National Dialogue

Significant and substantive conversation about the Church and her mission takes place in a variety of ecclesial and academic venues throughout the country every year. In a time considered by many observers as a “post-Christian era,” and one characterized by mounting insecurity, ambivalence, and violence, both here and abroad, there has been a growing sense of urgency for this dialogue. It has been, and always is, a privilege for us to participate in these conversations.

The Project on Lived Theology (PLT)

Led by Dr. Charles Marsh of the Religious Studies Department of the University of Virgina, GUM has participated for three years in PLT’s Spring Institute of Lived Theology, a gathering of academics, pastors and ministry leaders who meet with, and engage, guest theologians like Jurgen Moltmann & Timothy Gorringe to connect theology, Christian ethics and social change.

Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE) & Wheaton College

Co-led by Bill Wylie-Kellerman of SCUPE, and Helene Slessarev-Jamir of Wheaton College, a consortium was held in Chicago to join scholars and urban ministry practitioners around the question of how United States-led economic globalization impacts the nation’s urban centers, and what the shape of the Church’s ministry and witness should be in response.

The Eklessia Project (EP)

With themes ranging from art to empire to congregational formation, EP gathers each year at De Paul University to bring together pastors and academics from a broad spectrum of Christian traditions. Founded by Professor Michael Budde of De Paul in 2001, EP seeks the company of friends committed to the pursuit of faithful discipleship as the Church in the world.