Let's Talk about Race and the Church

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The topic of race has dominated national and ecclesiastical headlines in recent years, but this topic is certainly not a new one! In this edition of Intersection, Dr. Edward Robinson, Dr. Wes Crawford, Randy Harris, and Dr. Carson Reed will discuss how Churches of Christ have navigated the tumultuous waters of race relationships in the past and how that history continues to shape the way we handle this delicate topic in the present. If you are a church leader looking for perspective on this issue.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this particular webinar took place on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

 

Recordings & Resources

  • Watch the video on YouTube

  • Listen to the audio (below) Special Guests: Edward Robinson & Wes Crawford

  • Resources from Robinson & Crawford

 

Special Guests: Edward Robinson & Wes Crawford

Dr. Edward Robinson

EDWARD ROBINSON

Dr. Edward Robinson, a native of Jacksonville, Texas, serves as associate professor of history and religion at Texas College and pulpit minister for the North Tenneha Church of Christ in Tyler. He has served congregations in Mississippi, Illinois, and Texas. He earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Bible and religious education from Southwestern Christian College. He has three masters degrees: Masters of Arts in religious education, a Masters of Divinity from Harding School of Theology, and a Masters of Arts in classical Greek from the University of Illinois. His Ph.D. is in American history and African American history from Mississippi State University. Edward has authored seven academic books, including Hard-Fighting Soldiers: A History of African American Churches of Christ. He and his wife, Toni, have three daughters.

Dr. Wes Crawford

WES CRAWFORD

Dr. Wes Crawford is associate dean of the Graduate School of Theology and assistant professor of church history at ACU, where he also directs the Center for Restoration Studies. His research interests center on American religion generally and the intersection of race and religion specifically. His book, Shattering the Illusion: How African American Churches of Christ Moved from Segregation to Independence, examines the relationship between white and Black members of Churches of Christ throughout the 20th century. In addition to his academic pursuits, Wes also served as a preaching minister for 20 years in Texas, splitting time between Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock and Glenwood Church of Christ in Tyler. Wes and his wife, Kim, have been married for over 20 years and have four children.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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What We Are Learning About Churches From the Church Health Assessment

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In this Intersection conversation, Dr. Suzie Macaluso will share insights gained from conducting the Church Health Assessment in over 50 congregations. We'll talk about the development of the new version of the Church Health Assessment and how church leaders can use the data collected to help their congregation.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this particular webinar took place on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.

 

Recordings & Resources

 

Special Guest: Suzie Macaluso

Suzie Macaluso did her undergraduate degree in sociology, psychology, and Bible at Cascade College and her Master of Science, graduate certificate in survey research, and Ph.D. in sociology at Purdue University. In 2011, she came to ACU, where she is now an associate professor of sociology and the director of the Pruett Gerontology Center. Suzie is an active member at Minter Lane Church of Christ, where she regularly teaches children and adult Bible classes. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on ACU sports, and traveling.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Chaplaincy But Were Afraid to Ask

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Two professional chaplains discuss what chaplaincy is—and isn’t—and how chaplains can be valuable allies to those involved in church ministry. Topics addressed include: a day in the life of a healthcare chaplain; similarities and differences between the work of chaplains and church-based ministers; qualifications chaplains have to meet; how chaplains and church-based ministers can support one another; and self-care while caring for others.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this particular webinar took place on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

  • Watch the video on YouTube

  • Resources from Kasey McCollum & Paul Riddle

  • Listen to the audio (below) Special Guests: Kasey McCollum & Paul Riddle

 

Special Guests: Kasey McCollum & Paul Riddle

Kasey McCollum

KASEY McCOLLUM

Kasey McCollum (M.Div., BCC) is the manager of pastoral care at a hospital in Arlington, Texas. She has also served as a staff chaplain at an acute care hospital and as a hospice chaplain. She is particularly passionate about supporting hospital staff as they offer compassionate care to their patients and is the program coordinator for Schwartz Rounds at her hospital. She also facilitates Dialogues on Race where they explore the ways race influences experiences in the hospital setting and beyond. Kasey holds a B.S. in Youth and Family Ministry and an M.Div., both from Abilene Christian University. She has been married to her husband, Casey, for 18 years, and they have two children, Clare and Micah. 

