PTS Offers Free Class Sessions On the Experience of Emergent Worship
Tulsa, Okla., October 9, 2012 – Phillips Theological Seminary (PTS) will offer two free class sessions to the community focusing on new directions and practices for energizing the worship experience on October 25 and 26. The sessions will include community worship on Thursday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m. and a group discussion about revitalizing worship on Friday, October 26 at 8:30 a.m. All session are free and located on the PTS campus (901 N. Mingo Rd. Tulsa, 74116).
The Reverends Phil Snider and Emily Bowen of the Brentwood Christian Church (DOC) in Springfield, Missouri will lead the worship and class discussion. During the Thursday evening community worship, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a worship service modeled around "The Awakening," a weekly worship gathering on Sunday mornings at Brentwood Christian Church, which has brought over two hundred new participants into the Brentwood community, thus ushering in a truly multigenerational, multicultural, and transformational experience.
“When participants from established and/or traditional churches hear about emerging approaches to worship, they often assume such events take place only among edgy young hipsters in coffee houses, pubs, house churches, and the like. However, traditional congregations across the country are finding that it's possible to connect with large numbers of new people by drawing on emerging expressions of worship even -- perhaps especially -- in established church settings. Instead of jettisoning itself from the great traditions of the church, “The Awakening” engages tradition in a fresh way that deeply resonates with people of all ages,” said Snider.
Friday morning’s session will include dialogue and discussion about new and old worship practices, what’s working, what doesn’t in worship and new and innovative ideas for worship. The sessions are part of the Theology and Practice of Public Worship course taught by Dr. Richard Ward, Fred B. Craddock Associate Professor of Homiletics and Worship, during Concentrated Course Week #2 at PTS that will begin October 22.
“As a teacher of worship, I would like to maximize what students will be learning in class that week with the knowledge and expertise of practitioners from the Tulsa area,” said Ward. “We want to offer the opportunity for dialogue between our students and those who might be exploring new forms and possibilities for communal worship. This is just another way we can continue with what our vision of theological education is becoming; by integrating with the community more intently.”
For more information or questions, please contact 918-610-8303 or visit www.ptstulsa.edu.
About PTS
Established in 1907, Phillips Theological Seminary is dedicated to learning the way of Jesus in order to cultivate vital communities, vital conversations, and the public good. Affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Phillips provides an ecumenical education, with students representing more than 20 denominations. The mission of PTS is to learn and teach how to be: attentive to God; responsible biblical and theological interpreters; faithful individuals and communities acting with God to transform the world. In addition to serving the church’s need for an educated ministry, the seminary also welcomes students who are not pursuing ministerial degrees but who want to explore their faith through courses in the curriculum and through programs designed for larger publics. www.ptstulsa.edu.
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