Humanity is captivated by the aesthetics of our world. What captures the eyes usually captures the heart. Images flood our minds and hearts through multiple channels. So what do we do when the IMAGE of God has been distorted? Why have we opted for creation rather than the creator? This distorted image of God forms an image of ourselves, others and the way we see the world. Can we recapture & repaint the beauty of who God is?

Teacher:

Carlos Isaziga

Fundamentalism is a reactionary phenomenon informing believers of every religion around the world. So, what is it? What fruit has it borne? And how should an understanding of fundamentalism change our ministry, especially preaching? In this session we’ll briefly discuss fundamentalism, what it is, where it comes from, how it has shaped Christian’s interpretation of the Bible, behavior, and rhetoric, and what should change in the future.

Teacher:

Adam Matthews

Ministry is tough! It's critical that ministers attend to their own resilience as well as have a framework and tools that can help them support their congregations in being resilient in challenging times. Pepperdine's RISE program will be shared and possible applications from parenting workshops, youth ministry, adult classes, sermons, and pastoral conversations will be suggested.

Teacher:

Connie Horton

This class includes a hybrid of teaching and panel discussion exploring the virtue of sharing Christ with our neighbors.

Teacher:

Neil Reynolds

Panelists:

Part 2 of this class considers how the historical lives of Christians and the leadership can inform our own consideration about leadership in the church today. After a brief review of the results from part one and surveying some exemplary trends in church history, we will focus our attention on the particular context of the Church in the US to consider how the past provides wisdom for our present leadership needs.

Teacher:

John Boyles

You will recognize the characters in these six stories; you will smile, laugh, and feel some of the grief along the way. And you will get glimpses into the varied texture of our lives—the unexpected people who bless us, the desert experiences, the need for forgiveness, the gifts along the way, the surprises of grace.

Teachers:

Leonard Allen, Darryl Tippens

What would it mean for us to become more and more like Jesus—not based primarily on our behaviors—but instead flowing from our deepest desires? What if we learned how to want what God wants? For us? For the people around us?

Teacher:

Jarrod Robinson

It is said Jesus did not speak "except in parables.” The parables are part of what made Jesus a master teacher. This class will discuss the nature of parables, how they hide and reveal, and how one might teach or preach from the parables.

Teacher:

Mark Manassee

Discouraged? Weary of hearing how our churches are shrinking, aging, and becoming irrelevant? Come hear why we believe there can be hope for the future of our tribe. And hear how you can be a part of this exciting movement.

Teacher:

Pat Bills

Panelists:

Jovan Barrington, Cyntha Ownby, Doug Page

Teachers:

Sara Barton, Ahmi Lee