Author Archives: Dean G. Blevins

About Dean G. Blevins

Dr. Dean G. Blevins currently serves as Professor of Practical Theology and Christian Discipleship at Nazarene Theological Seminary as well as Director of Nurturing Care with Children through Worship and Prayer. An ordained elder, Dean has ministered in diverse settings and currently also serves at the USA Regional Education Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene. A prolific author, Dr. Blevins recently co-wrote the textbook Discovering Discipleship and edits Didache: Faithful Teaching, a journal for Wesleyan Education.

Flourishing and Social Worlds

Posted on January 7, 2017 by Dean G. Blevins

Today’s gathering of the Oikonomia Network began with Greg Forster providing updates on efforts within and beyond the Network. ON continues to cultivate new partners, such as the LABI College/Latin American Theological Seminary (LABI/LATS) in Los Angeles, as well as … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Economics, Theological Education, Vocation, Work | Leave a comment

Strategies for Hope in the Oikonomia Network

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Dean G. Blevins

January is always a good time for a faculty retreat, particularly in Tempe Arizona. This week I have the privilege of attending the Oikonomia Network Faculty Retreat. It is a time to see a little of the city but also … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Discipleship, Economics, Spiritual Formation, Uncategorized, Vocation | Leave a comment

Neuroscience, Technology, and Christian Formation

Posted on October 26, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

Mark Maddix and I just celebrated the release of our newly edited book Neuroscience and Christian Formation (Information Age Publishing). While primarily a text on the practical implications of neuroscience research for Christian education, I was also tasked with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, Neuroscience, Science, Technology | Leave a comment

An Honest Conversation about Race

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

Nazarene Theological Seminary opened the second day of a week honoring Martin Luther King with a serious discussion around of race, privilege, and our responsibility as the church. Dr. Carla Sunberg, president of Nazarene Theological Seminary reflected on her own … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Clergy, Continuing Education, Culture, Discipleship, Practical Theology, Race, Theological Education | Leave a comment

The Power of Entrepreneurship in a Ministry Setting

Posted on January 12, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

Nazarene Theological Seminary will soon begin its second class in Ministerial Entrepreneurship. The course was created in partnership with the Kern Family Foundation Oikonomia Network, MidAmerica Nazarene University’s Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Kauffman Foundation Fasttrac program on Entrepreneurship. Basically, … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, Economics, Leadership, Practical Theology, Vocation, Work, Young Adult | 1 Comment

Made to Flourish

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

The final Oikonomia Network (ON) session included some “in house” moves among the network including both a new initiative with local congregations as well as institutional relocation. The Oikonomia Network (ON) has moved to Trinity International University as part of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Economics, Practical Theology, Theological Education, Vocation | Leave a comment

Interpreting “Faith” in Faith and Work: the next Challenge

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

The Oikonima Network (ON) continued its retreat on Saturday by addressing some of the real challenges of moving Christians to embrace faith and work as a part of whole life discipleship. The concern had been established the day prior when … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Culture, Economics, Practical Theology, Theological Education, Vocation, Work | 2 Comments