VALLEY FORGE, PA — Think Charleston, S.C., and Ferguson, Mo.: In a world sorely in need of healing and hope comes Space for Grace, a national gathering focused on providing opportunities for dialogue and discussion about living a life of faith, becoming a guerilla of grace, in the midst of modern-day divisive issues of race, class and culture.
Registration deadlines for the Los Angeles gathering, Nov. 4-7—sponsored by American Baptist Home Mission Societies—have been extended, which means there’s still time to register at the early, discounted rate. Early registration closes September 30; full registration closes October 30.
It’s time for individuals of all faith traditions to take part in dialogue that seeks to build bridges across the divides of our differences by exploring how faith can be lived in the midst of today’s dynamics of diversity. How can we learn to transform moments of conflict and suspicion into teachable moments of grace that lead to transformed hearts, minds and spirits? How can God’s grace work in you?
Theologian, author, speaker and activist Brian D. McLaren will lead daily Bible study focused on “Restoring Human Connection” and featuring themes such as “Religion, Politics and the Bible” (Acts 10:1-48) and “Power, Oppression and the Bible” (Acts 16:11-40). Named one of 25 influential Christian leaders by Time, McLaren’s dozen-plus books include “A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions that Are Transforming the Faith.”
Powerful and thought-provoking worship leaders and presenters will include the Rev. Dr. Raphael Gamaliel Warnock, activist and senior pastor of Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church; the Rev. Susan Sparks, professional comedian and pastor of Madison Avenue Baptist Church, New York City; and the Rev. Dr. Eric Law, executive director, Kaleidoscope Institute, Los Angeles.
Small group discussions will offer opportunities for sharing differing perspectives about contemporary issues facing congregations and communities across the country. More than a dozen skill-building learning experiences—such as “Ministering to Communities in Crisis” and “Consensus Building in the Midst of Diversity and Divergence”—will provide take-home tools that can nurture space for grace long after the gathering’s last conversation has ended.
Register today at the early discounted rate!
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American Baptist Home Mission Societies—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.
