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

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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Adaptive Leadership for an Innovative Church

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The world is changing at an unprecedented rate. Church leaders are recognizing the need to adapt like never before. Scott Cormode, author of The Innovative Church, joins Randy Harris and Carson Reed for a discussion of how the never-changing gospel informs the challenging and life-giving work of innovation for the sake of God’s mission in the world.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on February 9, 2021.

 

Recordings & Resources

 

Special Guest: Scott Cormode

Scott Cormode

Scott Cormode is an ordained Presbyterian minister and the Hugh De Pree professor of leadership development at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is also a senior fellow at the Max De Pree Center for Leadership and the Fuller Youth Institute. Scott founded the Academy of Religious Leadership and the Journal of Religious Leadership. He received an M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Yale University.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions.

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What Is God Doing in the Brown Church?

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With the rise of Latinx populations in many parts of the United States, one blind spot for churches is the reality of Brown sisters and brothers. What could we learn about the gospel, mission, and justice by listening to how God is acting through the faithful witness of the Brown church?

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on January 26, 2021.

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

  • Download Alejandro Ezquerra and Omar Palafox’s Resources (PDF)

  • Watch the video on YouTube

  • Listen to the audio (below)

 

Special Guests

Alejandro Ezquerra

ALEJANDRO EZQUERRA

Alejandro Ezquerra has been the Spanish pulpit minister at Bammel Church of Christ since 2007. He is a journalist who is passionate about the great news. Before Bammel, Alejandro worked as youth minister at Westbury Church of Christ. Alejandro holds degrees in theology and journalism from Houston Baptist University and an M.Div. from ACU.

J. Omar Palafox

J. OMAR PALAFOX

J. Omar Palafox is a Mexican missionary from Guadalajara. Omar graduated with his Master of Divinity from ACU’s Graduate School of Theology and is a doctoral candidate in intercultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. His ministry is the expansion of ASHREI, a resource network for spiritual formation, while he ministers at the Colgate Bilingual Church of Christ. He has been married to his wife, Tana, for over 20 years, and together they have two children.

 

Ministering Among Post-Religious People

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As the decline of Christendom continues to shape North America, it is important to reflect on the new ways those outside our churches hear and respond to the story of Jesus. Drawing from his years of planting churches in the five boroughs of New York City, and from his new book, Lost Faith: A Practical Theology for Post-Christendom Ministry, Seth Bouchelle joins us to discuss the spiritual formation of new disciples in a religiously pluralistic context.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on January 12, 2021.

 

Recordings and Resources

 

Special Guest: Seth Bouchelle

Seth Bouchelle studied missions and biblical text at Abilene Christian University and completed graduate studies in Christian spirituality at Fordham University. Since 2014 he has worked as a church planter and evangelist among a diverse group of global populations in the Bronx, New York. Seth is the director of equipping for Exponent Group and host of the Global City Mission podcast.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul with any questions.

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Reimagining Discipleship in a Time of Transition

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What do theological ideas like the Trinity, discipleship, and eschatology have to do with thriving congregations today? More than you might think! This webinar offers a conversation with Mark Powell, John Mark Hicks, Greg McKinzie, co-authors of Discipleship in Community: A Theological Vision for the Future. Hosts Carson Reed and Randy Harris lead the discussion about contributions the book might make to congregational vitality in this time of separation and uncertainty.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on December 8, 2020.

 

RECORDINGS AND RESOURCES

 

Special Guests

MARK POWELL

Mark E. Powell, professor of theology at Harding School of Theology in Memphis, teaches courses in systematic theology, historical theology, ethics, and philosophy of religion. Mark is deeply interested in the intersection of theology, the ministry of the church, and discipleship. He is a shepherd at the Sycamore View Church of Christ and has served in preaching ministry, urban ministry, and adult education. Mark and his wife, Debbie, have an adult daughter and two teenage sons. He enjoys sports, cooking barbeque, and spending time in the great outdoors.

JOHN MARK HICKS

John Mark Hicks has been professor of theology at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, for the past 20 years and has taught in higher education among Churches of Christ for almost 40 years. He has authored, edited, or co-authored 18 books and contributed to academic and popular journals alike. He is married to Jennifer with whom he shares five living children and six grandchildren.

