Thursday Schedule
Shift 2009 offers a variety of unique experiences all intended to give you the opportunity to customize your training and find exactly what you need. You can move freely between categories, as you mix and match among all the options to design the day that best meets your needs.
View entire conference schedule at a glance
Registering for Shift 2009 automatically enrolls you in the three unique Featured Breakouts. Our Featured Breakouts give you the opportunity to learn and grow from outstanding leaders and teachers. You may exchange your Featured Breakouts for General Breakouts, or Breakout Experiences. Make your selections online or by phone when you register.
On Thursday, April 23, from 8:30am - 9:30am, conference attendees can enjoy a special Shift 2009 morning event—Cups of Coffee. This interactive venue provides attendees with round table discussions that dive deeper into important ministry issues. Each of the 28 tables will have around 8 participants and will be led by a facilitator with passion and expertise on the particular topic of discussion.
The cost of this event is included in your registration, but you'll need to sign up in advance. Don't hesitate to register early—space is limited, and will likely fill up quickly.
Breakout A001
Scot Mcknight
Trends come and trends go, but every now and then a shift occurs that alters the way we think, live, and relate to God and to others. This Featured Breakout will help you understand what indicators to look for and will teach you how to build scenarios that allow you to "rehearse the future" as you minister in the ever-changing world of teens.
Scot McKnight is a widely recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus. He is the Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University in Chicago, Illinois, where he is also the Department Chair and the Director of the College of Christian Life and Thought.
Breakout B030
Shane Farmer
How man of us can imagine standing in front of our students and saying, "Follow me as I follow Christ," just like the Apostle Paul? Unfortunately for many, the demands of ministry on pastors' lives drains them of the spiritual vitality that led them into ministry in the first place And, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the most challenging and important person to lead is never someone in the church… it's ourselves. If you are hoping to regain the fire in your belly in the midst of your fast-paced life, this is the session for you.
Shane Farmer is the Director of Student Impact, a thriving high school ministry at Willow Creek Community Church. Formerly a youth director at a small Baptist church in Oklahoma, Shane moved to the Midwest and spent three years serving in Axis, Willow's 20-something ministry, while completing his M.A. from Bethel Seminary. After graduation he became the Community Life Director of Student Impact, where he developed his passion for intentional and developmental discipleship with high school students.
Shane has a lot to say about ministry philosophy, strategy, and tactics, but feels strongly that the best growth and health for any ministry comes from very well practiced self-leadership in a leader's own life.
Hear Shane at Breakout B030 (Featured).
Breakout C060
Scott Rubin
In this Featured Breakout, Scott Rubin will discuss big issues facing junior high ministry leaders across the country: the potential (and craziness) of middle schoolers, young teen development, and the landscapes in which middle school students are growing up. You'll also take a look at middle school small groups, teaching & programming, compassion, and parent issues for this often-underestimated age group.
Scott Rubin is the Director of Elevate, the junior high ministry at Willow Creek Community Church. He is the co-author of the recently released Middle School Survival Series books My Family, My Changes, and My Future, as well as Kurt & Scott's Jr. High Adventure.
Hear Scott at Breakout C060 (Featured).
Please note that all Breakout times are subject to change.
Main Session 4
Harvey Carey
Senior Pastor of the Citadel of Faith Covenant Church in Detroit, MI
and the Kutless Worship Experience
Becoming the Epicenter of Change
God wants to use teenagers to change the world. We can help inspire them to seek God for the big dreams He has for them. In this session, we will hear stories of someone who obeyed God's voice and has envisioned and influenced students and adults to literally change their world.
Read Harvey's BioHarvey Carey is widely known for his remarkable ability to communicate the transforming truth of God's Word. He is the Founder and Senior Pastor of the Citadel of Faith Covenant Church in Detroit, Michigan. Known for ministry to urban youth and families, his passion is to reach the "hopeless" with the message of Jesus Christ. As a Youth Pastor in one of the most devastated communities in inner city Chicago, Pastor Carey developed a nationally emulated youth ministry model with a group that grew from 12 to over 1,500 at-risk youth. Pastor Carey has also trained and led ministry teams into housing projects, shopping malls, and public schools in urban areas across the country, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Originally formed as Call Box in 2000, Portland, Oregon-based Kutless changed their name just before releasing their first 3-track EP. Since then, they have played before nearly 2 million fans and sold over 1.5 million albums. Earlier this year, they released To Know That You're Alive, which represents the hardest, most melodic and experimental music they have ever recorded.
Launched by original members Jon Micah Sumrall (lead vocals) and lead guitarist James Mead, the band formed first as a modern rock/worship band at Warner Pacific College in Portland in 2000, influenced by Christian rock predecessors like the Supertones as well as mainstream modern rockers like Staind, Foo Fighters, and Incubus. Kutless signed to Tooth & Nail/BEC in late 2001 and released its self-titled debut the following year, which went on to become the fastest-selling debut in the label's history. Hearts of the Innocent marked the recording debut of the band's new members, drummer Jeffrey Gilbert and bass player Dave Luetkenhoelter, both formerly of alt-rock band Seven Places. In 2007, Nick De Partee joined the band as the new guitarist after being with the band for over a year as their guitar tech.
To find more information on Kutless' new album, an extended biography, touring information, as well as tons of Kutless multimedia, check out www.kutless.com.
After a day of Breakouts, worship, and interaction, stick around the Willow Creek campus for Thursday Late Night. Explore a variety of interactive venues designed for fun, spiritual growth, and creative thought.
Elim HOPE Packs
Experience missions work alongside people with disabilities, assembling school supply kits that will be sent to Peru, Zimbabwe, and Chicago. Elim HOPE Packs believes that all people, including people with disabilities, are purposed by God's call to serve those in need. When people with disabilities are embraced by the church to fulfill God's calling, they are reaching their highest potential in God's Kingdom. Come experience this on Thursday night at Shift… perhaps the Lord will use this experience to 'shift' your perspective on disabilities.
Improv Comedy
Join special guests the Skit Guys for an improv comedy show that will knock your socks off. The Skit Guys will be doing hilarious sketches throughout the conference—spend some extended time with them during the Thursday Late Night experience!
NOOMA Screening
Come watch a screening of the newest NOOMA film by Rob Bell. These thought-provoking videos are ideal for team interaction and discussion.
Interlinc Café
Check out the Interlinc Café, a relaxed coffee house atmosphere featuring exciting new music from up and coming Christian artists.
Please note that all breakout times are subject to change.