Underground

The Calling Workshop

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CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

How can you integrate your faith with your calling in life? If that is a question you have asked, then SAVE THE DATE! On Saturday, October 14th, from 9-3pm, we are hosting a “Calling Workshop” that will supplement our fall sermon series on Ezra and Nehemiah.

 

Our speaker for this event is Dr. Peter Amerman, Professor of Biblical Studies at Pillar College. Nehemiah shows us TEN STEPS to integrate faith and calling.  Each of these 10 steps helps us get closer to our God given calling in life. What kind of leader are you? What kind of leader do you want to become? This seminar will look at the many facets of leadership and is applicable for people of all walks of life.

Registration is now open—reserve your spot today. 

Brought to you by The Underground Sessions

Register to Attend
Download Postcard

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. -Jude 3, ESV-

Save the Date: October 14, 2023 9am-3pm

Peter Amerman (D. Min, M. Div., BA) is Department Chair and Professor of Biblical Studies at Pillar College, Newark, NJ. He is also Pastor of Discipleship at Living Waters Church (Christian and Missionary Alliance) in Parsippany, NJ. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Alliance Theological Seminary, a Masters in Divinity Degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary, and a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Religion/Philosophy from Roanoke College. He has pastored churches in the southern and northern New Jersey area since 1980. He teaches courses and runs a weightlifting program at the Market Street Mission (Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation) in Morristown, NJ, assisting men in their quest to be “strong in body, mind and spirit”. He also loves to look at the stars, planets and deep sky objects through his telescope. His passion is to go deeper with God through Jesus Christ, and to train and equip other men & women (especially leaders) in “whole-life” discipleship. His greatest blessing from God is his family- married to his best friend and ministry partner, Susan for forty years; blessed with two daughters, two sons-in-law; and seven beautiful grandchildren.

Personal Website
Resource Storefront

In recent years, Christians are encountering a hostile cultural climate. Our faith, once the bedrock of society, has lost respect. People are not indifferent towards Christians—they are indignant, both as a people and the beliefs we hold. Attacks have come even from within our ranks. And yet, the New Testament letter of Jude exhorts us to CONTEND for this Christian faith. What are we to do?

We must be prepared to respond.
On January 27-29, 2023, MBC hosted our first ever “CONTEND” Conference. This event is part of our Underground Sessions ministry, which seeks to model and equip Christians to have conversations in tough areas, particularly politics and culture. The focus of this weekend was equipping believers in the area of APOLOGETICS, so they can respond with love, grace, and boldness to the challenges of the day. On Saturday evening, we put this into practice by hosting an Underground Sessions event answering the toughest questions of today’s culture.

The word, “contend” is both a military and athletic term—it implies a struggle. Jude is exhorting his readers to preserve the faith. The purpose of this conference was just that—equipping followers of Christ to answer the tough questions, raise up a confident next generation, and engage the marketplace with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Conference Schedule

8am – Bookstore, Food, Connections Lounge

9am – Day Two Open, Worship

9:20am – Short Talk: “Apologetics and Kids” (Rachel Rickershauser)

9:35am- SESSION TWO: “Cultural Apologetics” (PAUL GOULD)

10:45am – BREAK

11am – Short Talk: “Apologetics and Teens” (Johnny Graves)

11:15am – SESSION THREE: “Cultural Intelligence” (DARRELL BOCK)

12:30pm – LUNCH!

1:30-3pm – BREAKOUT TRACKS (Local Leaders)

6:00pm – LIGHT DINNER! 

