Invite Dena to Speak
To invite me to come share with your people, please contact me here. I look forward to talking!
Listed below are some topics I enjoy speaking on. I love the whole Bible and if there is a passage or theme you have in mind, please suggest it!
Bible & Theology
What if the key to understanding the Bible is not learning Greek, mastering genre, or finally getting through Leviticus? What if it was as simple as a story? God is the greatest communicator and the 66 books of the Bible tell one story. If you master a few key, repeated ideas, they will unlock the biblical story and the Bible will come alive for you.
Popular culture says that all religions are basically the same. A careful investigation, however, shows that Christianity is unique in its core beliefs. In this introduction to theology, we will immerse ourselves in the main and plain truths the Bible teaches so that we can cherish what God has revealed.
What comes to your mind when you think of heaven? For many Christians, we struggle to long for heaven and question the justice of Hell. Yet what we believe about eternity deeply impacts how we live today. This session unpacks the biblical teaching about Heaven and Hell to best prepare us for our next billion years!
In a world of competing voices, Acts 17 tells us that there is a God and he has revealed himself. Acts 17 calls us to radically reorient our lives around the God that marked out this moment in history for us to find him. To trade basing our life on happiness, relationships, status and whatever else pulls our attention. To base our life on the truth that we can know God, and in knowing him, we best know how to live.
Throughout the Bible, God responds to evil in three ways. In our everyday experience, we often feel God overlooks evil because he is too busy with other problems or doesn’t care enough to do something. Even if we know this doesn’t match what the Bible says, we are tempted by these lies. When we ground ourselves in the truth of how God responds to evil, it trains our eyes to look for God’s actions in the world and prepares us to join him in responding to evil.
Two thoughts haunt the human story. They were spoken in the Garden and they echo through the pages of Scripture into our everyday. In this talk we will dive deep into hamartiology, the study of what transpired at the fall. Through exploring the history of sin we will become wiser to the ways sin operates in our lives and world and our hearts will grow in gratitude for the one who answered, “who will save us from our sins?”
Topics
Bible & Theology
The Story of the Bible
What if the key to understanding the Bible is not learning Greek, mastering genre, or finally getting through Leviticus? What if it was as simple as a story? God is the greatest communicator and the 66 books of the Bible tell one story. If you master a few key, repeated ideas, they will unlock the biblical story and the Bible will come alive for you.
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What if the key to understanding the Bible is not learning Greek, mastering genre, or finally getting through Leviticus? What if it was as simple as a story? God is the greatest communicator and the 66 books of the Bible tell one story. If you master a few key, repeated ideas, they will unlock the biblical story and the Bible will come alive for you.
Essential Christian Beliefs
Popular culture says that all religions are basically the same. A careful investigation, however, shows that Christianity is unique in its core beliefs. In this introduction to theology, we will immerse ourselves in the main and plain truths the Bible teaches so that we can cherish what God has revealed.
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Popular culture says that all religions are basically the same. A careful investigation, however, shows that Christianity is unique in its core beliefs. In this introduction to theology, we will immerse ourselves in the main and plain truths the Bible teaches so that we can cherish what God has revealed.
My Next Billion Years: Understanding What the Bible Says about Heaven & Hell
What comes to your mind when you think of heaven? For many Christians, we struggle to long for heaven and question the justice of Hell. Yet what we believe about eternity deeply impacts how we live today. This session unpacks the biblical teaching about Heaven and Hell to best prepare us for our next billion years!
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What comes to your mind when you think of heaven? For many Christians, we struggle to long for heaven and question the justice of Hell. Yet what we believe about eternity deeply impacts how we live today. This session unpacks the biblical teaching about Heaven and Hell to best prepare us for our next billion years!
Base Your Life on Truth
In a world of competing voices, Acts 17 tells us that there is a God and he has revealed himself. Acts 17 calls us to radically reorient our lives around the God that marked out this moment in history for us to find him. To trade basing our life on happiness, relationships, status and whatever else pulls our attention. To base our life on the truth that we can know God, and in knowing him, we best know how to live.
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In a world of competing voices, Acts 17 tells us that there is a God and he has revealed himself. Acts 17 calls us to radically reorient our lives around the God that marked out this moment in history for us to find him. To trade basing our life on happiness, relationships, status and whatever else pulls our attention. To base our life on the truth that we can know God, and in knowing him, we best know how to live.
How Does God Respond to Evil?
