Resources
Workshops and Resources from 2019 General Assembly
At the 2019 General Assembly, attendees had a plethora of options to choose from as it related to increasing their understanding of the National Benevolent Association and health and social service issues. Participants interested in Justice, Advocacy and Activism had the opportunity to learn how church congregations can engage in social justice work; those looking to become sanctuary churches recieved resources on how to make that possible and attendees with an entrepreneurial spirit recieved informtion on whether they should lean towards starting a church of their own or a non-profit. Beyond these examples, there were many workshops that NBA staff and our partners were part of while in Des Moines.
Additionally, our president and CEO Mark D. Anderson presented our ministry’s updates during business plenary and our Mental Health Initative team lead SoulCare moments during plenary to ensure all in attendence were taking moments to focus on self during such a busy time. If you missed General Assembly or a specific workshop, several of these presentations will be made available here. Check back often, as we will be adding resources to this list in the coming weeks!
NBA also sponsored a worship ceremony during General Assembly. You can find the recorded worship ceremony from Monday, July 22, 2019 below. The speaker for Monday evening worship was Rev. Ruben del Pilar of Community Worship Center in Gardena, California.
Becoming a Welcoming Church: Safe Sanctuary Protocols
Presenter: Rev. Dean Bucalos, Mission Specialist for the NBA Prison and Jail Ministries Affinity Group
This workshop explored the restrictions applicable to those convicted of sex offenses, and how to establish protocols that make it possible to welcome them into your faith community.
Download an example Safe Sanctury Policy
Should I Start a Church or a Nonprofit? A Workshop for Ministry Entrepreneurs in Discernment
Presenters: Pastor Terrell L. McTyer, Minister of New Church Strategies at New Church Ministry for Missional Transformation and Larry J. Morris III, NBA Incubate Initiative Program Associate
The New Church Movement and Incubate Initiative collaborated to create space to explore the why, the what and the everything in between of starting new ministries. What is social entrepreneurship? And, for that matter, what is church? Determine which is right for you?
Advocacy, Activism and Organizing for Justice – How Can My Congregation Get Involved?
Presenters: Presenters: Dietra Wise Baker, NBA Program Coordinator for Advocacy and Activism and Laurie Pound Feille
In an age with increased attention on justice issues, faith leaders must discern when and how to enter movement work. This workshop helped attendees develop a common language and analysis for examining justice work.
VIEW SAMPLE SOCIAL JUSTICE CRISIS RESPONSE
Welcoming Abundance: Inspiring Engagement and Generosity Through Storytelling
Presenters: Rev. April Lewton, NBA Vice President of Development and Marketing and Rev. Bethany Watkins Lowery, Director of Development for Disciples Church Extension Fund and Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation
From our sacred biblical texts to modern-day e-newsletters, sharing stories has long been an effective way to connect and engage people. This workshop focused on ways that storytelling can help encourage engagement in ministry and inspire generosity. In addition to the resource handout, listen to the storiesof impact from Disciples Church Extension Fund.
Creating an Effective Congregational Mental Health Ministry
Presenters: Rev. Angela Whitenhill, NBA Mental Health Initiative Manager and Rev. Hector Hernandez, NBA Connect Coordinator
This two-part workshop offers foundational mental health education for congregational use, practical strategies for building congregational based mental health ministries, and theological formation for congregations working toward countering prejudice against mental illness in our congregations.
