Focal Point Preachers' Workshop
Focal Point Preachers’ Workshop began in April 2009 and is intended to fill a need in the Central Texas area for the edification, education, and encouragement of those dedicated to Bible study, ministry, and the future of the Lord’s church. This program is a workshop aimed at encouraging and strengthening those who preach the Gospel and others who have made the work of the church a priority in their lives. Focal Point is directed by Wayne Jones, preacher for the University congregation and SWSBS instructor, and by Trent Kennedy (SW '07), director of the McCarty Student Center at Texas State University. What began with approximately 35 preachers and a couple of class rooms has turned into an attendance of 350+ that utilizes the entire building space.
Focal Point began as, and reminds at its core, a preacher’s workshop. Our aim is to exalt Christ in the minds and hearts of those who have committed themselves to preaching Him to all the world. By addressing the challenges today’s preachers face, we hope to further prepare men for the ministry and to lift up those who may be discouraged. The schedule should reflect a mixture of cultural concerns, in-depth studies, and practical “how-to” sessions that should help any local preacher. Our intention has not been to recycle the same lectureship style setting that has been used for years. While those programs still have a valuable place in the education of church members, our hope was to create a classroom feel. With a classroom setting, Focal Point is designed to provide Biblical insight combined with practical application. Our focus is on Jesus and our aim is to strengthen His church.
We understand the important of leadership, partnership, and the future. Thus, there are lessons Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during each workshop that are dedicated to elders, ladies, and young people. This year we will have more youth lessons that we have ever had and we will have elders classes all three of the above mentioned days (which is a change from Tuesdays only). Ladies will be privileged to learn from other Christian women with 8 lessons specifically designed to that end during the workshop. In addition, the Southwest School of Bible Studies faculty and student body are blessed to be in attendance the entire week.
One of the greatest blessings of attending Focal Point is getting to meet the generous, hard-working members of the University church of Christ. It might sound trite, but this is a team effort that requires all hand on deck. The brethren here always go above and beyond the call of duty. There is no registration fee and lunch is provided Monday-Wednesday. Housing is available with University members. Donuts and coffee are provided each weekday morning by the McCarty Student Center. Snacks such as soft drinks, water bottles, chips, crackers, etc. are provided through the workshop.
Over the years, it has become a homecoming week for members, attendees, and speakers. We would love for you to become a part of this yearly event. If you have questions, please contact Wayne Jones at [email protected] or register today by following the links at www.univcofc.org.
Focal Point began as, and reminds at its core, a preacher’s workshop. Our aim is to exalt Christ in the minds and hearts of those who have committed themselves to preaching Him to all the world. By addressing the challenges today’s preachers face, we hope to further prepare men for the ministry and to lift up those who may be discouraged. The schedule should reflect a mixture of cultural concerns, in-depth studies, and practical “how-to” sessions that should help any local preacher. Our intention has not been to recycle the same lectureship style setting that has been used for years. While those programs still have a valuable place in the education of church members, our hope was to create a classroom feel. With a classroom setting, Focal Point is designed to provide Biblical insight combined with practical application. Our focus is on Jesus and our aim is to strengthen His church.
We understand the important of leadership, partnership, and the future. Thus, there are lessons Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during each workshop that are dedicated to elders, ladies, and young people. This year we will have more youth lessons that we have ever had and we will have elders classes all three of the above mentioned days (which is a change from Tuesdays only). Ladies will be privileged to learn from other Christian women with 8 lessons specifically designed to that end during the workshop. In addition, the Southwest School of Bible Studies faculty and student body are blessed to be in attendance the entire week.
One of the greatest blessings of attending Focal Point is getting to meet the generous, hard-working members of the University church of Christ. It might sound trite, but this is a team effort that requires all hand on deck. The brethren here always go above and beyond the call of duty. There is no registration fee and lunch is provided Monday-Wednesday. Housing is available with University members. Donuts and coffee are provided each weekday morning by the McCarty Student Center. Snacks such as soft drinks, water bottles, chips, crackers, etc. are provided through the workshop.
Over the years, it has become a homecoming week for members, attendees, and speakers. We would love for you to become a part of this yearly event. If you have questions, please contact Wayne Jones at [email protected] or register today by following the links at www.univcofc.org.
