Upside Down Wisdom

This break out session will cover specific dechurched profiles and several myths surrounding dechurching.

In the face of sin, we often blame-shift, get angry at the consequences of our actions, and feign ignorance at God's clear direction. The minor prophets give us a model of true repentance in the face of our mistakes. 

This Break Out Session will cover the historical and philosophical backstory to dechurching going from the Enlightenment to 1776 to the rise of Methodism and Baptists to today.

What can we do practically speaking both as an individuals and as local churches about dechurching?

Christian community should be characterized by love and truth.  What does it mean to be challenging and winsome, built with the right materials?

Using several church models as case studies, we will critically think about the questions that drive us to contextualize discipleship and their inherent dangers.

In a world that says, "Be the expert," Jesus asked questions.  Discover how asking powerful questions and listening well can lead to greater impact.

The advent of Christianity turned the ancient world on its head. Before Jesus, the ancient view of the value of human personhood, infants and children, women, slaves and the poor, weak and sick was very low.  Jesus' message of loving ALL people was radically transformative.

Social imaginaries are shared, unspoken assumptions about the world that shape our intuitions, values, and moral sensibilities and are instilled unconsciously through our environment. 

When a loved one is contemplating deconversion, keeping the lines of communication open is crucial.  The best way to sever those lines is to overreact when they share their doubt and unbelief.  Stay calm, listen and express love.

When a person is wrestling through a season of doubt, wrestling with the ultimate questions of life, they are often more persuaded by beauty than truth.  When they are longing for that time when " everything sad (is) going to come untrue."

Is Christianity a white man's religion or a white Western religion?  Let's address this fallacy with historic context, Biblical citations, and data that show this claim is not true.

The Book of Proverbs contains sayings from Ancient Near Eastern sources.  What wisdom can be gleaned from non-Biblical outlets?

Proverbs is replete with instructions concerning careful speech.  We will examine how to apply such wisdom in the social-media age.

Legalism spoils spiritual growth, and if we fail to reclaim the means of growth from legalism, we drain them of their power.

We naturally believe freedom comes from independence and the ability to do whatever we desire without restrictions.  Surprisingly,  submission to Christ provides true freedom and joy.

The book of Ecclesiastes is told from the vantage of someone who gained all life had to offer and found it to be meaningless. Pointing out the inevitability of death and the meaninglessness of life apart from God, the author urges us to live our lives for Christ rather than worldly aspirations. 

Jesus worked with only 12 disciples and trained them to spread the gospel across the ancient world. This continues to be God's plan. Through the process of personal discipleship, believers should train others up to be powerful workers for God by sharing biblical wisdom, love, and our lives with those we disciple. 

In the world, forgiveness can feel like weakness, but bitterness actually gives the devil a foothold in your life.  Biblical forgiveness is not motivated by fear of judgment but by understanding the depths of what you have been forgiven

Deconstruction is a loaded word.  But understanding deconstruction is crucial to ministering and loving those who are walking through it.

If you are willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel, "Your faith-driven suffering and the resultant shining of God's glory through your life and character can change the landscape of eternity."

Nothing was more countercultural than Jesus' message of love.  Come explore how servant love is key to overcoming our most common issues and how to live out the biblical worldview.

When there is doctrinal conflict, having a humble attitude can led to a peaceable outcome.  Using theological triage to rank the relative importance of the issue is to try "...to honor my obligation to love every Christian while also trying to practice the Berean practice of trembling before the Word of God."

"Let us go to him, outside the camp."  How can we thrive in a post-Christian culture?  Only by going to Him, drawing near to Jesus Himself, developing a genuine, inner life with God.

Intellect and careful thinking are essential in Christian living.  Join us as we discuss what it means to "love the Lord your God with all your mind."