Workshops.
ReFocus will provide time for students to attend two different workshops of choice during the conference, all designed to confront some of the obstacles and challenges that our youth face in the world we live in today. Whether it be battling temptations, finding time for God, social media, or other things, students will be free to pick two workshops that most interest them, led by leaders with a love for God and heart for student ministry. These workshop leaders all have a special interest in the workshop they will be hosting and will draw upon their own testimonies, experiences, and studies to help teach and lead the students in discussion and advice.

Overcoming Temptations

Bobby Green

Into every student and adult's life will fall a measure of temptations whether it be drugs, alcohol, sex, greed, or any number of different things. Peter states in 1 Peter 2:11 "Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul." Take heart! The temptations, though strong and seemingly constant sometimes, can be conquered. You can rise above it through Christ! Bobby Green will be leading this workshop through both personal testimony and Scriptural teaching. Bobby has spent a number of years speaking to students around the area and we are excited to have him with us at Refocus this year.

Location: Education Wing

Keeping God First

Gage Lynch

It's the ultimate challenge. No matter how old we are, there are distractions and temptations in life that keep us from putting God first in our thoughts and choices. Add in school work, extra curricular activities and a heavy dose of peer pressure and you can see how challenging this can be for students. In the book of Mark, he pleads for us to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Growing in our faith includes instilling habits of obedience that demonstrate mature love and this is what our students will discuss in this workshop titled "Keeping God First". We are happy to have Gage Lynch, a Senior from Marshall County High School, lead this important workshop for us. Gage has spoken in a wide range of Christian gatherings including sermons in many churches of different denominations, youth group messages, Bible studies, youth retreats, Bible camps, youth rallies, and conferences all with one focus, encouraging people to come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to grow in and experience the joys of their relationship with Him.

Location: Education Wing

Discipleship - The Art of Listening

Stephen Ministry Team

We are excited to have the Stephen Ministry at Refocus this year as they lead a workshop on discipleship. They will be focusing in on one of the most important things required when helping a friend or loved one during a difficult time...Listening! Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members, just like you and I, trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, illness, etc. They have a great workshop lined up to help make you both a better listener, and more effective disciple. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.

Location: Education Wing

A Book Like No Other

Bill Hainaut

Scholars all across the world and throughout all time, including skeptics and critics, can all agree on one thing regarding the Holy Bible. Whatever ones personal thoughts, the Bible has undeniably influenced more people throughout time and history than any other book written, and for good reason. It has been called the most-beloved and most-hated book in the world, depending on how you receive its message. The idea that through 66 books, written over a course of 1500 years by over 40+ different authors, the same general message of agreement given the fall of mankind and God's gracious plan of redemption is nothing short of a miracle itself. Nations have tried to destroy it, but God's Holy Word refused to be buried. It's prophetic nature, precise historical unity, and heart-piercing message has brought millions to the cross resulting in chnaged lives. We are happy to introduce this new workshop, led by Bill Hainaut, who has a special interest in apologetics and how this can play into our call to be a disciple. Bill has led a number of classes here at Three Crosses Church, and we look forward to him sharing with the students just how special the Bible truly is.

Location: Education Wing

Missions In Action - Helping Hands Food Pantry

Jim & Dianna Ealey

Students attending this workshop will be able to see the behind-the-scenes workings of the Helping Hands Food Pantry and learn about the impact it and it's volunteers have on our community. Jim and Dianna have worked many years in this ministry and have been able to experience how God works through the volunteers as they also provide food assistance to families in need. The students may recognize the Helping Hands Food Pantry as many of them have contributed to the pantry over the years through canned food drives, most recently as the mission outreach for D-Now many students attended at The Hill in Hardin. Jim and Dianna have servant's hearts and will challenge the students to find a way they can also get involved in mission work right here in their community.

Location: Gant Hall

Youth Leader "Think Tank" (First Session Only)

Brent Powell

This workshop is just for our youth leaders and led by Brent Powell, our Assistant Youth Director here at Three Crosses Church. A relaxed time to talk over and collaborate with other local youth leaders, ministers, and volunteers. There are many challenges to leading, teaching, and ministering effectively to students and what better way to improve in our ministries than to learn from each other what does and doesn't work. This will be a very open discussion offered once during our morning session and once during our afternoon session. We look forward to seeing all our fellow youth leaders and volunteers as we all have some very valuable insights to share and can all use some encouragement, and that's what this workshop is all about!

Location: Education Wing