Workshop Sectionals
1. Being a Caring Body
Churches usually care well for people who face short-term crises but have trouble ministering to people who don’t “get better” due to disabling conditions. This sectional will address caring ministries for people with life long challenges and the interaction of caring ministry in worship.
Presenters:
Dr. Ronald J. Nydam is the Professor of Pastoral Care at Calvin Theological Seminary.
Rev. Joan Cornelison is the Director of Hope Network Pastoral Services.
Rev. Mark Stephenson is the Director of Disability Concerns for the Christian Reformed Church.
2. Being One Body
This sectional explores how, as the body of Christ gathers to worship, we can celebrate in ways that are inclusive and accessible.
Presenters:
Rev. Ron Rienstra is the visiting Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship at Western Theological Seminary.
Rev. Matthew Floding is the Dean of Students and Director of Formation for Ministry at Western Theological Seminary.
Rev. Terry A. DeYoung is the Coordinator for Disability Concerns for the Reformed Church in America.
Nella Uitvlugt is the Executive Director of Friendship Ministries, an international/ interdenominational ministry for people with intellectual disabilities.
3. Embracing a Lifelong Spiritual Journey
From infancy through adulthood the church is asked to nurture the unique spiritual journeys of everyone within the body of Christ. This sectional will address a brief biblical basis for inclu- sion, as well as practical applications and tools for identifying and embrac- ing each unique journey.
Presenters:
Barbara J. Newman is a church and school consultant for CLC Network, and an author and speaker.
Rev. David Veldt is a pastor at Hope Network and a recent graduate of Western Theological Seminary.
Laura Koning is a disability advocate who has been involved in disability ministry for more than 20 years as a parent and church volunteer.
4. Living with Psychiatric Illness, and the Church’s Response
Drawing on professional and personal experience with mental illnesses, presenters in this sectional will focus on bipolar and depression disorders, their symptoms, treatment, ways to cope, and ways the church can be a healing presence in the lives of people affected by psychiatric illness.
Presenters:
Rev. Karin Granberg-Michaelson is a chaplain for Spectrum Health’s Blodgett Campus and its Neuro Rehab Residential Program, and an author of three books on the health and healing ministry of the church.
Penny Mauger, R.N., is a psychiatric nurse practitioner consultant for Hope Network’s Brain Injury Program and serves as a parish nurse at Church of the Servant.
Dr. Ted Mauger is a neuropsychiatrist who is a consultant for Hope Network’s Brain Injury Program and for InterAct, an asser- tive community treatment program for persons with persistent and severe mental illness.