Throughout the Bible, God responds to evil in three ways. In our everyday experience, we often feel God overlooks evil because he is too busy with other problems or doesn’t care enough to do something. Even if we know this doesn’t match what the Bible says, we are tempted by these lies. When we ground ourselves in the truth of how God responds to evil, it trains our eyes to look for God’s actions in the world and prepares us to join him in responding to evil.
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Throughout the Bible, God responds to evil in three ways. In our everyday experience, we often feel God overlooks evil because he is too busy with other problems or doesn’t care enough to do something. Even if we know this doesn’t match what the Bible says, we are tempted by these lies. When we ground ourselves in the truth of how God responds to evil, it trains our eyes to look for God’s actions in the world and prepares us to join him in responding to evil.
A Brief History of Sin
Two thoughts haunt the human story. They were spoken in the Garden and they echo through the pages of Scripture into our everyday. In this talk we will dive deep into hamartiology, the study of what transpired at the fall. Through exploring the history of sin we will become wiser to the ways sin operates in our lives and world and our hearts will grow in gratitude for the one who answered, “who will save us from our sins?”
-
Two thoughts haunt the human story. They were spoken in the Garden and they echo through the pages of Scripture into our everyday. In this talk we will dive deep into hamartiology, the study of what transpired at the fall. Through exploring the history of sin we will become wiser to the ways sin operates in our lives and world and our hearts will grow in gratitude for the one who answered, “who will save us from our sins?”
Apologetics & Biblical Worldview
Why Does God Allow Evil & Suffering?
The number one reason people say they don’t believe in God is that there’s so much suffering and evil in the world. If God is good, knows about evil and is powerful enough to stop it, then why does evil exist? Much of the Bible addresses this question. Learn what the Bible has to say in response to this important objection to the Christian faith.
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The number one reason people say they don’t believe in God is that there’s so much suffering and evil in the world. If God is good, knows about evil and is powerful enough to stop it, then why does evil exist? Much of the Bible addresses this question. Learn what the Bible has to say in response to this important objection to the Christian faith.
Embrace Tough Questions
What are you most afraid people will ask you about Christianity? I used to have a long list and it often kept me from sharing my faith. But here’s what I’ve learned—tough questions aren’t conversation stoppers. They’re conversation starters. If we’re brave enough to embrace them, they can lead to conversations people are dying to have.
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What are you most afraid people will ask you about Christianity? I used to have a long list and it often kept me from sharing my faith. But here’s what I’ve learned—tough questions aren’t conversation stoppers. They’re conversation starters. If we’re brave enough to embrace them, they can lead to conversations people are dying to have.
How Do You Share Your Faith in a Hostile Culture?
Increasingly, our culture thinks faith is irrelevant and dangerous. The Christian faith is based on a book many people consider false and offensive. How do you hold tight to the truths of Scripture without being labeled a bigot? How do you stand firm when people assume you’re intolerant? Is there a way to communicate your beliefs while being full of grace and truth? This talk will address how Christians can have great conversations with people about our faith.
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Increasingly, our culture thinks faith is irrelevant and dangerous. The Christian faith is based on a book many people consider false and offensive. How do you hold tight to the truths of Scripture without being labeled a bigot? How do you stand firm when people assume you’re intolerant? Is there a way to communicate your beliefs while being full of grace and truth? This talk will address how Christians can have great conversations with people about our faith.
7 Reasons to Trust the Bible in a World that Doubts It
Far from being outdated and disproven, there is a reason the Bible has captivated the human heart throughout history. To the wisest sage, to the heartbroken parent, to the honest skeptic and the anxious teen, the Bible speaks truth today. Here are seven reasons to trust the Bible in a world that doubts it.
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Far from being outdated and disproven, there is a reason the Bible has captivated the human heart throughout history. To the wisest sage, to the heartbroken parent, to the honest skeptic and the anxious teen, the Bible speaks truth today. Here are seven reasons to trust the Bible in a world that doubts it.
The Bible’s Answers to Our Most Important Questions
The Bible offers the best answers to humanity’s deepest questions. Why is there something instead of nothing? What has gone terribly wrong in the world? How do we solve it? Does my life have purpose? Every worldview and religion addresses these questions. Come be encouraged by the Bible’s answers.