6:30-8:30pm – UNDERGROUND SESSIONS Outreach Event (Teasi, Paul, Darrell)

  • 10 Minute Talks + Roundtable 
  • Theme: Answering Today’s Toughest Questions

8:30pm – DESSERT SOCIAL

Speaker Resources

SESSION INFORMATION

SESSION ONE:
“Mama Bear Apologetics” (TEASI CANNON)  The youngest and most vulnerable members of the Church are growing up in a society that is vastly different than the one in which many of us grew up. While unbiblical ideas aren’t new, their accessibility, volume, and frequency are. It’s been said we are navigating a battle of ideas, many of which strategically target the next generation of Christians, tossing them in an onslaught of animosity, skepticism, and sophisticated arguments that seek to demolish their faith. That’s where Mama Bears come in. And Papa Bears … and any Bears who love all our cubs and are willing to do what it takes to shore up our own faith so we can help them trust the authority of God’s Word, sort through the noise, and cling to the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

SESSION TWO:
“Cultural Apologetics” (PAUL GOULD) Christianity has an image problem. No one wants to hear what we have to say. All too often our lives are fragmented and unlovely. And we generally don’t see the world any different than anyone else. As a result we’ve lost the Christian voice, the Christian conscience, and the Christian imagination. The gospel is often viewed as unreasonable or undesirable or both. In our time together we’ll explore this question: Given this cultural moment, with all its challenges, how can the gospel get a fair hearing? To answer our question, we’ll take a look at Paul’s encounter with the Greeks in Athens and then apply our insights to this day and this age.

SESSION THREE:
“Cultural Intelligence” (DARRELL BOCK) How do we have cultural intelligence in a culture that is so pluralistic and contentious? How we see the challenge will determine how we approach it. Our weekend will give a fresh biblical look at how we should see our engagement, especially with those who are not a part of the church. We have no theology of cultural engagement in the church and we need it. We hope to give you a way of approaching engagement that is biblical and practical by looking specifically at 6 core texts and also how to have difficult conversations. We hope you can join us and be equipped.  

 

BREAKOUT INFORMATION

BREAKOUT ONE:
“Lord, Where’s My Calling: When the Big Question Becomes the Big Distraction” (TEASI CANNON) This session will focus on understanding the difference between a calling and your divinely designed purpose. Once we get this paradigm shift, it can change our life today and forever—as well as how we represent our faith to others.

 

BREAKOUT TWO:
“Seeing Suffering as an Apologetic Opportunity” (PASTOR BOB AND AMANDA ERBIG) We live in a broken world and everyone experiences pain at some point in their lives. When the trials come, and they will, we have a choice: do we get angry at God? Or do we show others our hope in Christ despite suffering? While it is important to find healing in the midst of pain, these moments are also opportunities to grieve with people who have walked our same path. In this session, we will discuss how our suffering can be seen and used as an effective opportunity to point people to the hope we have in Christ.

 

BREAKOUT THREE:
“Evangelism to Muslims” (AMOON SHARON) 

 

BREAKOUT FOUR:
“Navigating Your Faith In The Workplace” (JESSE NASH) For many of us, the vast majority of time spent with unbelievers, and our closest connection with those who need Christ happens at work.  What does God ask of us in terms of fulfilling the Great Commission through our interactions at the workplace?  How do we navigate tricky relationships and HR issues? 

 

BREAKOUT FIVE:

“Sharing Christ with Tibetan Buddhists” (MARK AVERY) Imagine living with the idea that your past lives govern your present options, that black magic is as normal as technology, that a human is as inherently valuable as a worm, and that the only way to pay off your past is to suffer.  Imagine a world where you don’t believe Jesus can save you, there is no way to know what will happen to you when you die, and if you ever achieve release from the cycle of rebirth, your ultimate destination is total obliteration.  Then imagine the consequence of that worldview on every relationship, commitment, community, and challenge you will ever have.  Now, let’s talk about sharing Jesus with a Tibetan Buddhist– a worldview that grew out of Hinduism has deeply affected global “new age” thinking, and is increasingly evident in America today!

 

BREAKOUT SIX:

“Don’t Have a Debate, Have a Discussion” (STEVEN DISEBASTIAN) Sharing your faith can be difficult, especially in these contentious times. Learn to use a simple technique of asking questions to create spiritual conversations while defusing heated debates.

