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A Gathering of Men Conference

 Christian Men's Conference
Saturday, April 21, 2007

Conference Agenda

            DVD Set Now Available!

9:00

 Welcome, Conference Purpose, Opening Prayer / Bobby Wilkerson
Session I.  Our Personal Relationship with God 
9:15 Become, Then Through You, God Will Do / Bert Robinson
First and foremost we must become the man God intends for each of us to be. In us and through us, He will then work His divine plan through all we do.
9:40 Husbands, Love Your Wives / Jim McFarlane
How much more importance could Jesus Christ have placed on marriage than in His comparison of the bond between husband and wife to the relationship between He and His Church?  
10:05 The Ordained Relationships with Our Children / Mike Renne
We can come to understanding God's love for us and how He operates in the world through the ordained relationships we experience with our children. As fathers, what are the biblical lessons we both learn and impart in these relationships?
10:30 Work to Worship / Jim Davis
The path from the secular nature of work and carnal lifestyle to a life of worshiping and serving God in your work and throughout your life’s walk, is a journey of progression and personal growth culminating in the ultimate Homecoming.
10:55 Worship / Shiloh Chapel Worship Team 
11:05 Break
Session II.   Our Relationship with Fellow Believers: 
                    Accountability – Armoring – Mentoring
11:15 You Are Your Brother’s Keeper / Joe Kirby
It is biblical and merciful to correct fellow believers when in action or inaction; they stray from the Word of God.
11:40 Putting On the Full Armor of God / Steve Wood
In our churches we are blessed, fed, supported, encouraged, anointed, empowered and armored through love for one another in communion through Christ. We become armored by learning and sharing God’s Word in our congregations.
12:05 LUNCH   Keynote Speaker: OSU Defensive Tackle, Joel Penton
12:50 Worship / Shiloh Chapel Worship Team 
1:00 Mentoring our Youth / Paul Dwyer  
In a world that stresses the importance of team, we need to teach to our youth the importance of knowing the Author of self sacrifice and service to others. Reflecting the Life of Jesus Christ, we teach the real essence of teamwork.
Session III.  Taking the Gospel Outside Our Church Walls: 
                   Our Relationship with “Not Yet” Believers
1:25 Biblical Principles and Witness in the Workplace / Dave Crookshank  
There are no obstacles or conflicts of interest in serving our God in your job and the marketplace. When we seek to find where God fits into our work and the marketplace, we find that He belongs everywhere and in all circumstances.  
1:50 Taking the Gospel to All Who Need to Hear / Steve Stambaugh
The mission field is as close as our own streets in our own community, yet we sometimes don’t see the opportunities.
2:15 A People - A Spoken Language - A Written Language - A Bible - The Word /               Mike Nicol
Among Jesus’ last instructions was to spread the gospel to all nations and make disciples of all men. In many cases this means that a spoken language has to be learned, a written language developed and then a bible written in that language. Mike’s labor of love is indicative of the dedication necessary for spreading the gospel throughout the world.
2:40 A Biblical Call for Unity and Fellowship Among All Believers / Rod Combs  
God does not separate believers. We separate ourselves in doctrinal squabbling. This diminishes our collective witness to the world. Let’s come together on the common ground beneath The Cross where unity reigns in Christ our Savior. We invite and encourage you to attend our gathering of men, to get out of the pews and bless our churches as God blesses your ministry.
3:00 Closing Remarks / Jim McFarlane
3:05 Worship / Shiloh Chapel Worship Team
3:15 Closing Prayer
Speaker Biographies
Bobby Wilkerson Bobby recently retired from ServiceMaster Disaster Restoration Division as a National Account Manager and currently works part time for Union County Board of Developmental Disabilities, WorkNet Divison, as a job coach, training and supporting adults with various Developmental Disabilities, teaching them to learn new job duties and to become valuable employees in the work place. He is a member of Marysville Shiloh Friends Church. 

