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Building Bridges: Fostering Healing & Connections in Our Communities

 

 

Keynote Speakers

 

November 17-20, 2016
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel

35 West Fifth Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202


Opening Plenary—Thursday, November 17, 2016 (1.0 CEU)

Dr. Joy Fagan

"Social Work and Kingdom Impact: Embracing the Fruitful Tensions"

Abstract: The profound impact of social services on the fabric of our community cannot be over stated. Social Work is a profession of helps--a profession dedicated to people, especially those coming out of difficult circumstances. The profession of social work, therefore, is an invaluable vessel for Kingdom purposes, specifically the deep gospel implications that compel authentic Christ followers to help the most vulnerable in our society, today's "widow and orphan" (James 1:27). 

The primary vessel God chooses to use, however, is not a profession or a social service. His primary vessel is His people, both individually and corporately, acting in faith, hope and love for His greater purposes. There are faith communities today that have chosen the primary vessel, the church of which Christ is the Head, at the exclusion of all other entities.  Without a doubt, there are tensions that develop when a person of faith enters into a broader and more intense community engagement that seeks to embrace the redemptive work of Christ applied to multiple spheres.  The title above is an intentional assertion that the Social Work profession is a viable and valuable contributor to Kingdom purposes, and the subtitle recognizes the challenging tensions that can emerge from the implementation of this assertion. May we explore and wrestle with these tensions together, in a fruitful manner, as we position ourselves to be authentic, comprehensively wise and profoundly effective vessels for His Kingdom purposes. "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." 

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Alan Keith-Lucas Lecture—Friday, November 18, 2016 (1.0 CEU)

Dr. Trina Shanks

"Faith, Stewardship and Wealth Creation: Envisioning a Role for Churches in Asset Building Initiatives"

Abstract: In the past 25 years, families that are the most economically secure have prospered greatly while the poorest families have struggled. Given that churches and places of worship have regular interaction with much of the population and are often the most trusted institutions in local communities, they are in a unique position to reverse these trends and actively influence wealth creation. Best practices in the area of asset building have been tested and successfully implemented throughout the country. If churches join these efforts, they can reach more people and make a meaningful difference in the lives of families and children. Biblical principles of faith, tithing and stewardship are a great foundation upon which to build.

This talk will discuss three ways that churches can help improve the financial capability and status of members and help create shared prosperity. Possibilities include:  1) Financial education providing workshops and support for congregants and the local community to help them reach financial goals and reduce debt (Dave Ramsey and Dwight Nichols are examples of possible content).  In addition there can be on-site counseling for home ownership and tax preparation.  2)  Entrepreneurship which can entail offering training, promotion and support for individual businesses as well as the creation of cooperative and church-affiliated businesses.  3) Sponsoring or promoting Individual Development Accounts and other asset building efforts.

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Banquet Speaker—Saturday, November 19, 2016 (1.0 CEU)

Major Kendall Mathews

"Let's Pull Some Weeds  ̶  Time to Meet Your Inner Gardener" (John 15: 1-10)

Abstract: With all the critical issues domestically and abroad relative to spiritual formation, it’s time to turn the soil of our souls and produce an abundant harvest by spiritually extracting them from our lives. As we offer sacrificial service to the needy of our social work areas of concern, we Servant-Leaders must allow the true Heavenly Gardner to put the unproductive stuff from our lives. Pride, self-centeredness, and negative thinking are just some of those weeds that must be pulled from our lives, so we providers can aid others in meeting the Spiritual Gardner who has prepared a basket of the Fruit for our salvation and souls.

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North American Association of Christians in Social Work
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Phone: 888.426.4712

NACSW's Mission

To equip its members to integrate Christian faith and professional social work practice
 
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