Pepperdine Bible Lectures 2018

Mark Hadley "A Conversation on How Scripture Speaks to the LGBTQ+ Conversation" Many Christians consider the biblical text to be the central and final authority in matters of faith and life. So what does the Bible say (or not say) about sexuality, particularly LGBTQ+ sexuality? Join us in exploring and asking questions about some of the most commonly discussed biblical passages.

Taylor Walling

Ann Bayliss "Nowhere to Go but Up" Moving from the “church prayer meeting” to meeting with God as the church.

Kevin Wilkinson  "A Navy Chaplain’s Ministry About Faith on the High Seas and Returning Home" Do you want to better connect with military service members or veterans at your local church? Navy chaplain Kevin Wilkinson explores the world of military life, chaplaincy, and seeking faith overseas.

Jerry Taylor

Steve Tyree, Daltrey Tyree "How Faith Makes or Breaks Relationship" This class explores the impact of faith on parents and children of blended families, using the family of David as a case study. The instructors will incorporate contemporary research regarding the dynamics of foster families, adoptive families, and families of re-marriage. This session will also offer practical applications for families in your congregation.

Mic Biesboer, Ben Fike, Eric Gentry "Spiritual Friendships for the Sake of Ministry and Sanity" Leadership is lonely, and for many, ministry is even lonelier. But it doesn’t have to be. Come hear the story of three ministers, separated by hundreds of miles, who set about to create a covenant community to guard their souls and nourish their ministries. Ben Fike, Mic Biesboer, and Eric Gentry will also provide practical advice for those eager to form their own spiritual friendships.

Luke Norsworthy In a world that is messy and a church that is imperfect, it's easy to lose faith. But that doesn't mean we have to lose God. Perhaps our idealized expectations are just plain wrong. Join a discussion of how Christians and skeptics can trade their confinement of God to an anemic definition of good for confidence in the God who is present in everything, including our suffering.

Jarrod Robinson "The Factors that Guide Church Leaders in Times of Change"

Sheila Bost, Amy Bost Henegar "How Two Congregations Navigated the Change" Churches of Christ around the world are rethinking a Biblical view of gender. Many of these congregations have reached the conclusion that significant changes must be made—that churches must transition their leadership and worship styles from traditional patriarchy to a model of Spirit-empowered mutuality. And while a congregation may be thoroughly convinced that it wants to see more women in leadership, the process of change is complicated. It is helpful to hear from other churches who have made the journey and to learn from their experiences. A panel of leaders and members of two different congregations—one on the West Coast and one on the East Coast—that have made significant changes in the area of gender will share their thoughts and experiences. All panel members will be present all three days with the conversations continuing from one session to the next. Through these conversations, the panelists hope to encourage congregation

Eric Wilson

Alex Melirrytos "Overriding Human Borders"

Randy Harris "He is Risen Indeed!"

Carlos Gonzales Come join in a time of bilingual praise and worship. Experience this bilingual model that is being used by congregations seeking to becoming a fully integrated multicultural church. There will also be a time for Q & A for those who want to learn more.

Chris Buxton College students represent the most available, moldable, teachable, and sendable group of people in our culture, and yet most churches devote few, if any, resources to campus ministry. Learn from a 20-year veteran how a strong presence on the university campus is mission-critical to God's kingdom, and how your church can get involved.

Randy Couchman North American churches are experiencing dwindlization. No new news, right? Is there hope? Discover how coaching in churches can emancipate the longings, imagination, and faith of disciples— especially leaders—and ignite renewal for needed changes, resources, and commitments in the way forward. Authoritarian church management cannot equip disciples for crucial, creative “what could be?”exploration or action. Explore how spiritual coaching conversations can infuse a coaching culture in your church, renewing hopes and dreams for walking in mission with God.

Steve Cloer "Stories and Pitfalls of an Established Church Trying to Be on Mission in an Urban Context"

Jonathan Guevara

Zach Sewell Some sins are more deeply embedded in our behavior than others, and such visceral sins are difficult to cut out of our lives. Like other visceral problems we face, we often don’t know how to deal with visceral sin. Join us in a conversation about defining and confronting our own visceral sin and gently helping others address theirs as well.

Bryan Schackmann The majority of churches around the world are what we would consider small. What does it look like to seek God in this context? How could we focus on God's unique calling for a smaller body of believers? Join us as we hear from ministers, elders, and others who have seen God's big work in a smaller context.