Continuing Local Preacher Development 2006-2007
Preaching to Diversity:
critical topics for preachers
A series of discussions of key issues on which there is diversity of views among preachers and within congregations
Tues 23rd May 7.30 - 9.00 pm at 16 Kingswood Gardens
Experiencing the presence of God in worship
Is God somehow more present in some services than others? Or are we more present and recollected at some times than at others?'
Mon 4th September 7.30 - 9.00 pm - Lidgett Park Methodist Church
The Authority of Scripture
Is the Bible the 'Word of God'? How far should it shape theology and ethics today? Is the growth of fundamentalism a blessing or a curse?
Mon 6th November 7.30 - 9.00 pm - Lidgett Park Methodist Church
Concepts of God
Is there a God? Is God knowable? Can one be an atheistic Christian? Are the traditional male and anthropomorphic images of God replaceable?
Mon 8th January 7.30 - 9.00 pm - Lidgett Park Methodist Church
Prayer and an Interventionist God
Does God intervene in the working of the universe? If so, why is there evil and suffering? If not, what is the point of intercessory prayer? Can one believe in miracles in an age of science?
Mon 5th March 7.30 - 9.00 pm - Lidgett Park Methodist Church
Christ - divine? human? both?
Does the Christology of the Nicene Creed have any meaning and relevance today? Was Jesus divine? What ways of picturing Jesus are most helpful to people today?
Mon 7th May 7.30 - 9.00 pm - Lidgett Park Methodist Church
'Sin' and 'Salvation'
What language for these concepts would have more meaning today? Is it the language or the concepts that are the problem? How much of our legacy of hymns and prayers is a barrier to faith because of these concepts and how they are expressed?
Mon 2nd July 7.30 - 9.00 pm - Lidgett Park Methodist Church
Styles of Spirituality
Sermon or powerpoint presentation; scripture reading or drama; traditional hymns or modern worship songs; words or silence. How can we 'preach' to people who can respond to some forms of communication and not to others?
Preachers need not feel obliged to attend all of the series. Each session will be self-contained.
Each of these topics is obviously vast. It is hoped that each 90-minute session will provide a stimulus for thought in itself. If some preachers want to meet again to carry the discussion of a topic further forward, they can make their own arrangements to do so.
The sessions are open to preachers from other circuits and churches.
For further information contact John Summerwill (0113 269 7895) john@summerwill.co.uk