GREG McKINZIE

Greg McKinzie is a Ph.D. candidate in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and the executive editor of Missio Dei: A Journal of Missional Theology and Praxis. From 2008 to 2015, he served in Arequipa, Peru, as an intercultural missionary and helped found the Christian Urban Development Association. Greg holds an M.Div. from Harding School of Theology and a B.A. in missions from Harding University. He is an adjunct faculty member at Lipscomb University and Fuller.

 

Ministerial Self-Care in a Time of Pandemic

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Ministers today face seemingly impossible tasks: safely gathering as a church body, carefully meeting with individuals (while masked!), and leading congregations to bear witness to the gospel. Every day, ministers carry the burdens of reckoning with racial injustice, connecting with absentee members, navigating political landmines, and so much more. Add to all of that the numerous other economic and social challenges in this season, and one finds significant weight on ministers’ interior lives. While trying to love Jesus and Jesus’s people, church leaders must also attempt to hold themselves together. What does ministerial self-care look like here and now? Chelsie Sargent talks with us about the practices and promises ministers and church leaders can lean into, just for today.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on November 17, 2020.

 

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 work as a counseling therapist to individuals and couples, Chelsie meets regularly with corporate executives, non-profit professionals, and church leaders. She teaches and consults on a wide variety of topics, including the Enneagram, healthy boundaries, and contemporary issues.

Chelsie holds a B.A. in history from Abilene Christian University and an M.Ed. in counseling and human development from Hardin-Simmons University. She is certified in the Enneagram Spectrum Training with Dr. Jerry Wagner and completed basic training for EMDR therapy. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Professional Counseling. She lives in Houston, Texas with her husband Steve and their third grade daughter.

 

Cracking the Crisis of Conspiracy Theories

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It seems as if the whole world, including our congregants, is inundated with information. Embedded in this trend is a lot of conversation about conspiracy theories – political, religious, and more. What is the Christian response? What biblical insights can guide us through this confusing maze? Along with special guest Royce Money, we take a look.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on October 27, 2020.

Resources

  • Download Royce Money’s Conspiracy Theory Research (PDF)

  • Due to technical difficulties, we are not able to provide a recording of this webinar

Special Guest: Royce Money

Royce Money became chancellor of Abilene Christian University in 2010, after serving 19 years as ACU’s 10th president. He earned a bachelor’s and a Master of Divinity degree from ACU, a master’s degree in human development and the family from the University of Nebraska, and a Ph.D. in religion from Baylor University. He has been an elder in Abilene and ministered to churches in Texas, Alabama, Maryland, and Missouri. He has authored two books: Building Stronger Families: Family Enrichment in the Home, Church and Community and Ministering to Families: A Positive Plan of Action. He and Pam, his wife of 55 years, have two daughters and five grandchildren.

 

Why God Matters

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Rates of agnosticism and atheism continue to rise in the United States, along with the “Nones,” those unaffiliated with any religious tradition. Our churches are also experiencing a correlated demographic decline. At the same time, rates of depression, addiction, anxiety, and suicide are skyrocketing. These trends are intimately related and illustrate why God matters in an increasingly secular and post-Christian world.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar with Richard Beck took place on September 15, 2020.

 

Recordings and Resources

 

Special Guest: Richard Beck

Dr. Richard Beck

Richard Beck (Ph.D.) is professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at Abilene Christian University. He also serves as an elder at Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, where he regularly teaches Bible classes. Richard is a sought-after speaker and an award-winning blogger and author. His most recent book is Trains, Jesus and Murder: The Gospel According to Johnny Cash, and his upcoming book Hunting Magic Eels: Recovering an Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age is set for release in 2021. Every Monday evening Richard leads a Bible class for 50 inmates at the maximum security French Robertson Unit, and he has written and spoken extensively about his experiences working in a prison.

 

Congregational Response to COVID-19

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Suzie Macaluso joins Randy Harris and Carson Reed to discuss the findings from a survey of nearly 1,500 churchgoers in the United States. Discussion points include how respondents feel their church is handling the COVID-19 crisis and their anxiety about returning to worship.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on August 11, 2020.