DR. Paul Riddle

PAUL RIDDLE

Paul Riddle (D.Min., BCC) is director of spiritual care at Lifeline Chaplaincy Houston. Prior to assuming this position in 2001, he served as minister of family life at University Avenue Church of Christ in Austin from 1996 to 2000 and as a U.S. Navy chaplain from 1987 to 1996. He also serves as chair of the Siburt Institute’s chaplaincy endorsement steering committee. Paul holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin (B.S., zoology), Abilene Christian University (Bachelor of Biblical studies), Yale Divinity School (M.Div.), and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He is married to Rebekah George Riddle, and they are members of Bering Drive Church of Christ in Houston.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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Preaching in a Post-Pandemic World

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While many congregations are returning to something like normal rhythms, ministers are still struggling with the issues that emerged during the global pandemic. Those who preach are no different, as they struggle to navigate the complexities and issues of this contemporary moment. Join us for a conversation in which we explore the distinctive challenges of preaching in our post-pandemic world and the unique opportunities God may have given those called to preach in this season of the Church’s life.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this particular webinar took place on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

  • Watch the video on YouTube

  • Resources from Dr. Lee & Dr. Sensing

  • Listen to the audio (below)

 

Special Guests: Dr. Mason Lee & Dr. Tim Sensing

DR. Mason Lee

MASON LEE

Dr. Mason Lee is assistant professor of practical theology and director of contextual education at the ACU Graduate School of Theology, where he has served since 2020. In his work, Mason serves on the Siburt Institute Looking Team and works with congregations in interim ministry capacities. Prior to coming to ACU, Mason worked with congregations across the country and developed ministry resource initiatives that focused on continuing education programs for ministers. When he isn’t writing or thinking about ministry, Mason enjoys spending time with his wife Kelci, their daughter Addison, and their two dogs.

DR. Tim Sensing

TIM SENSING

Dr. Tim Sensing is professor of practical theology at the ACU Graduate School of Theology where he has taught since 1999. Prior to teaching at ACU, Tim served in congregational ministry for 17 years, working with churches in New Jersey, Indiana, and North Carolina. Among his roles at ACU, Tim partners with the Siburt Institute Looking Team and is deeply engaged in the lives of local congregations in and around Abilene, Texas.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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Preaching in an Intercultural Future

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Our contexts are becoming ever more diverse. Intercultural community and life are increasingly real. How do ministers navigate intercultural contexts, and how might our preaching need to evolve to communicate effectively in such a world? Join us with our special guest, Dr. Jared Alcántara, as we explore what it means to be interculturally competent in our communication, in our preaching, and in our ministry.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this particular webinar took place on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

  • Watch the video on YouTube

  • Dr Alcántara’s book recommendation list

  • Listen to the audio (below)Special Guest: Jared Alcántara

 

SPECIAL GUEST: JARED ALCÁNTARA

Dr. Jared Alcántara

Dr. Jared E. Alcántara is professor of preaching and holder of the Paul W. Powell Endowed Chair in Preaching at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary. He was born and raised in New Jersey and came to faith in Christ at the age of 14. He is half-Latino (Honduran) and half-White. An ordained Baptist minister, he has served as a youth pastor, associate pastor, and teaching pastor in Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, and New Jersey.  Dr. Alcántara is passionate about equipping students to preach God’s Word in ways that are faithful, effective, clear, creative, and inspiring. He also plays piano, enjoys disc golf, and is a rabid Philadelphia Eagles fan. He lives in the Waco area with his wife, Jennifer, and their three daughters.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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Ministry with Children

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Children hold a special place in the heart of Jesus, and many churches desire to cultivate a space that mirrors that same love and embrace. However, due to factors that range from the practical (e.g., minister shortages) to the spiritual (e.g., an incomplete theology of children), churches struggle with how to put that desire into practice. Therefore, the result is a ministry that becomes more programmatic than spiritually formative, and in the end, the kingdom of God experiences the impact of those challenges. Therefore, if we are to truly embody a children’s ministry that expresses the fullness of God—from children to leadership—then we must ask ourselves, “What does ministry with children truly look like?”

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this particular webinar took place on Tuesday, November 15, 2022.

