Spring 2023 Equipping Hour
February 19th – March 26th, 2023
Equipping hour is a time for everyone in our community to receive training and resources, and to learn together. Below are the classes and seminars being offered starting this Spring.
CHECK OUT EQUIPPING CLASSES (8:30am – 9:45am):
Artificial Intelligence and the Image of God
Led by Brian Turnquist and Kyle Marsh
Artificial Intelligence has demonstrated that many qualities once considered to be uniquely human can be mechanized: creativity, language processing, learning by example, and foresight. We will survey major milestones in the development of AI up to the current day and put it alongside the biblical revelation of our identity as divine image bearers.
Find Your People
Led by Mandy Eilers and Debra Goebel
In a world that’s both more connected and more isolating than ever before, we’re often tempted to do life alone, whether because we’re so busy or because relationships feel risky and hard. But science confirms that consistent, meaningful connection with others has a powerful impact on our well-being. We are meant to live known and loved. With scripture and guidance from the book Find Your People by Jennie Allen we will discuss together how to overcome the barriers we all face to finding community.
How We Think About History as Christians
Led by Andy Johnson
This class explores the intellectual pathway on our journey with God by challenging us to consider how we go about developing our understanding of history. Whether reflecting on our own lives, families, churches, nations or the world, how we think about history impacts the way that we live moving forward. Can we judge historical events by our current understanding? Can we learn from the past without merely adapting it to our own agendas? Each week of the class we are going to discuss one historical scenario that Christians have faced in American history and what we might have done if faced with the same decisions. Our goal will be to improve our ability to learn from history so that we can grow in both wisdom and love for God and others.
CHECK OUT THE SEMINARS:
Thriving Through Change and Transition
Led by Cathy Bergland
Sunday, March 12th 4-6pm
In our world of near-constant change, William Bridges offers helpful perspectives and a framework for managing the whole transition process, not just the specific change itself. In this workshop, participants learn about 12 characteristics of a transition, the concept of the “neutral zone,” and four specific steps to lead through transition and change more effectively. Bridges notes that “the single biggest reason that organizational changes fail is that no one thought about endings or planned to manage their impact on people.” This session provides practical ways to make current and future changes more successful.
Fostering A Discipleship Culture
Led by Amy Corriher and Pastor Steph
Sunday, March 19th 4-6pm
Discipleship isn’t merely a program that someone may sign up for at a church or school – it is a lifestyle that might include such programs. We will discuss what “discipleship” means for us at Mill City, what a culture of discipleship looks like in a faith community. We will also provide equipping for facilitating and participating in discipleship in organized groups at Mill City or perhaps in another community you are a part of.
Covenant In Real Life
Led by Pastor Christian Ann Larson
Saturday, April 22nd 9am-Noon
This half day is designed for committed couples in any stage of their relationship (dating, engaged, married). The time will focus on tools for communication and resources for strengthening relationships. In a commitment-averse culture, we find it increasingly important to discuss the theological importance of covenant – this powerful concept inspires us to commit in marriage, but also with others in community!
Creative Evangelism
Led by Cyrena Denniston from Steiger Ministries
Sunday, April 23rd 3-6pm
Creative evangelism invites people to think about deep and important questions without putting their guard up. It presents the truths of the Gospel in a relevant and understandable way, without the complicated wrappings of religiosity.
So often, through creative evangelism, we meet people who have rejected Jesus based on a complete misunderstanding of who He is and what He’s done for them. But through discussion brought on by the creative projects we use, they begin to get a taste of who He really is. It’s so humbling to witness.
Launching Missional Communities
Led by Pastor Steph and Jeremy Snoberger
Sunday, May 7th 2-4pm
Missional Communities are groups of people who discern an intentional missional focus and gather others around that focus to live on mission together. In this seminar we will discuss more about what an MC is like, how to determine an area of focus and what the initial steps would be to launch an MC! All are invited to come and get to know more about how UP, IN and OUT can be strengthened through missional communities!