A local congregation and an InterVarsity staffer partner to bring a Christian Scholar series into being. Scholars like Richard Mouw, Mary Poplin, and Scott McKnight come to the area to interact with Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church (EBIC). Christian academics living in central Pennsylvania connect with the congregation on topics ranging from the sociology of faith to the history of American religion. They engage deeply with issues relevant to the church at large, while thoughtfully incorporating an understanding of local histories and experiences.
The local congregation offers its support to run the Scholar series, cooking lunches, providing space, and extending encouragement. In turn, scholars encourage the church, sharing their knowledge and perspective shaped in years of study and practice as believing academics.
For more than five years, the series has played a vibrant role in connecting the church and the academy. Senior Pastor Steve Lane says, “I believe the world needs devout, thinking followers of Jesus unafraid of difficult questions and issues, and I want EBIC [Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ] to help bridge the gap. This is why we dedicate two Sundays per year to questions about culture and faith and invite outside speakers to challenge and encourage us.”
Join ESN on the path to connecting academics and local congregations. If you’d like to organize a Christian Scholar series at your church drop us a note. To donate financially, follow the link below. Thank you.
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About the author:
The Emerging Scholars Network is always seeking opportunities to identify, encourage, and equip the next generation of Christian scholars to be a redeeming influence in the academy, church, and the world. As you have an announcement, a "call for papers", an event, a prayer request (e.g., campus, field, higher ed), a resource suggestion, a review, etc., which is in concord with our Kingdom of God endeavor, please send materials (marketing/sales material not accepted) for consideration to post via email or the ESN Writer Survey. Thank-you. To God be the glory!
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