Category Archives: Discipleship

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

On the Mind or On the Ground, Food for the Soul

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Dean G. Blevins

So, I am riding to Nashville with Mark Hayse and students from MidAmerica Nazarene University for the National Youth Workers Convention. Mark introduces me as NTS professor but also presenter and board member with Youthfront.. One of the students leans … Continue reading →

Posted in Discipleship, MidAmerica Nazarene University, Pedagogy, Practical Theology, Theology, Young Adult, Youth, Youthfront | Leave a 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

In the Spirit of Saint Patrick

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Dean G. Blevins

Part of our 365m trip included our participation in the North British Isles District minister’s retreat in Newcastle. Driving through the hedgerows of this lovely country, we decided to stop by the town of Downpatrick where the Holy Trinity Cathedral … Continue reading →

Posted in Clergy, Continuing Education, Discipleship, Higher Education, Leadership, Mission, Pedagogy, Practical Theology, Wesley | Leave a comment

Church Planting in North Ireland

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Dean G. Blevins

We drove to Millbrook in North Ireland this morning for worship in a new church plant in that community. The drive took around thirty minutes from Belfast, and I was glad it was Norm Henry and not myself driving (and David providing … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Discipleship, Family, Leadership, Mission, Practical Theology, Preaching, Theological Education, Women | Leave a comment

Eventful Moments at D6

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Dean G. Blevins

This is my first trip to the D6 conference, a gathering of ministers and laity focused on family ministry.  It’s been an interesting trip. The overall theme was “impress” drawing from the Deut 6 emphasis on “impressing” on children’s hearts. … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Discipleship, Family, Leadership, Spiritual Formation | Leave a comment