

The Word on Women

Kate Mizelle

1 Timothy 2:8-15

This workshop explores what the Bible has to say about the role of women in the church. Based on two specific passages of scripture, many believers holding a traditional view have disqualified women from leading in the church, understanding that this is God's will. But as we explore the context and the other scriptures speaking about women's involvement in the church, a different picture emerges. A proper interpretation of these passages amongst others gives us confidence that God is behind women leading for him.

The Movement in Ephesus

James Rochford

Acts 18:24-19:41

God builds His church through five snapshots in Ephesus: 1) Apollos, 2) John the Baptist's disciples, 3) lecture hall of Tyrannus, 4) spiritual warfare, and 5) reaction of the people. God moves through His Holy Spirit covertly and overtly while protecting His people.

That Time the Whole Church Almost Lost It

Scott Risley

Galatians 2:16

The Pharisees try to divide the Church by sowing the idea that new believers need to be circumcised in order to be saved. Their influence even reaches Peter and Barnabas. Both Paul and Peter set the record straight, uniting the church in its theology of salvation by grace alone.

God's Radical

Dennis McCallum

Acts 9:1-25

Saul's conversion to the Apostle Paul. He goes from zealously killing Christians to zealously preaching the Gospel to Jews in the synagogues of Damascus for three years.

Breaching Cultural Containment

Dennis McCallum

Acts 8:1-38

When the Samaritans accepted Christ, Peter and John came down from Jerusalem to lay hands on the believers so that they received the Holy Spirit. thus breaking down cultural, social and prejudicial barriers to Christianity. Likewise with the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch.

Persecution and Division

James Rochford

Acts 5:14-6:7

Crisis, perseverance, and growth is the pattern seen in the early church. Philip and Stephen along with the other apostles experience external and internal attack through persecution and division. With God, they are able to overcome these. God doesn't grow His church despite crises, but actually through them.

Divide and Conquer

Conrad Hilario

Acts 5:12-6:7

Satan seeks to discourage through persecution. Satan also seeks to destroy church unity and Christians must work to preserve our unity.