SYNERGY2011 WORKSHOPS

Saturday, March 5, 2011

SESSION 1

Writing Workshop 1:
From Concept to Bookshelf
An Overview of the Publishing Process

As a senior publicist and member of the publishing committee at Baker Books, no one is better suited than Brooke Nolen to guide aspiring writers through the process of getting published. Learn the stages of development from acceptance to store shelves, how a publishing committee works, what publishers are looking for in proposals, and how editorial, marketing, publicity, and sales teams interact to secure book sales. You’ve got questions? Brooke’s got answers.

The Disciplines for Surviving
Thriving in a Creative Calling

What patterns and practices can we cultivate that will help us contribute to the world rather than just consume or criticize it? In this down to earth, interactive session, Andy gets to the heart of what we can do to live out the creative calling God intends for us, and not simply to survive, but actually to flourish and thrive as God's image bearers.  

Social vs Salvation Gospel
Two sides of the same coin,
or do we need a coin toss?

Why are we hearing the term Gospel of the Kingdom? Why did the church divorce from the message of social justice, and what does it mean to respond globally with the message of Christ? Debbie Farah, founder and CEO of Bajalia International Group will challenge our thinking of what it means to make an impact for Christ globally. This workshop promises to be a lively and challenging engagement of stretching our ideas and patterns of interacting with other cultures.

Blogging for Beginners

To blog or not to blog…that is the question. This workshop designed to answer the questions you’ve wanted to ask, like: Why blog? How do I use blogging in ministry? Where do I start? How to I build a readership? If you currently blog, come to this workshop to share information and build a blogging network within Synergy. You’ll be ready to break into blogging after this fun, interactive workshop.

Can’t We All Just Get Along?
Builders, Boomers, Gen Xers and Millenials

Seasoned leaders and young newcomers. Does it sometimes feel like you are speaking a different language than some of those you work with? Is there frustration with differing perspectives, work ethic, and valuing the seasoned while honoring new innovators? This workshop will explain the reasons for these generational differences and offer practical ways for you to turn potential interpersonal frustrations in to creative synergies.

The First and The Few

Angel Richard, Moderator
Speaker, Writer
Lecanto, Florida

Kristin Beasley, D.Min.
Executive Director, Greater Reach Ministries
Phoenix, Arizona

Michelle Loyd-Paige, Ph.D.
Dean for Multicultural Affairs Office of the Provost
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Margaret Yu
National Director of Leadership Development/HR
Epic Movement (CCC)
Los Angeles, California

Synergy celebrates women who are working on predominantly all-male ministry teams. Often these trailblazers have to figure out how to navigate foreign territory that contains unexpected potholes. These women are bridge builders with their male colleagues. And they are all still learning. Whether you are the first woman on your team or one of the few, this workshop will help you avoid those potholes and make progress toward a Blessed Alliance with Christian brothers on ministry teams.   

SESSION 2

Writing Workshop 2:
Black Rectangles–Giving Shape and Light to Your Stories

Show up for this workshop and be prepared to run screaming from the room. Why? Because you'll be given the beginning writing tools and exercises you need to show up for your life by telling the most important story in the world: yours.  Whether you're published or just thinking about starting to write, don't miss this opportunity to unlock your creative common senses and hone your writing skills.  That blank piece of paper; that empty rectangular computer screen are portals to your unique voice.  Bring paper and a fast writing pen. Be prepared to write.  And cry.  And laugh.

WARNING: This workshop does not employ corporate jargon, so if you are looking for a way to implement and optimize mission-critical changes necessary to transform your writing into a more agile, leading-edge enterprise in order to maintain a competitive position, this ain't for you.

Starting Up a Start-Up Ministry

At one point, every ministry has been a “start-up.” Join an interactive session covering the foundational elements of mission creation, strategic planning, product development, income production, and sustainability, while also considering the spiritual leading of a ministry launch.  