The CONTEND Conference

by

Portal Link, Resource Page, and Follow-Up Next Steps Coming Soon!

Brought to you by The Underground Sessions

Register to Attend
Download Postcard

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. -Jude 3, ESV-

Save the Dates: January 27-29, 2023

In recent years, Christians are encountering a hostile cultural climate. Our faith, once the bedrock of society, has lost respect. People are not indifferent towards Christians—they are indignant, both as a people and the beliefs we hold. Attacks have come even from within our ranks. And yet, the New Testament letter of Jude exhorts us to CONTEND for this Christian faith. What are we to do?

We must be prepared to respond.
On January 27-29, 2023, MBC hosted our first ever “CONTEND” Conference. This event is part of our Underground Sessions ministry, which seeks to model and equip Christians to have conversations in tough areas, particularly politics and culture. The focus of this weekend was equipping believers in the area of APOLOGETICS, so they can respond with love, grace, and boldness to the challenges of the day. On Saturday evening, we put this into practice by hosting an Underground Sessions event answering the toughest questions of today’s culture.

The word, “contend” is both a military and athletic term—it implies a struggle. Jude is exhorting his readers to preserve the faith. The purpose of this conference was just that—equipping followers of Christ to answer the tough questions, raise up a confident next generation, and engage the marketplace with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Conference Schedule

6pm – Bookstore, Food, Connections Lounge

7pm – Conference Open, Worship

7:20pm – Welcome Address: “Contending For the Faith” (Bob Erbig)

7:35pm – SESSION ONE: “Mama Bear Apologetics” (TEASI CANNON)

8:45pm – Worship, Next Day Activities

9pm – Dessert Social

9:15pm – BREAKOUT: “Mama Bears After Party” (TEASI CANNON & Mama Bears ONLY)

8am – Bookstore, Food, Connections Lounge

9am – Day Two Open, Worship

9:20am – Short Talk: “Apologetics and Kids” (Rachel Rickershauser)

9:35am- SESSION TWO: “Cultural Apologetics” (PAUL GOULD)

10:45am – BREAK

11am – Short Talk: “Apologetics and Teens” (Johnny Graves)

11:15am – SESSION THREE: “Cultural Intelligence” (DARRELL BOCK)

12:30pm – LUNCH!

1:30-3pm – BREAKOUT TRACKS (Local Leaders)

6:00pm – LIGHT DINNER! 

6:30-8:30pm – UNDERGROUND SESSIONS Outreach Event (Teasi, Paul, Darrell)

  • 10 Minute Talks + Roundtable 
  • Theme: Answering Today’s Toughest Questions

8:30pm – DESSERT SOCIAL

9am – PAUL GOULD – “Beauty in Exile” Exodus 31:1-11

10:15am – Bookstore, Lounge and Food available in Fellowship Hall Ministry Center.

10:45am – DARRELL BOCK – “Having Profitable Difficult Conversations” – James 1:19-20

12:15-12:45pm – Bookstore available in Fellowship Hall Ministry Center.

Speaker Resources

Teasi Cannon is a wife, mother, teacher, author, and lifelong learner who loves to share this truth: God is real and good, and He never fails. 

A desire to strengthen her personal understanding—coupled with a passion to share real hope with those who need it most—led Teasi to obtain a master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty Theological Seminary. She is a confessed book addict who can’t get enough of apologetics and theology, and when she’s not spending time with her family, you can find her sitting on her favorite spot of the couch with a book in one hand and a hot mug of coffee in the other.  

Teasi lives south of Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and best friend Bill. They have three amazing children who all grew up far too quickly and a new son-in-law who supplies all the board games for family fun.

