Speaker’s Bureau

 

Central Seminary Speaker’s Bureau

The faculty and staff of Central Seminary can offer presentations to groups on a variety of topics.

The listing below is just a sample. If you don’t see what you are looking for here, please complete the form below to indicate a specific topic that you would like a presentation on. We will connect with the Central community to see if we can find a resource that matches your needs.

Speaker availability, bookings, AV requirements, travel, fees, and all other needs will be handled through the speaker. Please use the email address provided in the presentation description below.

Biblical Storytelling Concerts and Workshops

Conflict Transformation

Presentation Topic/Title:  Conflict Transformation Workshops

Presenter’s Name: Ruth Rosell

Presenter’s Email: rrosell@cbts.edu

Presentation Description: These workshops will focus on various aspects of conflict transformation, drawing on material developed by Dan and Sharon Buttry. The Buttry’s led such workshops, as well as Trainings for Conflict Transformation Trainers, throughout the world and at Central Seminary. Possible workshops include the following:

  • Exploring Personal Conflict Styles
  • Mainstream and Margins in Groups with Diversity
  • Conflict Transformation in the Bible
  • Breaking Cycles of Violence and the Story of Rizpah
  • Esther’s Stand Against Injustice and the Spectrum of Allies

Language:  English

Intended Audience Options:  Adult study groups or classes

Presentation Length Options: 60 minutes for each workshop; Several workshops put together can form a one-day event.

In-Person/Virtual:  In-person is best, but virtual is a possibility

Technology Needs:  If in-person, the technology needed for presenting PowerPoint slides and a mic (if a large group); If virtual, access to Zoom

Counseling as a Calling

Presentation Topic/Title: Discerning the path to professional counseling ministry

Presenter’s Name: Dr. Lindsay Bonebrake, LCPC, LPC, RPT-S
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program
Associate Professor of Counseling, Central Seminary

Presenter’s Email: Lbonebrake@cbts.edu

Presentation Description: 
Individuals considering counseling as a vocation? This workshop focuses on outlining educational pathways (MACO, dual degrees, MAM with a counseling track) and inviting deeper reflection on how counseling can be an expression of ministry.

Language:  English

Intended Audience Options: Graduates, alumni, undergraduate students, adults seeking a new career

Presentation Length Options: 45 minute presentation, 3 hour workshop

In-Person/Virtual:  Both

Technology Needs:  If in-person, the technology needed for presenting PowerPoint slides and a mic (if a large group); If virtual, access to Zoom

Creative & Play-Based Approaches to Therapy

Presentation Topic/Title: Engaging children and families through play, story, and connection

Presenter’s Name: Dr. Lindsay Bonebrake, LCPC, LPC, RPT-S
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program
Associate Professor of Counseling, Central Seminary

Presenter’s Email: Lbonebrake@cbts.edu

Presentation Description: 
An introduction to evidence-based strategies like play therapy, board games in therapy, and attachment-informed interventions for counselors, educators, and those working with children.

Language:  English

Intended Audience Options: Parents, caregivers, children’s ministry leaders, counselors, social workers

Presentation Length Options: 45 minute presentation, 3 hour workshop

In-Person/Virtual:  Both

Technology Needs:  If in-person, the technology needed for presenting PowerPoint slides and a mic (if a large group); If virtual, access to Zoom

Emotional Wellness in Children & Teens

Presentation Topic/Title: Supporting emotional development through connection and care

Presenter’s Name: Dr. Lindsay Bonebrake, LCPC, LPC, RPT-S
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program
Associate Professor of Counseling, Central Seminary

Presenter’s Email: Lbonebrake@cbts.edu

Presentation Description: 
Learn how to spot signs of anxiety, depression, and stress in young people—and how to respond effectively. Practical for parents, teachers, youth ministers, and anyone working with children or adolescents.

Language:  English

Intended Audience Options: Parents, teachers, youth ministers/anyone working with children or adolescents

Presentation Length Options: 45 minute presentation, 3 hour workshop

In-Person/Virtual:  Both

Technology Needs:  If in-person, the technology needed for presenting PowerPoint slides and a mic (if a large group); If virtual, access to Zoom

Faithful Responses to Climate Change

Presentation Topic/Title:  Faithful Responses to Climate Change

Presenter’s Name: Ruth Rosell, Director of the Buttry Center for Peace and Nonviolence, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology Emerita

Presenter’s Email: rrosell@cbts.edu

Presentation Description: The effects of climate change are increasingly being experienced, and climate scientists are issuing urgent calls for action.  In this situation, what is a faithful response – both faithful to Scripture and Christian values, and also full of faith with hope for the future?  Ruth Rosell is available to help your congregation or group better understand what climate change involves, the spiritual, theological, ethical, and ministry reasons for making climate change a personal and congregational priority, and what climate actions are needed now. She can shape presentations or workshops to meet congregational needs, but here are some possible options:

  • “Connecting the Dots on Climate Change” (what climate change is and why we should care and take action)
  • “Faithful Responses of Creation Care in a Changing Climate” (Biblical, ethical, pastoral, and missional reasons Christians should respond and overview of impactful actions)
  • “Electrification and Clean Energy for Churches and Families”
  • “Food Choices and Practices that Care for Creation”

Language:  English

Intended Audience Options: Congregational gatherings; Adult study groups or classes

Presentation Length Options: Each presentation/workshop is generally an hour long. If a longer event or series is desired, the topic options can be added together to form a longer event or can be discussed on consecutive weeks.

In-Person/Virtual: Both

Technology Needs:  If in-person, the technology needed for presenting PowerPoint slides and a mic (if a large group); If virtual, access to Zoom

 

Jesus and Nonviolence

Presentation Topic/Title:  Jesus and Nonviolence

Presenter’s Name: Ruth Rosell 

Presenter’s Email: rrosell@cbts.edu

Presentation Description:  This presentation explores what Jesus teaches us about how to respond to violence and injustice. Learning about the historical and cultural background of his teachings enables us to understand that Jesus rejects both passive submission and violent actions.  Instead he shows us how to respond with active nonviolence and transformative initiatives.

Language:  English

Intended Audience Options:  Congregational gatherings; Adult study groups or classes

Presentation Length Options: 60-90 minutes

In-Person/Virtual:  Both

Technology Needs:  If in-person, the technology needed for presenting PowerPoint slides and a mic (if a large group); If virtual, access to Zoom

Maternal & Reproductive Mental Health

Presentation Topic/Title: Whole-person care during the reproductive years

Presenter’s Name: Dr. Lindsay Bonebrake, LCPC, LPC, RPT-S
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program
Associate Professor of Counseling, Central Seminary

Presenter’s Email: Lbonebrake@cbts.edu

Presentation Description: 
From infertility and pregnancy to postpartum recovery and loss, this session explores how churches and clinicians can support women in vulnerable seasons with compassion, clinical insight, and both practical and spiritual care.

Language:  English

Intended Audience Options: Women’s ministry leaders, local churches and medical/mental health clinicians

Presentation Length Options: 45 minute presentation, 3 hour workshop

In-Person/Virtual:  Both

Technology Needs:  If in-person, the technology needed for presenting PowerPoint slides and a mic (if a large group); If virtual, access to Zoom

Mental Health and the Church

Presentation Topic/Title: Bridging the gap between faith and emotional well-being

Presenter’s Name: Dr. Lindsay Bonebrake, LCPC, LPC, RPT-S
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program
Associate Professor of Counseling, Central Seminary

Presenter’s Email: Lbonebrake@cbts.edu

Presentation Description: 
Exploration of  how churches can respond to the growing mental health crisis with empathy and depth. Ideal for pastors, ministry leaders, and those who want to support their congregations more holistically.

