As debates about human sexuality dominate classrooms, coffee shops, and social media, youth ministers committed to a traditional Biblical ethic may struggle to find their voice. Some may wonder if there is a safe space in which to form a theologically informed and nuanced approach to these charged and complex issues. Join Dr. Walt Mueller of the Center for Parent Youth Understanding and Dr. Duffy Robbins of Grove City College for an intensive multi-day symposium to deepen your own Biblical and theological foundations, to broaden your apologetic for affirming the goodness of expressing sexual intimacy within the bonds of marriage between a man and a woman, and to strengthen your pastoral skills in helping youth live out these truths.

This Symposium presumes participants' affirmation of a historic, orthodox Christian sexual ethic and will be building from this premise, not debating it. Participation is limited to 25 to allow for deep exploration of these issues and will require some preparatory work and active involvement in the Symposium.

Limited to 25 participants. Fee: $600 (early bird registration by November 30) $695 (regular registration after November 30) Registration includes the Symposium, Symposium Materials, Snacks, and Lunches. Fee does not include travel, overnight lodging, and additional meals.

The Symposium will take place in the Academic Center on the campus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Pre Symposium Preparation

Read one or both of the following texts. . . preferably both. . .

God and the Transgender Debate – Andrew Walker

Love Into Light – Peter Hubbard

Read Chapter 1 (“Ethical Theories and Sex”) and Chapter 7 (“The Challenge of Homosexuality”) in The Meaning of Sex by Dennis Hollinger.

Schedule

Monday, 1/13
11:00-12:00 Session #1
12: 00 Lunch
1:45-2:45 Session #2
3:00-4 :30 Session #3

Tuesday, 1/14
9:00-12:00 Session #4
Interview with TBD
12:00 Lunch
1:15-4:45 Session #5

Wednesday, 1/15
9:00-12:00 Session #6
Interview with TBD
12:00 Lunch
1:15-4:45 Session #7
Interview with TBD

Thursday, 1/16
9:00-12:00 Session #8
12:00 Lunch and Dismiss

Contact the Shoemaker Center for Church Renewal for more information at Shoemaker@gordonconwell.edu.

FAQs

Housing

We will reserve a room block at TownPlace Suites in Danvers, MA. More details to come.

Other options:

Courtyard Marriott Danvers, 978-777-8630, www.marriott.com

DoubleTree Hilton, 978-777-2500, www.doubletree3.hilton.com

Location

The Symposium will take place in the Academic Center on the campus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The seminary is located at 130 Essex Street in South Hamilton, MA 01982. There is plenty of on-campus parking available.

Parking

Parking is available in the lot next to the Academic Building. Follow the signs as you enter campus.

Photography and Audio Recording:

Most of our events are recorded (with speakers permission) and photographs may be taken for publicity purposes and promotion on social media. For more information regarding this or to request that your image not be used for this purpose, please contact the Shoemaker Center at shoemaker@gordonconwell.edu.