Category Archives: Discipleship

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

Neuroscience, Technology, and Christian Formation

Posted on October 26, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

Mark Maddix and I just celebrated the release of our newly edited book Neuroscience and Christian Formation (Information Age Publishing). While primarily a text on the practical implications of neuroscience research for Christian education, I was also tasked with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, Neuroscience, Science, Technology | 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

The Power of Entrepreneurship in a Ministry Setting

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

Nazarene Theological Seminary will soon begin its second class in Ministerial Entrepreneurship. The course was created in partnership with the Kern Family Foundation Oikonomia Network, MidAmerica Nazarene University’s Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Kauffman Foundation Fasttrac program on Entrepreneurship. Basically, … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, Economics, Leadership, Practical Theology, Vocation, Work, Young Adult | 1 Comment

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

Community: Church and Seminary in Partnership

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

Oikonomia Network (ON) Director Greg Forster opened Friday’s retreat sessions with a short history lesson. Forster noted that Dallas Willard’s early presentation in year one cast a powerful vision about the need to connect faith at work to the local … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Discipleship, Economics, Pedagogy, Practical Theology, Vocation | 1 Comment

“Apprentice” Spiritual Formation Conference special group rate if you hurry!

Posted on September 20, 2015 by Dean G. Blevins

Would you be interested in joining Doug Hardy in attending a spiritual formation resourcing conference? The Apprentice Gathering, to be held at Friends University in Wichita, Oct. 8 – 10, is offering a special group rate for local churches of … Continue reading →

Posted in Continuing Education, Discipleship, Spiritual Formation | Leave a comment