Polishing the Pulpit - Branson 2026: Full Schedule

A retired corporate finance executive in the aerospace industry who continues in retirement as an executive/life coach and author. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, he spent his professional career in the Midwest (Ohio & Michigan) until retiring in 2014 and moving to Oklahoma in 2017. Oklahoma... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am CDT
Roark Creek

Deacons

1:30pm CDT

The Need for Boldness in Preaching

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Mike Vestal

Mike has served the Westside congregation in Midland, TX for almost 25 years. He and Cherie have been married for over 40 years. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Mike has preached in meetings or lectures in 37 states and in 7 foreign countries. Mike has served as an adjunct... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Roark Creek

Preachers

2:15pm CDT

The Need for Broken-Heartedness in Preaching

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Mike Vestal

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT
Roark Creek

Preachers

3:00pm CDT

Problems Facing Rural Congregations and Solutions

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Roark Creek

This lesson will look at some of the problems facing rural congregations, especially in the Great Plains, including a rapidly aging demographic, sparseness (distance between) of congregations, lack of generational evangelism, reputations in a small town, and how to use evangelism to correct course.

Speakers

Dustin Dougherty

Evangelist

I'm an evangelist laboring with the Beloit church of Christ in Beloit Kansas specifically, and more broadly laboring throughout the state of Kansas speaking at various congregations every month. I am married to my wonderful wife, Sally, since 2006, and have 2 great kids. I am... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Roark Creek

Evangelism Contemporary Issues Small Church

3:45pm CDT

Elders' Toolbox -- Case Studies in Shepherding: Small Group Problem-Solving (Part 1a)

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Glenn Colley

Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Roark Creek

Elders

9:00am CDT

Morning Marriage Class: Hearing What My Spouse Isn't Saying: If Only We Could Read Each Other's Minds

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Kevin Hahn

Preacher, Lake Houston church of Christ

Kevin Hahn has been preaching at the Lake Houston church of Christ since 2005. He has done mission work in India, Austria, Ukraine, and Mexico. Kevin served as a Captain in the US Air Force and is a third-generation preacher. He recently completed a Masters in Ministry at Freed-Hardeman... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Roark Creek

Family

10:00am CDT

Orthodoxy and Tradition

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Roark Creek

A look at how the Orthodox church appeals to tradition and asserts first-century origins—and how those claims stand against Scripture and historical records.

Speakers

Rick Brumback

Professor of Bible and Historical Theology, Freed-Hardeman University

Rick Brumback serves as Professor of Bible and Historical Theology and is the Earl D. Edwards Director of the Graduate School of Theology at Freed-Hardeman University. He also preaches for the Christian Chapel Church of Christ in Wildersville, Tennessee. Prior to joining FHU in 2017... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Roark Creek

Contemporary Issues

11:00am CDT

Book Reviews: What I Have Read This Year That Might Help You

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Wade Webster

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am CDT
Roark Creek

Preachers

1:30pm CDT

Powerful Psalms: The Fulfillment of Forgiveness (Psalm 32)

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Roark Creek

Have you ever wondered what David felt, after he received the forgiveness of God? This session takes a deep dive into Psalm 32, and explores how David felt, on the other side of his penitent heart.

Speakers

Caleb Rutherford

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Roark Creek

Textual

2:15pm CDT

Is Temptation Fair?

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT

Roark Creek

We know Satan tempts us, but why does it have to be so hard? Why does it come at the worst possible time? The devil doesn't fight fair, but a letter to a troubled church will help us face this challenge.

Speakers

Kerry Duke

Vice-President of Academics, Tennessee Bible College

Minister of West End church of Christ in Livingston, TN. Author of ten books on Bible interpretation and current issues. Host of My God and My Neighbor podcast and speaker for GBN Beyond the Basics studies.