Bobby serves as The Coordinator for Spiritual Renewal, and is responsible for the implementation for programs for spiritual renewal, as desired by the Pastor and approved by the commission, including programs of small groups, retreats, bible study and prayer groups, seminars, and men’s ministry. Under the direction of the Pastor, serves on the Spiritual Life Commission, which includes pastoral relations, worship services, and also serves on the Church Administrative Counsel 
Bobby lives in Marysville, Ohio along with his wife Trudy whose passion is children’s ministry and is the Shiloh Church Education Elder. They have three children and five grandchildren. Prior to moving to Marysville five years ago from Lexington, KY he was on the Promise Keepers Central Kentucky task force and has been an Ambassador for Promise Keepers for 15 years. Bobby’s passion is to tell God stories, to be bold and strong about sharing his faith and that everyone should have the opportunity to know Jesus Christ.
Bert Robinson S. Bertram (Bert) Robinson is founder and President of His Vision Enterprises, a private Christian-based firm that serves to educate, equip, and encourage Christian ministry leaders, small business owners, and others who desire to partner with God in their corporate and personal lives. 

Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Bro. Robinson was saved over thirty-five years ago under the ministry of his father, the late Bishop Raymond Robinson. Bro. Robinson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Akron and a Master of Science Degree from Case Western Reserve University. He is an accomplished gospel music composer, singer, keyboard artist, and Pentecostal scholar. In 1997, Bro. Robinson authored, In Pursuit of His Glory: Maturing in the Image of Christ (Destiny Image Publishers). In this book, Mr. Robinson provides a historical and analysis of the 20th Century Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement. 

Mr. Robinson’s diverse professional background includes work in the areas of juvenile corrections, community organization, social research, and community planning. He has provided consultative services, both locally and nationally, to government agencies, human service organizations, Christian churches, men’s ministries, and small businesses. He has also served as a college lecturer and tennis teaching professional. 

Mr. Robinson possesses a deep passion for world missions. He has addressed groups both in the United States and internationally regarding the Church’s role in fulfilling the Great Commission. 

Bert is married to Dr. Deborah Wilburn Robinson, a loving companion and competent professional. Debbie serves as World Languages Consultant for the State of Ohio Department of Education. Bert and Debbie currently reside in Pickerington, Ohio.
Jim McFarlane Jim is a founding member of the Vineyard Church of Marysville. He sits on the board of elders, leads a small-group bible study, and co-leads the popular marriage enrichment workshop, “ Love and Respect”.  He is core leader in the newly emerging organization, “Men United in Christ” a group dedicated to fostering unity among men in our community regardless of church affiliation, and assists with Power Surge Teen Expo, an annual inter-church event supporting the teens in our community. Jim holds advanced degrees in agriculture for the University of Illinois and operates his own agricultural consulting practice. He and his wife have lived in the Marysville area since 1997.
Mike Renne Mike Renne is the father of four children, ages 8 to 15, and he has been married 20 years to his wife Marietta. He grew up in Denver, Colorado, moved to Ohio in 1980 to attend Kenyon College, and graduated from Kenyon with a degree in history. He then entered law school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. 

After law school Mike clerked for an Ohio Supreme Court Justice, and then went on to private practice. Mike currently works at a large firm in Columbus and focuses his practice on estate planning and probate. He and his wife home school their children and attend church in Marysville Ohio where he is passionately active in the children’s ministry, taking the lead in the search for meaningful and applicable curriculum.
Jim Davis As President of Resources Unlimited Group, Jim brings over 30 years proven experience in Life Coaching, Career Path Management, and Leadership Development. Jim has earned two Bachelors and a Masters Degree, and is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and a Graduate of their Center for Biblical Counseling. Jim authored “Being About My Father’s Business,” which is the primer for his most recent endeavor “Work to Worship.” 

Jim is active at First Church of the Nazarene in Mt. Sterling where he lives. He came to know Christ in an intersection experience in January of 1992. Jim then committed himself fully to following Christ in September of 1996, and launched Resources Unlimited Group as a result of that calling. 

