North Americans today live in politically charged times!  In the US, we are in the thick of an election year.  Canadians are also facing a potential federal election. Increasingly, members of the Brethren in Christ are engaging in some way in government, politics or political issues.  This seminar is designed to help us think through our engagement in the political process and how we might approach various issues that are currently relevant. 

Seminar Objectives:

• To help pastors and church leaders view current political engagement and issues through Biblical and theological lenses.  
• To explore together the Biblical basis for the spectrum of potential engagement as Christ-followers.
• To connect the present with the past by providing a clear history of the Brethren in Christ understanding and practice on this issue.
• To work together at considering the current political realities and issues facing the church in the USA and Canada and what are appropriate ways for engaging.
• To be encouraged to be the reconciling community of believers in the midst of a polarized and divided culture.

Seminar Overview:

8:30 - Registration

9:00 - Welcome and overview of the day – Perry Engle and Darrell Winger

9:20 - Lessons from History: The historical development of Brethren in Christ thought and practice.  – Darrell

9:50 - Group Interaction

10:15 - Break

10:45 - Look to the Book: Biblical Principles and Political Engagement - Perry

11:30 - Group Interaction

12:00 - Lunch

1:15 - Listening to Each Other: Personal Perspectives on Political Engagement

• Video presentations by Brethren in Christ members who have adopted various approaches to political engagement.

1:45 - Group Interaction

2:00 - Getting Practical: Wrestling with Current Issues (Part 1) - Perry and Darrell           

2:45 - Break

3:00 - Getting Practical: Wrestling with Current Issues (Part 2) – Darrell and Perry

3:45 - Wrap Up

4:00 - Dismissal

Dates and Locations

Tuesday, April 22 – Antrim BIC, Chambersburg, PA

Wednesday, April 23 – Cumberland Valley BIC, Dillsburg, PA

Thursday, April 24 – Hempfield BIC, Lancaster, PA

Saturday, April 26 – Fairview BIC, Englewood, OH

Thursday, May 15 – Gateway Community Church, Chino, CA 

Thursday, May 29 – The Dwelling Place – Springvale BIC, Hagersville, ON

 

Presenters:

Darrell Winger - Darrell is part of the pastoral staff and Management Team of The Meeting House in Oakville, ON, where he oversees the ministry of the Lead Pastors.  Darrell has served in various roles in the Brethren in Christ Church -- General Secretary, Bishop of the Canadian Conference, leadership development with BIC World Missions in Malawi and Mozambique, and Pastor of the Stayner BIC congregation.  Currently Darrell serves on the General Conference Board of the Brethren in Christ Church.  Darrell has a BA in Psychology, a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary, and has taken doctoral-level studies through Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.  He and Anna have been married nearly 23 years and have three children: Sam, Abbie and Jesse.  Darrell is easily entertained with a cup of strong coffee and a passionate discussion on almost any topic.

Perry Engle - Perry is the bishop of the Midwest and Pacific Conferences of the Brethren in Christ Church. He was co-founding pastor of New Community Church in Pomona, California, where he served for 14 years. He and Marta have been married for 20 years, and live with their three daughters in Ontario, California.

 

Seminar registration includes two breaks and lunch. The cost of this one-day seminar is $50.00.

Given that pastoral staff and congregational leaders would also benefit from this seminar, there will be a price break for multiple persons from the same congregation. The reduced rates will be: 2 persons $95.00; 3 persons $140.00; 4 persons $180.00. In order for these rates to apply, one person must register all participants at the same time using the same credit card. To register more than one, select Register Here, then select Impact courses, and then scroll to the bottom of the page to find registration for 2 or more individuals. The seminar materials will be sent to the person who makes the registration.

Due to the wide appeal of this year's topic, those congregations who have two pastors/leaders register will be allowed to have other interested staff or congregants attend the seminar by paying a $10.00 audit fee. Persons paying an audit fee will not receive lifelong learning credit.

[Register Here]