JERRY TAYLOR

The Discipline of Contentment (Philippians 4:11-13)

In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul speaks of how he arrived at a calm state of contentment, and how he discovered a peace that does not rise and fall with the unpredictable circumstances of this life, whether in need or in abundance. His journey to the inward center of peace did not merely involve the hard practice of endurance but it involved a deep deliberate spiritual study that consisted of a curriculum not censored nor endorsed by Washington. Paul’s inward center involved an educational program firmly rooted in the suffering of Jesus where each trial became a chapter, each hardship became a textbook, and each persecution functioned as a major exam. Scarcity taught Paul as much as plenty, and through it all, he discovered a contentment not rooted in outward conditions but in an inner richness inside a wellspring of strength drawn from beyond himself and beyond his limited human intelligence. Through his mindful, meditative focus on the unlimited divine abundance within, Paul developed a clear vision sharp enough to see beyond the temporary gains or losses this world offers.

Surviving the Hand of Midian (Judges 6:11-24)

The story of Gideon unfolds in a time of devastation. Midian had come like a relentless storm, sweeping over Israel, stripping the land bare, leaving hunger where there had been plenty, and fear where there had been strength. The people, once free, now hid in mountain clefts and caves, their lives reduced to survival, their hope nearly extinguished. Midian had not just taken their resources; Midian had taken their spirit. And so, in the depth of their suffering, Israel cried out to the Lord. In this season of fear, God’s messenger does not appear in a palace or a temple, but beside a man hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat in secret, afraid to lose what little remains. If God is truly with them, then why is everything falling apart? Where are the miracles their ancestors spoke of? Where is the God who split seas and delivered nations? The question is no longer where God is, but rather what we will do with the call he has placed upon us.

Godly Living in the Face of Persecution (2 Timothy 3:10-17)

Description: To walk in the ways of God is to walk against the grain of the world. In 2 Timothy 3:10-17, Paul offers a sober warning: those who choose to live godly lives will face opposition. This world is not a sanctuary for heavenly wisdom, it is a battlefield where righteousness is resisted, truth is drowned in noise, and faithfulness often invites suffering. The nation we call home has become a foreign land to the values of the kingdom of God. It has surrendered itself to the carnal wisdom described in James 3:14-16, a wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual, even demonic. It is a wisdom born of bitter envy and selfish ambition, a wisdom that breeds division, disorder, and every evil practice. Godly living will not be welcomed by a world consumed with its own desires. But Paul’s message in 2 Timothy remains steadfast: Stay rooted in the truth. Persevere in the faith. And remember that our hope is not in the approval of human beings, but in the eternal wisdom of God.

When All God’s People Gather

Intergenerational experiences within a church are essential to the cultivation of a lifelong embedded faith. Not only does intergenerationality impact the way our children experience God but it leads to a beautiful expression of hospitality that becomes transformative for all. Leaders know that navigating across generations has its challenges, but also that doing so leads to discovering a deeper connection and mutual growth. With practical strategies for creating spaces where all generations can contribute, listen, and learn from one another, we tap into a richness and build a faith community that reflects the fullness of God's kingdom.

A Crash Course on Curriculum and Teaching Great Lessons

As ministry leaders, you are often called upon to teach.  However, not all leaders are confident in their teaching ability. This session will equip you with strategies for creating great lessons—and in less time! Inspired by the teaching of Jesus, you’ll experience dozens of teaching methods to help students engage in their learning, with practical ideas you can implement in your next class or small group.

Centering Our Theology and Navigating Our Differences

There are many kinds of diversity in the world these days, but church leaders know that one of the most challenging types concerns our theology and beliefs. Using Ephesians as Scripture that centers us, we will explore a faithful center that enables forbearance with our differences. Together, we proclaim the mystery of Christ, recognize our unity in the Spirit, and honor our differences in loving community.

A United Church for a Divided World

In this divided cultural moment, church leaders have their hands full attempting to maintain the unity of the congregation while navigating the cultural, political, and social landmines that inevitably arise. How do we maintain the unity of the body of Christ without hiding inside the walls of our churches? In this session, we’ll discuss strategies for recovering the church’s unity, identity, and mission for the sake of the common good in our divided world. The world needs a united church that chooses to declare and demonstrate the good news in faithful and beautiful ways. We can become churches who do just that.