Category Archives: Culture

What is the Gospel?

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Dean G. Blevins

Day two of discussions around faith, work, and economics with the Oikonomia Network connecting work, mission, and our definition of the Gospel through presentations by Greg Forster and Gary Breshears. Greg Forster started the group echoing last night’s challenge to … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Culture, Discipleship, Economics, Leadership, Mission, Practical Theology, Theology, Vocation | Leave a comment

The Ministry of Economics: Rethinking Wealth

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Dean G. Blevins

I arrived in Phoenix today for the annual Kern Oikonomia retreat.  It is hard to take time out of a busy schedule to spend three days in the tepid 70’s in Phoenix (particularly with the arctic air in Kansas City) … Continue reading →

Posted in Continuing Education, Culture, Discipleship, Economics, Leadership, Practical Theology, Vocation | 1 Comment

Tom Nelson’s Confession and Challenge: Work Matters

Posted on December 9, 2013 by Dean G. Blevins

Sometimes confession is good for the soul. At least that is how Tom Nelson opened his address to NTS students last week. Nelson, (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) has served as senior pastor of Christ Community Church in Leawood, Kansas, … Continue reading →

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

Discussing Youth Ministry and Race: A View from the Pew

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Dean G. Blevins

Every once in a while you realize you are in the middle of something really, really special.  I have over thirty-five years experience listening to presentations in varying contexts, first in broadcast television news and later in academic settings. November … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Culture, Discipleship, Practical Theology, Race, Religious Education, Theology, Young Adult, Youth | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Youth, Race, and Violence: My journey

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Dean G. Blevins

This reflection has been on the margins of my mind for some time since I first heard of Trayvon Martin. It is personal and offers a perspective that I am still processing… but for good reason. When I asked Brandon … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Discipleship, Practical Theology, Race, Religious Education, Youth | 2 Comments

Guest Blog: Trayvon Martin is Dead by Brandon Winstead

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Dean G. Blevins

Brandon Winstead is a good friend and passionate leader in Youth Ministry, particularly youth ministry across the racial and ethnic margins of our society. I asked him for a reflection on Trayvon Martin and I am pleased to publish it. Brandon, … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Discipleship, Practical Theology, Race, Religious Education, Theology, Vocation, Youth | 1 Comment

Young Adults and the Church

Posted on July 27, 2013 by Dean G. Blevins

Young Adults and the Life of the Church occupy a lot of interest these days even by CNN. Why millennials are leaving the church One of the best conversations I have had happened with Tim and Shawna-Songer Gaines. The primary concern … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Discipleship, Leadership, Practical Theology, Young Adult | Leave a comment