Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Rick Atchley

Jared King, Laura King Planting churches in Post-Christian cities is going to be hard, slow, and incredibly fun. But it requires a new kind of vision that involves us to think outside the box. In Seattle we have a growing network of churches, church plants, non-profits, and local businesses, who are rethinking what it means to plant churches in Post-Christian Seattle. We will talk through several principals we are learning and discuss how to develop a Kingdom Ecosystem across your city. 100 Churches of 100 is the beginning of a movement awakening in the Pacific Northwest.

Adam Mearse  There is likely no single topic that demands more headspace for people in our churches than sexuality. Dr. Adam Mearse will explore the necessity for a positive, biblical message of sexuality as a fundamental act of Christian discipleship and witness.

Jeremy Marshall Perhaps some of the most troubling portions of scripture are those passages in the Old Testament that call for the total annihilation of enemies. Some see them as wholly positive, even ethically normative. Others would erase them from scripture altogether. But is there a more excellent way of understanding and using these texts? Drawing on the early films of horror director Wes Craven, this class suggests that the Bible itself is ambivalent about, and even critical of, these texts. When read through the lenses of Craven's films, we find that the whole of scripture--especially the witness and ministry of Christ--questions and subverts the texts of genocide and vengeance.

Thema Bryant-Davis This session is for those who are weary or who serve congregations that are in a valley season. The presenter, an ordained minister and psychologist, will minister to those who have been spiritually and emotionally drained by personal traumas and the brokenness of society as manifested by oppression, violence, and the toxic disenfranchisement of the "least of these." Using the framework of the Valley of Dry Bones, the presenter will discuss the role of the Holy Spirit to revive and restore the people of God.

Leonard Allen Session one: The Missional Spirit The New Testament reveals the Spirit as the dynamic force and guide for the mission of God, beginning in Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The loss of mission corresponds with a narrowed and tamed doctrine of the Spirit. The two diminishments go hand in hand.

Ben Fike, Blaine Totty What do you do when you're called to care for large groups of people, and you also find being in large groups of people exhausting? Ben Fike is one introverted minister who was thrilled to arrive at a new ministry context and discover one of his elders, Blaine Totty, was a fellow introvert who has found ways to excel at pastoral care. In this class, you'll be hearing from both of them about some of the things Ben is learning from Blaine as well as some practical suggestions for fellow introverted church leaders who desire to love well those under their care.

Tod Brown  "Living Well in the Tension of Faith and Business" For nearly 30 years I've moved between the often conflicting worlds of ministry and commerce. If I take my commitment to Jesus seriously, the question I wrestle with every day is, "How does my faithful discipleship get expressed in and through my business?" This session is the summation of my experience as an employer, partner, negotiator, competitor and preacher.

Ned Colletti, Brian Zahnd Join us for an exciting plenary session featuring special guest speakers Brian Zahnd and Christine Caine, as well as a special interview with Ned Colletti. [Note: Christine Caine's talk will not be recorded for future download.]

Kevin Holland When referring to the sociopolitical climate of the past few years, I heard one pastor say that it seems as if "hate is winning." I cannot remember a time when the toxicity level in our public discourse was this high or when it was affecting members in our churches to this degree. What makes it more confusing is that Christians are all over the spectrum on this and are not sure whether speaking out publicly against what they believe to be wrong, ignoring it, looking the other way and keeping their heads down, addressing it in worship assemblies, or some other method is the way Jesus would have us respond. What’s the best way to be "salt and light?" Should we speak up or remain silent? What is the Spirit saying to us? This discussion will examine multiple sides of the issue and suggest paths forward.