Day 1 - Inspirational Keynote
Life’s hurts make it hard to think straight. Whether you’re facing unfair expectations/criticism in ministry, tension with your parents/spouse/children, or physical pain that has become chronic, suffering can leave you confused, frustrated, and numb. How do you navigate the painful seasons of life when you can’t control them or even make sense of them? How do you avoid the “grin it/bear it/silently suffer through it” mentality that plagues all too many Lutheran leaders?
Those are the raw questions that the book of Job answers. In this crash course study of Job, you will learn the unexpected purpose God has for your pain, what to do (and what not to do!) when a loved one is suffering, and God’s stunning answer to our most urgent question—“Why, God?”
Life hurts, just like Jesus said it would. But, through this ancient Scripture, you will know exactly what to do the next time it happens.
Mike Novotny has wrestled with these questions. A recovering addict himself, Mike’s first published book focused on pornography, and his doctoral project, “Preaching on Porn,” was created to help local ministries tackle this taboo topic. This breakout session will share wisdom gained from decades of personally ministering to believers who ache to escape the secrecy and shame of pornography and honor God with their bodies. If you need encouragement in this battle or long to help others do the same, this breakout is for you.