Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Eroding Skepticism - Chess Cavitt

Hebrews calls us to believe in the unseen while the skepticism of society beckons us to doubt everything. We scoff at reports of aliens, Bigfoot, and Nessy, but on Sundays we proclaim belief in giants, leviathan, miracles, and resurrection from the dead. Christians live in the tension between faith in God and skepticism toward just about everything else, or have we let the skepticism of the world slowly erode our faith? How deeply has our skepticism and disbelief affected our ability to have faith in God?

Teacher:
Chess Cavitt

A Stumbling Horse: Running with Perseverance (or Why I Stayed) - Jeff Dunn

Growing up in churches of Christ and eventually ministering within churches of Christ requires perseverance. Jeff offers an intensely autobiographical journey highlighting the reasons that he continues to serve as a minister and his hope for the future.

Teacher:
Jeff Dunn

“Election” Meets Election: How the Theology of Romans Can Shape your Church’s Approach to Politics - Phil Brookman

Most Christians I know are dreading this fall’s presidential election. “It’s going to be bad.” “We’re going to lose friends.” “I’m worried about my church.” “The world is going to fall apart if the other team wins.” How might the apostle Paul coach a church entering in this season? By taking a careful look at how Paul approached the fault lines threatening to fracture the Christians in Rome (with special attention to Romans 14), this class will offer a positive vision for how a church might proactively engage the election season as an opportunity to be a “disruptive witness” in a saturated market of rage.

Teacher:
Phil Brookman

Ephesians 6:4–Exasperation vs Nurturing - John Philip and Karen Louis

Hosted by the Boone Center for the Family

Teachers:
John Philip and Karen Louis

What Story Are You In? Reframing Worship as Counter-Formation - James K.A. Smith

When we appreciate that human beings are lovers, and that our loves are shaped by rituals and routines—“liturgies”—then we should recognize afresh what is at stake in the practices of Christian worship. This session will explore the ways in which worship is the heart of discipleship and how we can be intentional in creating (re)formative worship environments.

Teacher:
James K.A. Smith

The Deepest Place (Part 2) - Luke Norsworthy, Curt Thompson, MD

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

Love Your Enemies: Christian Faith and Political Violence (Part 1) - Victor McCraken

Is it possible for followers of Jesus to reconcile faith with the violence of war? In this class, Dr. Vic McCracken will lead attendees through an exploration of the Christian tradition, exploring the church's nonviolent witness as well as the development of the Christian just war tradition.

Teacher:
Victor McCraken

“A Land I Will Show You:” A Spiritual Reading of Genesis - Dave Lemley

Teacher:
Dave Lemley

Redefining Power in the Local Church: Kenosis and the Cultivation of Healthy Egalitarian Church Culture - Cheryl Russell

This class will delve into how a church in North Texas is embracing kenosis to cultivate a healthy egalitarian church culture. By focusing on how Jesus viewed and used power, we will explore how a healthy understanding and utilization of power and privilege can help a local church to flourish, nurture collaborative leadership, deeper community engagement, and a culture in which every member is valued, empowered, and encouraged to participate fully in the life of the community.

Teacher:
Cheryl Russell

Faithful Presence: The Impact of the Local Church - Toby Hendrix

This class will explore the impact of the local church, especially as it senses how God is using it to reach these people in this place at this time. In an age where we are more globally connected than ever, God still works powerfully through local communities of faith. Come be encouraged to consider what God is up to in your local community and to join in!

Teacher:
Toby Hendrix

Entering the Rest of God - Hannah Parmelee

The promise to enter the rest of God is still open (Hebrews 4:1). The question is, will we be obedient to enter it? This class will invite long time Christ followers to move more deeply into God's rest. There are many obstacles to resting with God, let's take an honest look at what is stopping us and look ahead to what God longs to give us. "Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one my fall through such disobedience as theirs" (Hebrews 4:11).

Teacher:
Hannah Parmelee

Preacher Count: A Conversation About Identity and Measuring What Matters - Jeff Brown

The phrase, "preacher count," betrays the chronic struggle most Christian leaders have with identity and measuring ministry. Perhaps, like me, you cringe at models that evaluate all things based on the three "b's" (butts in seats, budget, and building size). Does this mean we don't measure anything? Measure other things? Do I simply not like these measurements because they reflect poorly on me? What is the difference between "successful" and faithful? This class is an exploration of healthier ways of measuring what matters.

Teacher:
Jeff Brown

Creating a Culture Where Questions Are Allowed - Doug Page

We live in a world full of big questions. Does faith matter? What do I do with my doubts? On top of this - there are so many big conversations happening in our culture. Conversations about sexuality, race, gender, immigration, and more. Many in our churches are wondering, “Where can I go to have discussions about these things? And why is it that church is often the last place where these discussions happen?” Come hear about one church’s journey toward creating an atmosphere for open dialogue and conversation where no topic is off limits.

Teacher:
Doug Page

Reflections on Identity from the In-Between - Zac Luben

Identity matters in our culture, and identity is complicated. In this class, Zac will reflect on identity from the in-between location he inhabits as a Korean American adoptee and a Christian minister. Zac will suggest that the church can and should learn from those who inhabit the in-between spaces in U.S. culture as it moves forward in the 21st century.

