Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

In this session we will be talking about the intentionality of the church (mostly as an institution). Should we meet exclusively to say a prayer, sing, take communion, give an offering, listen to a sermon, and go home? Do we know what our communities need? A midweek Bible study? Is that enough? Do we need to do something else or different? Let us analyze some ideas, ask ourselves questions, and reevaluate if our practices are what God expects of us, as well as what the world needs. Teacher: Danny Quintero Panelishts: Joel Foster, Lucas Hutchinson

The writers of Scripture seem to prioritize transformation over conveying information. What do sermons look and sound like when preachers do the same? Teacher: Wade Hodges

Learning to evaluate others and yourself objectively is necessary as a physician and also as an elder. Putting others before yourself needs some boundaries, but it is the basis for compassion. A position of authority requires lots of study, but with the understanding that one can never attain perfection. We depend on God, but this cannot excuse a lack of diligence. We must be open and honest about our opinions and what they are based on. God is immanent and active in this world but expects us, his servants, to minister to each other and to our neighbors. In so doing we bring God’s answer to prayers, and his salvation, to the world. Teacher: Terry "Hutch" Hutchison

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

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

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

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

To be a Christian is to be an exile. We are citizens of a new kingdom. But for now, we are living as exiles in a foreign land. And the Bible has a name for the country we’ve been exiled to: Babylon. As exiles living in Babylon, we need to think biblically, Christianly, through cultural and political issues. But the problem is that we run the risk of looking just like Babylon. In this class, we will discuss ways we can disentangle our Babylonianism from our Christianity and live the exile life. Teacher: Robin Gough

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

Join us as we sit in the text of Hebrews 11 and make space to hear from God what it means for us, individually and communally, to also live by faith. Our time of prayer will be followed by discussion. Teacher: Cynthia Michaud Ownby