Workshops, Conferences & Courses

The following information has been provided to the Central States Synod office for assistance in publicizing the events. This is for information only and not necessarily an endorsement.

Missional Church Convocation

Sponsored by the Center for Parish Development

July 25-27, 2013 — The Cenacle in Chicago

GOD’S MISSION HAS A CHURCH: An invitation to the Dance of Prophetic Dialogue!

Because of God’s presence in the world from the first moment of creation, all of us are called to join in God’s mission to the world through dialogue: openness, listening, and care for all God’s creatures and communities.

Join in the Center community’s collaboration with missiologist Stephen Bevans in 2012-2013. Save the date for missional church convocation July 25-27, 2013, where Steve will be keynote speaker.

We invite missional church leaders of all traditions and communions to tap into the powerful and timely work of Steve Bevans. Steve is well known in Roman Catholic circles. We believe Steve’s work has tremendous value ecumenically, and the 2013 convocation is this opportunity to engage with him! REGISTER NOW.

What does evangelism mean to you?

Join us for a three-day exploration and discovery of what evangelism can look like today.

“Many church members today recognize that evangelism is vitally necessary for the church to have a future amidst widespread decline. At the same time, few prospects provoke greater dread and discomfort. This conference offers an opportunity to reframe evangelism in a grounded, holistic, accessible way for a new apostolic age.”

—Dwight Zscheile, Keynote Speaker
Assistant Professor of Congregational Mission and Leadership, Luther Seminary

RETHINKING EVANGELISM

Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.

Faithful Witness in a New Apostolic Era — July 22–24

This event gathers nationally known preachers, teachers and pastors to discover what it means to witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ in an increasingly diverse and pluralistic society. Together we will explore how we can reclaim evangelism as a central practice for Christians in daily life today.

See the full schedule and line-up of presenters at www.luthersem.edu/rethinking. Registration is now open.

Lutheran School of Theology, St. Louis Workshop

Leading in Exile: Learning to Lead the Church into a Future Where Nothing May be the Same as Before will be taught by The Rev. Dr. John Bracke, Retired Professor of Biblical Studies at Eden Theological Seminary. It will be offered at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road (Hwy. 141 at Clayton Rd.) Chesterfield, Missouri 63017 on Thursday, May 16, 9:00 A. M. to 2:30 P. M.

Judah’s Babylonian exile was a time of ferment and uncertainty that challenged the religious leaders of that time. They not only had to make theological sense of the exile but also had to imagine what it could mean going forward to be God’s people when nothing was likely to be the same as before.

Pastors and denominational leaders in the early 21st century also face a challenging time of ferment and uncertainty. The membership of “mainline” churches continues to decline and the role of religion in society seems to be shifting. Recent surveys suggest that “nones” are the fastest growing religious group in the United States.

This workshop will first explore the meaning of Judah’s exile and the ways Judah’s religious leaders attempted to make sense of it. Theological responses that might be appropriate to interpret the circumstances churches face in the early 21st century will be explored. The day will be concluded by thinking together about the leadership challenges facing pastors as they try to help churches imagine a future where nothing will likely be the same as before.

Lunch is included with tuition of $35. Register online at lststl.org, or by phone at 314-725-9710, or by mail to LST, 6325 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, 63117.