| JESUS, A TRIBAL MAN BECOMES THE BEAUTY WAY Richard Twiss (6 sessions) Creator came to earth as a human being from the Tribe of Judah to bring all of creation back into harmony with the Beauty Way; Jesus came as a black-eyed, black-haired, dark-skinned indigenous boy. As this seminar will show, First Nations Christ-followers are uniquely situated to enrich understanding of the Gospel and discussion about non-western paradigms of church life. SIMPLE SPIRITUALITY: LEARNING TO SEE GOD IN A BROKEN WORLD Chris Heuertz (3 sessions) So many aspects of Christian spirituality get complicated in the telling. Yet Jesus kept things simple. He actually dressed down - leaving the right hand of God and clothing himself in humanity. This seminar surveys a handful of basic themes that are stones to slay the giants that oppress our world - and ourselves - freeing us to see and serve God and others. THE AUDACITY OF THE GOSPEL: RADICAL CHRISTIAN FAITH Ross Martinie Eiler (3 sessions) Many followers of Jesus have responded to the radical message of the Gospel by resisting the powers around them in the form of empire, the state, capitalism, racism and warfare. This seminar is a critical historical survey of radical religious movements from Amos to Malcolm X, including the Franciscans, the Anabaptists, the Quakers, and the Catholic Worker Movement. THEATRE OF SOCIAL CHANGE Valerie Rae Smith (3 sessions workshop, plus performances) From the ancients to the post-postmoderns, so much great theatre has sought to change thinking or even behavior - and hopefully for the better. This series features morning workshops and afternoon performances with fest participants in a variety of public spaces around the grounds. The idea is to engage with larger and small concerns, especially those in our own midst. Watch for performances in the Food Court and other locations throughout the festival. RACIAL RECONCILIATION AND THE NEW GENERATION John Perkins (2 sessions) A rising generation of young Christians - less damaged by racism and bigotry of the past - are beginning to make their presence in the church felt. There's a desire to move beyond racial and ethnic differences that have historically bogged down progress and embrace the fullness of the power of the Spirit. This seminar charts this change we have long needed. A THEOLOGY OF SUFFERING & CELEBRATION Soong-Chan Rah (3 sessions) The theology of history's "haves" is inevitably shaped by interests vested in affirming and maintaining privilege - meanwhile creating ever more distance from history's "have-nots." This seminar wrestles with our notions of power and privilege as related to our notion of Christ, seeking to listen to the Gospel as it meets us at the intersection of celebration and suffering. A SHORT HISTORY OF THE BLUES Glenn Kaiser (1 session) Why sing the blues? Doesn't Jesus deliver us from suffering and sadness? Yes and no: in that darkness grows the blues, a way of seeing that keeps us humble, open, ready, willing, and watching by putting us in touch with the pain of others, ourselves, and the crucified Christ. This session surveys the songs and singers of a tradition with roots in the Psalms and at the Cross. COMPREHENSIVE REVIVAL Gabriel Salguero (3 sessions) Barak Obama's election signals change indeed as a "mosaic" movement across race, gender, culture, class and denominational lines announces a new Christian coalition with a broader agenda, including a more comprehensive human life-ethic. This seminar considers the moment, the movement, and the challenges of shaping a prophetic politics within the limits of politics. Rev. Salguero will also be the featured speaker at Friday night's mainstage service. FAITH AND HUMAN RIGHTS: CHRISTIANITY & THE GLOBAL STRUGGLE FOR JUSTICE Richard Amesbury (3 sessions) Christians have both championed human rights and legitimated their violation. This seminar takes a hard look at Christian faith and the struggle for human rights in a world where such rights are widely denied, evaded, or ignored. It will be argued that human rights are grounded in human dignity, but that the latter notion can be understood through the lens of religious faith. In this way, Christians can find support for human rights within Christianity, while working in concert with those in other traditions. THE COMMODIFICATION OF SEXUALITY: SEX-TRAFFICKING & CHILD PROSTITUTION Chris Heuertz (1 session) Human-trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world. This seminar offers an overview of the scope of this international crisis of sexual commodification of the world's poor, aiming to re-define "spirituality" as a basis for concrete engagement with the world around us. THE NEXT EVANGELICALISM: CHANGING WITH A CHANGING CHURCH Soong-Chan Rah (3 sessions) Demographic changes will impact evangelicalism's future - which has already begun. Will the transition to a vibrant, multi-ethnic Evangelical world be smoothed or slowed by existing institutions and congregations? This seminar surveys the new reality, its implications, and how Evangelicals can follow the best of their tradition on the right side of history and the Gospel. THE EMERGING OF CHRISTIANITY Tony Jones & Phyllis Tickle (3 sessions) As the world changes quickly around us, the faith we practice is not immune from these changes. So, how is Christianity changing now - The theology? The