Personal Website
Book: Mama Bear Apologetics


Paul M. Gould is an associate professor of philosophy of religion and director of the M.A. Philosophy of Religion program at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Gould earned his doctorate in philosophy from Purdue University. He is the author or editor of ten scholarly and popular-level books including Cultural Apologetics, Philosophy: A Christian Introduction, and The Story of the Cosmos. He has been a visiting scholar at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School’s Henry Center, working on the intersection of science and faith, and is the founder and president of the Two Tasks Institute. He is a widely sought-after speaker in apologetics and philosophy. He speaks regularly at universities, churches and ministries around the country, including Summit Ministries, the C.S. Lewis Institute and the Evangelical Philosophical Society’s annual apologetics conference. He is married to Ethel and has four children.

Personal Website
Two Tasks Institute
Book: Cultural Apologetics


Dr. Bock has earned recognition as a Humboldt Scholar (Tübingen University in Germany), is the author of over 40 books, including well-regarded commentaries on Luke and Acts and studies of the historical Jesus, and work in cultural engagement as host of the seminary’s Table Podcasts. He was president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) from 2000 to 2001, served as a consulting editor for Christianity Today, and serves on the boards of Wheaton College and Chosen People Ministries. His articles appear in leading publications. He is often an expert for the media on NT issues. Dr. Bock has been a New York Times best-selling author in nonfiction; serves as a staff consultant for Bent Tree Fellowship Church in Carrollton, TX; and is elder emeritus at Trinity Fellowship Church in Dallas. When traveling overseas, he will tune into the current game involving his favorite teams from Houston—live—even in the wee hours of the morning. Married for over 40 years to Sally, he is a proud father of two daughters and a son and is also a grandfather.

Personal Website
The Table Podcast at DTS
Book: Cultural Intelligence

SESSION INFORMATION

SESSION ONE:
“Mama Bear Apologetics” (TEASI CANNON)  The youngest and most vulnerable members of the Church are growing up in a society that is vastly different than the one in which many of us grew up. While unbiblical ideas aren’t new, their accessibility, volume, and frequency are. It’s been said we are navigating a battle of ideas, many of which strategically target the next generation of Christians, tossing them in an onslaught of animosity, skepticism, and sophisticated arguments that seek to demolish their faith. That’s where Mama Bears come in. And Papa Bears … and any Bears who love all our cubs and are willing to do what it takes to shore up our own faith so we can help them trust the authority of God’s Word, sort through the noise, and cling to the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

SESSION TWO:
“Cultural Apologetics” (PAUL GOULD) Christianity has an image problem. No one wants to hear what we have to say. All too often our lives are fragmented and unlovely. And we generally don’t see the world any different than anyone else. As a result we’ve lost the Christian voice, the Christian conscience, and the Christian imagination. The gospel is often viewed as unreasonable or undesirable or both. In our time together we’ll explore this question: Given this cultural moment, with all its challenges, how can the gospel get a fair hearing? To answer our question, we’ll take a look at Paul’s encounter with the Greeks in Athens and then apply our insights to this day and this age.

SESSION THREE:
“Cultural Intelligence” (DARRELL BOCK) How do we have cultural intelligence in a culture that is so pluralistic and contentious? How we see the challenge will determine how we approach it. Our weekend will give a fresh biblical look at how we should see our engagement, especially with those who are not a part of the church. We have no theology of cultural engagement in the church and we need it. We hope to give you a way of approaching engagement that is biblical and practical by looking specifically at 6 core texts and also how to have difficult conversations. We hope you can join us and be equipped.  

 

BREAKOUT INFORMATION

BREAKOUT ONE:
“Lord, Where’s My Calling: When the Big Question Becomes the Big Distraction” (TEASI CANNON) This session will focus on understanding the difference between a calling and your divinely designed purpose. Once we get this paradigm shift, it can change our life today and forever—as well as how we represent our faith to others.

 

BREAKOUT TWO:
“Seeing Suffering as an Apologetic Opportunity” (PASTOR BOB AND AMANDA ERBIG) We live in a broken world and everyone experiences pain at some point in their lives. When the trials come, and they will, we have a choice: do we get angry at God? Or do we show others our hope in Christ despite suffering? While it is important to find healing in the midst of pain, these moments are also opportunities to grieve with people who have walked our same path. In this session, we will discuss how our suffering can be seen and used as an effective opportunity to point people to the hope we have in Christ.

