2009 Midwinter Ministerial Theological Discussion

The topic of the 2009 Midwinter Ministerial Theological Discussion is "The Transformation of God’s People: Exploring the Role of the Word, the Holy Spirit, and the Church Community."

When discussing spiritual growth today, what is meant by formation?  More specifically, what is meant by spiritual formation?  Is it a new term to describe what used to be called discipleship?  How is it similar and/or dissimilar?  How do formation and spiritual formation relate to transformation?  The term spiritual formation is used by many today, and it carries different meanings.  Foundations of spiritual formation can be shaky and confusion abounds.

Join EFCA pastors and leaders as they participate in this educational and interactive conference.  We will look at the biblical basis, the history, and the strengths and weaknesses of the movement for the purpose of enabling us to understand, discern, evaluate and apply. 

Textbook for the Midwinter Ministerial

Foundations of Spiritual Formation, A Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ takes a unique approach to its subject, arguing that we become like Christ in the context of authentic Christian community.  The editor, Paul Petttit is director of the spiritual formation program at Dallas Theological Seminary.  Dr. Richard Averbeck and Dr. Darrell Bock are both contributors to the book.  The book can be order at a discount from Next Step Resources, http://www.nsresources.com/browse.cfm/4,3132.html 

Speakers for this event are:

Dr. Richard E. Averbeck, Professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Dr. Averbeck’s areas of expertise include Old Testament, especially the Pentateuch; ancient Near Eastern history and languages; Old Testament criticism; Hebrew; and biblical counseling.  He has been published in several journals and has contributed numerous articles

Dr. Darrell Bock, Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Professor of Spiritual Development and Culture (CCL) at Dallas Theological Seminary.

Dr. Bock has earned international recognition as a Humboldt Scholar and for his work in Luke-Acts and in Jesus’ examination before the Jews.   He serves as corresponding editor at large for Christianity Today. His articles appear in leading journals and periodicals, including many secular publications.  He has been a New York Times best-selling author in nonfiction

Discounts available for advance and team registration!