What’s Missing from Models of Christian Formation?
This panel discussion will explore misunderstood or neglected scriptural and theological themes related to Christian formation.
Silver Linings: What Churches Are Learning about Pastoral Worship Ministry through the Pandemic
What have we been learning about ministry through the pandemic? What benefits, strengths, virtues, and gifts have surprised us? Our panelists for this session are listeners and learners—people listening for what local ministry leaders are saying and for what is going on under the surface, even things not explicitly spoken. We'll learn from their listening and then receive some tips about how all of us can be more attentive in our listening practices.
Dru Johnson on Bible Literacy, Fluency, and Engagement
Biblical scholar Dru Johnson explains how churches and even the U.S. criminal justice system might be different if more people who identify as Christian were more familiar with the whole of Scripture.
Ronnie Farmer Jr. on Positively Addressing Racial Difference
Some Christians think that even talking about racial differences is racist. But the church has a crucial opportunity to promote honest cross-cultural conversations that help people recognize the image of God in every person.
Ronnie Farmer Jr. on Visual Arts and Reconciliation
Christians often wonder how to use their God-given gifts to address an issue that God cares about. Ronnie Farmer Jr., an artist and pastor, explains how the path is sometimes revealed just one step at a time. Gradually we develop our imagination to see how the Lord intends for us to use our gifts and experiences.
Ken Boer on Biblevox: Memorizing Scripture through Song
For many Christians, Bible verses and passages are often easier to memorize when set to music. Worship pastor Ken Boer designed the website Biblevox to help people find word-for-word scripture songs.
Ken Boer on Scripture Memorization Methods
Memorizing Bible verses and passages can enrich family, school, and church communities. Internalizing God’s Word, whether by music or another method, helps Christians meditate, pray, and grow closer together with God and each other.
Szabina Sztojka on the Ministry of Reconciliation
Christians sometimes believe that because God forgives our sins, we should always appear happy and should not talk about pain and anger. But Christians involved in the Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations ministry of reconciliation explain how inviting the Holy Spirit to surface our wounds can eventually lead us to see more facets of God’s glory.
Szabina Sztojka on Mission To and With Roma People in Hungary
As in many denominations with a single ethnic majority, the Reformed Church in Hungary (RCH) is working to be more welcoming to other cultures. As leader of the RCH Roma Ministry, Szabina Sztojka focuses on reconciliation, health, and hope to nurture Roma gifts and leadership in churches and schools.
Two Pastors on Leading by Giftedness and Stewarding Diversity
Kizombo Kalumbula and Artie M. Lindsay Sr. helped found a church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, modeled on leading by giftedness. Gradually Tabernacle Community Church realized that their natural diversity was a gift from God meant to be stewarded during “such a time as this” in American culture.
Forgive Us Our Sins: Growing Into the Prayer Jesus Taught Us
A conversation with Mark Charles and John D. Witvliet on the phrase "Forgive Us Our Sins" from the Lord's Prayer, as part of the series "Growing into the Prayer Jesus Taught Us."
Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done: Growing into the Prayer Jesus Taught Us
A conversation with Mark Charles and John D. Witvliet on the phrase "Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done" from the Lord's Prayer, as part of the series "Growing into the Prayer Jesus Taught Us."