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT
Roark Creek

Members

3:00pm CDT

Advice for Bonding With Teens Who Don't Want to Be There

Thursday July 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Ande Zimmerman

Associate Minister, Logan Martin church of Christ

Ande Zimmerman has worked in youth and family ministry for more than twenty years. He has spent most of his time in ministry serving the Logan Martin church of Christ in Pell City, AL. He currently serves as the associate minister with a focus on strengthening young families, and... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Roark Creek

Youth Workers

3:45pm CDT

Functional Complexity Confirms the Existence of God

Thursday July 16, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Branyon May

General Manager, World Video Bible School

Branyon May serves as the General Manager of World Video Bible School (WVBS), a non-profit organization focused on the production of Bible-based, faith-building resources (www.wvbs.org). Having earned a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Alabama, he combines his scientific... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Roark Creek

Scholars' Think Tank Evidence

6:00pm CDT

Unrealized Spiritual Elements: Serenity (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Thursday July 16, 2026 6:00pm - 6:30pm CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Brian Kenyon

Thursday July 16, 2026 6:00pm - 6:30pm CDT
Roark Creek

Elders

9:00am CDT

Morning Marriage Class: Doing What My Spouse Isn't Asking For: Some To-Dos Never Make It to The List

Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Kevin Hahn

Preacher, Lake Houston church of Christ

Friday July 17, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Roark Creek

Family

10:00am CDT

Two Minutes, Tops

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers and topics:

• Kevin Rutherford: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Brian Kenyon: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• David Barker: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Keith Olbricht: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Matt Gibson: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Gary Bennett: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Wade Webster: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Kerry Duke: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Wayne Jones: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Johnie Scaggs: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Douglas Pell: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Randy Collum: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Wayne Scrimsher: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Kelvin Pugh: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Kevin Rhodes: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Gary Hampton: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Robert Dodson: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Mark Howell: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Bengy Slocumb: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry
• Eddy Gilpin: The Best Advice I Ever Received About Ministry

Speakers

Kevin Rutherford

Brian Kenyon

David Barker

Keith Olbricht

Preacher, Shady Acres Church of Christ

I have been at Shady Acres Church of Christ in Sikeston, Missouri since 2018. I am a 1998 graduate of Memphis School of Preaching. My wife, Stacy, and I have four children and one grandchild.

Matt Gibson

Matthew and Wendy Gibson have been married for over thirty years with four sons, three daughter-in-laws, and three grandsons. Matthew has been preaching since 1995 serving now as a full time instructor at Southwest School of Bible Studies in Austin, Texas. He can be reached at m... Read More →

Gary Bennett

Wade Webster

Kerry Duke

Vice-President of Academics, Tennessee Bible College

Wayne Jones

Johnie Scaggs

Minister, Bellevue Rd Church of Christ

Johnie is a graduate of the 8th and Lee School of Biblical Studies and a graduate of Southwest School of Biblical Studies in Austin TX. He has been preaching for 44 years. He is married to Nancy and they have four children and nine grandchildren. Johnie is the editor of the GospelJournal... Read More →

Douglas Pell

Randy Collum

Wayne Scrimsher

Kelvin Pugh

Minister, North County church of Christ

Kelvin has been preaching the gospel since graduating from the Memphis School of Preaching in 2002. He is married to Darleen who has been his loving and supportive wife for the past 32 years. They have three faithful sons: Jordan (Minister), Jarrol (Clinical Research Scientist... Read More →

Kevin Rhodes

Executive Director, Brown Trail School Of Preaching

Kevin W. Rhodes is the Executive Director of the Brown Trail School of Preaching, taking the school’s helm in 2018. Kevin is a graduate of Midwest School of Biblical Studies, the University of Central Missouri (B.S. in History), West Texas A&M University (M.A. in History). Tarleton... Read More →

Gary Hampton

Pulpit minister, Siwell Road church of Christ

Gary C. Hampton has been preaching since 1968 and has done work in North Little Rock, Arkansas; Mobile, Alabama; Valdosta, Georgia and Cookeville, Tennessee. Hampton served as the director of the East Tennessee School of Preaching and Missions in Knoxville, Tennessee for nearly six... Read More →

Robert Dodson

Mark Howell

Minister, Midway church of Christ

Mark has been married to Marlene since 1984. They have two children, Daniel and Rachel. Daniel lives in Lenoir City, Tennessee and works with PTP 365. He is married to Martha and they have five children, Jenaleigh, Analeigh, Hayden, Lorelei, and Naomi. Rachel works for Freed-Hardeman... Read More →

