Waiting For New Wineskins

American Christianity is at pivotal moment. The broader evangelical movement is fractured and disoriented, and while many churches are navigating these pressures faithfully, the demands on leaders are immense and the challenge of forming and discipling congregations has never been greater.

At the root of this crisis is an ecclesial identity that has been shaped more by the nation-state and the market than by Scripture. For centuries, the Protestant church has resisted the biblical call to live as exiles in the world — and that resistance has deformed both how we understand the church and how we understand the pastor’s calling.

Partnering with Dr. Joel Lawrence and the Center for Pastor Theologians, we invite you to this collaborative learning series — aimed at orienting us theologically to the moment we are in and beginning to imagine a new way of being the church.

Our first gathering on June 3 will take up the question at the heart of this crisis: Who are we, and how did we get here? Drawing on Scripture and the tradition, Dr. Lawrence will lead us through an examination of the church’s ecclesial identity as the Body of Christ — exploring the historical forces that have deformed that identity, and what it might look like to recover it. Teaching will be followed by structured conversation, guided by Rev. Michele Arndt, giving pastors space to reflect together on what this means for their own congregations and calling.

*The cost of this event includes coffee, snacks, water, and lunch, all of which will be provided. If you are able to contribute $25, we ask that you do so under general admission. Scholarship options are also available for those who are unable to pay, and you will see that option under "get tickets." We in no way want cost to be a barrier to attending this event. Thank you—we truly value and appreciate your integrity.