2018 Bishop's Retreat
Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center
West Hartford, CT 06107
October 30 - Nov 1, 2018
The theme of our synodical program year is: “Proclaiming the Gospel – for Such a Time as This.” What are the challenges and opportunities when it comes to preaching in our day? How is preaching ministry different today than in previous generations? How is it the same? What does it mean to proclaim the gospel in a Lutheran key today? How can we understand proclamation more expansively to include occasions and experiences beyond the monologue sermon, such as music, drama, and other forms of the arts? At this year’s Bishop’s Retreat, we will explore responses to these questions during our keynote presentations, conversations, and during our times of worship, when will also experientially explore music, drama, dance, and other visual arts as forms of gospel proclamation.
Our keynote speaker and one of the proclaimers for our worship time is the renowned preacher, professor, author, and bishop, William Willimon. Here is his description of his approach for the three keynote presentations at this event:
Amid the cultural divisions, the cacophony of voices, and the social conflict that is occurring in our time, the gospel is peculiarly relevant. Times such as ours are a call for the preaching of the Good News. During our time together we will focus upon the ministry of preaching for such a time as this. Our hope is encouragement for those who weekly perform the ministry of proclamation.
Here are the titles and descriptions of Professor Willimon’s presentations:
- Beginning with the Word. Christianity as inherently acoustical and auditory. Jesus as the embodiment of good news. Faith comes through hearing.
- Preaching as the most important work of the pastor. How the proclamation of the church is changing. The greatest challenges in preaching today.
- The joy of preaching in a world that thinks it already knows God. How preaching is a core, countercultural activity of the church. Sustaining the ministry of preaching.