Faith and Work Audio
The following talks are from the Mockler Discussion and Pizza Series, which brings together students to discuss the various aspects of work as it relates to Christianity.
Bi-Vocational Ministry
Dr. S. Steven Kang
Associate Professor of Educational Ministries
Professionalization, commoditization and gestation…what do these terms have in common? These were all topics touched on by Dr. Steve Kang, Associate Professor of Educational Ministries during his talk entitled, “Bi-Vocational Ministry”. Peering into some of the Biblical windows of Apostle Paul’s life and ministry, while adding a ‘dash’ of humor, Dr. Kang focused in on the benefits to this ministerial approach, especially in light of the current spiritual and fiscal health of the church.
He presents a vision for church renewal and revival, uniquely possible through a community that has adopted a bi-vocational model for ministry. He emphasized the positive by-products of more evenly distributed roles and responsibilities for the community of faith, including preaching, teaching and mercy ministry. And he unpacked scenarios of how bi-vocational pastors can be uniquely positioned to equip and enable others to discover and take on new roles in disciple-making and church-leadership.
This talk was given in the fall of 2008.
Listen to "Bi-Vocational Ministry" with Dr. S. Steven Kang
Looking for Economic Stimulus in the Parables Jesus Taught
David Cowan, PhD (cand.)
Author and Speaker
People today are asking pointed questions about the economy. They’re wondering how they are going to pay the next bill or why there are so many news reports of corporate greed and corruption. Many want to know how to process all of these concerns from a Biblical perspective.
As a former bank executive, Mr. David Cowan brings an understanding of the complexities of the economy and the current crisis. A pastor, theologian and author, he has written a book and several articles on the free-market system. He holds degrees in theology and ministry and is currently a PhD Candidate. His areas of research are religion and US foreign policy. He has spoken at numerous financial conferences, written for major newspapers and has been interviewed by CNBC, Bloomberg TV, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and BBC Radio. He delivered this talk to the seminary community entitled, “Looking for Economic Stimulus in the Parables Jesus Taught!”
Mr. Cowan discussed some of the important functions of government in overseeing the economy. He emphasized management of expectations and personal responsibility, while touching on some of the causes of the current crisis including greed and the housing bubble. He highlighted the United States’ trend towards socialism and reflected on socialism’s impact in Europe, particularly in areas of faith and the church.
Using the metaphors of a ‘knife’ and a ‘mirror’, Mr. Cowan described the economy as a ‘tool’ that can be used for good or evil depending upon one’s motivation. He encouraged attendees to focus preaching and teaching on the motivations behind economic activity from a Biblical perspective.
This talk was given during the spring of 2009.
Listen to “Looking for Economic Stimulus in the Parables Jesus Taught!” with David Cowan
Pastoral Care During Tough Economic Times
Dennis De Angelis
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
One glance at the news or attendance at a board of deacon’s meeting reveals that we live in a unique moment of history. It is a time of great opportunity for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and along with that opportunity, the need for the church to Biblically confront the fear, anxiety and disappointment among many. As pastors and Christians in the workplace, we are called to be aware and to show compassion for those who are in need and may be called upon to minister directly to someone who is affected by the current economic times.
Mr. Dennis De Angelis, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, presented to the seminary community on the topic of “Providing Pastoral Care during Tough Economic Times”. Mr. De Angelis has two decades of experience as a Cognitive-Behavioral therapist, counseling and coaching people who’ve experienced the array of emotions associated with life’s difficulties.
Mr. De Angelis touched on the basics of Cognitive-behavioral therapy and its application to persons who are dealing with the grief and loss that can accompany job-related concerns. He gave attendees practical helps in pastoral care for persons struggling with the fallout of the current crisis including, an appropriate duration and venue for pastoral care, when one might refer to a licensed therapist, some initial care-giving steps and some service ideas for churches desiring to minister to people in economic need.
Citing Jesus as the ultimate Cognitive-behavioral therapist, he shared Biblical insights of moments when God challenged His people to allow their thinking to be consumed by God’s Kingdom promises and priorities over earthly ones.
This talk was given in the spring of 2009.
Listen to “Pastoral Care During Tough Economic Times” with Dennis De Angelis
Luther on Vocation
Dr. Gordon Isaac
Berkshire Assistant Professor of Advent Christian Studies
In society today, confusion continues over the relationship between one’s vocation and spiritual life; between the sacred and the secular. This relationship can become exacerbated during tough economic times. Many are asking, “How can I fulfill my calling as a Great Commission Christian from my position in public or private sector employment?”
Listen to “Luther on Vocation” with Dr. Gordon Isaac
Playing Right – The Need for Holy Leisure
Dr. Margaret Hothem
Professor Recreation & Leisure at Gordon College
Have you felt exhausted or overloaded lately? Does life seem to come at you like water from a fire hose? Are “relaxation” and “fun” words at the bottom of your “to-do” list? If you answered “yes” to any of these then this talk entitled, “Playing Right – The Need for Holy Leisure” is right for you.
Dr. Margaret Hothem, professor of Recreation & Leisure at Gordon College, presented to the seminary community this spring the importance of leisure and recreation, both for congregant and pastor. Her insight and guidelines for recapturing the heart of Sabbath by incorporating recreation and relaxation into daily life are both timely and vital for a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Hothem initiated the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Gordon College. Her academic work includes the philosophical and cultural integration of leisure, work, time, family and quality of life. She has a passionate interest in the connection between leisure, spirituality and moral action. This talk was given in the spring of 2009.
Listen to “Playing Right – The Need for Holy Leisure” with Dr. Margaret Hothem