News
The Changing Face of GRTS
Jan 14, 2010
When I attended GRTS as a student 20 years ago, most of my classmates looked like me - white men. Today, …
Fagerstrom Joins Converge Worldwide
Jan 4, 2010
Dr. Doug Fagerstrom, GRTS President ('03-'09), has recently joined Converge Worldwide as the Senior …
Talking Points
Previous Events...
Talking Points is a semi-annual forum designed to bring thoughtful perspectives on current ministry topics through presentation, dialogue and interaction.
"Who's Got Next?" Symposium
In Spring 2009, three speakers addressed the philosophical, theological and pastoral issues of the changing culture’s effect on ministry opportunities and tools.
• Dr. James M. Grier, professor of philosophical theology at GRTS
“What Do You Know for Sure and How Do You Know It?”
• Dr. Mike Wittmer, professor of systematic and historical theology at GRTS
"How Can You Reach Anyone When Everyone may Already be Going to Heaven?”
• Dr. Joe Stowell, president of Cornerstone University
“Showing up for Jesus in a Non-Jesus World”
“People are more open to spiritual conversation than ever,” Wittmer said, “but they are pretty sure that there is more than one way to God and that anyone who says differently is being judgmental. This pluralistic thinking is increasingly held by Christians inside the church. We hope that ‘Who's Got Next?’ will draw a line in the sand, saying here is the historic, orthodox, Christian faith, and (will) also explore winsome ways that we can communicate that gospel to postmodern people.”
Face the Race: How do we equip ourselves and our ministries to understand, partner, and engage multi-cultural relationships?
The fall event focused on the issue of multicultural ministry and reflects the seminary’s commitment to provide a forum for people interested in this crucial issue.
Sessions
Session # 1: Dr. Emerson
Facing our Changing World: What is the new landscape of America?
PowerPoint Handout in *.pdf Format
Listen/Download Session in *.mp3 Format
Session # 2: Dr. Livermore
Facing our Fears/Understanding/Perceptions: What is cultural intelligence?
PowerPoint Handout in *.pdf Format
Listen/Download Session in *.mp3 Format
Session # 3: Dr. Yancey
Facing our Practices: Where do we go from here and what steps are needed to get there?
PowerPoint Handout in *.pdf Format
Listen/Download Session in *.mp3 Format
Speakers
Michael Emerson, Professor of Public Affairs and Sociology at Rice University
Emerson is the author of numerous articles on race relations and religion, and the co-author of United by Faith. His book with Christian Smith, Divided by Faith, was the winner of the distinguished book award by The Society for the Scientific Study of Religion.
George Yancey, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of North Texas
Yancey is the author of Beyond Black and White and Beyond Racial Gridlock. He is the founder of Reconciliation Consulting, helping churches and ministries develop and sustain a multiracial emphasis.
David Livermore, Assistant Professor of Multicultural Ministries at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
Livermore is the author of Serving with Eyes Wide Open and an upcoming book on Cultural Intelligence. He is the Executive Director of the Global Learning Center at GRTS and co-founder of Intersect which provides training and coaching for emerging leaders around the globe.
Other Talking Points
Click below for audio recordings and handouts from our past Talking Points events:
"Church Planting" with Jim Griffith, Jeff Manion, and George Coon
"Ministry Transitions" with Joe Stowell and Doug Fagerstrom
"Where Youth Ministry Must Go" with Kara Powell, Steve Argue, and Mark Oestreicher
"What is the Gospel?" with Scot McKnight, Ruth Tucker, and David Turner
"What is Emerging?" with Brian McLaren, Mike Wittmer, and Ed Dobson
