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 served as the USA Regional Education Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene. A prolific author, Dr. Blevins co-wrote Discovering Discipleship and authored The Disciples: A BIble Study. Dr. Blevins also served 25 years as editor of the online academic journal Didache: Faithful Teaching.

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

Community: Churches Partnering with Seminaries

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

The afternoon session of the Oikonomia Network (ON) retreat continued with another presentation by Amy Sherman. Amy continued by focusing on congregations that embrace this work. Perimeter Church in Atlanta is a “VILC” (Vocation Infusion Learning Community) thanks in part to … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Culture, Degree, Discipleship, Economics, Pedagogy, Practical Theology, Vocation, Work | 2 Comments

Community: Church and Seminary in Partnership

Posted on January 9, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

Oikonomia Network (ON) Director Greg Forster opened Friday’s retreat sessions with a short history lesson. Forster noted that Dallas Willard’s early presentation in year one cast a powerful vision about the need to connect faith at work to the local … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Discipleship, Economics, Pedagogy, Practical Theology, Vocation | 1 Comment

Future of the Faith and Work Movement

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Dean G. Blevins

This year’s Oikonomia Network (ON) gathering took place in San Diego. The beauty of this coastal setting created a great backdrop for a serious conversation on faith, work, and economics. The vision of Avodah, a Hebrew term for work, worship, and … Continue reading →

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

Contemporary Youth Issues Class Begins

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Dean G. Blevins

Monday, Oct 5th Nazarene Theological Seminary begins an open (free) online class on Contemporary Youth Issues. NTSx (an open, online, web resource for Nazarene Theological Seminary) offers the seven-week course in partnership with Youth Specialties/Youth and Theology Track. The course … Continue reading →

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“Apprentice” Spiritual Formation Conference special group rate if you hurry!

Posted on September 20, 2015 by Dean G. Blevins

Would you be interested in joining Doug Hardy in attending a spiritual formation resourcing conference? The Apprentice Gathering, to be held at Friends University in Wichita, Oct. 8 – 10, is offering a special group rate for local churches of … Continue reading →

Posted in Continuing Education, Discipleship, Spiritual Formation | Leave a comment