The class is offered in conjunction with , an EMS program that provides pastors and lay leaders with an opportunity to learn preaching skills. It will be offered on campus Tuesdays, Jan. 9 to April 23, 8-10:40 a.m.

Topics will include sermon forms; preaching without notes; preaching and the cross; preaching Paul; special occasion sermons, and the use of technology and visual arts in preaching. Students will also articulate their own theology of preaching.

This course will help lay-leaders who preach occasionally and would like to improve their skills, seasoned preachers who would like to stretch their preaching or add to their repertoire, and associate pastors who may be looking to improve their skills in preparation for moving into a lead pastorate

“The sermon has the potential to empower and transform lives from the inside out as preacher and listeners engage with scripture and the realities of our world,” said Joni Sancken, who has a doctorate in homiletics and teaches preaching and practical theology.

“The past 10 years have been challenging ones for institutional religion: September 11, clergy abuse scandals, economic challenges, and declining membership,” Sancken said. “Congregations are seeking fresh ways to encounter God and experience renewal in these challenging times. Preaching is part of this renewal.”

The discounted rate is available to those who take the class on an audit basis. Students who want seminary credit would pay the full tuition price. The typical participation audit fee is $690, but due to coordination with the , EMS is able to offer the course at an attractively discounted rate.

To learn more about the class visit or call the office of seminary admissions at 540-432-4257. December 20 is the deadline for inquiries on the special rate.

Eastern Mennonite Seminary is offering evening and weekend courses on these topics this spring.

• Wendy J. Miller, assistant professor of spiritual formation, will teach “Spiritual Formation in Congregational Discernment” 6:30-9:10 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 9-Apr. 24.

• Brenda Martin Hurst, assistant professor of practical theology, will teach “Contemporary Theology: Women

  ]]> /now/news/2006/ems-conference-to-promote-church-vitality/ Mon, 23 Oct 2006 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.emu.edu/blog/news/?p=1252 In an often chaotic and fragmented world, how can church leaders encourage their members to pursue wholeness?

  Dorothy Bass, director of the Valparaiso (Ind.) Project on the Education and Formation of People in Faith, will address this question at the School for Leadership Training (SLT) at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Jan. 15-18, 2007. The program theme is, “Practicing Life Abundant in the Congregation and Daily Life.”

  Dr. Dorothy Bass

  Dr. Bass will help church leaders understand Christian practices, why they are important and how congregations can live these practices more deeply. Bass’s work on the Valparaiso project focuses on helping Christians live their faith with vitality and integrity in the world today.

  Tuesday morning, Bass will lead a session titled “What are Christian practices and why do they matter?” Wednesday morning, she will focus on “Practicing our faith in the congregation and everywhere else,” and Thursday morning, she will speak on “Leading congregations in revitalizing Christian practices.”

  , assistant professor of practical theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and SLT coordinator, said the conference focus is important “because church leaders are not the only ones who are harried and wrestling with the rapid changes in the church and the world – congregations are, too. Bass has a vision for congregations to thrive, not just survive, by embracing Christian communal practices that are truly life-giving.”

  Many Workshops Offered

  SLT participants will also select workshops on such topics as, “Dead Sea Scrolls, DaVinci Code and the Gospel of Judas,” “Young Adults on Mennonite Practices for the Future” and “Making our Churches Safe Places.”

  SLT will also feature a concert by Jim Croegaert on Tuesday evening. Croegaert writes and performs praise and worship music and was formerly a leader and musician at Reba Place Fellowship in Evanston, Ill.

  A Wednesday evening appreciation banquet will honor Ruth Brunk Stoltzfus and Ella May Miller for their pioneer work in Mennonite radio broadcasts.

  Each day’s events will open with worship and music. Other activities include a forum with seminary dean and a pastors and church leaders forum.

  Registration is $120 per person before the December 31 deadline. For more information and online registration, visit or call Linda Alley at 540-432-4698.

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