 

BREAKOUT THREE:
“Evangelism to Muslims” (AMOON SHARON) 

 

BREAKOUT FOUR:
“Navigating Your Faith In The Workplace” (JESSE NASH) For many of us, the vast majority of time spent with unbelievers, and our closest connection with those who need Christ happens at work.  What does God ask of us in terms of fulfilling the Great Commission through our interactions at the workplace?  How do we navigate tricky relationships and HR issues? 

 

BREAKOUT FIVE:

“Sharing Christ with Tibetan Buddhists” (MARK AVERY) Imagine living with the idea that your past lives govern your present options, that black magic is as normal as technology, that a human is as inherently valuable as a worm, and that the only way to pay off your past is to suffer.  Imagine a world where you don’t believe Jesus can save you, there is no way to know what will happen to you when you die, and if you ever achieve release from the cycle of rebirth, your ultimate destination is total obliteration.  Then imagine the consequence of that worldview on every relationship, commitment, community, and challenge you will ever have.  Now, let’s talk about sharing Jesus with a Tibetan Buddhist– a worldview that grew out of Hinduism has deeply affected global “new age” thinking, and is increasingly evident in America today!

 

BREAKOUT SIX:

“Don’t Have a Debate, Have a Discussion” (STEVEN DISEBASTIAN) Sharing your faith can be difficult, especially in these contentious times. Learn to use a simple technique of asking questions to create spiritual conversations while defusing heated debates.

Underground Sessions

by

What are the Underground Sessions?
Check out our Previous Sessions Below.

Everyone can benefit from an evening at the Underground.

Courageous Conversations:
Intersection of faith, culture & politics.

Underground Sessions is a live forum we hold several times a year where we discuss challenging and relevant issues in our world today. We do this with a spirit of grace and compassion while maintaining biblical faithfulness. In the past we covered topics from addiction and the opioid crisis to suicide awareness, from pornography and the sanctity of human life to issues of race and sexual and gender identity. We always have food, a live band and a presentation followed by audience participation and interaction.

The event is held in the lower level room of our Youth and Family Ministry Building. Childcare is typically provided up through 4th grade.

Stay tuned to find out when our next Underground will be taking place.

In the mean time check out our Previous Sessions Below and our Underground Sessions Podcast.

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Follow our Underground Sessions Podcast:

Check out our most recent Underground Sessions Podcast here and follow our Podcast on Google, Apple, or Iheart Radio.

Introducing our new Podcast that focuses on conversations at the intersection of faith, culture and politics. Come to the underground with us and step into the tension as we 
discuss various topics in the form of pastoral commentary and culturally relevant interviews featuring guest professionals specializing within the topic of discussion. The Underground is not a place where everyone agrees. But a space where respectful dialog can happen, difficult topics addressed, and ultimately where Christ is exalted.

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Previous Underground — January 28, 2023

Have you ever asked big questions about life but never received adequate answers? Meaning, suffering, faith, identity—we all wrestle to some extent. The Christian faith offers good answers to our questions, but we don’t always talk to the right people. On January 28th at 6:30pm. Millington Baptist Church is hosting our next Underground Sessions event: “Answering the Toughest Questions.” If you are someone who has difficult questions about life and faith, but you haven’t gotten good answers—this event is for you! Join us for light refreshments, live music, group discussion and an expert panel who will receive and answer your questions!

Previous Underground — November 9

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Our next Underground — April 2

This is a limited in-person event, Livestream will also be available. Register soon to secure your spot

Children. They are the most vulnerable among us and also the future of society. Many parents claim, “they would do anything for their child.” But what does that look like? What do children need to thrive? What does it mean to elevate the rights of children above our own desires? 

