2008 Transforming Church Initiative

Volume 22 No 1 | Winter 2008-2009

Inviting Jesus into Relationships

On October 10, seminary students, counseling and social work professionals, and pastors and ministry leaders gathered at Bethel Seminary’s second annual Transforming Church Initiative to learn how to invite Jesus into the everyday relationships we all need to nurture. Led by keynote speakers Jack and Judy Balswick of the marriage and family program at Fuller Theological Seminary, three plenary sessions focused on the covenant relationships in marriages and families. With grace and wit, the Balswicks helpfully discussed commitment, empowerment, intimacy, and communication. Acknowledging modern pressures on the family, they offered hope and encouragement for even the most difficult family relationships.

Breakout sessions were led by gifted specialists from both Bethel Seminary and the larger community. Presenters discussed family challenges such as infidelity, abuse, and problem sexuality, as well as family enrichment topics including managing technology and strengthening marriages. Practitioners also addressed issues faced by churches and communities, such as blended families, singleness, and community relationships.

The event was intended to encourage some reflection on the part of individuals and ministry practitioners, said Executive Director and Provost Leland Eliason. “We hope it prompts individuals and ministry teams to ask, ‘Are we doing all we can to strengthen ourselves, individuals, and families in our congregations and our local communities?’” The conference provided abundant resources to help attendees do just that, and Eliason said that sense of commitment is vitally important. “The benefits of strong family, church, and community relationships cannot be overstated,” he commented. “The applications to ministry and life are multifaceted.”