“How beautiful are the feet of the messenger who proclaims the good news.”
Beautiful Feet
Disciples Preaching RetreatOctober 28-30, 2024
Come, to walk for a while with other messengers.
Come, to learn together.
Come, to stand on holy ground.
Come, to remember your calling. Come, because you are not just a preacher; you are a whole person: hands and heart and beautiful feet, called by God to proclaim the good news.
Dr. Frank A. Thomas currently serves as the Director of the new Compelling Preaching Initiative and the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, For many years, Thomas has also taught preaching to Doctoral and Master level students at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois; Memphis Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee; and United Theological Seminary of Dayton, Ohio. Thomas served with distinction as the senior pastor for two remarkable congregations: New Faith Baptist Church of Matteson, Illinois; and Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church of Memphis, Tennessee, for eighteen years and thirteen years, respectively. He is the author of They Like to Never Quit Praisin’ God: The Role of Celebration In Preaching and How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon, among other works. Thomas and his wife Joyce Scott Thomas have two adult children, Anthony William and Rachel Dickerson (Milton) and one granddaughter, August Elise Dickerson.
Rev. Sam Ramirez is married to Karina Ramirez and is father to Isaac and Jacob Ramirez. He is a graduate of Claremont School of Theology and Certificate for Ministry Studies (CMS). He has pastored Sun Valley City Church for 15 years and has served as the convencion’s moderator. He has also served in the Pacific Southwest Region in a variety of leadership roles. He has served as the Obra Hispana’s moderator as well as with other general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Rev. Bekah Krevens has been serving as the Senior Pastor of Foothills Christian Church in Phoenix, Arizona, since 2015. Previously, she served churches in Texas and Kentucky. She holds degrees from Bethany College and Brite Divinity School, and soon after her ordination, she completed a certificate in Ecumenical Studies at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute, a program of the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland. Bekah and her husband, Frank, have three daughters. In her free time, she enjoys painting and being outdoors.
Rev. Dr. Miseon Choi is an ordained pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She earned her Ph.D. in Practical Theology, Spiritual Formation, and Religious Education from Claremont School of Theology, a M.Div. from McCormick Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in Christian Education and Theology from Hanshin University in South Korea. Choi is a NAPAD (North American Pacific/Asian Disciples) Language Access Coordinator and a Youth/Young Adults Ministry Coordinator in the Pacific Southwest Region. She is a NAPAD Representative in the International Disciples Women Ministry. She also serves at the First Christian Church of Burbank as the Youth Pastor.
Rev. Jorge “Joey” Cotto is an ordained minister of the Christian Church (DOC) in Florida. Currently he serves as pastor of Central Christian Church in Coral Gables Fl. a bilingual and multicultural ministry. He is also a Coach for new church planters through New Church Ministry (DOC). He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Puerto Rico and a Masters of Divinity from the Center of Theological Studies in Florida. He is a freelance writer and a radio show host.
The Reverend Leah D. Jackson, Esq. has been called to minister the Word of God as a preacher, pastor, educator, writer, and dancer. She was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, where she served as the Minister of Christian Education for almost 8 years and is now an Associate Minister. She is also a licensed member of the State Bar of Georgia and specializes in Technology and Intellectual Property law. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry in Preaching at McAfee School of Theology where she serves as the Grant Coordinator for the Reimagining Tomorrow Initiative and is an Adjunct Professor at Spelman College and Lexington Theological Seminary for the CAAM Program.
Rev. Leah received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy with a focus in Child Advocacy from Spelman College in 2002; a Juris Doctor from Walter F. Georgia School of Law in 2005; and Master of Divinity from McAfee School of Theology in 2012. She was licensed as a Minister of Dance in 2008 by Dr. Pamela Hardy, the founder and leader of Set Free Evangelistic Ministries. Leah also served as the advisor for the Spelman College Dance Ministry, Movements of Praise, for 5 years.
