Your Topic Suggestions for The NINES (2012)

Most churches are bloated and over-programmed. A ministry that Aunt Mable started in 1954 is still going, albeit with 4 ladies. Other more harmful programs still have a good amount of interest and attendance, but are diversions... they no longer serve the mission and vision of the church. How do you shut down these well-loved, but draining ministries without alienating those involved? How do you move people from one program to another without them feeling cheated and manipulated?

What's the best way to create disciples? Is it programmable? Is it a system? Or is it purely organic?

We all want to be more like Jesus, but when your preferences, scheduling and family needs come into the picture it can be hard. How can you serve others for the long-term, not burning out, with a kingdom perspective.

the idea of how to let the older generation mentor and transition leadership of the church to the next generation / how the younger generation should respond to the older leadership in place

Looking at how getting volunteers before they are disciples can do more harm than help.

All too often, well-intentioned attempts to serve the poor make us feel good, while doing more harm to those we are trying to help. We need to learn about sustainable and healthy ways of partnering with other communities.

The issue of homosexuality is not going away for the church. What is your response when a gay couple starts attending your church, or when they want to be baptized or join your membership? How do you communicate in loving, yet biblical ways to reach gays and lesbians, who need Jesus just as much as everyone else? You WILL need to answer these questions. How you answer them will dramatically influence the future of your church.

The Bible is clear on the importance of younger women learning from their elders. However, in the past 3 decades, a combination of external sociocultural realities and generational target marketing tactics employed by churches, women of different generations, especially women in their 60s, 70s or 80s, are rarely in the same room with Millennials and Gen Xers, let alone sharing the wisdom they've gained over a lifetime. As a result, much history is being lost, devalued and perceived as irrelevant, something I've found to be wholly untrue in my conversations with women 30+ years my senior. As a researcher on Millennial women with an interest in intergenerational communication, I think this is an issue of critical importance for the church.

Most churches make their plans based on attracting Christians. Unless you live in a major urban city and/or enjoy stealing sheep, this must change. What is your church unknowingly doing that prevents the unchurched from coming? What could you do specifically to impact the unchurched where you live?

With over 80% of Americas Churches in smaller cities, they carry a huge burden to multiply disciples and churches. They just need the tools & faith. Knowing they don't have to be like the "Big Boys" to make a BIG difference.