Schedule

The Book Club/Roundtable Discussions

Join your peers for a time of discussing topics such as politics and Christian fiction. Find out what those around you have read and how they fit together in the Big Picture. Even if you aren't a reader, you'll want to listen in!

1. Narnia to The Da Vinci Code: The Greatest (?) of Christian Lit

There isn't anything more satisfying than curling up with a book...unless it's discussing the book intellectually with peers and like-minds. This roundtable will discuss Christian-themed books, explore the thread(s) linking them, and analyze how these books reflect Christianity in a post-modern society. We will explore questions including, but not limited to, the following:

What do we mean by the term "Christian literature"?
Are Christian-themed books more prevalent today than they were ten years ago?
What does the popularity of recent Christian-themed fiction say about the state of Christianity in our culture? Are these books making Christian themes more accessible, or are they merely a reflection of a current trend of interest in Christianity?
How do we address crossover fiction (like The Da Vinci Code) that draws upon Christian elements but appeals to a mainstream audience?
How do Apostolic readers differ from mainstream Christian readers?
Is there any such thing as "good" Apostolic fiction?

Suggested Reading:
The Screwtape Letters
Chronicles of Narnia
Lord of the RIngs
The Da Vinci Code
“Baylor Study Offers Data on Reading Habits” (Publishers Weekly)

2. Eve's Legacy and Today's Modern Woman

From the beginning of time the woman Eve stepped out and took the initiative--it wasn't the right move, but she showed initiative. The woman of today is in many ways synonymous with action. We take charge--we get things done--and we are experts at multi-tasking. Yet, why is it that we continue to feel as if we are not as important as men when it comes to God's kingdom? What exactly does submission mean? Should a woman work after she has children? Is it God's providence that she raise her children? These and many other questions will be discussed in this roundtable.

Some readings regarding women in the church and their roles as Christians:

http://www.bible-researcher.com/warfield1.html
http://home.earthlink.net/~ronrhodes/Feminism.html
http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/5lies.html
http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Women_Service_Church.htm

3. Will an Apostolic Ever Write a Great American Novel?

Just love mysteries or romances and yearn to write one? Think your writing ideas might matter to God, readers, and the Nobel Prize committee? Then you have many questions to answer: Should Apostolics only write for Apostolics? Can Apostolics write for a general readership without compromising Biblical beliefs? How do you write fiction realistically without...you know, curse words and sex scenes? Stop by for a rollicking discussion on the best possible future for Apostolics writing fiction.

Suggested Reading:
Mystery and Manners by Flannery O'Conner
Walking on Water by Madeline L'Engle
The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage by Paul Elie
Behind the Screen by Spencer Lewerenz and Barbara Nicolosi (Editors)

4. Of God and Government: Exploring Faith in Politics

From Barack Obama to John Danforth to Hillary Clinton, politicians are racing to podiums across America to make statements of faith. The vast majority of Americans believe in a higher power, be it THE God or a god, and those in elected positions are eager to relate to voters their own philosophy of God. Faith has shaped the foundations of our government while allowing each American to pursue his or her own spiritual preference. How will faith continue to impact our political system and those it represents?

Suggested Reading:
God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get it by Jim Wallis
Faith and Politics by John Danforth
American Gospel by Jon Meacham
"Religion and Public Life: A Faith-Based Partisan Divide"
"Latter-Day Politics"
Transcript to Barack Obama's June 28th speech: 'Call to Renewal'

5. Church and Culture: “Are we living on Mars Hill or just on Mars?” Creating Christian Community that Connects to Culture

How often have you had acquaintances, upon finding out you are a Christian, wrinkle up their nose and say, “Church—that’s not for me”? Have you ever wondered why “church” seems so outdated to many in our society and what could be done to make “church” exciting and, more importantly, relevant to the issues we face today? Is there such a thing as change that doesn’t compromise? How does the church go from the margins (Mars) to the midst (Mars Hill) of our society? Well, gather ‘round and let’s talk!

