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What Does It Mean to Be Human in a World of AI and ChatGPT

29 May 2024 | Sharon Dirckx

The capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) continue to accelerate, seemingly at an alarming rate, in both efficiency and ability to mimic qualities and behaviours that were previously considered to be uniquely human. How do we navigate such developments? Is there anything unique about being human or are we merely neurochemical machines that one day will also exist in silicon form? This lecture examines questions of human identity in the light of AI, philosophy and modern neuroscience.

Evangelism in a Changing Culture: How Under-30s Understand Their World

29 May 2024 | Kay Carter

The past two decades have seen rapid change in European culture, dramatically affecting the outlook and attitudes of young Europeans and the questions they ask about God. This talk looks at what research can teach us about the worldview of young Europeans, to help us present the unchanging truth of the gospel in a way that makes cultural sense to them.

Bringing It Back to Jesus

29 Oct 2024 | Andy Bannister

Once a conversation has begun with a friend, how can we ensure we keep focused on Jesus—not on winning an argument, or philosophy, or politics? In the final part, we’ll learn some ways to pick up the threads in a conversation and draw them in the direction of Jesus.

This is part four in a four part series on 'How to Talk About Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot'.

5 Steps for Answering Tough Questions

29 Oct 2024 | Andy Bannister

What if we succeed in starting a spiritual conversation but then our friends ask us a tough question about Christianity? Do we need to have every possible answer memorised, or is there a better way? In this part, we’ll learn a simple five-step approach that can help you handle any tough question, even if it’s an entirely new one.

This is part three in a four part series on 'How to Talk About Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot'.

 

Conversational Evangelism

29 Oct 2024 | Andy Bannister

"Why is it often so hard to talk to friends, neighbours, and colleagues about our faith? Why do so many Christians say that they’re afraid of evangelism? Why do many churches struggle to get people to give evangelism a go? In this packed Master Class, Andy Bannister will share some practical, down-to-earth tools that can help us both start—and stay in—conversations about Jesus with those around us.

Evangelism to the Apathetic and Disinterested

29 Oct 2024 | Andy Bannister

It’s one thing to talk to sceptics, but what about those who say they don’t care about God? We’ll learn some lessons from Paul in Acts 17 and discover in particular the power of wondering questions, discovering how we can start conversations about Jesus from the things our friends already care about.

This is part two in a four part series on 'How to Talk About Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot'.

 

Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Interview with Leonardo De Chirico About His Book

26 May 2024 | Leonardo De Chirico

The influence of Thomas Aquinas on Western theology is beyond dispute—yet his is a contested legacy. In current evangelical studies, there is an emerging infatuation with Thomas. Questions that need to be asked include: Is the thought of Thomas and Thomism(s) the same? What strengths and dangers does the legacy of Thomas Aquinas present to evangelical thought? Join Ádám Szabados as he unpacks these questions and more in this interview with Leonardo De Chirico about his new book 'Engaging with Thomas Aquinas'.

Communicating the Gospel with Boldness and Relevance

26 May 2024 | Ania Greenwood

This talk teaches principles and models for relevantly sharing Jesus and making disciples among young people who would not usually walk into your church. How can we communicate the Gospel to them when they have such a negative view of God? When you have the boldness to step outside the Church and share your faith, people are open and ready to hear the Gospel. This talk equips, inspires, and challenges you to reach a lost generation.

Growing as a Preacher and Teacher

26 May 2024 | Peter Mead

Preaching and teaching are not something we learn once and repeat forever. There is always more to learn. In this talk, we think together about growing as a preacher and teacher. What plans can we put in place to continue growing in the ministry that God has given us?

Cultivating Relationships with Strategic Donors

28 May 2024 | Joel Dillon

Fundraising is a ministry of loving people and building relationships. It isn't just having people come to events or sending them materials and making an ask. In a world of limited resources (time, money, etc.) and increasing fundraising goals, we need donors who share our values and our purpose and who have the financial capacity to make an outsized difference. In this talk, we look at practical ways to nurture relationships with those to whom God has given much.

Using Scripture Immersion to Catalyze Discipleship

27 May 2024 | Lindsay Olesberg

Scripture is central to discipleship, yet common forms of Scripture engagement (such as personal Bible reading and expository preaching) do not necessarily result in spiritual maturity. This talk explores how periodic Scripture immersion experiences can shift peoples’ posture towards Scripture and help them to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers.

Interview: The Teenage Brain and Digital Wellness

29 May 2024 | Kristy Williams

In this talk, Emanuel Tundrea interviews Kristy Williams about the teenage brain and digital wellness. Adolescent brain development is highly sensitive to particular inputs, including social media. Research has shown a decline in adolescent mental health since 2012, the same year that key changes occurred with the large social media platforms. This talk looks at the effects of social media and persuasive technology on brain development and addiction in order to consider how we can better shepherd the next generation.

What Can the Global Church Learn From the Chinese Church?

28 May 2024 | David Ro

Churches in China have experienced a recent wave of persecution with churches banned, pastors arrested, and church members detained and harassed. COVID has also drastically forced the church back to the homes. In the midst of these challenges, a movement of God has been quietly growing among the house church with a heart for the nations. A prayer movement for world missions has been gaining momentum. The evangelistic fervour and the explosive church planting movement of the Chinese church under persecution are patiently moving towards the day of a global missionary movement awakening.

Interview: A Short Guide to Islam

26 May 2024 | Beth Peltola

In this talk, Emil Shehadeh interviews Beth Peltola about a biblical response to Isalm. When Christians read the Qur’an, they will notice how different it is from the Bible. The god it speaks about, the prophet it proclaims, and the way of life it encourages stand at odds with the core tenets of the Christian faith. This interview looks at topics of conversation, obstacles to discussions with Muslims, our theological differences, and a biblical response to Islam.