Believe There are No Limits:
Building a Global Vision for
Reaching Women Around the World

Have you dreamed of being engaged in God’s kingdom work beyond your zip code? Have you dreamed of getting other women to join you in making a global impact? Come, hear and discuss the needs, challenges, and joys of helping women cross-culturally in a relational, process-focused ministry.

Waging War Against Human Trafficking 

Human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women and girls are as old as the human race. The cries of Old Testament prophets sounded the alarm against injustice and called God's people to be first in line to act on behalf of the helpless and the oppressed.  This workshop will cast a sobering vision of these unspeakable ongoing crimes against God's image bearers, while also describing how the efforts of Christian organizations like International Justice Mission are gaining ground against the Enemy and restoring the oppressed to productive lives. The presenter will also offer ways to get involved in battling injustice both here and abroad.

Shepherding People in Pain

Clearly, people in our world live emotionally pain-filled lives. Women and men in the church are no exception. The impact of the tragedies of life may be masked or muted in our church services, but they are no less present. Spiritual leaders, family members and friends are all affected by the people in their matrix of acquaintances who are experiencing emotional pain due to a variety of traumatic events, health issues and at-risk relationships. Key questions emerge from those who are in pain and those who want to help. How can I stop the pain? When will life be normal again? What does healing look like? Where is God in the pain? What are your questions? Join the interactive conversations as we engage your key questions.

Changing the World from your Living Room

As women we have a tremendous opportunity to impact the world with our everyday lives. How can we begin to engage in true global change without having to pack it up and move to Zambia? Growing globalization and technology seem to make the planet smaller than ever, yet engaging global poverty, injustice and the myriad of issues we face can still feel insurmountable. Come discuss and discover how your everyday life—from what you purchase to how you drive can bring change to women and families around the world. You can be a force for real change without leaving your community.

SESSION 3

Writing Workshop 3:
Conversation with Editors & Publishers
“Up Close & Personal with Baker, Tyndale & Zondervan”

Experts from Baker Publishing Group, Tyndale House Publishers, and Zondervan have graciously offered to answer your questions, share insights and interact about what Christian publishers are really looking for in the next generation of writers.

The F-Word: Taking a Closer Look at Feminism

Feminism. Bane or blessing? Join a fascinating conversation to explore how it may be both – and many shades in between. Our twenty-first century Western world is deeply influenced by feminism. As Christian leaders we need to be better informed about a subject that touches our lives and the lives of women and girls we know in countless ways every day. This workshop opens a long overdue honest discussion about feminism--past, present, and future. What you learn may surprise you!

One Size of Leadership Doesn't Fit All

The common belief that every leader is a dynamic, upfront person who leads the charge while everyone else follows behind can intimidate promising leaders and create a leadership box for them that simply doesn't fit. This limited view also leaves large gaps in how God means for leaders to lead.  In training Asia-American leaders, Nikki has uncovered leadership gifts and styles that break the mold and are particularly relevant to women as leaders. Nikki's insights are invaluable to developing leaders who will find her ideas both freeing and affirming, not to mention incredibly good for those they lead.

M3: Ministry, Mission and…Media?(!)

What’s all the fuss about Facebook, Twitter, and blogs? Isn’t enough that I’m doing ministry? You mean I have to tweet, friend you, and blog, too? This interactive, tool-sharing workshop covers the basics of social media and how to leverage them for your ministry.

Before,During, & After Graduate Studies

Here's your chance to get inside info and practical help on your top questions about graduate studies.  What do I need to know before I launch into this endeavor?  What are the strategies to employ for getting it done and acquiring a job when I’m finished?  These timely topics are only the tip of the iceberg in this interactive workshop.

Empowering Women Through Microfinance

One of the strongest weapons in the fight against poverty is the microfinance movement, where organizations, like Hope International, provide small loans and savings services to entrepreneurs in developing countries. This workshop sheds light on how microfinance programs are empowering women to work their way out of poverty with a sustainable way to support their families and benefit their communities. Hannah and Katie will also offer ideas for how individuals and churches can get behind this significant effort.