Pastors Week 2009

Imagining a New Old Church

January 26–29, 2009

Online registration available late summer 2008.

We hear much about “mainline decline.” We see that mainline church attendance dwindles and small congregations meet in huge buildings, while evangelical mega-churches spring up, sporting sprawling new complexes and full-service programs for every age and stage. Church-goers and the media who report on their behaviors seem to share the belief that conservative evangelical churches grow, while liberal mainline churches die.

Dr. Diana Butler Bass, a student of American religious history, challenges the notion of mainline decline. Her recent research reveals that many mainline churches are headed in a different direction, a direction that has brought them vitality, growth and hope. Through discoveries born of crisis and “near-death” experiences, these congregations are discovering the value of “intentional practices,” practices that have roots in the church’s rich history and surprising relevance in a rapidly changing culture.

Dr. Bass will lead us in thinking about the changes that have had an impact on mainline churches and the ways in which vital congregations are responding to cultural change as a way of renewal. We will look at the need for structural and spiritual change, issues of tradition (the definitions and uses of tradition in congregations), the practices that make for congregational renewal, how these practices can help to bridge the liberal-conservative and mainline-evangelical divides, and the larger setting of cultural, political and social justice commitments in congregations.

Featured presenter: Diana Butler Bass

Diana Butler Bass is an author, speaker and independent scholar specializing in American religion and culture. She holds a Ph.D. in religious studies from Duke University and is the author of six books including the best-selling Christianity for the Rest of Us. That book was named as one of the best religion books of the year by Publishers Weekly and Christian Century and won the Book of the Year Award from the Academy of Parish Clergy. She is Senior Fellow at the Cathedral College of the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Dr. Bass regularly consults with religious organizations, leads conferences for religious leaders and teaches and preaches in a variety of venues.

Preachers

Steven Schweitzer, Ph.D., AMBS assistant professor of Old Testament
Nelson Kraybill, Ph.D., AMBS president
Marlene Kropf D.Min., AMBS associate professor in spiritual formation and worship

Worship leader

Janeen Bertsche Johnson,, AMBS campus pastor

Workshops

Workshops are offered Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Read workshop descriptions here.

Morning prayers

You are invited to join in praying the Daily Office Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings in the Chapel of the Word, Waltner Hall. The Daily Office is a structured prayer time that utilizes the Psalms and lectionary readings.

Continuing Education Credit

Attending Pastors Week earns 1.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Indicate if you would like to receive CEU credit on the Pastors Week Registration Form.

Registration

Online registration available late summer 2008.

Fee information for registration, meals, transportation, lodging and child care is available here.

Questions?

Contact the Church Leadership Center
(574) 296-6269
ChurchLeadership@ambs.edu