Jim helps people “Focus on Purpose” and understands that his primary themes of God-given value are communicating clear vision, creating practical structure, and providing wise counsel. 

Jim is passionate about helping God’s kids walk out of bondage into freedom in their calling and purpose by the leading of the Holy Spirit, in the Name of Christ Jesus our Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Joe Kirby Joseph Kirby pastors the Fulton Creek Evangelical Friends Church in Richwood, Ohio bringing thirty years of ministry experience to his position. Filling the pulpit at Fulton Creek for the second time Pastor Kirby says the challenge is “trying to do it right this time. Seriously, the people have accepted us and loved us like family members. My wife and I feel like we have come ‘home.’”
Pastor Kirby’s education includes a degree from John Wesley Bible School located in High Point, North Carolina. A Bachelor’s Degree from Guilford College, Greensboro, North Carolina and a Master’s Degree from Trinity Seminary. His experience in ministry covers a wide spectrum; he has pastored a small congregation in a rural and a large church in a suburban locale. He has worked with a beginning church in Florida and when a layman he taught Sunday school and filled roles in leadership.

The topic of Joe Kirby’s message is the Christian responsibility to each other. If we are a family then we have the right and duty to confront each other when sinful behavior is discovered. “I am my brother’s keeper” is a promise we make to each other. I will not let you go down the broad path. I will face your wrath and ridicule hoping my blockade will help turn you down the narrow way offered by Jesus.
Steve Wood Steve was born and raised in the Marysville area by parents who were an active and vital part of their home church. He asked Jesus into his heart at 11 years old. Within a couple of years he became increasingly aware of the call of God on his life to preach. This was confirmed through his pastor and local church and Steve preached his first sermon at 13 years old. He went through several years of rebellion and running from that call beginning in his junior year in high school. He rededicated his life to Jesus in January of 1979. 

God then reaffirmed the call to preach and in the fall of 1980 Steve, his wife Colleen and their young daughter moved to Circleville Ohio where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry at Circleville Bible College. Following graduation he pastored for two years near Oxford Ohio before returning to the Marysville area. He then attended Ashland Theological Seminary where he earned a master’s degree in Pastoral Psychology & Counseling. During this time he was pastoring his home church in Milford Center. He pastored there for 12 years and had an active marriage-counseling ministry as a part of his pastoral role.

Following that pastorate, Steve went through a period of nearly three years of renewal and retooling while waiting on God’s direction for the next step in ministry. During this time he attended the Columbus Vineyard. He continued to sense a call to the Marysville area and ultimately sensed the Lord’s leading to plant the Vineyard Church of Marysville. The church was started with a core of approximately 12 people in September 2000.

Steve’s desire is to see God build a strong and vibrant church where people encounter God in life-changing ways. He particularly has a strong passion to see marriages and families thrive and function as God intended. Steve and his wife Colleen continue to live in Milford Center. Colleen’s sister Elaine, who has Down’s syndrome, came to live with Steve and Colleen in November 2006. Their adult daughter Angela lives in Marysville.
Joel Penton At OSU / Joel Penton is a graduate of The Ohio State University and a former defensive tackle for the Ohio State football team. He was a member of three Big Ten championship teams and one national championship team. Joel played in 38 straight games for the Buckeyes. In his senior year he recorded a sack in the 2006 victory over Michigan which gave Ohio State their first Outright Big Ten Championship since 1984.

Awards / In 2006 Joel received the prestigious Danny Wuerffel Trophy, also known as the “Humanitarian Heisman.” The Trophy recognizes the nation’s college football player who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement. Joel also received the 2006 Rex Kern Award, given by The Fellowship of Christian Athletes to student-athlete of the year in the state of Ohio. In his time at Ohio State, Joel was a four time varsity letter winner as well as a four time Academic All-Big Ten selection. He was also chosen to play in the 2007 Hula Bowl, one of the premier college football all-star games.

