Category Archives: Culture

Invitation to new NTSx class “Calling” Emerging Adults

Posted on September 16, 2017 by Dean G. Blevins

NTSx, the open, online learning platform for lifelong learning at Nazarene Theological Seminary will offer a new course this fall. Calling Emerging Adults offers an open, online, course exploring the nature of emerging adulthood, its relationship to the Millennial Generation, and the need … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Discipleship, Economics, Practical Theology, Vocation, Young Adult | Leave a comment

Flourishing and Social Worlds

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Dean G. Blevins

Today’s gathering of the Oikonomia Network began with Greg Forster providing updates on efforts within and beyond the Network. ON continues to cultivate new partners, such as the LABI College/Latin American Theological Seminary (LABI/LATS) in Los Angeles, as well as … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Economics, Theological Education, Vocation, Work | 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

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

Imagery to Address Change and Rekindle Passion

Posted on January 9, 2015 by Dean G. Blevins

Is theological education merely an attempt to develop a series of “new tricks” or is it more about changing our attitude to foster change in the church? Getting to that answer from the standpoint of faith, work, and economics became … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Discipleship, Economics, Leadership, Practical Theology, Theological Education, Vocation | Leave a comment

Okonomia Network in Tempe AZ

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Dean G. Blevins

It has been a while since I last posted on Discipleship Commons. To be honest I have been focused on a new blog celebrating discipleship at Kansas City First Church and excited to share the stories in that congregational context. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Economics, Practical Theology, Vocation | Leave a comment