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

  • Watch the video on YouTube

  • Dr Schroeder’s book recommendation list

  • Listen to the audio (below)Special Guest: Jennifer Schroeder

 

SPECIAL GUEST: Jennifer Schroeder

Dr. Jennifer Schroeder

Jennifer Schroeder has been serving in congregational ministry for the last two decades, in addition to being an accomplished musician, teacher and scholar. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of North Texas, a doctorate from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree in family studies from Lubbock Christian University; additionally, she has recently completed her Doctor of Ministry degree from ACU. Jennifer has served in children’s ministry in congregations in Garland, Plano, and Houston, Texas, as well as with the North Atlanta Church of Christ in Georgia for the past six years. Jennifer currently serves the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry as the Summit Director and a consultant for churches. In addition to her role as Summit Director, she teaches courses in children and family ministry for the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry in ACU’s College of Biblical Studies. She has also recently been named the director of the Center for Women in Christian Ministry. Jennifer and her husband, Greg, have four children, and they love calling Abilene home.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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The Return of Shame and Honor

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The cultural dynamics of honor, face, and shame have often been thought to be possessions of foreign, non-Western cultures. Those of us in the English-speaking world have often thought we have "outgrown" such issues–no more "pistols at 20 paces"! In truth, there is no such thing as "Honor Cultures" or "Shame Cultures." Not only do these appear as dominant themes in scripture, but all cultures practice these basic dynamics, including our modern English-speaking North American culture. To understand and engage our current cultural context well, ministers and church leaders need to pay closer attention to such issues. In this webinar, Chris will draw on some of his recent publications to help church leaders think deeply and critically about honor, face, and shame.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this particular webinar took place on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

 

Special Guest: CHRIS FLANDERS

Chris Flanders

Chris Flanders is professor of missions in the Graduate School of Theology at ACU. His wife, Cara, is the assistant director of the ACU Counseling Center. Chris spent 11 years in Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai) where he worked with established churches and helped plant several new churches. Chris is the assistant editor of Missio Dei Journal and a member of the leadership team of the Honor-Shame Network. His publications include About Face: Rethinking Face for 21st Century Mission, Devoted to Christ: Missiological Reflections in Honor of Sherwood G. Lingenfelter (editor), and Honor, Shame, and the Gospel: Reframing Our Message and Ministry (editor with Werner Mischke).

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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Starting Churches That Don’t Look Like Churches

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In the aftermath of COVID and the social unrest of the past three years, churches have—at best—lost only 15% of their pre-COVID numbers. In many cases, church attendance is down 30-50% or more from 2019. At the same time, we have seen a precipitous rise in the number of churches closing or merging with other congregations. Does anyone still question the need for new churches? Of course, we always need new churches, but we do not need more of what we have had. We need new churches that reimagine what it looks like to be the people of God in an increasingly secular and post-Christian world. Therein lies the challenge! Will established churches seek to start new kinds of churches—churches that perhaps won’t even look like churches to them but embody the Gospel in their communities in unfamiliar ways?

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this particular webinar took place on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

 

Special Guest: Tod Vogt

Tod Vogt

Tod Vogt is the executive director of Mission Alive, a missional church planting ministry with a focus on starting new, innovative churches in marginalized communities. He is the co-author of Discipleship Cohorts: Listening to God through Scripture, Prayer and Mission and the co-author of Catalyze Coaching: Kenotic Conversations for Growth and Change. Tod holds an M.A. in communication and an M.Miss. in missions, both from ACU. He lives in McKinney, Texas, with his wife, Candace, who owns her own law firm. They have two adult children. Tod is an elder for the Greenville Oaks Church of Christ in Allen, Texas.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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Church Community in an Age of Isolation

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Much has been written about the ways in which our culture grows increasingly fragmented. Less discussed, however, are the ways in which our church practices contribute to that reality. Drawing on the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Myles Werntz offered an account of the ways the church perpetuates isolation, and what it might look like to practice the life of faith with the good of community in mind.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this particular webinar took place on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

Recordings and Resources

 

SPECIAL GUEST: Myles Werntz

Dr. Myles Werntz

Myles Werntz is director of the Baptist Studies Center and associate professor of theology at Abilene Christian University. He is the author and co-editor of several books in the area of Christian theology and ethics, including his most recent publications from Baker, From Isolation to Community: A Renewed Vision for Christian Life Together and (with David C. Cramer) A Field Guide to Christian Nonviolence: Key Thinkers, Activists, and Movements for the Gospel of Peace. His research interests include church engagements in political life, Christian ethics of war and peace, immigration, and ecclesiology. He is married to Sarah Martin-Werntz, and they live in Abilene with their sons. He is always waiting for baseball season.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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God’s Living Word

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The Bible is the word of the Lord Jesus to his church. But what is it meant to do in the life of God’s people? What is it for, how should we understand it, and how should we approach it as ordinary believers or as teachers and preachers? Join us for a conversation with Brad East as we reflect theologically on the role and purpose of Scripture in the worship and mission of the church.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

