Online conversations equip congregations to nurture young adults

Funded by the Texas Methodist Foundation and produced in coordination with Perkins School of Theology Office of External Programs, a series of online learning conversations will give participants practical tools to serve teen and young adult Christians. Free for participants, these live conversations are perfect for laypeople, youth workers, and clergy who want to gain additional tools for ministering to teens and young adults in their congregations. Five webinars are scheduled for this spring on Jan. 20, Feb. 10, Mar. 3, Mar. 24, and Apr. 7. Each of the live Zoom sessions are…continue reading →

Sarah Wilke Joins Institute for Discipleship as Director of Global Relations

WINFIELD, KS — Sarah Wilke has been appointed director of global relations for the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship, effective Jan. 1. This newly created position will support the Institute's growing focus on international ministry, and Wilke's initial priority will be to help develop a smart-phone platform for small-group Christian education. "We're thrilled that Sarah brings with her an impressive background in communications, community development, and international publishing," says Institute Executive Director Steve Wilke. "Her gifts and experiences will allow us to enhance our capacity for innovation and build on our…continue reading →

Racial Justice Topic of Upcoming BeADisciple Online Course

A five-week study on the church’s role in pursuing racial justice will be offered by BeADisciple.com beginning Sept. 7. Facilitated by popular instructor Shirley Connally, the course’s main resource will be Jemar Tisby’s “How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice."  This study will offer the opportunity to come away with a clear model for how to think about race in productive ways and a compelling call to dismantle the social system based on skin color.   Tisby’s book has been described as a handbook for pursuing racial justice with hands-on suggestions supported…continue reading →

Abigail Cutter Joins Institute for Discipleship as Visiting Scholar

July 22, 2021 – Abigail Woolley Cutter has joined the Southwestern College faculty as a Visiting Scholar of the Institute for Discipleship.   Cutter, who was awarded her Ph.D. in religious studies from Southern Methodist University in May, will spend the next two years at the Winfield, Kan., college.  Each academic year, the Institute for Discipleship provides a $20,000 fellowship and housing to a new or near-completion PhD candidate in religion.  Selected from a pool of applicants, the Visiting Scholar teaches undergraduate courses, participates in campus ministry, assists with the Discipleship program and preaches/teaches with the Worship Outreach groups.  A native of Wichita, Cutter earned her Master of…continue reading →