Seminary Saturday : O Taste and See

Experience a taste of seminary education and see the Word and world open up before your very eyes.

ABSW occasionally offers an event called Seminary Saturday, which is a day of workshops led by various ABSW faculty and instuctors. This is a wonderful opportunity for ministers of all callings and prospective seminarians to come for a day of edification, equipping, and sampling of the education offered at ABSW.  Below is information from our last Seminary Saturday held on April 13, 2013.

Stay tuned for our next event coming in the 2013-2014 academic year.

SEMINARY SATURDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
expanded choices—diversified instructors

Pastors, staff ministers, church leaders, laypersons, young adults, current and prospective seminarians...
·         Wanting to engage relevant social concerns but not sure how?
·         Looking to introduce fresh ministry ideas to your congregation or small group?
·         Needing to upgrade your leadership skills?
·         Craving for a taste of contemporary seminary scholarship?

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Abbreviations: MDiv= Master of Divinity; MCL=Masters in Community Leadership; DMin=Doctor of Ministry; GTU=Graduate Theological Union; PhD=Doctor of Philosophy

9:20 AM – 10:10 AM

Martyrdom, Persecution, and Baptism in the Early Church

Dr. Ronald Burris, Associate Professor of Church History
Dr. Burris will share from his latest book, Where is the Church?,  an overview of North African Christianity from the second to the fifth century. The book investigates the idea of how "church" was defined in North African Christianity through the understanding of water baptism, martyrdom (baptism in blood), and key theological concepts such as origo or conscientia. In addition to baptism and ecclesiology, this work investigates the social, political, and economic issues that were germane to the shaping, hardening, and eventual condemnation of those beliefs as expressed by the North African Christians.

Global Hymns and Songs – Expanding Your Congregation’s Repertoire

Dr. Nancy Hall, Associate Professor of Ministry and Director of Contextual Education

Learn and share sacred songs from around the world that can grow and enhance your church’s range of music and global awareness.

In our Backyard: the Assault that Compels a Theological Response 
Rev. Barbara Jim-George, MDiv Alum; DMin student; GROP2: Girl’s Rite of Passage Program, Director

bjim-george@ses.absw.edu; http://www.grop2.org/

This workshop will discuss the role of the faith community in addressing the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC).

10:25 AM – 11:15 AM

Beyond the Black and White and Red Print: Deepening Your Bible Study through Biblical Langugages

Corinna Guerrero, ABSW Adjunct Faculty, GTU PhD Candidate in Biblical Studies

cguerrero@ses.gtu.edu 

This workshop will introduce participants to biblical word study and its implications to scriptural intrepretation and application.

Life After the Touch

Rev. Tammie Denyse, MDIV Alum; MCL student; Carrie’s Touch, Inc, President/Founder

tdenyse@carriestouch.org, http://carriestouch.org/wordpress/

This workshop is designed for women facing various forms of illness and oppression. Through the story of the Hemorrhaging Woman, we will journey from a place of brokenness to wellness and wholeness.

Bridging The Gap: Father and Son Relationships
Rev. John Adams, MDiv student; Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, Oakland, Supply Pastor
jadams@ses.absw.edu
This workshop will help identify and examine the realities of and effects to families who are without a father figure in the household. The course will also suggest some theological insights and practical steps to bring minority fathers back into a healthy relationship with their sons. 

11:40 AM – 12:30 PM

Theological Reflections for the Intercultural Leader 
Rev. Marie Onwubuariri, MDiv Alum, DMin student, Director of Admissions, i-Relate.org, Consultant/Trainer

marieo@absw.edu

Whether with intention or not, leaders find themselves leading in intercultural contexts. While cultural sensitivity and competency go a long way, it takes more to fully meet the challenges and embrace the rewards of Christian unity in the midst of diversity. This workshop will explore ways the intercultural leader can integrate biblical themes, theological convictions and spiritual practices to better equip him/herself for this exciting and unavoidable journey.

Preaching with Relevance

Dr. Sam Park, Associate Professor of Preaching and Director of DMin Program

Understanding of preaching may vary depending upon one's background. But whatever our experiences may be, if part of the preaching's goal is to reach out to the unchurched then we all have to deal with the new reality of cultural shifts in our 21^stcentury postmodern world. This workshop will invite participants to rethink the church and search for ways to preach with relevance.

Poverty in the US

Dr. LeAnn Snow Flesher, Academic Dean and Professor of Old Testament

There are religio-political influences and maneuvers that have created, and serve to sustain, economic poverty in the US; including the development of the national narrative of “The Strong Middle Class” and its repercussions. The human instincts of self-interest, desire, and material greed make us especially vulnerable to the promises of this national narrative. Ultimately all are impoverished—resulting in a poverty of the civic spirit and soul.  This workshop will include a discussion of practical implications for church and society.

Any questions can be directed to Marie Onwubuariri at 510-841-1905 x229; marieo@absw.edu.