International Poverty Track Seminars
Aiding the Urban Poor from the Halls of Power
While grassroots development and incarnational church planting are crucial to transforming urban slums, it is as important that policy makers and government officials, business representatives and professionals, city planners and lobbyists use their influence to improve the conditions of slum dwellers. This seminar will practically explore what it means to seek the Shalom of a city from the halls of power. It is designed to inspire people with career paths in business, law, advocacy, journalism, government, multi-lateral institutions, etc. to use their influence and power toward creating initiatives and systems that bless the poor.
Changing Your Community and the World
Come join us in this seminar that features Reyna Rodriguez, a Honduran woman with a big vision for her country and the world. Growing up in destitute poverty in the slums of Honduras, she will share her vision for missions and what God is doing through her and her country. Maureen O'Keefe Hodge will join her as they have started a non profit in Honduras that is sending Hondurans to do missions throughout the world as well as their work within the country of Honduras. Reyna will share her practical strategies on overcoming struggles and obstacles as a Latina woman growing up in poverty and how to overcome and serve the Lord with Joy.
Reyna Rodriguez and Maureen Hodge
Confronting Violent Powers in Our Neighborhoods
How does our commitment to community and our cultivation of spiritual practice fortify us to endure the violence so prevalent among our neighbors in the slums? Come listen to the journey of those weaving together their work, spiritual formation and a prophetic confrontation of the spiritual powers at work in their context. You will be able to engage with and ask questions of experienced practitioners from the field, with an aim towards integrating their own practice of mission, contemplation and prophetic action.
KT McClure, John Hayes, and José Peñate
Costly Discipleship: Incarnation, Jesus, and the Way of the Cross
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” Matthew 10:24. Is Jesus just a nice guy who wants to make us feel good and be happy, or our Lord and Master whose call is to become like Him in totality? Throughout the Gospels we continually see Jesus teaching His disciples to imitate Him in all that this entails: faithfulness, obedience, joy and suffering. When Jesus calls us, He calls us to leave everything behind and follow Him in The Way of the Cross. He calls us to come and die.
John David Pitts
Five Principles of Slum Mission
Commonly referred to as incarnational ministry, living in community with the urban poor is only one methodology in missions. This seminar will explore some of the principles of living out a calling among the poor.
Ten Ways to Prepare for Life Alongside the Poor
So you feel called to serve among the poor but you’ve got a few more years until graduation? We’ll share some simple but profound ways you can begin preparing for a life of living in community with the poor. Topics will range from developing spiritual practices, getting your financial house in order, cultivating sending churches, gaining initial experience in a poverty setting, and practicing the lost art of dorm-room hospitality.
Transforming the Kolkata Sex Industry
Join us as we discuss how to channel resources of power and privilege to bring change to a hurting community.
Urbanization & the Challenge of Urban Slums
The world has moved to the city; the mega-cities of the globe are bursting at the seams as people flock to them to find work. More than one billion people live in make-shift housing and another billion are on the way. What are the sociological, missiological and theological implications of this shift to the cities? Join us as we explore the opportunities and needs of urban slums, while outlining a concrete, yet comprehensive strategy to seek their transformation. It is designed to inspire people from different professional backgrounds and walks of life to consider God’s call to the city.
Women and Incarnation – Single & Married in Mission
Women offer a unique vantage point and crucial perspective in neighborhoods of poverty, making them key players on a team of workers, particularly when it comes to women’s issues within the community. How can we, living in solidarity with the poor, best attune our ears to these voices for the furthering of God’s Kingdom among the poor?
Heidi Pitts, Michelle Kao, KT McClure, Maureen Hodge; Facilitator: Helyn Luisi-Mills