Recordings and Resources

Special Guest: Suzie Macaluso

Dr. 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.

 

The Common Life of the Scattered Church

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In the pandemic’s ongoing disruption to our congregations’ life and practice, many of us are asking, “What should church look like when we are scattered?” The question is new for us today, but Scripture bears witness to the people of God discerning their identity in the midst of difficult or uncertain circumstances. Amanda Pittman joins Carson and Randy for a conversation about how the book of Acts and its portrayal of the common life of the early church might shape our imaginations in the face of new questions.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on July 21, 2020.

 

Recordings and Resources

  • Watch the video on YouTube

  • Listen to the audio (below)

Special Guest: Amanda Pittman

Dr. Amanda Pittman

Amanda Pittman is an assistant professor of Bible and ministry at Abilene Christian University. Her overlapping research interests – the formation of scriptural imagination, Luke-Acts, and Christian formation in congregational contexts – all coalesce around one central question: how are communities formed as disciples in the encounter of bodies and Bibles? With a Th.D. in Christian education and New Testament from Duke, she teaches both general education and upper-level courses in those areas. She lives in Abilene with her husband and young son, where she worships and serves with the Minter Lane Church of Christ.

 

How to Disagree Without Screaming at One Another

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Cole Bennett and Vic McCracken join us for an engaging conversation on the challenge and promise of civil discourse. In a time where the more ordinary things can become politicized and contested, what does it mean for us to have meaningful conversations with Christians – in Christian ways? Vic and Cole are longtime friends but consistently disagree on a wide range of topics. Hear them share some of their story and the way in which they navigate meaningful conversation, even when they disagree!

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on July 7, 2020.

 

Recordings and Resources

 

Special guests

Cole Bennett

COLE BENNETT

Cole Bennett is a professor of language and literature and the director of the Writing Center at Abilene Christian University. He received his Ph.D. in English from University of Arkansas at Little Rock, his M.A. at the University of Southern Mississippi, and his B.B.A. from Harding University. Cole is originally from Tyler, Texas.

Dr. Vic McCracken

VIC McCRACKEN

Vic McCracken is associate professor of ethics and theology at Abilene Christian University. Prior to his work in the university, Vic served as minister of adult discipleship at the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. In 2014 Vic edited and co-authored the book Christian Faith and Social Justice: Five Views, a text that introduces readers to important conversations in the field of Christian social ethics. An avid reader and gamer, Vic currently coordinates the Abilene Scholastic Chess Program and has taught hundreds of elementary students to fall in love with chess. Vic and his wife Tara have been married for 25 years and are immensely proud of the three children they have had the pleasure to raise.

 

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul.

Beloved Community: Overcoming the Obstacle of Racism

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For this inaugural Intersection, Lawrence W. Rodgers joins Randy Harris and Carson Reed to explore some of the pressing dimensions of how racism is dividing people and churches. Together they probe underlying social and theological reasons for the lack of awareness in many white churches, and they share ways of responding proactively in whatever congregational contexts participants reside.

A part of our series Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet, this webinar took place on June 16, 2020.

Recordings and Resources

Special Guest: Lawrence W. Rodgers

Lawrence Rodgers

Lawrence Rodgers is the pastor of Westside Church of Christ in Baltimore, Maryland. He has over 10 years of diverse experience in congregational leadership in the areas of mentoring, preaching, advising, church growth, administration, and strategic planning. He is also a researcher, lecturer, published writer, and social advocate.

Lawrence intends to continue to encourage the church locally and at large to realize its potential and its heavenly call to be a refuge for the afflicted, the broken, and the lost; consequently he is an advocate both vocally and in praxis. Ultimately, Lawrence believes the church on earth is to be a glimpse of the church in heaven, which is a beloved community.

Lawrence graduated with honors from Howard University with a Master of Divinity and received his bachelor’s from Harding University, where he studied Bible and ministry. Lawrence is happily married to Bettae, and they have two children, Tatvanna and Theodore Lawrence. Read his full bio.

Questions?

Contact Renee Paul.