Suggested Reading:
An Emergent Theology for Emerging Churches, Ray Anderson, InterVarsity Press, 2006
No Perfect People Allowed, John Burke, Zondervan, 2003
How Postmodernism Serves (My) Faith, Crystal Downing, IVP Academic, 2006
A Matrix of Meanings: Finding God in Pop Culture, Craig Detweiler & Barry Taylor, Baker Academic, 2003


Friday, October 20

9:00-10:00 a.m.	Registration
10:10-10:30 a.m.	Keynote - Jeanie Bland Forming a Christian Identity in a Post-Christian World In a world that is constantly seeking to reinvent itself, we are finding ourselves more frequently in a world that does not need God or seek after Him. It is our generation who has the responsibility of swinging the pendulum back into the direction of God. How can we do this? And what part do Christians have in this “post-Christian” society?

10:40-11:20 a.m.	Breakout Sessions

	Elective 1--Time Management for the Professional - Kent d Curry Learn tips on how to juggle your career while maintaining a relationship with God and others.
	Elective 2--Time Management for the Student - Jason Hoffman Learn tips on how to effectively keep your head above water spiritually and academically (we’ll assume the social part) while attending college
	Elective 3--Time Management for the Family - Andy Smith Handling a career and a ministry are tough enough, but throw in family responsibilities and suddenly you’re juggling everything. Learn how to keep all those duties in the air without faltering.

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	The Integrated Church: Issues of Racism and Redemption in Pentecost Panel: Artricia Lorjuste, Sharon Martinez, Andy Smith, Chantell Smith Kerwin Roach - Moderator No longer are there segments in society as society is becoming an integrated whole of racial interaction. How is the Apostolic movement handling these changes? What are the special challenges for Christians? What can be done to facilitate a non-prejudice church? These and other issues will be addressed in this session.

12:30-1:10 p.m.	Lunch at Gateway

1:15-2:15 p.m.	Contemporary Christian Biography: Adventures in Hollywood - Eric Roemheld Kent d Curry as the Interviewer Get behind the scenes of CSI: NY— literally. In a candid interview, you’ll get to meet Eric Roemheld, stage dresser for CSI: NY. Find out what it’s like being a Holy Ghost-filled Apostolic in Hollywood, how he won a co-worker to the Lord, and how he’s using what he learns for God’s glory!

2:30-3:30 p.m.	Breakout Sessions

	Elective 1--Transitioning from College to Career / Cara Davis At some point we all have to face the Real World of employment and full responsibility. It’s not easy, but it isn’t as dreadful as some act. Find out some essential “how to’s,” and “how not to’s” so that you can master this process without hiccups.
	Elective 2--Breaking the Habit and How to Live a Short, Horrible Life - or Not: Keys to Managing Stress - Robin Johnston Back by popular demand! We all have addictions of some sort. It might be as innocuous as surfing the Internet, eating chocolate, or something much worse. Find out how to recognize them in yourself and others, as well as how to minister to the afflicted. Another area that affects your health, your job, your family, and your spiritual life is stress. Christians often seem to be under more, not less, stress than their non-believing peers. Rev. Johnston will tackle questions like: Why do we feel like we have to do it all? When do you know too much is too much? When should you cut back from ministry and your responsibilities?
	Elective 3--Investing in the Future and Debt Management - Stephen Drury Invest in the future? How can I do that when I’m in debt? Learn basic financial tips on dumping debt so you can be blessed—and bless others—like the servant with five talents.
	Elective 4--Secrets of a Successful Business: How to Build Your Own Business Without Going Crazy - Kevin Brown Got the itch to start a business? Business owner Kevin Brown explains how to manage your finances and expectations, set boundaries, recruit employees, and deal with the inevitable disappointments.
3:45-5:00 p.m.	Songbook Burning: Apostolic Music in the 21st Century Panelists: Ann Ahrens, Jeromy Hoffee, Chris Anderson Kent d Curry - Moderator Every generation defines their music, and music defines every generation. So, songbooks are a thing of the past—or are they? More importantly, should they be? Join these panelists as they confront the ongoing battle over praise choruses and hymnals. You’ll interact and help decide if there should be a songbook burning at every church in the future.
Bonus Sessions
5:10-5:40 p.m.	Bonus Session 1--The Christian Presence on your Campus Eric Morley Afraid you might just be a warm body on your campus instead of a fiery Christian difference? This college veteran will share tips and tricks on magnifying the Kingdom on your campus.
	Bonus Session 2--Publishing your Writing--Cara Davis Sure you can scribble out a church bulletin or pen a poem, but wouldn’t you like to get paid for your writing efforts? Author and editorial director Davis will give you the necessary insights into realizing this dream.
	Bonus Session 3—Writing a Song James Simms and Anthony Trimble You know you have it in you, but are you doing it right? What if you have the words or no music? Or a tune without lyrics? Learn songwriting basics and what to do once you write one.