Recordings and Resources

 

Special Guest: Brad East

Dr. Brad East

Brad East is assistant professor of theology in the College of Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University. He edited Robert Jenson’s The Triune Story: Collected Essays on Scripture (Oxford University Press, 2019) and authored The Doctrine of Scripture (Cascade, 2021) and The Church’s Book: Theology of Scripture in Ecclesial Context (Eerdmans, 2022). He earned his Ph.D. from Yale University. Brad and his wife, Katelin, and their four children are members of Highland Church of Christ, where he is one of the teachers in the Sojourners class.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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Pastoral Leadership in Troubled Times

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Pastoral leadership is an ancient practice, and the church is no stranger to troubled times. In one way or another, ministers lead and care for their congregations amid chaos – whether that chaos is within the congregation, in the surrounding culture, or both. Keeping a clear head about what the pastoral calling is about, is critical to helping God’s people navigate stormy waters.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on Tuesday, February 22, 2022.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

Recording

  • Watch the video on YouTube

  • Listen to the audio (below)

 

Special Guest: R. Robert Creech

Dr. R. Robert Creech

Dr. R. Robert Creech is professor of Christian ministries and director of pastoral ministries in the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University. He also holds the Hubert H. and Gladys S. Raborn Chair of Pastoral Leadership. Robert joined the Truett faculty in 2009 following 22 years as senior pastor at the University Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He previously taught at Houston Baptist University from 1979 to 1987. Robert and his wife, Dr. Melinda Creech, enjoy the outdoors and their family farm in Floresville, Texas, where they are employing a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife to restore the 88-acre site to native prairie. They have three children and four grandchildren. Robert is currently serving as interim pastor for the Trinity Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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Reimagining Leadership Amid Disruption

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The Bible is full of stories about disruptions, and God is always on the ground inviting believers into practices that make discernment possible. Those biblical narratives tell us that the traditions we’ve inherited can either blind us or enlighten us. When leaders and their communities experience disruption, disorientation, and trauma, we tend toward tightening management and conformity, or toward desperate innovations and strategies. But the Bible stories emphasize a more grounded and holy awareness, a confidence that God is initiating, and an expectation that God invites us into uncomfortable yet promising practices that help us learn how we can participate in what God is doing. This webinar, based on Leadership, God’s Agency, and Disruptions (by Mark Lau Branson and Alan Roxburgh), will explore how the challenges we face can reshape our own leadership.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

Recordings and resources

  • Read an excerpt from Leadership, God’s Agency, and Disruptions by Mark Lau Branson and Alan Roxburgh (PDF download)

  • Purchase the entire book!

  • Watch the webinar recording on YouTube

  • Listen to the audio (below)

Special Guest: Mark Lau Branson

Dr. Mark Lau Branson

For over 20 years, Mark Lau Branson has taught master’s and doctoral students in the areas of congregational leadership, community engagement, urban studies, and education. Currently he teaches at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. He was ordained at San Francisco Christian Center, an African American Pentecostal church, and has served on the pastoral teams in United Methodist and Presbyterian (PCUSA) churches. Mark has worked with several Christian agencies active in education, community development, university ministry, and community organizing, and he continues to consult with churches, judicatories, and community organizations. He holds graduate degrees from Claremont School of Theology and the University of San Francisco. He has authored and edited several books, including Leadership, God’s Agency, and Disruptions: Confronting Modernity’s Wager (with Alan Roxburgh); Churches, Cultures & Leadership: A Practical Theology of Congregations and Ethnicities (with Juan Martínez); and Memories, Hopes, and Conversations: Appreciative Inquiry, Missional Engagement, and Congregational Change. Mark and his wife Nina Lau-Branson are active at La Fuente Ministries, a bilingual Nazarene Church in Pasadena/Altadena, California.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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What Does the Church Need to Hear About Church?