practices? The way we "do church"? Join Phyllis Tickle and Tony Jones as they explore the phenomenon known as the "emerging church movement" and discuss both the promise and perils of the movement. KEEPING THE HOURS: FEELING THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD Phyllis Tickle (1 session) Recent years have seen a revival and revitalization of the medieval practice of fixed-hour prayer across the denominations. Drawing on her trilogy of manuals on The Divine Hours (which draws upon a wide range of liturgical sources) this seminar explores the possibilities and practices of a tradition that a wide range of believers have re-discovered as a source of richness and grace. THE REFORMATION IS DEAD! LONG LIVE THE REFORMATION! Patrick Provost-Smith (3 sessions) Questions raised by the Reformation are too important to dismiss, but the church is too important to confine forever to the horizon of the sixteenth century. This seminar participates in an ongoing rethinking of historical narratives, ecclesial investments, and theological frameworks which take the Reformation as a point of irreconcilable departure with the Roman Catholic Church. CHURCH FATHERS FROM "A" TO... WELL, LET'S JUST START WITH "A" Daniel Harrell (3 sessions) So much of Christian orthodoxy comes to us by way of those who over the centuries studied, interpreted and worked out what the Scriptures said and how the church should heed it. Who were these important early Christians and why are they so important? Studying the Church Fathers can be a lifetime project, so this seminar gets you started at the top of the list. CHURCH MOTHERS: WILD AT HEART & FAITHFUL TO THE GOSPEL Mimi Haddad (3 sessions) What about the Church Mothers? How did they advance the Gospel given the cultural devaluation of women, even within the church? From Desert Mothers, to mystics, missionaries and social reformers, we'll celebrate what commentaries, seminaries and churches often ignore-evidence (biblical and historical) that God gifts women and uses their gifts to change the world! WOMEN EMPOWERED TO SERVE Sharon Gallagher (3 sessions) What did it mean to be a woman in first century Mediterranean culture? What do the Gospel narratives reveal about Jesus' treatment of women in that context? Does Paul really teach the subjugation of women? What were the roles of women in the early church? In this seminar, we'll look at ways to understand and apply the New Testament texts. RADICAL AMAZEMENT: RABBI HESCHEL ON WONDER & JUSTICE Edward Kaplan (3 sessions) A leading Jewish theologian of the last century, Abraham Joshua Heschel combined scholarship, personal piety and social activism. He marched to with Martin Luther King., Jr., battled secularized Judaism and made of the experience of wonder a winsome entry to faith in the living God. In this seminar, Heschel's biographer surveys the life and works of an inspiring figure who has much to say to Christians. FAITH & WORKS OF WENDELL BERRY Jason Peters (3 sessions) One of America's greatest social critics, essayists and poets, Wendell Berry is a man-of-letters, farmer, and modern-day prophet. More than ever, Berry offers a faithful witness against a standard of living neither practically sustainable nor morally defensible. This seminar explores the vision of simplicity that unifies Berry's multi-faceted life and works, and the faith that drives it. GAZING INTO MY BRIGHT ABYSS Christian Wiman (2 sessions) Even prior to becoming editor of Poetry magazine, Christian Wiman had built a reputation for his poetry and his criticism. As an essayist, he has discussed art (his and other's) and his life with a compelling honesty and grace - including the devastating medical diagnosis that rekindled his faith. Christian will offer one session on many of these topics and a session to read his poetry. UNLESS YOU BECOME LIKE A LITTLE CHILD: PRAYER & PLAY Neil Taylor (1 session) Have you run aground with your devotional life and quiet time? Exploring the mysterious connections between prayer and play can open a locked door to the path of spiritual renewal. NATURE'S WITNESS: WHERE IS GOD IN AN EVOLVING WORLD? Daniel Harrell (3 sessions) On this bicentennial of Charles Darwin, evolution is accepted as fact - though not by all, notably people of faith whose insistence that God is God of the world around us precludes (for them) evolution. Rather than seeing faith and science as diametrically opposed, this seminar explores the findings of science that opens the door for deeper theological reflection on God's creation. CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY (INTENTIONAL OR OTHERWISE) Neil Taylor (2 sessions) "Community" is a buzzword, even a Utopian cure-all, from contemporary monastic experiments to thinkers grasping for unity amid postmodern fragmentation. And still, community really is what we all need - why is it so hard to find and/or maintain? This seminar approaches community from the inside, from forty years' experience living, wrestling, growing, laughing, crying in community. RE-THINKING EVANGELISM THROUGH THE LENS OF FRIENDSHIP Chris Heuertz (1 session) This session will explore the possibilities in recovering an evangelical imagination, harnessing our creative energy to find a true basis for serving others in the transparency of friendship. LOVE IS AN ORIENTATION Andrew Marin (3 