On April 2nd the Underground Sessions will host Katy Faust, author of the book, Them Before Us. Katy is the founder and director of a non-profit of the same name, which is “committed to putting the needs of children at the forefront of the battle surrounding the very foundation of society—marriage and family.” The pandemic years have made it painfully clear that children are the primary victims of adult-centric narratives. Those narratives drive our conversations about family as well, to the detriment of children.

What are the rights of children? We’ll answer that question and discuss the implications for issues like abortion, adoption, divorce, marriage, LGBT parenting, and reproductive technologies. These are sensitive topics for many—topics on which the church is often silent. Yet biblical principles, not cultural trends, must inform our perspective when considering how to care for “the least of these.” In doing so, we find scriptural prescriptions for sex and marriage that agree with natural law and social science.

 

There is limited seating so please register soon to secure a spot. Food, music, and childcare (if needed) will be included. Livestream access to the event and its resources are available on the Underground Sesions Web Portal. 

Register Now

This Underground Session we are excited to host well-known author and social critic Os Guinness. Os received his D. Phil degree from Oxford and has written over 30 books including The Great Quest, Carpe Diem Redeemed, and The Magna Carta of Humanity. The theme for this event, Carpe Diem Redeemed, Os will be offering a wake-up call to the west as we look at the myriad of challenges facing the American church. In particular, Os will look at the history of the American and French revolutions and the lessons they offer us today. In each case, the faith of citizens played an important role in revitalization and human flourishing—what role will we play in our modern moment?
 
This is an inter-generational event—we will draw applications for multiple generations. Os will be streaming virtually, but the event will be offered live, in person. You can also watch it on our YouTube channel: mbcunhindered. Os is an engaging speaker and we know that all who attend will be blessed.

Previous Underground — April 2

Children. They are the most vulnerable among us and also the future of society. Many parents claim, “they would do anything for their child.” But what does that look like? What do children need to thrive? What does it mean to elevate the rights of children above our own desires? 

On April 2nd the Underground Sessions will host Katy Faust, author of the book, Them Before Us. Katy is the founder and director of a non-profit of the same name, which is “committed to putting the needs of children at the forefront of the battle surrounding the very foundation of society—marriage and family.” The pandemic years have made it painfully clear that children are the primary victims of adult-centric narratives. Those narratives drive our conversations about family as well, to the detriment of children.

What are the rights of children? We’ll answer that question and discuss the implications for issues like abortion, adoption, divorce, marriage, LGBT parenting, and reproductive technologies. These are sensitive topics for many—topics on which the church is often silent. Yet biblical principles, not cultural trends, must inform our perspective when considering how to care for “the least of these.” In doing so, we find scriptural prescriptions for sex and marriage that agree with natural law and social science.

 

There is limited seating so please register soon to secure a spot. Food, music, and childcare (if needed) will be included. Livestream access to the event and its resources are available on the Underground Sesions Web Portal. 

Register Now

Previous Underground — November 8

Columbo—A Two-Step Game Plan for Maneuvering with Confidence and Grace in Any Conversation (45–90 min.)
Each of us as Christian ambassador faces two daunting challenges when trying to make a difference for Christ. First, we don’t know how to initiate conversations about spiritual things in a way that doesn’t seem awkward. Second, we don’t know how to keep ourselves from getting trapped or overwhelmed by others more aggressive than we are.

In this talk, Greg will teach you a two-step game plan allowing you to maneuver with confidence in any situation, no matter how little you know, and no matter how knowledgeable, aggressive, or even obnoxious your opposition may be. Columbo is the simplest tactic imaginable to help you stop a challenger in his tracks, turn the tables, and then get him thinking. And it can be done in a gracious and winsome way.

If you’re tired of finding yourself flat-footed and intimidated in conversations about what you believe, if you want to increase your confidence and your skill in discussions no matter who you’re talking with, this talk is for you. 

(This material is included in “Tactics—A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions”)


Previous Underground – August 7, 2021

Registration is Open!