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A sad reality is emerging in many churches: people are straying from congregational life. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what many of us have trained them to do! Now, we may be seeing the fruit from our lack of attention to discipleship, community, and bearing witness to the gospel in public spaces – even before the pandemic brought physical barriers to communal gatherings. Join us for a conversation with Rick Atchley as we explore what our churches need to hear anew, starting with the gospel, mission, community, and discipleship.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

Recordings

  • Watch the webinar recording on YouTube

  • Listen to the audio (below)

 

Special Guest: Rick Atchley

Rick Atchley

Rick Atchley is the senior teaching minister at The Hills Church, a church with campuses in North Richland Hills, Southlake, and West Fort Worth, Texas. He has ministered at The Hills since 1989. Before moving to The Hills, Rick preached for the Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, for 11 years. Rick holds a B.A. in oral communications and an M.A. in religious communications from ACU. He and his wife, Jamie, have three children. Rick loves golf and exercise and is a retired fantasy football champion.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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The Enneagram and Spiritual Self-Care

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The Christian life is not a solo endeavor; we need to discern with, live amongst, and serve alongside a community. Even so, we also must tend to ourselves in ways holy and Spirit-breathed, and in manners consistent with the character and personality purposefully placed within us. Chelsie Sargent discusses with us how the Enneagram can provide intentional, spiritual self-care practices to church leaders who are busy caring for others.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

Recordings and Resources

 

Special Guest: Chelsie Sargent

Chelsie Sargent

Chelsie Sargent is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor (LPC-S) specializing in self-care, depression, anxiety, grief, life-transitions, trauma, and the Enneagram. In addition to her therapy work, Chelsie meets regularly with corporate executives, nonprofit professionals, and church leaders. She teaches and consults on a variety of topics, including the Enneagram, healthy boundaries, and contemporary issues. She holds a B.A. from ACU and an M.Ed. from Hardin-Simmons University, is certified in the Enneagram Spectrum Training with Dr. Jerry Wagner, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Professional Counseling. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Steve, and their daughter.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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Everywhere You Look

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The church is on the edge of a new possibility at the very moment that it feels like it’s falling apart. Tim Soerens joins us to discuss his book, Everywhere You Look: Discovering the Church Right Where You Are.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on Tuesday, October 19.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

Recordings and Resources

 

Special Guest: Tim Soerens

Tim Soerens

Tim Soerens is the co-founding director of the Parish Collective, a growing network and global movement of Christians reimagining what it means to be the church in, with, and for the neighborhood. His latest book is Everywhere You Look: Discovering the Church, Right Where You Are, and he previously co-authored the award-winning book, The New Parish: How Neighborhood Churches Transform Mission, Discipleship, and Community. Closer to home, he and his wife are helping to start South Park Neighborhood Church and are co-founding owners of Resistencia Coffee, a neighborhood coffee shop, as well as the South Park Idea Lab. He lives in Seattle, Washington, with his wife, Coté, and their sons, Lukas and Joaquín.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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Inviting Others Into God’s Good News

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What do we do with this finding from a recent Barna study: “A startling six in 10 Americans believe that any ‘attempt to convert others’ to one’s own faith is ‘extreme’”? Priscilla Pope-Levison, author of the award-winning book, Models of Evangelism, bucks the statistics by introducing Christians to a wide range of models, from personal to media evangelism and from small group to prophetic evangelism. Join us for a conversation about how these models can inspire churches and individual Christians to convey the good news (euangelion) of the gospel.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on Tuesday, May 11.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

 

Special Guest: Priscilla Pope-Levison

Dr. Priscilla Pope-Levison

Dr. Priscilla Pope-Levison is associate dean for external programs and professor of ministerial studies at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. Before coming to Perkins, she was the first faculty person to be hired in evangelism at Duke Divinity School, then she taught theology at Seattle Pacific University for 15 years. Her most recent book, Models of Evangelism (2020), was named a Top Five Book of 2020 on the Jesus Creed Blog and Resource of the Year in Theology and Biblical Studies by Outreach magazine for 2020. She has recently been awarded two million-dollar grants by the Lilly Endowment to work on revitalizing congregations. The first grant is titled, “Reboot: The Congregation as Youth Worker,” and the second focuses on “Testimony as Community Engagement.” As a United Methodist minister, Priscilla has served in the local church, as a college chaplain, as a college and seminary professor, and currently as a seminary administrator.

 

Questions?