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The Bible offers the best answers to humanity’s deepest questions. Why is there something instead of nothing? What has gone terribly wrong in the world? How do we solve it? Does my life have purpose? Every worldview and religion addresses these questions. Come be encouraged by the Bible’s answers
The Evidence for the Resurrection
At the center of Christianity lies an audacious claim: a man rose from the dead. If Jesus rose from the dead, this gives immense credibility to the claims of Christ. If he didn’t, Christianity is a nice but false story. So did it happen? Can someone in an age of reason and science rationally believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Aren’t reports of the miraculous inherently implausible? Together, we will examine the evidence for this historical claim.
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At the center of Christianity lies an audacious claim: a man rose from the dead. If Jesus rose from the dead, this gives immense credibility to the claims of Christ. If he didn’t, Christianity is a nice but false story. So did it happen? Can someone in an age of reason and science rationally believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Aren’t reports of the miraculous inherently implausible? Together, we will examine the evidence for this historical claim.
Apologetics & Biblical Worldview
The number one reason people say they don’t believe in God is that there’s so much suffering and evil in the world. If God is good, knows about evil and is powerful enough to stop it, then why does evil exist? Much of the Bible addresses this question. Learn what the Bible has to say in response to this important objection to the Christian faith.
What are you most afraid people will ask you about Christianity? I used to have a long list and it often kept me from sharing my faith. But here’s what I’ve learned—tough questions aren’t conversation stoppers. They’re conversation starters. If we’re brave enough to embrace them, they can lead to conversations people are dying to have.
Increasingly, our culture thinks faith is irrelevant and dangerous. The Christian faith is based on a book many people consider false and offensive. How do you hold tight to the truths of Scripture without being labeled a bigot? How do you stand firm when people assume you’re intolerant? Is there a way to communicate your beliefs while being full of grace and truth? This talk will address how Christians can have great conversations with people about our faith.
Far from being outdated and disproven, there is a reason the Bible has captivated the human heart throughout history. To the wisest sage, to the heartbroken parent, to the honest skeptic and the anxious teen, the Bible speaks truth today. Here are seven reasons to trust the Bible in a world that doubts it.
The Bible offers the best answers to humanity’s deepest questions. Why is there something instead of nothing? What has gone terribly wrong in the world? How do we solve it? Does my life have purpose? Every worldview and religion addresses these questions. Come be encouraged by the Bible’s answers.
At the center of Christianity lies an audacious claim: a man rose from the dead. If Jesus rose from the dead, this gives immense credibility to the claims of Christ. If he didn’t, Christianity is a nice but false story. So did it happen? Can someone in an age of reason and science rationally believe that Jesus rose from the dead? Aren’t reports of the miraculous inherently implausible? Together, we will examine the evidence for this historical claim.
See Dena Speak
Faithful Living
The Humble Art of a Quiet Life
Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica and gives a surprising call: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.” Though our circumstances differ from the Thessalonians, this call is every bit as relevant today. If you feel your attention fractured and as though something besides the Holy Spirit is driving your life, this message is for you. You’ll hear God’s invitation to a life centered on him, no matter what life throws at you.
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Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica and gives a surprising call: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.” Though our circumstances differ from the Thessalonians, this call is every bit as relevant today. If you feel your attention fractured and as though something besides the Holy Spirit is driving your life, this message is for you. You’ll hear God’s invitation to a life centered on him, no matter what life throws at you.
Jesus is a 10 for the Church
On a scale of one to ten, where would you place your passion for the Church? As someone who’s grown up in the Church, I know there is a story behind your number.—a story that deeply matters to Jesus. Whatever your current number, this message aims to move your number all the way to ten for one simple reason—Jesus is a ten for the Church.
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On a scale of one to ten, where would you place your passion for the Church? As someone who’s grown up in the Church, I know there is a story behind your number.—a story that deeply matters to Jesus. Whatever your current number, this message aims to move your number all the way to ten for one simple reason—Jesus is a ten for the Church.
Created to Rule: Recovering the Biblical Call for Women
Genesis 1-2 contains the creation story of the first woman. The next chapter contains her fall. Too often, we are more familiar with the curses of Genesis 3 than the calling of Genesis 1—2. God’s heart for women and the pivotal place he has for them are often lost. In this message, we will recapture God’s intention for women and search out how we may best live out that calling today.
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Genesis 1-2 contains the creation story of the first woman. The next chapter contains her fall. Too often, we are more familiar with the curses of Genesis 3 than the calling of Genesis 1—2. God’s heart for women and the pivotal place he has for them are often lost. In this message, we will recapture God’s intention for women and search out how we may best live out that calling today.