Bengy Slocumb

Eddy Gilpin

Eddy has been preaching full time since 1985. He is a 1985 graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching. Together with his family, he has served congregations in Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, and Virginia. He and his family served three years (1991-1994) in Tanzania, East Africa. He... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Roark Creek

Ministry

11:00am CDT

How to Master the English Bible: The Advantages of Synthetic Bible Study

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Matt Jones

Matthew and Nancy have been married for nearly two decades and have four beautiful daughters. He works with the Edgewood church of Christ in Columbus, GA. Matthew loves PTP deeply as it is where he heard a sermon over twenty years ago that helped him obey the gospel, and it is... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am CDT
Roark Creek

Members

12:30pm CDT

Thumb Drive Singing

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm CDT

Roark Creek

Led by: Robbie Rhodes, Tommy Johnson

For those who love to sing, this session will consist of public domain songs we can duplicate on the thumb drive.

Speakers

Robbie Rhodes

Tommy Johnson

Friday July 17, 2026 12:30pm - 1:15pm CDT
Roark Creek

Singing

1:30pm CDT

What Men Miss When They Try to Go Through Life Alone

Friday July 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Roark Creek

This session will show what men can learn from David and Jonathan, who practiced loyalty, honesty, and spiritual support.

Speakers

Steven Ford

Preaching Minister, South Florida Avenue church of Christ

Steven Ford is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He began preaching in 2004 and worked with two congregations in Detroit both with youth and in the pulpit. Steven is a 2013 graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching. Upon graduation, he began preaching for the Highway church of Christ... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Roark Creek

Members

2:15pm CDT

Strengthening a Small Church’s Greatest Advantage: Genuine Community

Friday July 17, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT

Roark Creek

Smaller congregations can offer a level of closeness larger churches can’t. Learn how to cultivate strong, spiritually rich relationships.

Speakers

Preston Silcox

Friday July 17, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT
Roark Creek

Small Church

3:00pm CDT

What Spiritual Maturity Actually Looks Like: A Seven-Part Portrait from 2 Peter 1:3–11

Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Bengy Slocumb

Friday July 17, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Roark Creek

Textual Spiritual Growth

3:45pm CDT

Seven Minutes of Wisdom on Building Sermons That Build Souls

Friday July 17, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers and topics:

• Scott Cain: The Art of Introduction -- Using the First Sentences to Get Them Leaning In
• Allen Webster: Teaching Without Sounding Like a Textbook
• Trent Kennedy: Illustrations or Distractions? Knowing the Difference
• Kerry Duke: Sharpening Your Tools — Study Habits That Last
• B. J. Clarke: How to Use Humor Without Hurting the Moment
• Mike Hixson: What I Wish I’d Known About Invitations

Speakers

Scott Cain

Preacher; MSOP Instructor, Forest Hill church of Christ

Scott preaches with the Forest Hill Church of Christ in Memphis, TN, & is an instructor & 2009 alumnus of the Memphis School of Preaching. He & Melissa married in 2003. They have three sons: Walker, Tanner, & Hunter. Scott served as the preacher with the DeGaulle Drive Church of Christ... Read More →

Allen Webster

Trent Kennedy

Trent Kennedy is the director of the Southwest School of Bible Studies in Austin, TX. Before coming to Southwest in 2022, Trent worked with the Four Seas College of Bible and Missions and the Jurong church of Christ in Singapore. He also has twelve years of experience me in campus... Read More →

Kerry Duke

Vice-President of Academics, Tennessee Bible College

B. J. Clarke

Director, MSOP

If you would love to learn the Book, and learn how to preach the Book (tuition free) at the Memphis School of Preaching, I would love to talk to you about how you can do just that!

Mike Hixson

Mike graduated from Lipscomb University in 1985 with a degree in Communications including a minor in Bible. He married the former Nancy Ericson in 1987 and their son, Braden, was born in 1989.

Mike preached in the Nashville area for several years before moving to the Memphis are... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Roark Creek

Preachers

6:00pm CDT

Why People Leave — and What They Needed Before They Did

Friday July 17, 2026 6:00pm - 6:30pm CDT

Roark Creek

A counselor’s insight into disconnection, belonging, and unmet needs in the church.

