Category Archives: Economics

Okonomia Network in Tempe AZ

Posted on January 8, 2015 by Dean G. Blevins

It has been a while since I last posted on Discipleship Commons. To be honest I have been focused on a new blog celebrating discipleship at Kansas City First Church and excited to share the stories in that congregational context. … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Economics, Practical Theology, Vocation | Leave a comment

The Spirit of Stewardship and the Entrepreneurial Economy

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Dean G. Blevins

Every once in a while you realize that blogging is an imperfect process for academics. Tonight was a great example. Normally, at the end of a conference, the brain is saturated by information overload and you are ready to “coast” … Continue reading →

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Pastoral Pathways

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Dean G. Blevins

Day two of the Oikonomia Network retreat. Today’s focus revolves around the pastoral pathways that seek to express the emphasis on faith, work, economics. Kern acknowledges that the dissemination of this vision requires a collaboration between seminaries and local congregational … Continue reading →

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

Gospel Entrepreneurship

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Dean G. Blevins

This evening’s series of presentations revolved around the theme of entrepreneurship. Greg Forster opened the presentation using Gallup Chairman and CEO Jim Clifton’s argument that the greatest challenge facing the country is job creation.

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What is the purpose of business from God’s perspective?

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Dean G. Blevins

Jeff Van Duzer, provost at Seattle Pacific University, turned the discussion this morning to the nature of business, it purpose, its limits and the obstacles within it. He began with a key question:  What is the purpose of business from … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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