Workshop 1
Enlarging Your Imagination
A panel of individuals will share insights gained from life experiences. the panel will be facilitated by a moderator.
Panel Moderator: Matt Floding
Matt is Director of Formation for Ministry and Dean of Students at Western theological Seminary in Holland, Mi. For the past six years he has learned about disabilities in a special way from the residents of Friendship House, a housing initiative at Western that includes both seminary students and young adults with intellectual challenges.
Workshop 2
Disabilities 101/Creating Community
This workshop will provide biblical and theological principles about overcoming barriers, nurturing volunteers, and transforming hearts to create community within the body of the church.
Predenter: Nella Uitvlugt
Nella is the Executive Director of Friendship Ministries, an international/interdenominational ministry for people with intellectual disabilities.
Workshop 3
Reaching Parents and Caregivers Where They Are
How can the church build up families with courage and hope as they journey with a disability? A family impacted by a son with CHARGE Syndrome will share what has been helpful to them.
Presenter: Kevin Troupe
Kevin is a husband, dad, and above all, a child of god and follower of Jesus. the troupes are a homeschooling family of six living in the Western Michigan area. Their only son, Matthew, has CHARGE Syndrome, a rare and complex genetic disorder. Kevin shares the joys and sorrows of raising a child with special needs with stories and real life application in a humorous, insightful and inspiring way. Many presentations are woven around topics such as prayer, sacrifice, determi- nation, suffering, joy, goals, etc.
Workshop 4
Getting Creative with Outreach
This workshop will explore unique approaches for reaching out to people, including bringing church to them and restoring community.
Presenters: Mary Engle and Joan Cornelison
Joan is the Director of Hope network pastoral Services. Mary is the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.
