Christian Leadership Education (CLE)

The Christian Leadership Education program of Austin Seminary promotes lifelong learning through a variety of continuing education and professional development offerings including on- and off-campus seminars, workshops, and conferences on a variety of subjects and opportunities for structured independent study.

You will discover Austin, Texas, to be a beautiful and exciting destination. Miles of hike and bike trails, a wonderful variety of restaurants, and a diversity of cultural attractions - including museums, art galleries, music venues, and the resources of the University of Texas - provide excellent opportunities for additional learning and recreation.

We also encourage the use of our facilities for independent study. The Stitt Library's collection is especially strong in the areas of biblical studies and theology. Our human resources are available as well. Ask us how to arrange a consultation or directed study with a member of the faculty.

Consider the possibilities, and enjoy the benefits of Christian Leadership Education, Austin style.

Schedule of Events

"Being Reformed: A Pastoral Theology for a Dying and Rising Church”

October 18-20, 2010

While many decry the seemingly imminent demise of the Presbyterian Church, citing diminishing numbers and decreased (if not extinguished) cultural clout, the leaders of this event are convinced that the Reformed tradition is uniquely placed to respond to the cross-winds and forces of today’s world. This workshop will consider the challenges facing local congregations as the church seeks to follow the way of Jesus in the world. Using insights from Scripture, sociology, history, and social psychology, Foote and Thornburg will explore with workshop participants how a worldview from the Reformed faith tradition can shape our responses to challenges of fundamentalism, relativism, consumption, and hopelessness.  Their goal, in these three days together, is to equip educators, clergy, and church leaders for returning to their 21st century congregations with an enhanced sense of how our traditions, rituals, and narratives can renew the church for life together as serving communities of disciples in the spirit and way of Jesus Christ.

Co-taught by P. Alex Thornburg III and Theodore V. Foote Jr

Co-authors of “Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt” (2000) and “Being Disciples of Jesus in a Dot.Com World” (2003), some have said that the writing team of P. Alex Thornburg III and Theodore V. Foote Jr.are much like the characters in the story of the country mouse (Foote) meeting the city mouse (Thornburg). 

Although born in Omaha, Alex was raised in the city of Dallas.  Seminary-wise, he is a graduate of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He has served as associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater, Oklahoma; as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Owasso, Oklahoma; and, currently, as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Madison, Wisconsin. He has completed doctoral studies from Oklahoma State University’s Dept. of Sociology, with an emphasis in “consumer rituals in mega-churches.” He is married to Dr. Teresa Bear, an educational psychologist on the staff of the University of Wisconsin. Their sons are Noah and Joseph (both 15 years); their daughter is Emma (13 years).

Ted was born and raised in the rural and small-town “country” of central-Texas, around Gatesville. He also is a graduate of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He has served as associate pastor of San Pedro Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, Texas; as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Henderson, Texas; as pastor of John Calvin Presbyterian Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma; and, since 2007, as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Bryan, Texas.  He is married to Joanie Chadwick Foote, who is a theatre teacher at Rudder High School in Bryan. Their sons are Kendall (23 years) and Payton (18 years).  

This event is sponsored by Austin Seminary in partnership with First Presbyterian Church, Bryan, Texas, and is open to all interested persons.

Note: There are two meal plan options. With your registration you will be asked to choose and pay for a meal plan.

To register for the workshop and commuter meals, go here

To register for the workshop and the full meal plan, go here

***

"Prepare, Repent, Renew: Leading your Congregation Through Advent"

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 @ Austin Seminary

“Prepare, Repent, Renew:  Leading your Congregation Through Advent” with Dr. David Johnson
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

The Rev. Dr. David W. Johnson, director, Program of Formation in Ministry at Austin Seminary, will provide insight into the traditional lectionary lessons of Advent. Let this day of study at Austin Seminary help you to Prepare the Way of the Lord for your congregation. Bring your Bible. We will be using the readings for Lectionary Year A:  http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/lections.php?year=A&season=Advent
 
Registration fee: $60 (includes lunch). Campus housing is available.
To register, go here

Dr. David W. Johnson was called in 2001 to serve as director of Supervised Practice of Ministry (now the Program of Formation in Ministry) at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary; shortly thereafter he began to direct the Seminary's Certificate in Spiritual Formation program as well. Prior to joining the Austin Seminary administration, Johnson served churches in Galveston and Irving, Texas, and Watchung, New Jersey. From 1989-1993 Johnson served as assistant professor of historical theology at Brite Divinity School, Fort Worth, Texas. 

Johnson is the author of a number of articles, including "Making Theology Come Alive in the Parish," in the fall 1995 issue of Pro Ecclesia. He contributed two entries to the Dictionary of Biblical Interpretation: "Cassiod orus" and "Pelagius." Johnson also writes occasional book reviews, stories, essays, and poems.

Dr. Johnson has a BA magna cum laude, from Yale University, an MDiv from Yale Divinity School, and the PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Johnson is a member of Mission Presbytery.

NOTE: Austin Seminary annually provides an Advent Devotional to congregations and individuals. For more information, please go here

***

General Information

General Information
Location and Check-In
Seminars are usually held in the James I. and Hazel McCord Community Center on the Austin Seminary campus. Upon arrival, check in at the Office of Continuing Education on the entry-level floor of the McCord Center; after business hours, check in at the McCord desk.

Fees
See individual course descriptions for registration fees, tuition, and room and board. Registration fees are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.  Room and board may be separate charges, and include the costs of overnight, on-campus accommodations, and meals as indicated. The balance of registration and board fees is due upon arrival.  Payment for housing is due at time of checkout.

Housing
Guest rooms are double occupancy; therefore, designating a roommate preference on your registration form is highly encouraged. Single rooms are subject to availability. There are a limited number of rooms accessible to persons with physical disabilities. Be sure to indicate on your registration form any special requirements you may have. We will do our best to accommodate you.  Please note: Austin Seminary is a smoke-free institution.

Meals
Meals are usually offered in the Stotts Fellowship Hall of the McCord Center. In some cases, the cost of meals is covered by subscription to a meal plan.  Overnight housing may also be a separate charge; however, other housing and meal arrangements can be made if you are not staying on campus. The cost of meals is approximately $9 per meal.

Contact

Kathy Muenchow
Administrative Assistant
512-404-4857
kmuenchow@austinseminary.edu