Category Archives: Economics

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

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

Can we Know the World and Still Love the World?

Posted on January 10, 2015 by Dean G. Blevins

Tonight the Oikonomia Retreat came to a close with dinner and a presentation by Greg Forster titled “Can we Know the World and Still Love the World?” As director of the Network, Greg often spends his time “reporting,” facilitating or … Continue reading →

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