CALLED TO JUSTICE: SEEKING CHANGE WITHIN THE CLASSROOM, CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY

The full event will feature two keynote addresses to open and close the event, along with four workshop choices, to equip and inspire church and ministry leaders to enact social justice within their own ministry context and sphere of influence.

 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24  | 9 A.M. EST

Opening Keynote, a recorded dialogue between Dr. Brian Blount and Dr. Rodney Sadler discussing Social Justice in the church will be shared, highlighting the need to bring and advocate social justice in the church, as well as remark on the impact of the church within social justice and racial justice issues.

 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24  | 11:00 A.M-12:30 P.M. EST

Be My Witness: A study of Acts 1:6-8, led by Dr. Marvin McMickle

This workshop will examine the challenge given by Jesus to the disciples to see something going on in the world around them, say something truthful about what they have seen, and be prepared to suffer something in the way of backlash or criticism in response to what they have said. This is the heart and soul of prophetic preaching. It is what Cornel West refers to in the Greek word parrhesia, which is bold speech uttered without regard for any consequences to the speaker. What are we seeing in our country and the world in 2021? What are we prepared to say about what we see? Are we prepared for any negative reactions that might be directed at us when we speak truth to power?

 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24  | 3:00-4:30 P.M. EST

Teaching Social Justice in Comfortable Congregations, led by Dr. Rebecca Davis

This workshop will explore practical ways church leaders and educators can bring educational curriculum focused on social and racial justice into their congregation and ministry context. Dr. Davis will provide various approaches and strategies for integrating social justice into the teaching ministry of the church. Participants can expect to leave with a curriculum example as well as a fresh perspective for teaching social justice in the church.

 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25  | 11:00 A.M.-12:30 P.M. EST

Cultivating Anti-Racism Practice in the Congregation, led by Rev. Jason Williams and Nikkeia Lee

This interactive workshop will explore the following questions in developing an approach to anti-racism for our congregations:

• Do you understand the need to address racism but don't know how?
• Have you attended conferences, read books and done a 40-day challenge but find yourself still confused about what to do about racism?
• Are you determined to move your congregation forward, but are unsure how to handle resistance?
• Do you feel the weight of current events but are overwhelmed with the time and resources you might need to make a difference?

 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25  | 3:00-4:30 P.M. EST

Church in These Streets: Pandemic, Protest and Public Theological Witness, led by Dr. Brandon McCormack

This workshop engages participants in guided reflection of the interplay between theology and praxis. Participants will focus upon the significance of embodied public theological witness as a mode of resistance to the intensification of precarity among already marginalized and vulnerable bodies in the wake of the global pandemic and nationwide protests over racial injustice.

 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25  | 7:00-8:30 P.M. EST

Closing Keynote: Building on a Firm Foundation, by Dr. Marvin McMickle

The closing keynote address will be based on Matthew 16:13-20 and presented live in Webinar format.