In the world, it is common to fight for the high spot, but Jesus calls his followers to seek to serve instead of seeking status. It's easy to regard Christianity and Christian community as a consumer rather than a contributor, but Jesus does not promise another "self care" approach and is not a "brand" to improve our reputation. As we seek to serve, taking the low spot and working out of a love for Christ, God will open the door to meaningful service and a sense of unique purpose in His kingdom.

For Jesus' followers there is no getting around the often difficult command to love our enemies. It can be very difficult, but is the hallmark of the Christian faith. Dr. Calver and his wife gives 10 practical tips for succeeding at this call, including putting yourself in their shoes, working to accept them as they are, finding something in them to love, and reaching out to them with the gospel.

Dr. Calver and his wife Ruth have visited with many Christians who regularly face intense persecution for their faith, and instead of being defeated by it, find these Christians are more passionate about sharing their faith and their churches often flourish. Conversely Dr. Calver says a long-term absence of persecution often demonstrates that a church has sold out. While God never promises a lack of suffering, He does promise His presence in the midst of it, and uses the pain to make us into what we should be, closer to Him and more useful to Him.\r\n

In our culture, weakness is often either kept hidden from others or it is used to garner sympathy--in both cases to feed one's ego. But Paul says our weaknesses are not only not a hindrance to God using us, but in fact are the key to us understanding how to bring God's power, and not our own, into our walk with God. Paul says that God has put His power in us, but releases it through the pressure of suffering. Our suffering though can sharpen our understanding of God if we seek Him in trials, and we can trust that He is using it to help us look more and more like Jesus.

What is a leader? In the Bible, it's usually a person who regularly says "yes" to God, inspiring others to follow in their shoes. The Bible makes it clear that saying "yes" to God may bring great suffering, but it will also bring opportunities to live a meaningful, purposeful, and constructive life. The first "yes" is accepting God's offer of forgiveness and eternal life. Given the suffering involved, why should we consider pursuing this kind of leadership? Because it is the best expression of love for God.

Discipleship involves pledging oneself to an apprenticeship to Jesus' mission. Jesus calls us to lead his disciples away from distractions and toward God's purpose for them in the world. This is achieved by helping people see what following God looks like in their life and context, and is achieved through both broad church-wide teaching and more intimate conversations.

This session explores the Bible's teaching on the nature of truth and how we come to know it. Truth has three dimensions: propositional, practical, and personal. Each aspect of truth brings God's revealed Word into the breadth of human experience and draws Christians to a deep and fulfilling connection with the Lord.

Most of us want to be recognized, valued, and seen as someone of consequence. This is true in a culture that highly values status and accomplishment. It is also true within the church. This session explores Jesus' radical alternative to a pitfall that can so easily neutralize us from a life of fruitful ministry and promises true honor.

The home church is a massive gift and the epicenter of incredible Jesus-centered activity. Yet, for some of us there is an itch to expand, experiment, and try new things. How do we innovate to proclaim and demonstrate the gospel in creative ways? This session offers insight into how to develop environments that start something new.

Isaiah's predictive descriptions of God's Servant were fulfilled by Jesus during His first coming. But, since all Christians are called to be God's servants, these passages also contain valuable insights into how we should live. This material is personally challenging, fortifying, and useful for studying in small groups.

In Mark 10 a rich young man displays his religious expertise to gain affirmation from the Master Teacher. Instead, Jesus invites him to follow a revolutionary command--this man sadly refused. His response gives us a peek into our hearts. True conversion repositions our priorities, giving us a new way to respond to Jesus.

Have you ever thought about memorizing large sections of Scripture but are uncertain how to start? This workshop will address motivational reasons for memorizing scripture and practical tips to help you become an approved worker, accurately handling the Word of Truth.

At a time when leadership and institutions seem unstable, we sense the need for a strong leader. The Royal Messiah is a key figure throughout the Bible. Yet, what it means that He is Messiah often remains opaque. This session will get underneath that concept and show its implications for both following Christ and leading others.

Paul argues that it is a noble ambition to aspire to the role of a spiritual leader. However, for many of us, the godly desire to influence others is polluted by our arrogance and self-promotion; for others, our insecurity and fears keep us from sharing in this aspiration. This session will explore how to develop godly ambitions.

Why has public support for marijuana doubled during a time when research scientists have revealed its damaging effects? What should followers of Jesus think about recreational marijuana use? Is it equivalent to drinking a beer or two? This session will look at how followers of Jesus should think about this issue.

There is a lot of talk in our culture today about kindness. But what does it mean? This session looks at the New Testament, and especially at the life of Jesus, discovering the bar extends far beyond being nice. It will challenge us and excite us for the adventure God has for those who would set out to love in this way

We may disagree with some commandments in Scripture, but does that make them wrong? This session will explore achieving the impossible by taking God's Word seriously.

E.J.H. Nash, known as "Bash," was an obscure and ordinary man. He lacked charismatic leadership gifts. Yet he is quietly credited by some with the rise of 20th-century evangelicalism. This workshop explores his life and extracts lessons on the quiet but powerful nature of servant leadership. \r\n\r\n

Becoming great is to be a servant of all. One practical way of doing this is by devoting our mental energy to thinking about others - "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds." In this session, based on Hebrews 10:24-25, we will brainstorm how to wonder about the people God has placed in our lives.

Every leader will face tough seasons when ministry slows, familiar methods don't work, and confusion hangs like a fog. This guided discussion will help Christian workers avoid panic and move forward creatively and under God's grace.

Trauma is an important topic these days that many have experienced. We know that the Enemy wants to confuse us - especially in our pain. This session will take a look at the distinctions of trauma and help us gain clarity. We will also explore paths to healing and resiliency.

Scripture describes the Christian life as a race and a battle. In order to finish well, we must acquire spiritual toughness and resiliency. This workshop will include practical steps on developing your spiritual fortitude as well as discovering the connection between standing firm (toughness) and humility.

Are there spiritual lessons we can all learn from serving individuals with disabilities? We believe so. Come and see how Jesus is moving within Dwell to impact us and individuals with disabilities through shared community and the study of His Word.

A call to lead is a call to know God! This teaching examines the role of God's presence in Moses' leadership.

Ever wonder how it's possible that the abstract language of mathematics can be used to make stunning predictions about the world we live in? This session explores answers to this question, including those consistent with a biblical worldview.

In the Bible's account of King Saul, we see a negative example of a leader, as he exhibits qualities that undermine his ability to lead and to serve as God's representative. As God tries to work with him and develop him, God shows that he is trying to teach him 3 important concepts: ?I love you;? ?these people are mine;? and ?listen to me, and I will supply all your needs.? If we cling to these truths as we try to lead for God, we will enjoy God's leadership and shepherding, much as we see in the positive example of King David.\r\n