Page 8 - 2021.SPCE.Program (1)

Breakout Presentations I (Fri. 8:40-9:40 AM)

Salon A – Jim Estep – Central Chris�an College of the Bible
A Biblical Ra�onale for Faith-Learning Integra�on
By its very nature Chris�an educa�on is a product of faith-learning integra�on. However, the integra�ve process is
frequently challenged by non-integra�onists, o�en on the basis of Scriptural authority or their rendering of Sola
Scriptura. This paper will present a biblical ra�onale for faith-learning integra�on, demonstra�ng that the Bible
itself affirms faith-learning integra�on and is part of the Biblical narra�ve, affirming the integra�ve approach to
Chris�an Educa�on. If Scripture itself affirms the integra�ve process, then the prac�ce of integra�on in forming a
theory of Chris�an educa�on is plausible and not contradictory of Scriptural authority or Sola Scriptura.

Salon B – Holly Allen - Libscomb University
Adversity, Children’s Spirituality, and Resilience
This presenta�on builds a bridge between recent resilience studies and children’s spirituality. Over the past several
decades, resilience researchers have discerned mul�ple factors that can contribute to resilience in children, and
scholars have recently begun exploring spirituality as one of those factors. Formerly, resilience research focused
primarily on how to cul�vate resilience in children who had survived such traumas as extreme poverty, popula�on-
wide disasters, or abuse, but now recognizes that all children need a resilient mindset. The presenta�on also
describes a variety of prac�ces that churches, children’s ministers, and parents can employ to nurture resilience in
children in any circumstance.
Salon C – Alex Sosler - Montreat College
Beyond Faith Integra�on: Learning as Gi�
In the prevailing model of faith integra�on, the goal is o�en to take the subject of faith and mix it with the secular
object of study. There’s Chris�an faith on the one hand and human knowledge on the other. The goal is to provide
links across the two. However, in this presenta�on, borrowing from Augus�nian categories, I argue that all things
shine with light and par�cipate with God. The goal for the educator is not to manufacture links between faith and
human knowledge but to have eyes to see the splendor within a given discipline or object of study.
Salon D – Barry Gibson – Boyce College

The Church and Emerging Adults: Iden�fying and Implemen�ng Ecclesiological Best Prac�ces to
Reclaim Young Adults
Emerging adults face cri�cal, life-changing decisions and development. The church provides exposure to
socializa�on structures, naviga�on of difficult decisions, opportuni�es for spiritual growth, and abundant wisdom.
There exists a litany of research regarding the church’s capacity to foster direc�on and commitment for these
young adults. However, there is a lack of literature concerning the efficaciousness of proposed direc�ons and
solutions regarding emerging adults and the church. This presenta�on reveals findings from churches that are
effec�vely connec�ng with, retaining, and developing emerging adults while also proposing prac�cal insights,
specific strategies, and organiza�onal structures for replica�on.
Salon H – Dave Rahn – Ministry Research Consultant

Can a Simple Backbone Habit Re-Align Rela�onships?
Within a ten-week window in late spring/early summer 2021, 24 youth ministry thought leaders – including 12
professors – accepted the invita�on to pilot test the perceived value of sharing a brief �me together with an
explicit Jesus-centered focus. They subsequently joined the host-inves�gator and a third person in four different
30-minute Zoom mee�ngs. The substan�al posi�ve feedback by par�cipants is explored to be�er understand,
sanc�on and encourage innova�ve prac�ces that re-norms otherwise formal rela�onships – like those in the
classroom or among professional colleagues – around the dynamic companionship of Jesus Christ.

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