Preaching for a Traumatized World
Nicole Martin – Bio
Trauma has become an important topic in preaching circles. In this workshop, we will study trauma-informed approaches to preaching that enhance healing and encourage hope. Participants will unpack social data to target hurting populations, with special emphasis on lifting women in the Bible and in the congregation.
Wounded Resurrections (Virtual Workshop)
Karoline Lewis – Bio
“There is no going back to life before the storm,” says trauma expert, Shelly Rambo. The resurrection narratives witness to the marks of Jesus’ wounds, the fact that there is no going back to life before the crucifixion and testify to the truths of the presence of trauma in our lives. This presentation will explore the resurrection stories through the lens of trauma theory and how this perspective can move our preaching toward a healing homiletic.
A Balm in Gilead
Becca Stevens – Bio
With more than 400 references in scripture, it is helpful for wounded healers to understand more about healing oils. Becca Stevens, an ordained priest and founder and president of Thistle Farms that produces hundreds of healing oils, will share the art of blending along with stories and inside reflections. Come, roll up your sleeves and dive into the healing oil tradition with joy, and leave with your own unique blend to aid you in your vocation of preaching as a wounded healer.
Leisure on the Loose: A Homiletic of Leisure in an Age of Affliction
Jeff Crittenden – Bio
This is not an easy time to be in ordered ministry, given all of the woundedness in the world and our churches. Ministers experiencing stress and overwork will benefit from developing a theology of leisure, one that goes beyond sabbath to other dimensions of faith and life. Leisure will be considered with some surprising lessons from history and how they can guide our preaching in restorative and healing ways.
Discovering, Designing and Delivering Stories
Stuart Blythe – Bio
When someone says, “once upon a time,” we lean in. Stories are an extremely powerful form of communication. They operate at several levels. They can change minds, touch hearts, and direct action. To do this, however, they need to be more than mere illustrations and anecdotes. In this workshop, drawing upon recent research, writing, and experience, we will look at how you discover, design, and deliver clear and compelling stories in your sermons. You might even learn what can happen if you stand playing the bagpipes by the sea in Nova Scotia.
The Wounds of COVID
Jason Meyers – Bio
COVID-19 has cut a deep wound into our society, churches, and personal lives. Cherished ones have died, divisions have opened, isolation and loneliness have deepened. Long established practices have been disrupted and many ministers and preachers are now trying to figure out what being a “hybrid” church will mean. What is the character of Christian discipleship moving forward? Henri Nouwen writes that “the wound, which causes us to suffer now, will be revealed to us later as the place where God intimated his new creation.” Jason Meyers will facilitate a discussion of the following questions: What has been the impact of COVID on our preaching (and on us personally)? What has been lost? What have we learned? What are we anxious and excited about? How can our wounds from this time be viewed as the place where God’s new creation becomes possible?
It’s a Wrap: Preparing for Advent and Christmas
The Rev Dr. Stephen Farris – Bio
With one of the most demanding seasons only a month away this workshop offers us a refreshing opportunity to begin unwrapping the key lectionary texts for Advent and Christmas.