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Welcoming the Stranger

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Refugees and immigrants have always played an important role in the conception of the American dream. Their reception, however, tells a different story. Sometimes welcomed, sometimes feared, depending on their place of origin and the dynamics of the current political moment, as Christians and church leaders, we dare not forget that refugees and former refugees are real people. Jessica Goudeau, author of After the Last Border: Two Families and the Story of Refuge in America, joins Randy and Carson for a conversation on how ministers can help their churches practice hospitality to strangers. Jessica brings real expertise and knowledge, as well as a deep commitment to the way of Jesus, to this fraught but important conversation.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on Tuesday, April 13.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

 

Special Guest: Jessica Goudeau

Dr. Jessica Goudeau

Dr. Jessica Goudeau has written for such publications as The Atlantic, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Teen Vogue, is a former columnist for Catapult, and is the author of After the Last Border: Two Families and the Story of Refuge in America. She produced A Line Birds Cannot See, a documentary about a young girl who crossed the border into the U.S. on her own, as well as Teen Vogue’s Ask a Syrian Girl web series. She has a Ph.D. in literature from the University of Texas and served as a Mellon writing fellow and interim writing center director at Southwestern University. Jessica has spent more than a decade working with refugees in Austin, Texas, and she co-founded Hill Tribers, a nonprofit that provided supplemental income for Burmese refugee artisans for seven years.

 

Questions?

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The Listening Side of Prayer

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We live frantic, busy lives that distract us from seeing and hearing God. Yet our hearts long to be centered on God. For centuries, Christians sought to release the reins of control and enjoy a more vulnerable, intimate life with God. They adopted postures in prayer to become more receptive to God’s agenda and leading. They learned practices for yielding their minds and hearts to God along with ways to allow Scripture to speak into their lives. Contemplative prayer fosters this deep, rich relationship with God in forms of prayer that are accessible to all. Join us for a conversation with Jackie Halstead about the practice of contemplative prayer for congregational leaders – both for themselves and in their leadership of the church.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on Tuesday, March 30.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

 

Special Guest: Jackie Halstead

Dr. Jackie Halstead

Dr. Jackie L. Halstead (PhD, LMFT, MDiv) is the CEO of Selah Center for Spiritual Formation, a nonprofit offering a certificate program in spiritual direction and online courses in the Christian spiritual disciplines. She serves as associate director of ACU’s online Marriage and Family Therapy program. As a licensed therapist, she specializes in ministers and their families. Jackie is a spiritual director and speaks frequently on the topics of contemplative prayer, spiritual formation, and relationships. She authored Leaning Into God’s Embrace: A Guidebook for Contemplative Prayer. Jackie has been married to Randy for 39 years, and they live in Nashville and have two grown daughters.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions.

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Breath Prayers: When the Heart Speaks but the Mouth Doesn’t

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What can we reasonably expect breath prayers to accomplish in the lives of those who use them as tools of formation? In this conversation, we’ll explore breath prayers through history – from ancient Israel through the Orthodox church to today. Along the way we’ll explore how Christians use this form of prayer, and we’ll practice with this spiritual exercise as well.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on Tuesday, March 16.

We offer Intersection at no charge to you. If you find it impactful and would like to help us continue offering webinars like this, as well as other resources for churches and Christian leaders, we appreciate donations of any size. Thank you!

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

 

Special Guest: Houston Heflin

Dr. Houston Heflin

Houston and his wife, Karen, have been married 24 years and have four children. He teaches courses on spiritual formation and ministry for ACU’s Department of Bible, Missions, and Ministry and Graduate School of Theology. Houston has authored several books and articles on spiritual disciplines, including Pray Like You Breathe: Exploring the Practice of Breath Prayer and Teaching Eutychus: Engaging Today’s Learners With Passion and Creativity. He frequently visits churches for preaching, teaching, consulting, and seminars in the area of spiritual formation.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions about this webinar.

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Light, Truth, and Fake News

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Two Christian journalists discuss their pursuit of facts in an age of polarization and conspiracy theories. They’ll offer wisdom on how church leaders can promote news literacy and a healthy understanding of what is true and false on social media and in the headlines.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on February 23, 2021.

Recordings and Resources

 

Special Guests

CHERYL MANN BACON

After working in university public relations and chairing ACU’s nationally accredited Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Cheryl is now a writer, editor, and consultant for churches and church-affiliated organizations, and a regular correspondent for The Christian Chronicle. As a Siburt Institute consulting partner, she conducts communication audits, guides churches through crisis management and media relations, and provides writing and editing services.

BOBBY ROSS JR.

Bobby Ross Jr. is editor-in-chief of The Christian Chronicle, an international newspaper for Churches of Christ with 135,000 U.S. print subscribers. Since joining the Chronicle in 2005, Bobby has reported from all 50 states and 15 countries. He also writes a weekly national column for the online magazine Religion Unplugged. He previously served as a religion writer for The Associated Press and The Oklahoman. He is a 1990 journalism graduate of Oklahoma Christian University.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions.

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