Colloquy ( KOLL-uh-kwee ) = Conversation

This semester-long reading group brings Bethel Seminary and Graduate School students into conversation around a biblically and theologically sound vision of work. 

The name of the Colloquy reflects the fact that the average person will spend at least 100,000 hours of her or his life at work. Colloquy members think together about how to approach these hours with biblical integrity and practical power. Participants gather over meals to discuss books and to consider work, vocation, and economics through eyes of faith.

Upcoming Groups

  • San Diego will host a Colloquy during Fall Semester 2018. Participants in San Diego will include students from the theology and counseling programs. Scroll down for details.
  • St. Paul will host a Colloquy during Fall Semester 2018. Participants in St. Paul will include Seminary students as well as students from Bethel University’s MBA, MASL, and PA programs. Scroll down for details.

How to Apply

Join the conversation! Students from both campuses use the same application form. Be sure to specify your primary Bethel campus location. 

  1. Click here to complete the online application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all seats are filled. Space is limited; students are encouraged to apply early.
  2. Sign and date the Agreement and Release Form for your campus. Be sure to include your student ID number. Return the form to complete your application.

Reading List

  • Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good by Amy Sherman
  • Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Tim Keller
  • Work Matters: Connecting Sunday Worship to Monday Work by Tom Nelson
  • Your New Money Mindset: Create A Healthy Relationship with Money by Brad Hewitt

Assignments and Prizes (Seminary students only)

All Seminary students must write and submit an 8-page (2,400-word) paper that interacts with the readings. Papers are due on Monday, December 3. Additionally, students must adapt a small portion of their papers into a blog post that will be shared with the Work with Purpose network. The blog posts are due on Monday, December 10. After the Colloquy ends, all papers will be reviewed and the best paper from each campus will be awarded a $500 prize.

Visit the Work with Purpose Initiative Blog to view Colloquy posts from past Seminary participants.

Bethel Seminary San Diego Colloquy 

Participant Requirements

Students enrolled in any program at Bethel Seminary San Diego can apply online. Participants will read four books and meet five times during the semester. All meetings will be on Friday afternoons at the Bethel Seminary San Diego campus. Lunch will be provided. Books and meals are paid for by the Work with Purpose Initiative.

Meeting Dates and Times

  • Friday, September 14, 2018 | Noon – 2:00 pm
  • Friday, September 28, 2018 | Noon – 2:00 pm
  • Friday, October 19, 2018 | Noon – 2:00 pm
  • Friday, November 16, 2018 | Noon – 2:00 pm
  • Friday, November 30, 2018 | Noon – 2:00 pm

Students are allowed one previously excused absence during the semester.

Participant Stipends

Seminary students will receive a $400 stipend for reading the books, participating in the discussions, and completing the written assignments. Please note that non-exempt Bethel employees are not eligible to receive student stipends. 

Bethel Seminary St. Paul Colloquy

Participant Requirements

Students enrolled in any program at Bethel Seminary St. Paul or in the MBA, MASL, and PA programs at Bethel University can apply online. Participants will read four books and meet five times during the semester. All meetings will be on Saturday mornings. The first four meetings will be at the Bethel University campus in St. Paul; the final meeting will be off-campus. Breakfast will be provided. Books and meals are paid for by the Work with Purpose Initiative.

Meeting Dates and Times

  • Saturday, September 8, 2018 | 8:00 – 10:00 am
  • Saturday, September 22, 2018 | 8:00 – 10:00 am
  • Saturday, October 13, 2018 | 8:00 – 10:30 am
  • Saturday, November 10, 2018 | 8:00 – 10:30 am
  • Saturday, December 1, 2018 | 8:00 – 10:30 am

Students are allowed one previously excused absence during the semester.

Participant Stipends

Seminary students will receive a $400 stipend for reading the books, participating in the discussions, and completing the written assignments. Graduate school students (MBA, MASL, and PA) will receive at $140 stipend for reading the books and participating in the discussions. Please note that non-exempt Bethel employees are not eligible to receive student stipends. 

Questions?