THRiVE

Southwest Ohio
Nazarene Discipleship International
The Disciples Gathering
Sunday, July 13th 4:00 PM
During District Assembly @ Springdale
📍 Where: Springdale
📅 When: Sunday, July 13th at 4:00 PM
This isn’t just another meeting—it’s a movement. Whether you’re a long-time disciple or just beginning the journey, this event is for you.
💬 What’s happening?
Get ready for an inspiring time of growth, connection, and encouragement as we gather together to strengthen our disciple-making mission!
✨ Keynote Speaker: Dr. Mark Fuller will kick things off with a powerful plenary session
Worship led by Pastor Brad Pullen!
Pastor Emily Skillen (Grubbs) will be leading our children in the children's area and teaching them the call to be & make disciples.
🛠️ Interactive Workshops: Choose from 2 engaging workshop sessions designed to equip and energize your ministry in fresh, practical ways.
Come ready to be refreshed, challenged, and united in the mission. Let’s gather as disciples—and leave as better disciple-makers.
🙌 We can’t wait to see you there!
Contact Kalyn Vogelmann with questions.
Light snacks will be provided during workshop hours.

The Disciples Gathering ~ Workshops
At The Disciples Gathering, you will select two workshops that will help you foster a vibrant culture of discipleship in your community.


PLENARY & WORKSHOPS
.jpg)


DR. MARK FULLER
Plenary speaker & WORKSHOP:
The Pastor as Disciple-maker
In this workshop we will address the leadership keys to developing a culture of disciple-making at every level of ministry in the church.
Bio-
Dr. Mark Fuller currently serves as the director for Church Based Training as well as pastor of leadership development at the Grove City, Ohio Church of the
Nazarene after being the lead pastor of this, the largest Nazarene church in North America at the time for 13 years.
He has written articles for several religious journals along with his book,
“Consumed, An Introduction to the Holy Spirit.”
PASTOR DALE BENSON
WORKSHOP:
AlPHA - In the Local Church
Alpha USA (see more information)
Discover how Jesus transforms lives in the local church. In this workshop we will talk about what you need to get Alpha started in your local church and hear real transformation stories about the ways God is using Alpha to help others know God and love God.
The Alpha seven best practices are key elements that, if implemented well, will set you on the path to a successful Alpha. When we talk with churches and ministries that use Alpha effectively, time and again we hear the key to success are these elements: prayer, evangelistic positioning, team training, hospitality, Alpha talks, open discussion, and the Alpha weekend away.
Pastor Dale is the Lead Pastor of Grove City Church of the Nazarene and Ohio's Alpha Representative.
DR. JEFF STARK
WORKSHOP: Insatiable Curiosity - A Compelling Approach in a Skeptical World.
Too often our presentation of the Gospel begins with answers given and truths offered without questions asked and relationships established. In an increasingly suspicious and skeptical age, trust is the currency of intentional friendship. Throughout this workshop, we will examine the necessary characteristics to forge connections with those disconnected from the hope of Jesus, preserve their dignity, attend to their doubts, and provide a "good newsing" compelling witness.
Bio-
Jeff Stark is a professor, author, coach, and consultant. He's pastored churches in Tennessee, Illinois, served as an urban missionary in the city of Chicago, and been a full-time faculty member at Olivet Nazarene University. He now serves as the Director of Graduate Studies at ONU and works with pastors, churches, and districts to recover a missional vision for the church. He is a consultant and coach for Northwest Ohio, Eastern Michigan, and Indianapolis Districts and dozens of churches across the country.
TIM THROCKMORTON
WORKSHOP:
Building a Strong Biblical Worldview Into the Next Generation
The most prevalent question I’ve heard in the last eight years listening to church members in America has been, “what can I do?” This session begins by taking a real-time look at the current landscape of worldview in the family and culture with the latest research from George Barna and the Center for Biblical Worldview at the Family Research Council. We will then observe ministry trends that emerge as Christians grasp the need and to respond with Biblical solutions.
Bio-
Tim Throckmorton serves as the National Director for Church Engagement & Community Impact for the Family Research Council in Washington DC. Tim, an Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene was blessed to lead two great churches in Ohio as Senior Pastor for over 22-years.He is a member of The Council for National Policy
PASTOR EMILY SKILLEN (Grubbs)
WORKSHOP: Coming Soon
Engaging Kids with the Gospel: Creative Ways to Disciple Children and Families
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” Isn’t it amazing to think that people of all ages - including children - are invited to be a part of God’s Kingdom? No one is left out! In this workshop, we’ll discover creative ways to share the gospel with children and how to partner with parents to help them disciple their children at home.
Bio
A "people person" at heart, Emily has a passion for working with kids and families. She has been serving in children’s ministry for over 12 years and is currently serving at Target Dayton Ministries. Emily’s heart is for every kid to know Jesus and for His love to transform their lives. In her free time, Emily enjoys baking, visiting local coffee shops with her husband, Tim, and spending time with their dog, Murphy.

The Disciples Gathering Plenary
4:00 p.m.
Dr. Mark Fuller
Bio-
Dr. Mark Fuller currently serves as the director for Church Based Training at Nazarene Bible Colleges well as pastor of leadership development at the Grove City, OhioChurch of the Nazarene after being the lead pastor oft his the largest Nazarene church in North America the time fo r13 years. Prior to this he served as the lead pastor of CrossRoads Nazarene church in the Phoenix area for 18 years. During that time the church more than quadrupled in size and participated in planting 9 churches both at home and abroad. Pastor Fuller has served on numerous denominational boards and civic organizations and has recently served as a trustee at Arizona Christian University, one of the fastest growing universities in the country. He is a graduate ofMid-America Nazarene University, Nazarene Theological Seminary, and received an honorary doctorate degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 2010. His first ministry assignments include servingon staff at Olathe College Church and lead pastor in Arlington, Texas.He has written articles for several religious journals along with his book, “Consumed, An Introduction to the Holy Spirit.”Mark has been happily married to Susan since 1976. They have three married daughters and three grandchildren.