sessions) "Love is not just a word. It is a measurable expression of one's unconditional behaviors toward one another." After his three best friends came out to him, Andrew Marin was moved to relocate to a gay community in Chicago to try to understand this culture and what it would mean to truly incarnate Christ within it. His experiences and insights from a variety of creative bridge-building efforts among GLBT people have challenged people on all sides of the issue with a reconsideration of what it means to represent and live the Gospel among our GLBT neighbors. GAYS & CHANGE, PART ONE: CHANGING THE PERSON Christine Sneeringer & Frank Carrasco (3 sessions) This series will explore the issues in debate around the roots and causes of homosexuality with an overview of the process of transitioning away from unwanted same-sex-attractions. Related issues to be considered include: dealing with gender confusion, overcoming emotional dependency, developing healthy same-sex friendships and recovery from sexual abuse. GAYS & CHANGE, PART TWO: CHANGING THE CONVERSATION Christine Sneeringer & Frank Carrasco (3 sessions) God loves gay people! Let's begin the conversation there, shedding unhelpful, polarizing and even de-humanizing polemics of the culture war. Change is possible: for the discussion about homosexuality. This seminar will attempt to model a transformation in dialogue, reviewing the issues, the arguments and approaches, aiming to move the conversation to a more fruitful, mutually-respectful place. SEX, DATING & LOVE: CONNECTING THE DOTS Wendi Kaiser (3 sessions) Explore the delicate dance of vulnerability, risk, and hope in finding that "special person" we all desire. Straightforwardly answering the toughest questions, or encouraging her audience to answer the questions for her, Wendi's approach is rooted in Scripture and personal experience. YOUTH LEADER SERIES Brian Raison (3 sessions) Youth leaders work hard trying to build the faith in their young people - winter retreats, Bible studies, worship and mission trips. Yet the attrition rate for young people who leave the church during their college and young adult years is discouraging. This series aims at helping youth leaders help young people understand, engage more and above all, hold onto their faith. MUSIC PROFESSIONALS SERIES Traa Daniels, with Joanna Elliott, Jacob Capricciuolo, Joey Avalos, Steve Thesing, Kenny Laubbacher; (6 sessions) An intensive series for musicians. Sessions include: Building the Band (Traa, Joey Avalos) Who are your bandmates? Are they ready for the long road ahead? New Media Music Marketing and Digital Distribution (Steve Thesing, Jacob Capricciuolo) Focus on Internet and TV/film licensing and digital distribution. Deal or No Deal (Joanna Eliot, Jacob Capricciuolo) Are you ready to be signed? What are labels looking for? Building Core Fundamentals (Traa, Joey Avalos) Building a fan base, branding your band. Radio, Publicists, and Managers, What Does It All Mean to Your Music Career (Joanna Elliott, Jacob Capricciuolo) When is the right time to get a manager or publicist? How important is radio to breaking a band? Music With a Mission (Traa, Kenny Luabbacher) People Connect with purpose. Why do you want your music to get out? What is your music about? Traa Daniels is the bassist for P.O.D., and President of Ryot Entertainment Group Joanna Elliott is the Vice President of Label Operations for Ryot Entertainment Group Jacob Capricciuolo is the founder of Executive Music Group (EMG) Joey Avalos is a two-time Dove nominated musician, songwriter and producer. Steve Thesing is CEO and founder of BlueChowder.com Kenny Laubbacher works with Invisible Children using the power of music. MARRIED & LOVIN' IT Tina & John Herrin (3 sessions) Fall in love and never get up! We'll discuss steps in building a marriage and love that will last a lifetime. What is love? How can we find guides for true communication? Can we 'fight fair'? What are some keys to unlocking a love that lasts? (Married couples only, please; limited to 30 couples.) MISSION-BUSINESS: 21st CENTURY TENTMAKING Tim Bock (3 sessions) Missions and business would seem at cross-purposes, but it is possible both to view one's work as a ministry and creatively self-fund missions projects through "tent-making" businesses. This seminar draws from real-life experience to survey a missional view of profit-making, servant leadership, instilling a sense of ownership in workers, matching people to positions. For entrepreneurs and managers - business, ministry, any organization will find something here. HOMELESSNESS: THE VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE Keith Wasserman (2 sessions) Creatively engaging the culture of poverty with the Gospel for three decades, Keith Wasserman has regularly gone homeless by choice in various US cities to "see from the other side". In this seminar, Keith will share what he's learned from the poor and from ministry with the poor both from his experiences on the streets and from the trenches of developing an intentional Christian community that lives out the call of Jesus to love our neighbors in poverty. LISTENING TO THE HOMELESS Sandy Ramsey (1 session) What do the homeless say to us? What do the homeless want us to know? Why should we listen to them? Stories from the front lines. . . SOMEONE I LOVE IS MENTALLY ILL