Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Ever wish you could sit down with the famous eighteenth-century revivalist George Whitefield and learn his secrets for pursuing God over a lifetime with reckless love and abandon? Join Pepperdine University English professor Lisa Smith as she shares the surprising backstories of Whitefield’s most unique life events as well as his own words of passion for God from his personal journals, letters, and autobiography. The international preaching sensation who helped start the First Great Awakening will come alive in this presentation designed to encourage all followers of Jesus to live lives of passion and purpose. Teacher: Lisa Smith

The 21st century is one of increasing complexity and uncertainty, and it calls for Christians who are rooted and open, confident and humble, prophetic and teachable. This class will explore such themes for understanding Christian faith development and witness Teacher: John Barton

The church is declining in numbers, yet there is hope for the future. This class will examine material from several different sources and call on practical experience to help congregations grieve the past, while finding hope for the future. We will learn how to honor the past, live in the present and have hope for the future. Teacher: Dave Berry

Sometimes we may become discouraged and be tempted to quit. This could be a marriage, a friendship, a ministry, or anything else that has been valuable in the past. This class will offer a few spiritual resources that may be helpful as you navigate these decisions Teacher: Jim Martin

As churches seek to become more intentionally intergenerational in outlook and practice, the first question that typically arises is, “How can we bring the generations together in a way that is spiritually rich for everyone?” This presentation will walk class participants through guidelines for an all-age small-group gathering that begins with an inviting (non-embarrassing) ice breaker, then moves to a transition that welcomes the presence of Jesus, engages Scripture in fresh age- inclusive ways, models household prayers, and closes with a blessing over the participants. The presentation draws from the authentic experiences of a church that implemented intergenerational small groups over the 2023-2024 calendar year. Participants will leave with two weeks of curriculum written for intergenerational small groups. Teacher: Holly Allen

This is not a conversation about issues. This is about the core of who we are as believers in Jesus. As Christians (and local churches) we must do better in how we live out our faith in the political climate we find ourselves in. Our witness is on the line. The best way to remain rooted throughout election years is to commit to principles that ground us in the heart of Christ. Teacher: Josh Ross

Adolescence is a time of transition in which almost everything is changing in the hearts, minds ,and bodies of our kids. This class will present two metaphors to help parents better understand adolescence and parents teens more effectively. This tried and tested information will be helpful to anyone working with teenagers. Teacher: Jack Williamson

Speaker: Rachel Collins

"And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Hebrews 11:32-34 (NIV) There are approximately 165 Scriptures in the Bible that express how much a part of God’s heart and character justice is and how important it is that his people do justice. As Jesus said of the teachers of the Law and Pharisees in Matthew 23:23, “you have neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness. These are the most important things in Moses’ Teachings.” The goal of this class is to elevate this essential tenet of our faith and discipleship through Bible teaching. Teacher: Kevin Holland

Teacher: Tim Spivey