Encounter His Lordship
The Bible declares that Jesus is Saviour and Lord. Too often, we receive his offer of salvation but fail to cede the throne of our lives. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords and the only one worthy to sit on the throne. When we turn over the authority of our lives to Jesus, we begin to receive every benefit that comes from God being King. This message is a fresh call to surrender and obedience that will leave you more in love with Jesus.
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The Bible declares that Jesus is Saviour and Lord. Too often, we receive his offer of salvation but fail to cede the throne of our lives. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords and the only one worthy to sit on the throne. When we turn over the authority of our lives to Jesus, we begin to receive every benefit that comes from God being King. This message is a fresh call to surrender and obedience that will leave you more in love with Jesus.
Discover Your Calling
Throughout history, Christians have understood themselves to be called. It is possible to start each day with a profound sense that you have something important to do and you need God’s help to do it. But what are these important things? This message will take you through several biblical passages that will help you discover your calling.
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Throughout history, Christians have understood themselves to be called. It is possible to start each day with a profound sense that you have something important to do and you need God’s help to do it. But what are these important things? This message will take you through several biblical passages that will help you discover your calling.
Glorify God in Your Doubts
The Bible tells an amazing story of a father who brought his demon-possessed boy to Jesus. He had enough faith to bring him, but he doubted Jesus could heal him. This story frames how we can glorify God in our doubts. Rather than sweeping them under the rug, hiding them from ourselves and others, there is a path to glorify God in our doubts and cry out, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!”
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The Bible tells an amazing story of a father who brought his demon-possessed boy to Jesus. He had enough faith to bring him, but he doubted Jesus could heal him. This story frames how we can glorify God in our doubts. Rather than sweeping them under the rug, hiding them from ourselves and others, there is a path to glorify God in our doubts and cry out, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!”
Faithful Living
Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica and gives a surprising call: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.” Though our circumstances differ from the Thessalonians, this call is every bit as relevant today. If you feel your attention fractured and as though something besides the Holy Spirit is driving your life, this message is for you. You’ll hear God’s invitation to a life centered on him, no matter what life throws at you.
On a scale of one to ten, where would you place your passion for the Church? As someone who’s grown up in the Church, I know there is a story behind your number.—a story that deeply matters to Jesus. Whatever your current number, this message aims to move your number all the way to ten for one simple reason—Jesus is a ten for the Church.
Genesis 1-2 contains the creation story of the first woman. The next chapter contains her fall. Too often, we are more familiar with the curses of Genesis 3 than the calling of Genesis 1—2. God’s heart for women and the pivotal place he has for them are often lost. In this message, we will recapture God’s intention for women and search out how we may best live out that calling today.
The Bible declares that Jesus is Saviour and Lord. Too often, we receive his offer of salvation but fail to cede the throne of our lives. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords and the only one worthy to sit on the throne. When we turn over the authority of our lives to Jesus, we begin to receive every benefit that comes from God being King. This message is a fresh call to surrender and obedience that will leave you more in love with Jesus.
Throughout history, Christians have understood themselves to be called. It is possible to start each day with a profound sense that you have something important to do and you need God’s help to do it. But what are these important things? This message will take you through several biblical passages that will help you discover your calling.
The Bible tells an amazing story of a father who brought his demon-possessed boy to Jesus. He had enough faith to bring him, but he doubted Jesus could heal him. This story frames how we can glorify God in our doubts. Rather than sweeping them under the rug, hiding them from ourselves and others, there is a path to glorify God in our doubts and cry out, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!”
Faithful Ministry
Confident Communication
Most people are deathly afraid of public speaking. Yet clear and confident communication is a skill that can be developed by anyone! Whether it’s giving a business presentation, sharing in your small group study, or even standing before a group teaching God’s word, wouldn’t it be nice to face these scenarios with confidence? Join me as we learn and practice together the art of confident communication.
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Most people are deathly afraid of public speaking. Yet clear and confident communication is a skill that can be developed by anyone! Whether it’s giving a business presentation, sharing in your small group study, or even standing before a group teaching God’s word, wouldn’t it be nice to face these scenarios with confidence? Join me as we learn and practice together the art of confident communication.
Effective Next Gen Ministry
Revivals have three things in common: 1) Prayer, 2) Repentance, 3) A group of twenty-somethings desperate for Jesus. Let’s raise up those twenty-somethings. This session will cover the best of what we’ve learned at Thrive College about discipling and raising up the next generation of Christian leaders. You will leave encouraged and equipped!