Deelight Murphy & Debra Strahan (3 sessions) A daily two-part workshop, shared journeys and lessons learned along the way. Session one will discuss tools for developing advocacy skills, setting boundaries and communications. We'll also talk about challenges like: fear of the future, guilt, isolation, disappointment, self-care, stigma, finding support and re-creating relationships and pursuing resources. Session two each day will be a time of sharing experiences and hearing stories of others' experiences with their loved ones. IT'S STILL ALL ABOUT JESUS Tony Jones (1 session) Amid all the great transformations of this busy moment, the creative experimentation with church forms, the reclaiming of ancient worship traditions, the busy work of struggling against injustice, at the end of the day, if we can't find a way to root it all in the Person of Christ, it's all in vain. This session is designed to frame all the other conversations, and keep our eyes on the real Prize. PANEL DISCUSSIONS This series draws from the rich fund of perspectives on our 2009 seminar program to consider topics of vital concern to the Cornerstone community, with various moderators. Only a fraction of people with art educations work long in their art after leaving school. For women especially - children, jobs, chores, church and community fill our lives and art becomes an option many opt out of. How can women be artists amid so many obligations? Should we? This panel considers such questions and strategies for developing and exercising our gifts. Scripture is full of references to "sacrifice," "submission," and "servanthood." Yet this language has been used to oppress people. How do we reconcile notions of individual rights with self-giving that is the heart of Christian faith? What do those who have been victims of such use of Biblical language have to say about this? Is homosexualty still a sin - or a sin somehow worse than all the rest? Can gays really change? Should the church change the way it engages with gay culture? What are Christians to think about gay marriage? This formidable panel will address these formidable issues. A time of open sharing and networking for church and ministry leaders and their spouses — a chance to get down to the nitty-gritty of leadership, sharing struggles and pooling wisdom and experience to offer direction and support. Moderated by Glenn Kaiser who has served over thirty years on the pastoral team of Cornerstone-sponsor Jesus People Evangelical Covenant Church. NEW FOR 2009: SATURDAY PLENARY SESSION We've shifted the seminar program to begin on Wednesday, leaving room for a general session. On Saturday, the regular seminar tents will be closed down so everyone can gather in the Gallery for special program that includes worship, a keynote lecture with roundtable discussion, and then finally a closing benediction. We'll start things off at 1PM, with the keynote at 2PM, but things will be kept loose enough to include some surprises and end by supper. INTRODUCTORY: WORSHIP WITH BIFROST ARTS Bifrost Arts is a sacred music non-profit that exists to enrich the church and engage the world with beauty and truth. This November 2008, Bifrost Arts will release the first volume of its Anthology of Hymns and Spiritual Songs, entitled, "Come O Spirit!" Over 200 musicians have donated their time to this project, which features a mixture of ancient liturgical and modern hymns with new tunes and new arrangements. This special preview at Cornerstone Festival will feature the Bifrost Orchestra and musicians from all over the festival. KEYNOTE LECTURE: PHYLLIS TICKLE ON THE "GREAT EMERGENCE" The Christian story has in our lifetime arrived at a significant chapter break. A wild spectrum of believers busily grapple with the transformational effects of postmodernity upon the faith. Great political, cultural and theological realignments are underway. Studies chart the de-churching of America and declines in religious adherence, formal or otherwise. All this against the rise of the Global South, as World Christianity shifts its center of gravity away from Europe and North America. What is happening, and what are we who live amid transition to think? Phyllis Tickle sees the present upheaval as part of a once-every-five-hundred-year-cycle of religious transformation that she charts with compelling insight and verve — with an eye to helping people cope with change and inspire new ways of thinking and being the church. ROUNDTABLE: "EVANGELICALISM AND ITS FUTURE (OR NOT)" On the other hand . . . Any answers one might get to questions about the Evangelical future probably depends on whom they are asked. This year's program features several leading figures in the ongoing discussion, which we bring together in this session as a roundtable response to our keynote lecture. Participants include: Michael Spencer, author of a much-discussed article "The Coming Evangelical Collapse;" Soong-Chan Rah, author of the recent book The Next Evangelicalism, on demographic shifts in American Christianity; Tony Jones, a leading figure in the conversations about "the emergent church"; Sharon Gallagher, editor of Radix magazine; and Patrick Provost-Smith, who has been charting Evangelical shifts both as an academic and a consultant to international religious educators. |
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