EFCA Theology Conferences

On this episode of the podcast, we share a message from that preconference by Roy Oksnevad, “Who are the real Muslims?” Roy serves as Director of COMMA Network, a Coalition of Ministries to Muslims in North America, and ReachNational All People Director of Muslim Ministry.

In 2018, EFCA pastors and church leaders gathered in San Antonio, Texas, for the annual Theology Conference. The focus of the preconference was on the theme, “Understanding Islam, Loving Our Neighbors.” On this episode of the podcast, we share a message from that preconference by Mike Urton entitled, “What do Muslims Believe?”

Mike serves as Associate Director of the COMMA Network, a Coalition of Ministries to Muslims in North America, and ReachNational All People Muslim Ministry.

At the end of the day, we long to hear the words of Jesus: "Well done, good servant!" (Luke 19:17). In light of the topic of this Theology Conference, what does that mean? What guides us to that end? What enables us to live in such a way? Jesus informed us in some of his final words to his disciples on the way to the cross, the time and manner in which the new covenant would be ushered in through his death, burial and resurrection and the subsequent pouring out of the Holy Spirit. Join us in the final message of the EFCA Theology Conference from John Perkins as he discusses how we move forward in unity.

Are compassion and justice ministries the gospel? Or are they entailments of the gospel? On the one hand are those who make them the gospel who end up denying the biblical gospel, that which is done and accomplished in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This is the good news that affirms "it is finished," and is to be proclaimed. Rather than a biblical gospel, they end up with a social gospel applying Christian ethics to the social ills of the day, e.g., economic inequality, poverty, racial tensions, addictions, etc. but without the biblical gospel. Join us as Dr. Peter Cha discusses the call of compassion and justice for believers.

One of the word of the year lists last year consisted of xenophobia, a "fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers." In light of the worldwide migration, and of the fear associated with immigration, it is not surprising. But is it biblical, is it the appropriate response of a believer, of an Evangelical? Interestingly, one of the biblical commands is the opposite of this, evidence in the term philoxenia, a "love for strangers or foreigners; hospitality, kindness to strangers." Join us as Dr. Daniel Carroll explains the response of believers in an increasingly xenophobic society.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. This often is one of those racial markers over which there are differences of opinion. Likely, many white brothers and sisters have probably not thought much about this anniversary. Conversely, most African American brothers and sisters are quite aware of this anniversary, and not to remember or recognize this in some way would be hurtful. Many of the differences regarding Martin Luther King, Jr. are along racial lines. Join us as Dr. Carl Ellis Jr. discusses the relationship between The Gospel, Martin Luther King, Jr., Contextual Theology, and Evangelicalism.

It is one thing to address this issue theoretical or academically. It is another to address this personally and experientially. One is not more or less important than another. Both are necessary, even though the issue is approached from different vantage points. Both provide significant and important insights into the issues we are studying, discussing and living. Join with other EFCA pastors as we listen to the wisdom of Dr. John Perkins as he discusses the need for unity within the church.

The church, committed to and compelled by the gospel of Jesus Christ, has engaged in both the proclamation of the gospel and its accompanying social ministries of compassion and justice. This has been reflective of the church from the beginning. Affirming this reality, it is important to address and assess how Evangelicals have historically addressed these matters of race in the 18th-19th centuries, some of our significant right-steps and have some of the other painful missteps and sins of the past 150-200 years which remain with us today. Join with other EFCA pastors as they listen to Doug Sweeney, Distinguished Professor of Church History and History of Christian Thought at Trinity Evangelical School.

As Evangelicals more broadly, and as the EFCA more specifically, we are people of the Book. One EFCA motto has been and remains, "where stands it written," which addresses both the biblical truth of a doctrine and also the practical outworking of that truth in life. Join us as Dr. Jarvis Williams, an Associate Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary walks us through how to live out this truth.

Earlier this year, our 2018 EFCA Theology Conference theme explored The Gospel, Compassion and Justice and the EFCA. Recent events in our nation and world have made it clear it is both timely and necessary to address the topics of racial reconciliation and immigration. The gospel is being undermined and tarnished by the lack of reconciliation among believers and the lack of concern for the immigrant. Join with fellow EFCA pastors and leaders in listening and learning from the speakers at our 2018 conference as they address this theme from biblical, theological, historical and pastoral perspectives.