Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Embark on a compelling journey with Mike Shepherd, a dual-citizen with a unique perspective on faith in diverse cultural narratives. This class invites those ready to explore the depths of belief in a post Christian landscape, seeking to harmonize ancient scriptural truths with the pulse of today's society, much like the exemplars of faith in the Hebrews Hall of Faith. In a world that often seems divided, how can we hold fast to our beliefs with compassion and love, becoming beacons of light rather than critics of culture? Mike's insights, born from a life lived at the intersection of Australian and American spiritual climates, offer a rich tapestry of understanding to his audience. In this engaging class, we will: Cultivate a nuanced understanding of spirituality that stands resilient amidst secular currents while radiating compassion and kindness. Foster a faith that is both vibrant and reflective, capable of engaging with the post-Christian landscape with authenticity, grace, and a heart for service. Join us for a session that promises not just to inform but to transform as we seek to navigate the frontiers of faith with intelligence, heart, and the spirit of Christ's love and adventure. Teacher: Mike Shepherd

Hosted by the Boone Center for the Family. Faith in Jesus Christ is where an abundant life begins. And yet in this post-truth era, parents who yearn to see their children follow Jesus are struggling to pass their faith to the next generation. As the Barna Group’s research makes clear, “Christianity today has less influence on Gen Z than on any previous generation.” The Boone Center’s upcoming new program, RelateForward, will empower families and ministry leaders to meet the challenge of transferring faith to young people and help bring about God’s commitment to advance the Gospel to the next generation. Join us for an insightful discussion about how to empower families to transfer faith to children. Teachers: Kelly Haer and Dee Dee Mayer

Spiritual formation is less about fueling the intellect and more about rehabituating our loves. Our loves are caught more than they are taught. Our hearts are apprenticed by practices that function as pedagogies of desire. But this is also how our loves are mal-formed and disoriented—trained to desire security, comfort, and domination rather than the shalom of God’s kingdom. This session will train us to recognize the “cultural liturgies” in which we swim. Teacher: James K.A. Smith

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

Psychiatrist and award-winning author Curt Thompson, along with Luke Norsworthy, will discuss God's transforming work of taking our grief into a lasting peace that surpasses all understanding. Suffering is a defining reality of life. Yet so many of us are so focused on avoiding discomfort that we've never learned how to actually suffer. But what if we could move from anxiety to durable hope? This is a two-part series. Teachers: Luke Norsworthy, Curt Thompson, MD

James 3:13-18 describes leadership from above and leadership from below. True leadership is from above and toxic leadership is from below. Toxic leadership thrives in the toxic triangle of unaccountable environments, authoritarian leaders, and susceptible followers. Gregg proposes a tutelary triangle of accountable contexts, inclusive leaders, and courageous followers to combat toxicity in organizations. As a minister and therapist, Gregg offers research regarding healing wounds from leadership. This presentation will offer insights to leading in the 21st century in our churches in the midst of rapid change and increasing challenges. Teacher: Gregg Marutzky

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 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

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