Underground

Brought to you by The Underground Sessions

Save the Dates: January 27-29, 2023

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-

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 will be hosting 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 will be 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 will 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 will be 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

Friday

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

Saturday

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)

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

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

Sunday

8:30m – Bookstore, Lounge and Food available in Fellowship Hall Ministry Center.

9am – PAUL GOULD

10:45am – DARRELL BOCK

Speaker Resources

Teasi Cannon

Personal Website: https://www.teasicannon.com/
“Mama Bear Apologetics” Book on AMAZON.

Paul Gould

Personal Website: http://www.paul-gould.com/
Two Tasks Institute: https://www.twotasksinstitute.org/
“Cultural Apologetics” Book on AMAZON.

Darrell Block

Personal Website: http://darrellbock.com/
“The Table Podcast” at DTS: https://voice.dts.edu/tablepodcast/
“Cultural Intelligence” Book on AMAZON.

Next Underground — November 9

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 2^nd 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.

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 4^th 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.

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.

Previous Underground — April 2

Our next Underground — April 2

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

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!

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 7^th, 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.

Registration is Open!

Building peace in a climate of hostility?

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 6^th, 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.

*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 3^rd, 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.

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.

Questions?

Bob Erbig

Lead Pastor:
Preaching, Family Life & Mission

Contact Bob with any questions

Questions?

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.

The CONTEND Conference

Save the Dates: January 27-29, 2023

Conference Schedule

Speaker Resources

Underground Sessions

Questions?

Bob Erbig

Questions?

Bob Erbig

Underground Session Podcast

Recent Underground Sessions Topics: