Loving to Know: Attuning Your Philosophy to Enhance Your Ministry
An application-based seminar on covenant epistemology in worship, life, and leadership
Date:
Monday, June 17 - Friday, June 21, 2024
Location:
Prince Conference Center
1800 East Beltline SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan
USA
What does the philosophy of knowledge have to do with leadership and life? This week-long seminar, directed by Esther Lightcap Meek, offers a restorative philosophical vision that enhances worship and pastoral ministry and can be applied to any walk of life. Covenant epistemology is a fresh approach to the act of knowing that takes as its paradigm the interpersonal, covenantally constituted relationship best typified in the redemptive encounter. Covenant epistemology exposes and dispels the implicit and skewed philosophy of our modern age, with its fundamental dualisms that thwart our life, work, and worship. One of its key aphorisms is: We do not know in order to love; we love in order to know. Participants will find that covenant epistemology restores people to themselves, to the world, and to the Lord.
Our weekly rhythm will include morning “classroom” time, afternoon break time for rest and reflection, group meals, and a public evening event. The seminar involves extensive conversation, personal reflection, and hands-on activities. Participants will read Esther Lightcap Meek’s books Longing to Know: The Philosophy of Knowledge for Ordinary People (Brazos, 2003) and Loving to Know: Introducing Covenant Epistemology (Cascade, 2011), and they’ll also read Michael Polanyi’s essay “Faith and Reason” (Journal of Religion 41:4 (October 1961), 237–47).
This seminar will be offered at no cost to selected participants. Space is limited. All meals and lodging will be provided throughout the week. Course readings will be sent to participants in advance of the seminar week. Participants are responsible for the cost of travel to and from the seminar.
Applications for this seminar are due on March 15, 2024. Participants will be notified of their selection by April 12, 2024.
Applicants must fill out an application form and provide:
- A 300-word essay on why you are interested in participating in the seminar
- Your resume/CV
- The contact information of one person of reference