Register Here

Peace. A concept raised often but rarely practiced in our modern age. Instead, it has been replaced by a commonplace hostility: in our spoken words, our social media posts and, sadly, in our actions. Why? Is it because hostility makes us feel better, superior, justified in our action? Or maybe the pursuit of peace is just too… difficult. On August 7th, from 6:30-8:30pm, our next Underground Session will tackle the topic of peace and hostility, specifically as it relates to Christian and Muslim relationships. Is peace possible? We’ll discuss current issues in the Middle East, how to have cross dialogue with different faith traditions, and how to love all people who are made in the image of God. At the Underground Session, we step into the tension for the glory of God. Peace and hostility create a natural tension—let’s discuss how to be people of peace in a world of hostility.

 

Register below. Childcare is provided. 

Registration is Open!

Register Here

Building peace in a climate of hostility?

 

Register Now

If you plan on joining us virtually, information will be emailed to you prior to the event.

Previous Underground – March 6, 2021

How do we talk about race? The events of 2020 made clear that our country, and our churches are polarized by racial tension. Unfortunately, conversations about race often lead to division, strife, and blame. Is it possible to have productive dialogue in our current climate?

 

On March 6th, the Underground Sessions will once again tackle this difficult, but necessary topic. Defining terms is crucial. We will discuss the current understanding of racism—what do terms like “woke,” “white fragility,” “whiteness,” and “critical race theory” mean? Injecting these loaded words into the conversation on race has caused hurt and increased distrust among believers. Ultimately, Christ followers are called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God (Micah 6:8). But is the current form of social justice truly biblical justice? Our call to action depends upon our grasp of this issue.

 

At this event, our aim is to use Scripture to define terms like humanity, race, love, and justice. We also want to bring practical tools to help people have better conversations and develop deep, meaningful relationships across racial and ethnic lines. We invite you to step into the tension and have the courage to engage in this important dialogue. 

Register Now

*Due to COVID restrictions, Seating for attending this event in person is very limited so make sure you register early.

 

If you plan on joining us virtually, information will be emailed to you prior to the event.

Previous Underground – October 3, 2020

Did you miss this event?

If missed out on this thought-provoking and challenging session below you will find all three parts for your viewing enjoyment.
Stay tuned for more Underground Sessions on our Podcasts and our biannual live events.

Income Inequality Recap

On October 3rd, 2020, MBC hosed its first ever virtual The Underground Sessions event where we discussed the important, and provocative, topic of “income inequality.” Our guest for this event was Dr. Anne Bradley, an expert economist who approaches this topic from a Christian worldview. After giving a keynote talk defining income inequality, she sat down with Pastor Bob and further discussed the related topics of socialism, capitalism, racial discrimination, as well as practical steps to address poverty in our world. You can watch the full-length session, or choose from three different segments on this page.

 

About the Speaker

Anne Bradley is the George and Sally Mayer Fellow for Economic Education and the Academic Director at the Fund for American Studies.  She served as the Vice President of Economic Initiatives at The Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics, where she developed and commissioned research toward a systematic biblical theology of economic freedom. She is a visiting professor at Georgetown University and has previously taught at George Mason University and at Charles University, Prague. She is currently a visiting scholar at the Bernard Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy. She served as the Associate Director for the Program in Economics, Politics, and the Law at the James M. Buchanan Center at George Mason University.

 

Dr. Bradley’s academic work focuses on the political economy of terrorism with specific emphasis on the industrial organization of al-Qaeda. Her academic research has been published in scholarly journals and edited volumes. She is currently working on a book that analyzes the political economy of al-Qaeda post 9/11. Based on her academic research she also worked as an Economic Analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency’s Office of Terrorism Analysis.


Dr. Bradley is the author of several books, and served as the general editor of For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty, in which she frames a solid biblical & economic understanding of how best to care for the poor and foster economic development.

Enjoy the event again or for the first time.

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Registration is Open!