Language:  English

Intended Audience Options: Pastors, ministry leaders, and those who want to support their congregations more holistically

Presentation Length Options: 45 minute presentation, 3 hour workshop

In-Person/Virtual:  Both

Technology Needs:  If in-person, the technology needed for presenting PowerPoint slides and a mic (if a large group); If virtual, access to Zoom

Monastic Spirituality

Presentation Title: Monastic Spirituality

Presenters Name: Rev. Nathan W. Huguley, DMin, Senior Director of Enrollment Management

Presenters Contact Info: nathan.huguley@cbts.edu

Presentation Description: Monastic spirituality has much to teach us about community, worship, gratitude, prayer, work, leadership, and so much more. The Christian monastic tradition stretches back more than 17 centuries and has developed its own way of practicing the faith. That history can inform our own practices and make us better leaders, followers, community members, and human beings. Presentations can be as short as an hour for special topics. Rev. Huguley is also available to lead retreats.

Intended Audience: Adult lay people, pastors, ministers, leaders

Length: 1–2-hour presentations, 2-3-day retreats, week-long retreats

In-Person/Virtual: Both

Technology Needs: If virtual, access to Zoom (a device with a camera and microphone).

Peace and Justice in the Public Square

Presentation Topic/Title: Micah 6:8 in Real Time

Presenter’s Name: Toya Richards

Presenter’s Email: trichards@cbts.edu

Presentation Description: This presentation will focus on what the call to “do justice, love mercy, and walking humbly” with the Divine looks like in practical ways in the streets, amid villages and throughout communities across the globe.

Language: English

Presentation Length Options: 60 minutes overall: 30-40 for the lecture, followed by 20 for questions and conversation

In-Person/Virtual: In-person or virtual

Technology Needs: If in-person, the technology needed for presenting PowerPoint slides and a mic (if a large group). If virtual, access to Zoom.

Self-Care for the Helper

Presentation Topic/Title: Resilience and rest for pastors, counselors, and caregivers

Presenter’s Name: Dr. Lindsay Bonebrake, LCPC, LPC, RPT-S
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program
Associate Professor of Counseling, Central Seminary

Presenter’s Email: Lbonebrake@cbts.edu

Presentation Description: 
Helping professionals are often at risk for burnout. This session offers strategies to restore balance, build emotional resilience, and thrive in long-term ministry and service roles.

Language:  English

Intended Audience Options: Pastors, counselors, social workers, not for profit workers

Presentation Length Options: 45 minute presentation, 3 hour workshop

In-Person/Virtual:  Both

Technology Needs:  If in-person, the technology needed for presenting PowerPoint slides and a mic (if a large group); If virtual, access to Zoom

Vocation Discernment

Presentation Title: Vocation Discernment

Presenters Name: Rev. Nathan W. Huguley, DMin, Senior Director of Enrollment Management

Presenters Contact Info: nathan.huguley@cbts.edu

Presentation Description: Each of us has a vocation, a calling to a certain work or a certain way of being in the world. Many people spend their whole lives trying to hear that calling. These presentations, workshops, and retreats are designed to help seekers focus their attention on specific questions that can help them discern their reason for being in the world. Since calling is something that is always in the process of unfolding, each new season of life presents us with an opportunity to discover or rediscover what we’re called to do or who we’re called to be. No matter who you are, there is more to uncover within yourself about your vocation.

Intended Audience: Appropriate for all adult audiences. Works best in small groups of 4-12 participants.

Length: 2-hour presentation, 4-hour workshop, 2–3-day retreats

In-Person/Virtual: Both, but in-person is best

Technology Needs: If virtual, access to Zoom (a device with a camera and microphone). If in-person with a small group, none.

Cultural Competency in Congregational Leadership

Central completed a series of videos with accompanying discussion guides that groups and individuals can utilize at no cost. A representative of Central would also be available to lead a discussion at your request. Information can be found here.

Looking for something different?

Don’t see the topic you are looking for above? No problem! Please complete the form below to indicate a specific topic that you would like a presentation on. We will connect with the Central community to see if we can find a resource that matches your needs.

Speakers Form