In The Community / Joel is currently the Community Director for the Central Ohio Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is a frequent and in demand speaker in the community and has shared with thousands of people at hundreds of events all across Ohio and beyond. These events include high school and middle school assemblies, youth rallies, college campus events, Sunday morning church services, business meetings and many of civic organizations. He is available to speak on a variety of topics applicable for people of all ages.
Paul Dwyer Paul has been married to his wife Martha for 32 years. They have twin daughters, Megan and Erin, who are sophomores at Capital University. As Paul so rightfully puts it, he was saved by the grace of God in October of 1969 at the 1st Church of God in Franklin, Ohio. He and his family are members of Grace Brethren Church in Westerville, Ohio.

Paul has a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Miami University of Ohio. He has been a teacher for 23 years in public schools prior to his current position at Polaris Christian Academy where he has taught the last two years. Paul has been a coach for all his 25 years in teaching youth. He has coached football, boys and girls track and field and girls basketball. Paul currently coaches as a Varsity Assistant Coach in the Columbus Crusaders Football Ministry
Dave Crookshank Dave currently serves as a fulltime Leader, Trainer, Facilitator, Administrator, and Marketer with Selling Among Wolves, a Biblically based sales and marketing training company. Prior, Dave served as a Career Advisor with an international career management firm, later Dave was promoted to Senior Lead Advisor and again to Vice President of Client Services. Dave personally advised over 700 clients, oversaw the activities of two other Advisors, served in the capacity of training all new Advisors in the Midwest Division on effective computer utilization in their day-to-day activities, as well as training on the company’s propriety software. Dave was appointed to serve on a five-member team designed to evaluate and implement all new and ongoing divisional training for Career Advisors in over 30 offices. Prior to that, he served in various capacities including Director of Marketing and Sales for a national restaurant and catering chain, Sales Trainer for a national independent sales training company, Sales/Support Business Manager for a national telecommunications company, and Departmental Sales Manager for a regional food brokerage company. 

Dave is certified as a Career Development Facilitator by the National Career Development Association, a division of the American Counseling Association. His formal education includes a degree in Business and Marketing, Ashland University; Selling Among Wolves; 3M School of Sales; Corporate Performance Systems, Wilson Learning; and Sandler Sales Systems. Dave served as an M.B.A. Student Coach for Franklin University, Co-Chairman and Trustee of BestPath Foundation, and as an Executive Advisor for various companies. 

Dave has gladly accepted and is living his calling to disciple individuals in business, government, academia, media, and the Church by educating, equipping, encouraging and engaging Disciples of Christ to take their faith into the world and marketplace in a tangible, practical, and visible way. Dave’s passion is to equip others to understand and embrace how best to represent Christ in the world, and effectively examine life circumstances through an understanding of how a Biblical Worldview can be used for positive change.

Dave lives in Columbus, Ohio along with his wife Teri and their five children Joel, Rachael, Amanda, Rebecca, and Alyssa. Dave and Teri are both active members of Vineyard Church of Reynoldsburg where they serve in various leadership roles. 
Steve Stambaugh Raised Catholic, Steve had his first communion at age 11. A typical rural California boy, Steve participated in Boy Scouts, rode dirt bikes and tended to the chores taking care of the horses, cows and other farm animals until the age of 13. All in all, he had a pretty good life.

That’s when things started to go down hill for Steve. He started smoking pot and soon after that getting drunk from alcohol or high on any kind of drug he could get his hands on became his priority. To support the financial needs of his new priorities in life, Steve started dealing pot in school; that is to say on the days he was in attendance. His live became one of sex, drugs and rock and roll. By age 17, Steve committed his first assault on a police officer. By age 18 he was arrested for possession of a deadly weapon. 