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Revivals have three things in common: 1) Prayer, 2) Repentance, 3) A group of twenty-somethings desperate for Jesus. Let’s raise up those twenty-somethings. This session will cover the best of what we’ve learned at Thrive College about discipling and raising up the next generation of Christian leaders. You will leave encouraged and equipped!
Walking with a Loved One through Deconstruction
Many people are deconstructing and rejecting their Christian faith. This process is challenging for family and friends to witness. They wonder, “How can I watch them throw away their faith without saying something, yet how do I say something without damaging the relationship?” This session offers a framework to understand why so many people are deconstructing their faith today and practical advice to navigate this experience.
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Many people are deconstructing and rejecting their Christian faith. This process is challenging for family and friends to witness. They wonder, “How can I watch them throw away their faith without saying something, yet how do I say something without damaging the relationship?” This session offers a framework to understand why so many people are deconstructing their faith today and practical advice to navigate this experience.
Embrace Your Call as a Woman to Lead
You’ve been given one life to live. You have gifts the world desperately needs. God has prepared work for you to do. This is all true, but many of us have a hard time embracing it. This talk will examine the obstacles facing women in leadership and equip you to lead right where you are. And if you’re a woman thinking “This doesn’t apply to me,” it especially applies to you, and I hope you’ll join me to see why!
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You’ve been given one life to live. You have gifts the world desperately needs. God has prepared work for you to do. This is all true, but many of us have a hard time embracing it. This talk will examine the obstacles facing women in leadership and equip you to lead right where you are. And if you’re a woman thinking “This doesn’t apply to me,” it especially applies to you, and I hope you’ll join me to see why!
How to Teach Apologetics in Your Student Ministry
How can we teach apologetics in a way that prepares students for the questions they will encounter in college and beyond, but doesn’t capsize their faith now? How do we speak to the intellectuals in the room without losing everyone else’s attention? This session covers effective tips for exposing students to the big questions and grounding them in the best answers.
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How can we teach apologetics in a way that prepares students for the questions they will encounter in college and beyond, but doesn’t capsize their faith now? How do we speak to the intellectuals in the room without losing everyone else’s attention? This session covers effective tips for exposing students to the big questions and grounding them in the best answers.
Principles for Preaching Hard Texts
We’re often tempted to skip hard passages in Scripture. Nuanced texts are challenging to cover in a short time. Yet when we skip over the challenging passages, people are left to wrestle on their own. This session offers principles for preaching hard texts in a way that equips people to find answers and think deeply about their faith without getting stuck.
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We’re often tempted to skip hard passages in Scripture. Nuanced texts are challenging to cover in a short time. Yet when we skip over the challenging passages, people are left to wrestle on their own. This session offers principles for preaching hard texts in a way that equips people to find answers and think deeply about their faith without getting stuck.
Faithful Ministry
Most people are deathly afraid of public speaking. Yet clear and confident communication is a skill that can be developed by anyone! Whether it’s giving a business presentation, sharing in your small group study, or even standing before a group teaching God’s word, wouldn’t it be nice to face these scenarios with confidence? Join me as we learn and practice together the art of confident communication.
Revivals have three things in common: 1) Prayer, 2) Repentance, 3) A group of twenty-somethings desperate for Jesus. Let’s raise up those twenty-somethings. This session will cover the best of what we’ve learned at Thrive College about discipling and raising up the next generation of Christian leaders. You will leave encouraged and equipped!
Many people are deconstructing and rejecting their Christian faith. This process is challenging for family and friends to witness. They wonder, “How can I watch them throw away their faith without saying something, yet how do I say something without damaging the relationship?” This session offers a framework to understand why so many people are deconstructing their faith today and practical advice to navigate this experience.
You’ve been given one life to live. You have gifts the world desperately needs. God has prepared work for you to do. This is all true, but many of us have a hard time embracing it. This talk will examine the obstacles facing women in leadership and equip you to lead right where you are. And if you’re a woman thinking “This doesn’t apply to me,” it especially applies to you, and I hope you’ll join me to see why!
How can we teach apologetics in a way that prepares students for the questions they will encounter in college and beyond, but doesn’t capsize their faith now? How do we speak to the intellectuals in the room without losing everyone else’s attention? This session covers effective tips for exposing students to the big questions and grounding them in the best answers.
We’re often tempted to skip hard passages in Scripture. Nuanced texts are challenging to cover in a short time. Yet when we skip over the challenging passages, people are left to wrestle on their own. This session offers principles for preaching hard texts in a way that equips people to find answers and think deeply about their faith without getting stuck.