Symposium on Youth Ministry: Traditional Biblical Sexuality in a Changing Youth Culture

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 Eastern University 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: $625 (registration by November 20) $695 (after November 20) Fee includes Symposium, Instruction, Materials, Snacks, and Lunches. Fee does not include travel, overnight lodging, and additional meals. (see FAQ's for lodging suggestions)

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.

Preliminary Schedule

All sessions will be held in the Academic Center, Room 235

Monday, 1/15

11:00-12:00 Session #1
12: 00 Lunch Discussion with Dr. Dennis Hollinger
1:45-2:45 Session #2
3:00-4 :30 Session #3

Tuesday, 1/16

9:00-12:00 Session #4
Interview with Dr. Andrew Walker, God and the Transgender Debate
12:00 Lunch
1:15-4:45 Session #5

Wednesday, 1/17

9:00-12:00 Session #6
Interview with Dr. Peter Hubbard, Love Into Light
12:00 Lunch
1:15-4:45 Session #7
Interview with Ellen May Dykas, Women’s Ministry Coordinator, Harvests USA

Thursday, 1/18

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 have reserved a room block at the TownePlace Suites located at 238 Andover Street, Danvers, MA. Please call Marriott Reservations at 1 (800) 257-3000 or (978) 777-6222 on or before Tuesday, December 26, 2017, to make reservations at the agreed upon rate. Please mention that you are part of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary group staying at the TownePlace Suites.Danvers. The rate is $79/night.

Other options:

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

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

Parking

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

Photography and Audio Recording:

All 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.