Renowned scholars Ellen F. Davis and Roy Oswald will present KAIROS courses this fall.
Davis, professor of Bible and practical theology, Duke Divinity School, Durham, N.C., will present a preaching seminar titled “The Evangelical Prophet: Preaching Isaiah from Advent to Epiphany.” The words of Isaiah gave form to the early church’s understanding of Jesus Christ, and they continue to be indispensable to proclamation of the gospel message. Davis will focus on how that rich poetic tradition may speak to the preacher’s imagination and illuminate Christian lives, even in the complex social situations of our own time.
Roy Oswald, freelance trainer and consultant, and former senior consultant with Alban Institute, will give two presentations: “New Visions for the Long Pastorate” and “Thriving as an Associate Pastor.” In the first, Oswald will touch on ways to address the potential challenges of long pastorates while capitalizing on the strengths of long-term fruitful ministries. Participants are invited to assess their own pastorates through several key theories and self-assessment tools. Despite its title, “Thriving as an Associate Pastor” is applicable for any program staff person working full time on a multiple-member staff. In many ways, the role of associate or program staff person affords some unique opportunities that are not available to those in an administrative role. Participants will return to their places of ministry with renewed vision of their many opportunities and strategies for discovering and exploring them.
Davis focuses on theological interpretation of the Old Testament with particular concern for Christian preaching. Her current work focuses on developing an exegetical and theological base for responsible practices of land care and food production. A lay Episcopalian, she has been involved in interreligious dialogue for more than 30 years. Oswald is known for research focusing on the pastoral role and the dynamics of parish leadership. Providing leadership for hundreds of conferences and training events in the U.S. and Canada, Oswald frequently consults with local congregations and judicatories where his planning model utilizes norms, myths, and meaning statements from a church’s past.
KAIROS offers continuing education opportunities for pastors, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers and lay leaders. For more information or to register for KAIROS courses, visit www.luthersem.edu/kairos or email kairos@luthersem.edu.