Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Teacher: Chris Seidman

Identity matters in our culture, and identity is complicated. In this class, Zac will reflect on identity from the in-between location he inhabits as a Korean American adoptee and a Christian minister. Zac will suggest that the church can and should learn from those who inhabit the in-between spaces in U.S. culture as it moves forward in the 21st century. Teacher: Zac Luben

This class will explore the impact of the local church, especially as it senses how God is using it to reach these people in this place at this time. In an age where we are more globally connected than ever, God still works powerfully through local communities of faith. Come be encouraged to consider what God is up to in your local community and to join in! Teacher: Toby Hendrix

We live in a world full of big questions. Does faith matter? What do I do with my doubts? On top of this - there are so many big conversations happening in our culture. Conversations about sexuality, race, gender, immigration, and more. Many in our churches are wondering, “Where can I go to have discussions about these things? And why is it that church is often the last place where these discussions happen?” Come hear about one church’s journey toward creating an atmosphere for open dialogue and conversation where no topic is off limits. Teacher: Doug Page

This class will delve into how a church in North Texas is embracing kenosis to cultivate a healthy egalitarian church culture. By focusing on how Jesus viewed and used power, we will explore how a healthy understanding and utilization of power and privilege can help a local church to flourish, nurture collaborative leadership, deeper community engagement, and a culture in which every member is valued, empowered, and encouraged to participate fully in the life of the community. Teacher: Cheryl Russell

The phrase, "preacher count," betrays the chronic struggle most Christian leaders have with identity and measuring ministry. Perhaps, like me, you cringe at models that evaluate all things based on the three "b's" (butts in seats, budget, and building size). Does this mean we don't measure anything? Measure other things? Do I simply not like these measurements because they reflect poorly on me? What is the difference between "successful" and faithful? This class is an exploration of healthier ways of measuring what matters. Teacher: Jeff Brown

Through a year and a half of attempting to plant a church at a state university in one of the most unchurched cities in America, some deep reflections on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus that truly engages those on the margins has emerged. This has given rise to some simple, yet transformative ideas about the hurdles churches so often unintentionally put up for those who need to engage God in our midst. This class is a humble presentation of the truths I have discovered while serving in the spaces where God’s love and the skepticism and pain of the world collide and the kind of faith community that results from this collision. Teacher: Brendin Williamson

Helping first time guests feel at home can be challenging, but it’s so worth it. Join me as we discuss the importance of stewarding the vulnerabilities of guests in a loving way while setting clear expectations about what being a church family member looks like. A vital component of this process is allowing every guest considering placing membership to feel seen and heard by sharing their story with someone in some way. Let’s talk through best practices of being a welcoming church and learn from the mistakes and successes we’ve encountered walking with others. This class will involve group discussion. Teacher: Dan Burgess

Teacher: Dave Lemley

Is it possible for followers of Jesus to reconcile faith with the violence of war? In this class, Dr. Vic McCracken will lead attendees through an exploration of the Christian tradition, exploring the church's nonviolent witness as well as the development of the Christian just war tradition. Teacher: Victor McCraken