Speaker’s Bureau

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.

Presentation Topic/Title: Church Leadership in a VUCA World

Presenter’s Name: Ircel Harrison, D.Min., Supplemental Associate Professor of Missional Theology, Central Seminary

Presenter’s Email: ircelharrison@gmail.com

Presentation Description: We are living in a VUCA world —-volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. The term describes the contemporary context in which we live, work, and serve.  These VUCA times call us to lead the church in new and different ways. Those who are willing to champion, create, and embrace adaptive change in these VUCA times will not only survive but also thrive as leaders.  This presentation both examines the context in which the local church functions and considers a way forward for leaders.  

Language:  English

Intended Audience Options: Church staff team, church leadership team, adult study groups.

Presentation Length Options: One session (90 minutes) or two sessions (45 minutes each)

In-Person/Virtual:  Online only

Technology Needs: Access to presenter’s Zoom on internet

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

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

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

Presentation Title: Monastic Spirituality

Presenters Name: Rev. Nathan W. Huguley, MDiv, 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).

Presentation Title: Vocation Discernment

Presenters Name: Rev. Nathan W. Huguley, MDiv, 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.

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.