Even after getting married at age 23, this life of destruction continued. Finally after several times in court and on probation, Steve was arrested in August of 1996 for manufacturing methamphetamine and was facing 7 years in prison and a $500,000.00 bail. Life didn’t seem so cool then. As a matter of fact it seemed over. But we all know that God can turn what was intended for bad, to the good. By the grace of God, a Bible was given to Steve by an inmate and he ended up giving his life to Christ. That was over 11 years ago. 

Since the time that God turned Steve’s life around, he has been very active in numerous personal ministries of servant evangelism as a witness to the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Steve has been very active in prison ministries and has a passion for bringing the gospel to places and people many of us have not considered or have written off. 

Steve, Shawna and their boys moved to Ohio in February of 2003 where Steve continues in service to Our Lord. They currently attend Marysville Grace Brethren.
Mike Nicol Michael A. Nicol, son of Lloyd & Marilyn Nicol was born in Marysville, Ohio in 1957. He grew up in Milford Center, Ohio and attended St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Marysville. Upon graduation from high school in 1976, he enrolled in the pre-ministerial program at Concordia Lutheran College, Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 1979 he graduated with a B.A. in classical languages and a minor in religious studies. 

His gift in languages along with the desire to make Christ known to people in the language they understand best led Mike to begin studying linguistics at the University of North Dakota. He completed an M.A. in linguistics with an emphasis in Bible Translation at the University of Texas @ Arlington in 1982. 

In order to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible and Biblical languages, Mike enrolled in theological studies at Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He was later selected to take part in an exchange program with Die Lutherische Theologische Hochschule in Oberursel, Germany. He served his vicarage at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Dallas, Texas, where he met his wife, Laura. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1986. 

In February 1986, Mike accepted a call from LCMS (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) World Missions to serve in Nigeria, West Africa as supervisor for the Gokana Bible translation project. Shortly after the birth of Hannah (September 1986), the family moved to Nigeria where they lived among the Gokana people, learning and analyzing their language and sharing Christ in word and deed. (Susanna was born in Nigeria in March 1989.) In cooperation with the people a writing system was developed, literacy materials produced, and the Gokana New Testament translated, published and finally dedicated to the glory of God in October 1997. 

In January 1996, in answer to a call from the West Virginia Mission Association of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, the family moved to Clarksburg, West Virginia, where Mike served as Mission Developer. The immediate goal was to search for unchurched people, bring them to Christ and equip them to do the same, with a long-term goal of planting a church. (Micah was born in West Virginia in April 1998.) 

In December 1998, Mike accepted a call to serve as pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Wapakoneta, Ohio, where he and his family still reside. One of his goals for this year is to return to the ministry of Bible translation full-time.
Rod Combs Born, raised in and still a resident of Union County. Rod has lived the life of the average American Joe. Position, accomplishment and reward for his efforts were the driving force behind everything he did. All relationships were valued and based upon what he could do for someone and what they could do for him in return. Through all his hard work he attained numerous positions that led him into business ventures and adventures in numerous countries. Reward always seemed commensurate with effort. Relationships were mostly business and their value was measured in accomplishment and dollars. 

Not totally void of Christian values and morality as he was raised in a Christian home, Rod did have knowledge of God and His Son Jesus Christ. He just never understood the transforming power of the Cross and the Grace that made all things available to those who just asked. This was a foreign concept to Rod who felt everything in life was earned and deserved, nothing is free.

By the Grace of God, a couple of years ago Rod developed some real relationships with men who cared about him for reasons unknown to him at the time. Through those relationships, Rod came to know who Jesus is. His life now is centered in his Savior Jesus Christ. Rod’s new ambitions are to encourage other believing men to adopt a lifestyle of discipleship. To teach other men lost as he was, to come to know who Jesus is. 

Rod lives with his wife Karin in Prospect, Ohio. His son Jesse attends Ohio State University and is a senior in the School of Engineering. Rod and Karin attend The Vineyard Church of Marysville where Rod asked Jesus Christ to take over his life and Karin re-dedicated herself to God.
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