Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Latest Episodes:

Love Your Enemies: Christian Faith and Political Violence (Part 1) - Victor McCraken May 02, 2024

Show notes

Is it possible for followers of Jesus to reconcile faith with the violence of war? In this class, Dr. Vic McCracken will lead attendees through an exploration of the Christian tradition, exploring the church's nonviolent witness as well as the development of the Christian just war tradition.
Teacher:
Victor McCraken

“A Land I Will Show You:” A Spiritual Reading of Genesis - Dave Lemley May 02, 2024

Show notes

Teacher:
Dave Lemley

Redefining Power in the Local Church: Kenosis and the Cultivation of Healthy Egalitarian Church Culture - Cheryl Russell May 02, 2024

Show notes

This class will delve into how a church in North Texas is embracing kenosis to cultivate a healthy egalitarian church culture. By focusing on how Jesus viewed and used power, we will explore how a healthy understanding and utilization of power and privilege can help a local church to flourish, nurture collaborative leadership, deeper community engagement, and a culture in which every member is valued, empowered, and encouraged to participate fully in the life of the community.
Teacher:
Cheryl Russell

Faithful Presence: The Impact of the Local Church - Toby Hendrix May 02, 2024

Show notes

This class will explore the impact of the local church, especially as it senses how God is using it to reach these people in this place at this time. In an age where we are more globally connected than ever, God still works powerfully through local communities of faith. Come be encouraged to consider what God is up to in your local community and to join in!
Teacher:
Toby Hendrix

Entering the Rest of God - Hannah Parmelee May 02, 2024

Show notes

The promise to enter the rest of God is still open (Hebrews 4:1). The question is, will we be obedient to enter it? This class will invite long time Christ followers to move more deeply into God's rest. There are many obstacles to resting with God, let's take an honest look at what is stopping us and look ahead to what God longs to give us. "Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one my fall through such disobedience as theirs" (Hebrews 4:11).
Teacher:
Hannah Parmelee

Preacher Count: A Conversation About Identity and Measuring What Matters - Jeff Brown May 02, 2024

Show notes

The phrase, "preacher count," betrays the chronic struggle most Christian leaders have with identity and measuring ministry. Perhaps, like me, you cringe at models that evaluate all things based on the three "b's" (butts in seats, budget, and building size). Does this mean we don't measure anything? Measure other things? Do I simply not like these measurements because they reflect poorly on me? What is the difference between "successful" and faithful? This class is an exploration of healthier ways of measuring what matters.
Teacher:
Jeff Brown

Reflections on Identity from the In-Between - Zac Luben May 02, 2024

Show notes

Identity matters in our culture, and identity is complicated. In this class, Zac will reflect on identity from the in-between location he inhabits as a Korean American adoptee and a Christian minister. Zac will suggest that the church can and should learn from those who inhabit the in-between spaces in U.S. culture as it moves forward in the 21st century.
Teacher:
Zac Luben

A Simpleton’s Musings on Luke 15 and the Church - Brendin Williamson May 02, 2024

Show notes

Through a year and a half of attempting to plant a church at a state university in one of the most unchurched cities in America, some deep reflections on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus that truly engages those on the margins has emerged. This has given rise to some simple, yet transformative ideas about the hurdles churches so often unintentionally put up for those who need to engage God in our midst. This class is a humble presentation of the truths I have discovered while serving in the spaces where God’s love and the skepticism and pain of the world collide and the kind of faith community that results from this collision.
Teacher:
Brendin Williamson

Welcome Home! First Time Guest To Family Member - Dan Burgess May 02, 2024

Show notes

Helping first time guests feel at home can be challenging, but it’s so worth it. Join me as we discuss the importance of stewarding the vulnerabilities of guests in a loving way while setting clear expectations about what being a church family member looks like. A vital component of this process is allowing every guest considering placing membership to feel seen and heard by sharing their story with someone in some way. Let’s talk through best practices of being a welcoming church and learn from the mistakes and successes we’ve encountered walking with others. This class will involve group discussion.
Teacher:
Dan Burgess