Seminar Sessions (News and Events)

Seminar Sessions

How to Study the Bible

Do you desire to study the Bible but don’t know how? Or have you wanted to deepen your walk with the Lord through His word but don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to that process? This session gives practical tools to help you get more out of your time in God’s Word.
Speaker: Colleen Hunter Show Bio Watch a Video Promo

Initially a dedicated volunteer, Colleen became a member of MBC’s staff who currently facilitates small group ministries. She is passionate about Jesus, the Outer Banks and dessert! She has played a significant role in the development of Frontline’s curriculum in areas of evangelism and Bible study. Colleen is recently married, originally from Philadelphia, but calls the DC area her home. She is thrilled to be here with you this weekend.

From Genesis to Revelation in 60 Minutes

The Bible spans thousands of years. Yet remarkably, there is one central theme, one central character and cohesiveness from beginning to end. This session will navigate a “crash course” through 66 books of Scripture that will connect the Old and New Testaments, allowing you to better understand and communicate to others God’s purpose and plan for His creation.
Speaker: Carole Schryber Show Bio Watch a Video Promo

Carole is the Assistant Teaching Director of the Community Bible Study in Mclean and leads Women Seeking Wisdom, an evening study at MBC. Educated as an attorney, she has a passion for studying Scripture and leading women to a deeper knowledge of God's Word. She has recently authored In His Image.

Come to Rest

Are you weary? Do you feel that your life as a believer has gone gray, full of duty and low on joy? Join New York Times bestselling author Ellen Vaughn for some practical ideas from her new book, Come to Rest, about how to truly enjoy rest and refreshment in Jesus, and to start living in HD color!
Speaker: Ellen Vaughn Show Bio Watch a Video Promo

Ellen is a New York Times bestselling author and inspirational speaker. Her award-winning novels are The Strand and Gideon’s Torch, which she co-authored with Chuck Colson. Vaughn has also authored Come to Rest, which will be published in summer 2012. Former vice-president of executive communications for Prison Fellowship, Vaughn speaks frequently at retreats, conferences, and writers’ seminars. She holds a Master of Arts from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Richmond. Vaughn and her husband Lee live in the Washington, D.C. area with their teenagers Emily, Haley, and Walker.

When Life Isn’t What You Expected

Do you feel stuck or on-hold in your life? Does it seem that you aren’t where you thought you would/should be by now? This session talks about how to survive these times of struggle with your faith in-tact. This multi-generational panel will talk about personal struggles they are experiencing, in a real way, touching on the pain and struggle but also how God has been at work in their lives.
Speakers: Jennifer Avilla, Shelia McGee, Marcie Peck Show Bios Watch a Video Promo

Jennifer Avilla: After braving through years of work in the Senate, DEA, and several private-sector technology-focused businesses, God has blessed Jennifer with the opportunity to be a stay-at-home-wife. It was a job she didn’t want and struggled to see its significance because her self-worth was tied to her job title and salary. Through His grace, four awesome years at Capital Bible Seminary, and a patient and godly husband, Jennifer is learning to see her value in being His child, and is increasingly driven to help others come to know the acceptance and love that only Jesus Christ can give.

Shelia McGee: Shelia has been a member of McLean Bible Church for nearly 15 years. She has served in many ministries over the years, including the Welcome Center, Tellers, Kid’s Quest and others. Shelia is passionate about learning and sharing the Word of God and currently co-leads large group women’s Bible studies at MBC. Professionally, she is Director of Communications for HMSHost Corporation. Personally, she is single and the proud mother of one adult son, Seth Michael.

Marcie Peck: Marcie joined the McLean Bible Church community in 2000 when she and her husband Jeff were seeking to build their marriage and discovered the Club One young couples’ ministry. Over the past 12 years, Marcie has developed a core belief in the importance of multi-generational women’s ministry and seeks to mentor younger women and connect them in strong Biblical communities. She has served on the Women’s Conference Committee for several years and led a women’s small group for three years. Professionally, Marcie works in marketing and communications at USA TODAY. She and Jeff live in Falls Church with their son Riley (9) and daughter Sophie (6).

Identity in Christ

We are constantly bombarded and shaped by the messages we receive from the world about where our significance lies and where to find "life". This session will give you the opportunity to diagnose your heart on this issue, be honest about where you are, and let the truth of the gospel and who you are in Christ inform your identity.
Speaker: Carrie Pavone Show Bio Watch a Video Promo

Carrie and her husband Will met in college at Liberty University and have been married for 11 years and counting. She is a "mom in the trenches," staying at home to raise their three children ages 3, 5 and 6. She enjoys reading, teaching and being in community with others who spur her on toward love and good deeds.

Missional Living

Christ calls His followers to go into all the world to share His good news. Without going out and becoming foreign missionaries, how do we accomplish this? This breakout gives everyday application to 21st century women living in America about what it looks like and how to do it, wherever you are in life. Whether it be investing in the next generation or leading book groups, we can all participate in Christ’s great commission.
Speakers: Lauren Allgood, Beth Snyder, Brenda Solomon, Carol Tran Show Bios Watch a Video Promo

Lauren Allgood: Lauren is originally from a small town in south Georgia but has lived in Washington, DC for 12 years. Upon graduating from college, she moved to the DC area to pursue a career in politics. After several years in that career, the Lord drastically re-directed her life. Currently she is the Director of DayBreak Ministries where she oversees an outreach to children and their families in one of DC’s poorest neighborhoods. DayBreak provides educational and mentoring opportunities to children and is committed to seeing the Gospel shared and Christ glorified in the city!

Beth Snyder: Beth attended McLean Bible for nine years while living and working in northern Virginia. In late 2010, Beth moved to Dallas to assume a new role working for a corporate foundation. God has woven together Beth’s heart for serving women into her professional role, which works with organizations economically empowering women in developing countries. Along this journey, God has blessed Beth with fellow sojourners, like fellow panelist Lauren Allgood, who continue to inspire and encourage her.

Brenda Solomon: Brenda Solomon met Lon, the senior pastor at Mclean Bible Church, at Washington Bible College; they married in 1974 and went on to have four wonderful children — Jamie, Justin, Jon and Jill. Brenda became a mother of a child with special needs in 1992 when Jill was born and her life was forever changed. She knows first-hand the struggles families like hers face. This experience led to the founding of Jill’s House, a short-term respite for children with special needs. In addition to her involvement with Jill’s House, Brenda keeps busy as a Bible study leader, pastor’s wife, grandmother and mother to Jill.

Carol Tran: Carol is currently Director of Women’s Small Groups at MBC Tysons. She has served as a small group leader for the past six years in her home in the Vienna/Tysons area. Her passion is to see women grow in their walk with the Lord while doing life together with other women. She and her husband, Dat, have been married 14 years and have a son 13 and a daughter age 10.