Speakers

Jerry Martin

Licensed Professional Counselor, Christian Counseling Services

Jerry L. Martin, PhD, LPC-S currently serves as a Professor at Amridge University in Montgomery, AL. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Jerry has over four decades of preaching experience, having worked with congregations in Louisiana, Georgia, Colorado, Tennessee, and Alabama... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 6:00pm - 6:30pm CDT
Roark Creek

Ministry

9:00am CDT

Morning Marriage Class: Giving What My Spouse Isn't Requesting: One Size Doesn't Fit All

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Kevin Hahn

Preacher, Lake Houston church of Christ

Saturday July 18, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Roark Creek

Family

10:00am CDT

Growing Pains: Understanding Spiritual Transformation and How to Persevere Through It

Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Roark Creek

As Christians, our spiritual growth only begins at conversion. We are called to walk daily with the Lord, growing as His people in maturity and bearing fruit. Let's examine the nature of spiritual transformation.

Speakers

Gantt Carter

Gantt married Julie in 2013, and they have two children: Rose and Jedidiah. He grew up in the Southeastern states, attending the Middle TN School of Preaching. He began preaching full-time in 2011, and he has served with the 2nd & Adams congregation (Elk City, OK) since 2016.

Saturday July 18, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Roark Creek

New Christians Spiritual Growth

11:00am CDT

Seeking the Same Page: How Does the Definition of "Assembly" and "Fellowship" Impact the Division with Our NI Brethren?

Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Doug Burleson

Professor, Freed-Hardeman University

Doug Burleson serves as a Professor in Bible at Freed-Hardeman University where he also is the Assistant Dean of the College of Biblical Studies, the Director of the Annual Bible Lectureship, and the Director of the Equip Ministry Camp. He is married to Kristi Johnson Burleson and... Read More →

Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am CDT
Roark Creek

Doctrine

1:30pm CDT

How to Master the English Bible: The Application of Bible Mastery in Daily Life

Saturday July 18, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Matt Jones

Saturday July 18, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Roark Creek

Members

2:15pm CDT

Unashamed of the Bible: Ten Aspirations for Christians as We Communicate to the World Around Us

Saturday July 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Aaron Gallagher

Director of Production and Social Media Marketing, Gospel Broadcasting Network

Aaron Gallagher works for The Gospel Broadcasting Network and is a deacon at the Southaven church of Christ in Southaven, MS. Aaron came to work for GBN after working in the Scientific Research Lab Automation field for 10 years. Aaron obtained a B.S. degree in Biology and a Minor... Read More →

Saturday July 18, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm CDT
Roark Creek

College

3:00pm CDT

A People Zealous for Good Works: Doing Good on Purpose (Titus 2:14)

Saturday July 18, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT

Roark Creek

Within the religious context, "works" often comes with a bit of a bad reputation. However, the people who belong to King Jesus are to live out their faith and love in the good that they do. Let's consider Titus 2 and the doctrine of good works.

Speakers

Gantt Carter

Saturday July 18, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm CDT
Roark Creek

Textual Members

3:45pm CDT

Private Battles in Public Lives: Confronting the Secret Sins That Undermine Faith

Saturday July 18, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

Roark Creek

The hidden struggles — comparison, lust, pride, bitterness, etc. A lesson on confession, accountability, and reclaiming integrity in secret places.

Speakers

Kelvin Pugh

Minister, North County church of Christ

Saturday July 18, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Roark Creek

College

9:30am CDT

Bible Class (Schedule B): Morning Marriage Class: Considering What My Spouse Isn't Suggesting: Whose Bright Idea Was This Anyway?

Sunday July 19, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Kevin Hahn

Preacher, Lake Houston church of Christ

Sunday July 19, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Roark Creek

Bible Class Family

2:00pm CDT

Song Leading Workshop

Sunday July 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Roark Creek

Speakers

Myron Bruce

Director, Singing with the Spirit

Paul wrote that we are called to "sing with the spirit and sing with understanding." (I Corinthians 14:15) Jesus said we are to worship in spirit and in truth, and most of us want to sing with the spirit. But how often do we find ourselves 'singing with the spirit' and yet failing... Read More →

Sunday July 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Roark Creek

Singing