Continuing Education

DIALOGUE
Leading Through Change: Naming Leadership Principles That are Required to Navigate a Changing Environment

The Leadership Exchange, a new initiative of the CRCNA, and the Congregational and Ministry Studies department at Calvin College would like to invite you to an interactive lecture -- a dialogue on what it means to lead an organization or a team through change -- by Peter G. Northouse, professor of communication at Western Michigan University. For more information, please contact Sarah Boonstra-Boer at 616-224-0800 or the Congregational and Ministry Studies Department at Calvin College (526-7804).

COURSE OPEN TO VISITORS - ELIZABETH STEELE HALSTEAD
Proclaiming Texts Using the Arts

Introduces the various ways art proclaims the Word through image, architecture, and visual elements of worship. We will explore a biblical approach to the visual as integral in multi-sensory proclamation, examine historical developments, and discover how art in worship speaks theologically today

PREACHING SEMINAR
Sex, Second Coming and Sanctification: Preaching 1 Thessalonians - From Text to Sermon

Dr. Jeffrey A.D. Weima will lead this seminar on 1 Thessalonians which deals with important subjects such as the sanctity of sex, the second coming of Christ, comfort concerning believers who have passed away, models of behavior for church leaders, and much more. The aim of this seminar is to help preachers brush up on the exegetical steps required in moving from the biblical text to a sermon that faithfully expresses its message for the church today. Co-sponsored by Center for Excellence in Preaching, Classis Southeast, and Oasis Community Church.

CONFERENCE: BIBLE & MINISTRY


The Holy Spirit and the Global Church in Times of Crisis: Empowering God’s People for Works of Service This conference brings the fruit of rich biblical reflection to the everyday challenges of life and ministry, particularly in the difficult times we are experiencing. We have invited a group of expert Latin American scholars who are being used by the Lord in a powerful way in their diverse ministries. Their rich insights in understanding Scriptures and applying them in our ministries will be one of the many benefits of the conference. More information and registration coming soon.

SEMINAR
Clothed with the Virtues of Christ

Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. will lead this seminar on the virtues of Christ. In Colossians 3 the Christian life is positively described as a set of characteristic “clothing” worn by Christians. The idea is that certain virtues fit Christians especially well—compassion, for example, as well as humility, patience, forgiveness, and “love that binds these virtues together in perfect harmony.” What are these virtues like? What are their counterfeits? How would a person hope to get them? How many Christians receive the counsel to “clothe yourselves with the virtues of Christ” not simply as moral duty, but also as glad invitation?

SEMINAR
The Theology and Practice of Pastoral Ministry

The central thesis of this course is that strong pastoral identity is the key to sustaining pastoral excellence. Today's church has witnessed a breakdown of consensus regarding the role of the pastor. This course is a study of the theology and practice of pastoral ministry with a view to creatively and critically engaging changing views of the church and its ministry in our contemporary culture, and enhancing the practice of pastoral ministry. The course will integrate this theological understanding of pastoral ministry with the basic practices of pastoral ministry: worship, preaching, teaching, evangelism, pastoral care, and congregational leadership. Led by Duane Kelderman and Kathy Smith, Calvin Theological Seminary. Co-sponsored by the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program of the Christian Reformed Church.

CONFERENCE
Festival of Faith and Writing

The Festival of Faith and Writing is a biennial gathering where readers and writers come together to discuss, celebrate, and explore the ways in which faith is represented in literature and how it plays out in our world today. Speakers include: Debbie Blue, Eugene Peterson, Tim Stafford, Luci Shaw, Ed Dobson, and many others. Sponsored by Calvin College with the support of the Center for Excellence in Preaching.

CONFERENCE
4th Annual Christians and Money Conference

Pastors and church leaders who attend will walk away with practical ideas and new resources to grow good stewards within their congregations. This event will be live broadcast to: Chicago, IL; Wyckoff, NJ; Orange City, IA; Chino, CA. Co-sponsored by CRCNA, Calvin Theological Seminary and Barnabas Foundation. For more info: www.barnabasfoundation.com/conference

COURSE OPEN TO VISITORS - HOWARD VANDERWELL
Planning Intergenerational Worship

Most churches today wrestle with the issue of Intergenerational Worship. Is it possible? What methodology should be used? Which values should guide us? What are the risks of different approaches? Many are experimenting with very diverse approaches. In this course we’ll explore the issues involved, different perspectives on intergenerational, and participate collaboratively in efforts to design worship that will reach all generations. Our work will be built on the assumption that all generations are equally valuable, and all generations have their own unique needs in the formation of their faith.

COURSE OPEN TO VISITORS - DOUG KAMSTRA
Prayer Ministry

Examines the biblical, historical and theological foundations of prayer as it relates to personal spiritual growth and congregational ministry, and evaluates contemporary understandings and practices of prayer ministry.

COURSE OPEN TO VISITORS
The Theology and Practice of Pastoral Ministry

The central thesis of this course is that strong pastoral identity is the key to sustaining pastoral excellence. Today's church has witnessed a breakdown of consensus regarding the role of the pastor. This course is a study of the theology and practice of pastoral ministry with a view to creatively and critically engaging changing views of the church and its ministry in our contemporary culture, and enhancing the practice of pastoral ministry. The course will integrate this theological understanding of pastoral ministry with the basic practices of pastoral ministry: worship, preaching, teaching, evangelism, pastoral care, and congregational leadership. Led by Duane Kelderman and Kathy Smith, Calvin Theological Seminary. Co-sponsored by the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program of the Christian Reformed Church.

CONFERENCE
Reformed Mission in an Age of World Christianity

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC), the two largest global networks of Reformed Christian churches expect to unite into one ecumenical body and form the new World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). It will support a global network of 80 million Reformed Christians. The Christian Reformed Church (CRC) is the host denomination for this one-time uniting assembly on the campus of Calvin College, June 18-28, 2010. "Reformed Mission in an Age of World Christianity" is a pre-assembly conference open to the public - more information will be coming soon. Co-sponsored by the Calvin Center for Christian Scholarship, the WCRC assembly planners, and the International Association for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education.

SEMINAR
Imaginative Reading for Creative Preaching

Neal Plantinga's hugely popular and successful seminar, Imaginative Reading for Creative Preaching, is being offered at Snow Mountain to provide participating pastors a deeply enriching seminar in the mornings while bringing their families along to enjoy the afternoons together. Generous financial support will be given to all pastors and their families. Space is limited so apply now - applications due by November 1, 2009.