Category Archives: Clergy

Hospitality in a COVID World through a Child Safety Posture

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Dean G. Blevins

As congregations open up again during the Coronavirus pandemic, I want to be the first to say that pastors are under extreme pressure. There are historical moments when ministers (whether they admit it or not) really feel pressure to “get … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Discipleship, Intergenerational, Pedagogy, Practical Theology | Leave a comment

We Have a Lot to Learn and Even More to Do Through Imbizo

Posted on June 6, 2020 by Dean G. Blevins

Some of the questions proposed to everyone before he (she) is admitted among us may be to this effect: — 1. Have you the forgiveness of your sins? 2. Have you peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ? 3. … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Discipleship, Leadership, Pedagogy, Race, Religious Education, Wesley | Leave a comment

Strategies for Hope in the Oikonomia Network

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Dean G. Blevins

January is always a good time for a faculty retreat, particularly in Tempe Arizona. This week I have the privilege of attending the Oikonomia Network Faculty Retreat. It is a time to see a little of the city but also … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Discipleship, Economics, Spiritual Formation, Uncategorized, Vocation | Leave a comment

An Honest Conversation about Race

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

Nazarene Theological Seminary opened the second day of a week honoring Martin Luther King with a serious discussion around of race, privilege, and our responsibility as the church. Dr. Carla Sunberg, president of Nazarene Theological Seminary reflected on her own … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Clergy, Continuing Education, Culture, Discipleship, Practical Theology, Race, Theological Education | Leave a comment

Made to Flourish

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

The final Oikonomia Network (ON) session included some “in house” moves among the network including both a new initiative with local congregations as well as institutional relocation. The Oikonomia Network (ON) has moved to Trinity International University as part of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Economics, Practical Theology, Theological Education, Vocation | Leave a comment

Interpreting “Faith” in Faith and Work: the next Challenge

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

The Oikonima Network (ON) continued its retreat on Saturday by addressing some of the real challenges of moving Christians to embrace faith and work as a part of whole life discipleship. The concern had been established the day prior when … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Culture, Economics, Practical Theology, Theological Education, Vocation, Work | 2 Comments

Community: Churches Partnering with Seminaries

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

The afternoon session of the Oikonomia Network (ON) retreat continued with another presentation by Amy Sherman. Amy continued by focusing on congregations that embrace this work. Perimeter Church in Atlanta is a “VILC” (Vocation Infusion Learning Community) thanks in part to … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Culture, Degree, Discipleship, Economics, Pedagogy, Practical Theology, Vocation, Work | 2 Comments