Teacher:
Zac Luben

A Simpleton’s Musings on Luke 15 and the Church - Brendin Williamson

Through a year and a half of attempting to plant a church at a state university in one of the most unchurched cities in America, some deep reflections on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus that truly engages those on the margins has emerged. This has given rise to some simple, yet transformative ideas about the hurdles churches so often unintentionally put up for those who need to engage God in our midst. This class is a humble presentation of the truths I have discovered while serving in the spaces where God’s love and the skepticism and pain of the world collide and the kind of faith community that results from this collision.

Teacher:
Brendin Williamson

Welcome Home! First Time Guest To Family Member - Dan Burgess

Helping first time guests feel at home can be challenging, but it’s so worth it. Join me as we discuss the importance of stewarding the vulnerabilities of guests in a loving way while setting clear expectations about what being a church family member looks like. A vital component of this process is allowing every guest considering placing membership to feel seen and heard by sharing their story with someone in some way. Let’s talk through best practices of being a welcoming church and learn from the mistakes and successes we’ve encountered walking with others. This class will involve group discussion.

Teacher:
Dan Burgess

Off-Ended: The Trap Of Being Easily Offended - Chris Seidman

Teacher:
Chris Seidman

A Word About Submission. Heb. 5:7-10 - Zane Witcher

Speaker:
Zane Witcher

Monkey Science - Janet Kellogg Ray, Jessica Knapp

Evolution was the science that first offended, but in fighting against evolution for so long, evangelicals developed a whole way of talking about science. We will explore factors that lead Christians to shun science evidence and expertise in favor of emotion and partisan sentiments. Why did so many Christians resist covid precautions and vaccines, yet will gladly take an aspirin for a headache? Why do so many Christians deny the science of climate change, but trust science when they board an airplane? This workshop will explore the political and religious drama that got us to where we are today. Ultimately, the challenge is to live as people of faith in a modern scientific world. We will also hear from Jessica Knapp, campus minister at the University of Arizona.

Teachers:
Janet Kellogg Ray, Jessica Knapp

Revitalizing Churches: Reaching our Unchristian Neighbors with Alpha - Michelle Tepper and Jonathan Storment

Hosted by Jonathan Storment. Explore Alpha. How to create a safe space for people from outside the church to discover and develop a relationship with Jesus, while cultivating within the current church members a culture of invitation, hospitality, listening, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Teacher:
Michelle Tepper

Host:
Jonathan Storment

Communicating Creatively and Compassionately to a Doubting Generation - Jeff Walling

"Join seasoned communicators Sean Palmer, Don McLaughlin, Jeff Walling and other special guests to discuss the challenge of communicating creatively to a generation that is questioning everything like never before. Full-time and volunteer youth workers are invited to gain insight and encouragement, for the most important task of all: passing the baton of faith to the next generation.

Teacher:
Jeff Walling




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Heritage21: Renew! Repurpose! Replant! - Doug Peters

Churches have Lifecycles - just like the people that comprise them. Some are in need of Renewal. Others may not see a future and need to be good stewards as they Repurpose their kingdom resources to help Replant for the future. Heritage21 is ready to serve!

Teacher:
Doug Peters

Sharp Sword: The Psalms as the Voice of Jesus in Hebrews (Part 1) - Bobby Valentine

The Sermon to the Hebrews begins by telling us that God spoke in the prophets and today speaks in the Son. The Son, and the Spirit, continue to speak. The sermon claims that Jesus, and the Spirit, is speaking in the Psalms. We will explore Hebrews “sharp sword” which is none other than Jesus and the Spirit speaking in the Psalms, Today.

Teacher:
Bobby Valentine

Faithful Words, Faithful Actions: Embracing Four Biblical Principles for Transformative Living - Sean Palmer, John Alan Turner

Join Executive Coach John Alan Turner and Sean Palmer, acclaimed teaching pastor at Ecclesia Church in Houston, TX, for a compelling session at Pepperdine University's Harbor. In "Faithful Words, Faithful Actions," we delve deep into the heart of Christian living, reimagining the wisdom of 'The Four Agreements' through the lens of Scripture. This session offers a refreshing perspective on using our words, assumptions, personal reflections, and actions to not just navigate, but thrive in our spiritual and communal lives. Drawing on their rich experiences and theological insights, John and Sean invite you on a journey to explore how timeless biblical truths can be lived out with authenticity and passion in today's world. Perfect for those seeking to deepen their faith walk, this session promises to be an enlightening blend of practical wisdom, spiritual depth, and engaging discussion.

Teachers:
Sean Palmer, John Alan Turner

Who’s in Your Cloud? - Jeff Brooks

Everyone needs a cheering section. Who are the people in your life that have made an indelible imprint on your heart? Friends, teachers, coaches, camp counselors, and teammates. A nosy neighbor or a devoted grandmother. Through prayers, tears, and cheers,their faith kindled yours. What can you learn from the "Heroes of Faith" and how can you live like one?

Teacher:
Jeff Brooks