Polishing the Pulpit - Sevierville 2026: Full Schedule

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8:15am EDT

Apologetics and Evangelism: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Saturday August 15, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am EDT

Some argue that, while apologetics is good, it is not as important as supporting “mission work.” What does the Bible say?

Speakers

Jeff Miller

Scientist, Apologetics Press

Dr. Miller holds multiple degrees in the physical sciences, including an earned
Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Ph.D. in Bio-
Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, with emphases in Thermodynamics,
Bio-Thermal Science, Bio-transport Phenomen... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am EDT
Ballroom B

Evangelism Scholars' Think Tank

9:00am EDT

The Requirements for Bridge Building (From Contact to Prospect to Bible Study)

Saturday August 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Meeting Room A

Speakers

Tagillima Esene

Minister, Honolulu church of Christ

Talofa and Aloha! My name is Lima (short for Tagiilima) and I am the husband of a great and beautiful wife, Athena. The father of six wonderful children (Annabeth, Antheia, Titus, Alethia, Athalia, and Aurora). We live on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and serve as the preaching family... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Meeting Room A

Evangelism

10:00am EDT

How to Overcome Difficult Questions in Evangelism: "Are You Saying My Family Member Went to Hell?"

Saturday August 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Ballroom A

Knowing how to respond, when to respond, and what to say is critical during Bible studies. Come and learn how to deal with the most difficult questions. Your answer weighs heavily on people's eternal souls.

Speakers

Rob Whitacre

Director, HTHSOE

Rob Whitacre was born in Carbondale, Illinois. He was raised near San Antonio, TX, attending the Northern Oaks church of Christ. He married Nicole of Nashville, TN, in August of 1996. They have one daughter, Hannah and one son, Jared. He comes from a God fearing family of preachers... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Ballroom A

Evangelism

11:30am EDT

HTH School of Evangelism Meet and Greet

Saturday August 15, 2026 11:30am - 1:15pm EDT

Off-Site

Come enjoy a meal on us! We will introduce the House to House/Heart to Heart School of Evangelism and let you hear from elders/preachers who are enrolled speak about the remarkable results.

Free lunch provided: El Paso Mexican Food / Chick-fil-A.

Call or text to reserve your spot (931-224-8794). Limited to 30 people (no more than four per congregation).

Meet at Oak Haven Resort, Cabin 56, 1947 Old Knoxville Hwy, Sevierville, TN 37876.

Speakers

Rob Whitacre

Director, HTHSOE

Saturday August 15, 2026 11:30am - 1:15pm EDT
Off-Site

Evangelism

2:15pm EDT

Why Most People Don’t Need a Debate—They Need a Christian Who Makes Sense

Saturday August 15, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT

Ballroom B

Speakers

Steve Higginbotham

Preaching Minister, Karns church of Christ

Steve Higginbotham is a native of West Virginia. He graduated from Freed-Hardeman in 1984 and has been preaching ever since. He is married to Kim (Pierce) Higginbotham, and together, they have four children. Steve currently serves as the preaching minister for the Karns church... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Ballroom B

Evangelism Ministry

3:00pm EDT

Lukan Models of Faith: Zacchaeus—A Model Prospect

Saturday August 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Ballroom D

Speakers

Melvin Otey

Professor of Law & Preacher, Faulkner University & Perry Hill Road church of Christ

Melvin preaches for the Perry Hill Road church of Christ in Montgomery, AL, and serves as Professor of Law at Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law, where he teaches criminal law and procedure courses. He formerly worked as a trial lawyer for the Criminal Division of the... Read More →

Saturday August 15, 2026 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
Ballroom D

Textual Evangelism