Dr. Elaine Heath prepares her seminary students for ministry not with the latest, but with the oldest.
Dr. Heath, a proponent of the New Monasticism, says a tripos of prayer, deep hospitality, and justice may be the only stool upon which effective ministry will take place in this new millennium.
Elaine, who heads up the Center for Missional Wisdom, is also bringing these concepts to the local church within her beloved United Methodist tradition. Be inspired by this dedicated academic’s work in calling the Church to give its all to following Christ.
Watch the Full Program
Rather Listen? Click here to download the Mp3 to your mobile device.
Click here to visit vts.edu
Synopsis
When so many churches are talking about leadership techniques and technology advances, Dr. Heath says today’s Christian leaders are far better off learning to pray (contemplative!), being hospitable (deep hospitality!), and doing justice. Hear her take on bringing the North American Church into its finest hour.
Hello New Monasticism!
Dr. Heath is a big fan of the New Monasticism, which is drawing young and old into intentional communities centered around ancient principles that allow giving one’s self fully to God. Her New Day initiative seeks to bring this into local congregations.
Making Disciples Is the Only Way to Grow
The local church of tomorrow will be one that helps people become disciples – period. Dr. Heath says concentrate on being a place where people can grow in Christ.
Downsizing and Bi-Vocational Clergy
Dr. Heath says it’s the way congregational life is going: many churches will re-think how much they spend on keeping expensive buildings and how effective full-time ministers really are. Her forecast calls for a leaner, but more robust church.
About Elaine Heath
Elaine A. Heath is the McCreless Associate Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology and is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. She is the initiator of New Day and the Epworth Project, a growing network of missional, new monastic faith communities in the United Methodist tradition. Among her research interests are the new monasticism, the emerging church, spirituality and evangelism, and gender and evangelism. Elaine holds degrees from Oakland University, Ashland Theological Seminary, and Duquesne University. Her books include Longing for Spring: A New Vision for Wesleyan Community, and The Mystic Way of Evangelism: A Contemplative Vision for Christian Outreach. Elaine and her husband Randall live in Garland, Texas and are the parents of two adult daughters.
Books Dr. Heath Recommends
The New Monasticism – Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
God’s Economy – Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove
Introducing the Missional Church – Alan Roxburgh and Scott Boren
Sponsors I Mentioned
Virginia Theological Seminary is the largest Episcopal Seminary in the U.S., forming men and women for leadership in the church. In addition to the MDiv, Anglican Studies and DMin degrees are their Masters of Arts degrees with a fous on Theological Studies, Christian Formation, Religion & Culture, and Biblical Interpretation. Check them out at vts.edu.
