Heart & Mind
Transformational Church Series 2005
“Transformed Heart, Transformed Church”
A Two-Day Event in Partnership with Erwin McManus and Mosaic
In October 2005, Bethel Seminary celebrated 10 years of partnering with transformational churches across the nation in sponsoring its annual Transformational Church Series. The event featured an expanded format, including two days of challenge, refreshment, and spiritual formation opportunities.
On Thursday, October 13, the seminary hosted “The Transformed Heart,” a day of spiritual formation, with Erwin McManus, lead pastor of Mosaic in Los Angeles, presenting the keynote address. McManus is the cultural architect of Mosaic, a multisite church in Los Angeles, and founder of Awaken International, a non-profit organization that unleashes human creativity. He is an internationally recognized speaker on globalization, leadership, cultural transformation, post-modernism, and church growth. Author of several books, including Seizing Your Divine Moment; An Unstoppable Force; Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul; and The Barbarian Way, McManus also serves as Bethel Seminary’s own distinguished lecturer and futurist.
McManus addressed nearly 400 attendees, who filled both the seminary chapel and overflow seating where a live video feed of his presentation was shown. In his singular style, laced with humor and punctuated by startling bursts of hard-hitting truth, McManus discussed humanity’s deep craving for God, His wisdom, and the courage and humility to make the right choices. Using tennis balls, bananas, a watermelon, and a dysfunctional alarm clock as visual aids, McManus pointed out our need to acknowledge our own brokenness, to live in gratitude, and to love generously.
The Thursday conference then featured breakout sessions by the seminary’s spiritual formation team and a closing address by Leland Eliason, executive vice president and provost of the seminary, who reflected on “The Sacred Heart.”
The series continued on Friday, October 14, with “A Day of Transformation,” a full day of presentations by McManus and the ministry team from Mosaic. Two general sessions showcased Mosaic’s unique worship and arts environments, and breakout sessions provided opportunities to learn from Mosaic’s pastoral staff, artistic directors, children’s and student ministers, and counselors. McManus again spoke to large crowds, addressing the issues of communication and evangelism from a fresh and challenging perspective. Approximately 750 people attended Friday’s activities.
Don’t miss this annual opportunity for teaching, spiritual formation, encouragement, and fellowship. Mark your calendar now for Bethel Seminary’s Transformational Church Series 2006, coming October 13. Complete information and registration materials will be mailed this summer.