Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Every week, preachers face the pressure of coming up with something new to say about a book that has been talked about for 2000 years. Originality is an essential element for effective communication – but what can we possibly say that hasn’t already been said before? In this class, we will explore how and why good preaching endeavors to gain a fresh hearing for an old, old story. Teacher: David Ayres

The Sermon to the Hebrews begins by telling us that God spoke in the prophets and today speaks in the Son. The Son, and the Spirit, continue to speak. The sermon claims that Jesus, and the Spirit, is speaking in the Psalms. We will explore Hebrews “sharp sword” which is none other than Jesus and the Spirit speaking in the Psalms, Today. Teacher: Bobby Valentine

The relationship between Jesus and children is the topic of sermons and deep theological papers. It’s been imagined through art and is joyfully described in time-worn songs. While our society clamors for the attention of our children, this workshop will provide practical ways of leading children into life with Christ. Teacher: Shannon Rains

Over the last several years working with college students and teaching adult Sunday School classes, I’ve been saddened by the large number of Christians who cannot articulate the basics of their faith. They may know several Bible stories and carry around a generic ethic of “love others,” but they don't know what the essentials of the Christian faith are. Because of this, they are unaware of how these basic beliefs should inform their daily lives; they don't realize how these essential beliefs offer a distinct perspective on the world; and they find themselves unable to share with others why Christianity is so incredibly compelling. In this session, I hope we can see anew the unique hope and beauty and life found in core Christian convictions. Teacher: Josh Strahan

Hosted by the Boone Center for the Family. One of the most powerful and transformative relationships we will ever have is the covenant relationship of marriage. God designed something special and sacred in marriage as a gift, and yet marriage can be difficult and painful. As human beings, it is easy to grow apart rather than together as we work through the struggles of life, family, and ministry. Research shows that marriage enhances economic wellbeing, improves health, and increases longevity. So how can we build our marriages to be places of deep connection and peace? Join Dee Dee Mayer, DMin, LCSW in this powerful workshop designed to restore your vision of healthy marriage with practical steps to build intimacy and connection. Teacher: Dee Dee Mayer

Part 2 of this class considers how the historical lives of Christians and the leadership can inform our own consideration about leadership in the church today. After a brief review of the results from part one and surveying some exemplary trends in church history, we will focus our attention on the particular context of the Church in the US to consider how the past provides wisdom for our present leadership needs. Teacher: John Boyles

What would it mean for us to become more and more like Jesus—not based primarily on our behaviors—but instead flowing from our deepest desires? What if we learned how to want what God wants? For us? For the people around us? Teacher: Jarrod Robinson

You will recognize the characters in these six stories; you will smile, laugh, and feel some of the grief along the way. And you will get glimpses into the varied texture of our lives—the unexpected people who bless us, the desert experiences, the need for forgiveness, the gifts along the way, the surprises of grace. Teachers: Leonard Allen, Darryl Tippens

Ministry is tough! It's critical that ministers attend to their own resilience as well as have a framework and tools that can help them support their congregations in being resilient in challenging times. Pepperdine's RISE program will be shared and possible applications from parenting workshops, youth ministry, adult classes, sermons, and pastoral conversations will be suggested. Teacher: Connie Horton

Discouraged? Weary of hearing how our churches are shrinking, aging, and becoming irrelevant? Come hear why we believe there can be hope for the future of our tribe. And hear how you can be a part of this exciting movement. Teacher: Pat Bills Panelists: Jovan Barrington, Cyntha Ownby, Doug Page