Arrivals and Check-in
Opening Session
Dinner
Working Group Session 1: IntroductionsThroughout the retreat, participants will meet in small working groups intended to foster relationships and provide space for learning and responding.
Preaching and MusicThree preachers will offer short-form sermons in a variety of styles. Samuel RamirezSun Valley City Church, Sun Valley, CABekah KrevensFoothills Christian Church, Phoenix, AZMiseon ChoiFirst Christian Church, Burbank, CA
Morning Prayer (optional)
Breakfast
Keynote Session: Dr. Frank A. Thomas
Working Group Session 2: Keynote Response
Break
Keynote Session: Dr. Frank A Thomas
Lunch
Workshops - A number of workshops will offer preachers an opportunity to learn practical skills and new approaches to preaching.
Free Time - Participants are invited to use this time for rest, prayer, planning, or soul-feeding activities. Optional opportunities will be offered at the retreat center and beyond.
Preaching and Music - Two preachers will offer sermons in a variety of styles.Jorge CottoCentral Christian Church, Coral Gables, FL
Firepit Gathering (optional)
Working Group Session 3: Takeaways
Closing WorshipFrank A ThomasChristian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, IN
Lunch and Departures
Participants can sign up for workshops in the event app or when they arrive at the retreat.
Listening to the Listener, facilitated by Bill LeeHow I wish I had attended a session at any point in my career that allowed me to listen to the listener. For nearly eight(8) years I have been listening more than preaching and I have some inside information for preachers. We will in this workshop get a view from the pew, from a retired pastor. Like Ezekiel, I'm sitting where they sit.Storytelling Theology: getting personal and going (way) beyond illustration, facilitated by Rebecca AndersonAt Gilead Chicago (one of the places I pastor), we say (and believe) that all stories are God stories. Story theology (drawing on tools from CPE and narrative theology) makes that connection explicit. In this workshop, we'll talk a little about why you should tell stories about yourself in sermons (regardless of what they taught us) and get some ideas of stories to tell in your Advent and/or stewardship sermons — so bring your scripture texts if you've got 'em.Preaching in a Multicultural Context, facilitated by Jorge CottoIn this workshop we will explore some of the tools needed for effective preaching in multicultural contexts. Topics such as cultural awareness, respect & sensitivity, language considerations and more.Conexión entre Inteligencia Emocional y Salud Mental, facilitated by Martin TapiaEste taller ofrece una exploración profunda de la interrelación entre la inteligencia emocional y la salud mental, herramientas esenciales para el liderazgo y el bienestar en el contexto pastoral. A través de ejemplos prácticos y discusiones enriquecedoras, los participantes aprenderán cómo aplicar estas herramientas para fortalecer la vida comunitaria y el cuidado espiritual, fomentando un espacio de sanidad y apoyo mutuo.Embracing AI in Ministry: Enhancing Communication, Teaching, and Preaching with Ethical Integrity, facilitated by Orlando Scott and othersThis presentation explores the potential of artificial intelligence as a tool for enhancing communication, teaching, and preaching within local congregations. A cohort of pastors will discuss AI’s practical applications for sermon preparation, congregational engagement, and digital outreach, while also addressing key ethical concerns, including transparency, bias, and the preservation of human connection in ministry. The session will provide a balanced perspective on how technology can support but not replace the pastor’s role in spiritual leadership.Preaching Resources and Sermon Preparation,facilitated by Elisabeth GrashamThis informal, facilitated conversation will offer preachers an opportunity to share resources and ideas you've found helpful in your preaching life, and glean wisdom from other preachers. If you've got something that works for you, come share. If you're looking for a new idea, come learn from other preachers.Disarming Political Polarization in our Preaching, facilitated by Caleb CampbellThis workshop is designed specifically for preachers seeking to shepherd congregations entangled in the toxic tribalism of American Christian Nationalism. It has been birthed out of the successes and failures of real pastors and ministry leaders seeking to engage their Christian Nationalist neighbors with compassion, love, and grace.
