The Brethren in Christ Church has affirmed the licensing and ordination of women since 1984 and today many BIC churches benefit from the gifted ministry of women in pastoral leadership.  However, in some of our church fellowships there continues to be a reluctance to fully accept women as ordained pastors.

This seminar will review the BIC story (both historical and contemporary) of women as pastors; examine the theological and hermeneutical foundations for the Brethren in Christ perspective; consider the practical issues which hinder women from full participation in pastoral ministry; and afford an opportunity for lively dialogue on this vital issue. 

Seminar Objectives

• To help participants begin to reflect on their own experience and perspectives concerning women serving as pastors or in other ministry roles.
• To review the Brethren in Christ journey concerning women serving in a variety of ministry roles, especially pastoral roles.
• To consider hermeneutical principles and approaches that shape the way we read the Bible.
• To explore relevant Old and New Testament passages that are significant to the Brethren in Christ perspective on women as pastors.
• To listen to the real life experiences of women serving within the Brethren in Christ and to dialogue together about the questions that we have and the resources we can share on this important topic.

Schedule of the Day

8:30 Registration

8:40 Welcome and Introductions

8:45What's Your Story? (Spurrier, Robinson and Audience)

9:30The Brethren in Christ Story (Jim Spurrier)

10:20Reading the Old Testament Story (Alan Robinson)

11:00Break

11:15Audience response/conversation on the Old Testament

11:35Reading the New Testament Story (Alan Robinson)

12:20Audience response/conversation on the New Testament

12:45Lunch

1:30The Story of Four BIC Women Pastors (Video)

2:10Guided Discussion (Spurrier)

2:45Break

3:00Q and A and Final Words (Spurrier and Robinson)

Dates and Locations

Tuesday, May 11 – Mechanicsburg BIC, Mechanicsburg, PA (Susquehanna)
Thursday, May 13 – Chambersburg BIC, Chambersburg, PA (Allegheny)
Tuesday, May 18 – Pequea BIC, Pequea, PA (Atlantic)
Tuesday, May 25 – Pacific Christian Center, Upland, CA (Pacific)
Thursday, May 27 – CrossRoads, Salina, KS (Midwest)
Thursday, June 3 – Cross Roads Memorial BIC, Guelph, Ontario (Canadian)
Saturday, June 5 – Fairview BIC, Englewood, OH (Great Lakes)

Instructors

Alan Robinson is married to Sharon and together they have two adult daughters.  Born in Northern Ireland, Alan has pastored congregations in Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland and has served as senior pastor of the Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church since June 1999.  He also serves in a part-time role as Director of Leadership Development for the Brethren in Christ Church, and as an adjunct instructor for Messiah College.  Alan has a Master’s degree from Oxford University, England, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky. He is currently working on his Ph.D. dissertation from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Jim Spurrier has served the Dillsburg Brethren in Christ church for the past 21 years initially as an Associate Pastor and currently as Senior Pastor.  He and his wife Faithe will celebrate their 30th anniversary this year.  They have three daughters and one granddaughter.  Though he is not a “cradle-bic” (he did not grow up Brethren in Christ), he has developed a deep love for this part of the family of God.  Jim has a Master’s degree from the University of Oregon as well as from Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Fees

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 the 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.  Registered persons are eligible to receive lifelong learning credit.

Due to the wide appeal of this year’s topic, those congregations who have two pastors/leaders register will be permitted to have other interested staff or congregants attend the seminar by paying a $30.00 audit fee.  For audit registration contact Donna Sturr at dsturr@bic-church.org or by phone at 717.697.2634, ext. 5435.

Register Here