Resources: Income Inequality

Session Presentation

Income Inequality, Poverty and Human Flourishing, Dr. Anne Bradley >

Books

Set Free: Restoring Religious Freedom for All. by Art Lindsley (Author), Anne R. Bradley >

For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty. Anne Bradley >

Counting the Cost: Christian Perspectives on Capitalism by Art Lindsley PhD (Author), Anne R. Bradley PhD (Author) >

Money, Greed, and God: Why Capitalism Is the Solution and Not the Problem Paperback – Illustrated, May 4, 2010 by Jay W. Richards  >

How would Jesus vote? By Darrell Bock (see Chapter 4 on economics) Howard Books, May 17, 2016 >

Articles & E-Books

A Critique of ‘Five Reasons Socialism Is Not Christian’ Craig M. Watts February 28, 2020 >

Free E-book. David Azerrad. Marx and the False Communist Promise. >

Video Teaching

Capitalism, Christianity and Income Inequality, Dr. Anne Bradley >

Exploring differences, unraveling stereotypes & seeking common ground so we may live with and care for our neighbors of differing faiths.
Judaism, Islam and Christianity. They all trace their roots to the biblical figure of Abraham, yet their modern expressions have differing beliefs. In our next Underground we will have a panel featuring a Jewish Rabbi, a devout Muslim, and Christian Minister. We will discuss their varying positions, where we can find common ground and how these ideas effect contemporary issues. Registration for attendance and childcare is required by March 11th.

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Questions?

Bob Erbig

Bob Erbig

Lead Pastor:
Preaching, Family Life & Mission

Contact Bob with any questions

Questions?

Bob Erbig

Bob Erbig

Lead Pastor:
Preaching, Family Life & Mission

Contact Bob with any questions

Our next live Underground Session:

Our next Underground Session conversation will center around the current challenges to Religious Liberty, as well as how to love those who disagree with us. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Douglas Groothuis, Professor of Philosophy at Denver Seminary. There will also be a panel discussion featuring experts in the field of law, business, and education. 

Our keynote and guest panelists: 

Dr. Groothuis, PHD received a PhD and a BS from the University of Oregon, and an MA in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has served as an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University, visiting instructor in apologetics for Westminster Theological Seminary, and instructor at the University of Oregon.

He is the author of a variety of books, including Christian Apologetics, and has published articles in magazines such as Christianity Today, Moody Magazine, The Christian Research Journal, Christian Counseling Today, Modern Reformation and Perspectives. He has also written editorials for a variety of newspapers.

Rosette Adera, D. Mgmt.

Rosette is the Chair of the Business Administration Department at Pillar College where enjoys infusing Biblical principles into curriculum design and instruction. Rosette is also a student of Management, Leadership and Organizational Behavior where she engages in the Christian’s response to the issues of identity, diversity and inclusion. She is also currently serving on the Board of Garden of Hope Foundation, an initiative that is lifting the lives of youth, women and children from the slums of Nairobi. 

Jesse P. Nash, JD is an attorney providing legal services covering Real Estate: Business and Banking and Business / Corporate.

Jesse Nash, who practices law in Princeton, New Jersey, was selected to Rising Stars for 2011 – 2017. This peer designation is awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state. The Rising Stars selection process takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors.

Prior to becoming an attorney, he studied at Seton Hall University School of Law. He graduated in 2003. After passing the bar exam, he was admitted to legal practice in 2003.

Underground Session Podcast

by

Introducing our new Podcast that focuses on conversations at the intersection of faith, culture and politics. Come to the underground with us and step into the tension as we discuss various topics in the form of pastoral commentary and culturally relevant interviews featuring guest professionals specializing within the topic of discussion. The Underground is not a place where everyone agrees. But a space where respectful dialog can happen, difficult topics addressed, and ultimately where Christ is exalted.

Recent Underground Sessions Topics:

Everyone can benefit from an evening at the Underground. Also check out our bi-annual live Underground Sessions. Signup to our E-news and “like” our Social media outlets to stay tuned to our up and coming events.