5:40-6:30 p.m.	Dinner at Gateway

7:00-8:30 p.m.	The Book Club/Roundtable Discussions Join your peers for a time of discussing topics such as politics and Christian fiction. Find out what those around you have read and how they fit together in the Big Picture. Even if you aren't a reader, you'll want to listen in! 1. Narnia to The Da Vinci Code: The Greatest (?) of Christian Lit There isn't anything more satisfying than curling up with a book...unless it's discussing the book intellectually with peers and like-minds. This roundtable will discuss Christian-themed books, explore the thread(s) linking them, and analyze how these books reflect Christianity in a post-modern society. We will explore questions including, but not limited to, the following: What do we mean by the term "Christian literature"? Are Christian-themed books more prevalent today than they were ten years ago? What does the popularity of recent Christian-themed fiction say about the state of Christianity in our culture? Are these books making Christian themes more accessible, or are they merely a reflection of a current trend of interest in Christianity? How do we address crossover fiction (like The Da Vinci Code) that draws upon Christian elements but appeals to a mainstream audience? How do Apostolic readers differ from mainstream Christian readers? Is there any such thing as "good" Apostolic fiction? Suggested Reading: The Screwtape Letters Chronicles of Narnia Lord of the RIngs The Da Vinci Code “Baylor Study Offers Data on Reading Habits” (Publishers Weekly) 2. Eve's Legacy and Today's Modern Woman From the beginning of time the woman Eve stepped out and took the initiative--it wasn't the right move, but she showed initiative. The woman of today is in many ways synonymous with action. We take charge--we get things done--and we are experts at multi-tasking. Yet, why is it that we continue to feel as if we are not as important as men when it comes to God's kingdom? What exactly does submission mean? Should a woman work after she has children? Is it God's providence that she raise her children? These and many other questions will be discussed in this roundtable. Some readings regarding women in the church and their roles as Christians: http://www.bible-researcher.com/warfield1.html http://home.earthlink.net/~ronrhodes/Feminism.html http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/5lies.html http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Women_Service_Church.htm 3. Will an Apostolic Ever Write a Great American Novel? Just love mysteries or romances and yearn to write one? Think your writing ideas might matter to God, readers, and the Nobel Prize committee? Then you have many questions to answer: Should Apostolics only write for Apostolics? Can Apostolics write for a general readership without compromising Biblical beliefs? How do you write fiction realistically without...you know, curse words and sex scenes? Stop by for a rollicking discussion on the best possible future for Apostolics writing fiction. Suggested Reading: Mystery and Manners by Flannery O'Conner Walking on Water by Madeline L'Engle The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage by Paul Elie Behind the Screen by Spencer Lewerenz and Barbara Nicolosi (Editors) 4. Of God and Government: Exploring Faith in Politics From Barack Obama to John Danforth to Hillary Clinton, politicians are racing to podiums across America to make statements of faith. The vast majority of Americans believe in a higher power, be it THE God or a god, and those in elected positions are eager to relate to voters their own philosophy of God. Faith has shaped the foundations of our government while allowing each American to pursue his or her own spiritual preference. How will faith continue to impact our political system and those it represents? Suggested Reading: God's Politics: Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get it by Jim Wallis Faith and Politics by John Danforth American Gospel by Jon Meacham "Religion and Public Life: A Faith-Based Partisan Divide" "Latter-Day Politics" Transcript to Barack Obama's June 28th speech: 'Call to Renewal' 5. Church and Culture: *“Are we living on Mars Hill or just on Mars?” Creating Christian Community that Connects to Culture* How often have you had acquaintances, upon finding out you are a Christian, wrinkle up their nose and say, “Church—that’s not for me”? Have you ever wondered why “church” seems so outdated to many in our society and what could be done to make “church” exciting and, more importantly, relevant to the issues we face today? Is there such a thing as change that doesn’t compromise? How does the church go from the margins (Mars) to the midst (Mars Hill) of our society? Well, gather ‘round and let’s talk! Suggested Reading: An Emergent Theology for Emerging Churches, Ray Anderson, InterVarsity Press, 2006 No Perfect People Allowed, John Burke, Zondervan, 2003 How Postmodernism Serves (My) Faith, Crystal Downing, IVP Academic, 2006 A Matrix of Meanings: Finding God in Pop Culture, Craig Detweiler & Barry Taylor, Baker Academic, 2003

8:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m.	Coffee House - An evening of fellowship, fun, and fodder! Enjoy smoothies, snacks, Jazz music, trivia, and much more in this break for your brain - a highly recommended way to spend a Friday evening in October!

Saturday, October 21

8:30-9:00 a.m.	Continental Breakfast

9:00-9:30 a.m.	Devotion - Jared Runck While noshing on breakfast why don’t you nosh on the living Word as well?

9:45-10:45 a.m.	Hollywood Comes to Church: Creating a Successful Media Ministry - Eric Roemheld It’s never been easier to master today’s technology. Learn how Roemheld, a set dresser on CSI: NY, helped turn his local church’s outreach efforts into multimedia extravaganzas where dozens are filled with the Holy Ghost every year. (Video clips will be shown during this session.)

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	How to Handle Being Hurt in the Church - Andy Smith You’ve been hurt. What do you do when this person is supposed to be a Christian? How can you handle it as a Christian? And how can you move on successfully?

12:00-1:00 p.m.	Lunch at Gateway

1:00-2:00 p.m.	Breakout Sessions

	Elective 1--Things You Should Know by Now - Cara Davis Some of your most important, life-shaping decisions are made in your 20's. Here's what you need to know to make right choices and stay at the top of the learning curve. From finances to relationships to job hunting, someone who's been there and done gives you foresight from hindsight.
	Elective 2—Media, It Affects Us A Lot More Than We Realize – Artricia Lorjuste Meet Artricia Lorjuste, who travels extensively teaching others how media can positively and negatively affect teens and 20somethings.
	Elective 3--Creating Your Own Ministry Kent d Curry, Lyn St. John, Chantell Smith, Suzanne Yatim So you don’t sit on the platform, but still burn to use your talents in ministry? These experienced “ministry creators” will show you how to channel your talent into a viable ministry on the local, regional, and international levels.

2:15-3:30 p.m.	Balance: Stumbling Along the Tightrope of Life - Calvin Jean Pastor/national speaker Calvin Jean offers a candid assessment on dealing with personal burnout. From balancing church, work, and life to recognizing personal danger signs to full recovery from burnout, this session will aid everyone on the dangers of not taking care of your first priority—your walk with God.

3:30-3:45 p.m.	The Take-Home Box - A Little Something To Take With You When your portions are too large you request a take home box to pile in the remainder. Make sure you request your IQF Take-Home Box as you exit.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: ncurry@iqforum.net