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Engaging Difference in Pastoral Theology: Race/Ethnicity, Sexuality, and Theology The program promises to enrich and challenge our teaching and practice in pastoral theology. Much of the program will be familiar to long-time Society members, and our setting provides opportunities for new experiences. Please take a look at our program and setting, and register right away. Be sure to confirm your hotel reservations as we have a limited block of hotel rooms at the reserve conference rate.
SETTING:
The Hotel Midtown is in the heart of Atlanta with convenient access to area transportation. The hotel is close to area attractions and is walking distance from a variety of restaurants, businesses, theaters and shopping. Guests may enjoy spacious guest rooms, and panoramic views of the midtown Atlanta landscape. The hotel features include a health club with an indoor heated lap pool, whirlpool and exercise room. Valet parking is available. SPT guests may indulge in Cuban cuisine, cocktails, and entertainment at the Mojito Café. A limited block of rooms have been reserved at our conference rate of $145.00 per night. Reservations are on a first come first served basis and should be made by May 14, 2009. You may confirm your room by calling the hotel at 404-873-4800, FAX 404-872-7377. Be sure to mention that you are attending the Society for Pastoral Theology Annual Study Conference, to both ensure proper room rate charges, and to ensure the Society receives credit for rooms reserved. The hotel address is 125 10th Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia, located at 10th and Peachtree.
There is city wide convention in town on the dates of our conference. There are limited hotel rooms available in Hotel Midtown. Hotel Midtown has made arrangements with the Georgian Terrace Hotel to serve as the designated overflow hotel. The Georgian Terrace hotel is located conveniently nearby. The hotel rates are the same. You are encouraged to register early to secure your accommodations for the conference.
The Steering Committee regularly makes available a limited number of hotel rooms (double occupancy) for graduate students in the field. If you would like to apply for one of these rooms, please complete the application included in the registration form below.
THEME AND PLENARY PRESENTATIONS:
“Engaging Difference in Pastoral Theology: Race/Ethnicity, Sexuality, and Theology” is the working title for our 2009 Study conference in Atlanta, Georgia, June 18-20. This theme emerged from many comments made during the 2008 annual Study meeting in Los Angeles. Three members of the society have been invited to prepare presentations around these critical issues and engage us and each other in dialog. We are happy to announce that colleagues who have agreed to lead us in plenary presentations and discussions are Dr. Sam Lee, Claremont School of Theology; Dr. Charlie Scalise, Fuller Theological Seminary; and Dr. Joretta Marshall, Brite Divinity School. This promises to be another stimulating conference.
A PRE-CONFERENCE CONSULTATION:
A pre-conference session, Dialoguing from the Margins of Pastoral Theology: A First Conversation will be held 9:00 a.m. – noon, on Thursday, June 18. The purpose of the pre-conference is for networking, mutual support, and facilitation of the dialog around the issues of diversity, racism, and teaching in pastoral theology indigenous to our respective communities. Participants this year will be limited to African, African American, Korean, and Korean American members of the Society. We envision opening the dialog in future to include other racial-ethnic voices that have not been central to the pastoral theology enterprise. The Society pre-conference dialog will be lead by Dr. Lee Butler of Chicago Theological Seminary and Dr. Sam Lee of Claremont School of Theology.
The 2008 SPT Study meeting brought together approximately thirty Korean, Korean American, African, and African American pastoral theologians, faculty and students. We hope to attract that number to this first pre-conference consultation. Register for the pre-conference consultation on the conference registration form.
WORK IN PROGRESS:
Our Work in Progress this year will be presented by a panel of writers from the upcoming publication “Women Out Of Order: Risking Change and Creating Care in a Multicultural World”, Teresa Snorton and Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, co-editors (Fortress Press, Fall 2009). The panel, led by Teresa Snorton, Executive Director of the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, will be made up of ethnically diverse women who will present a snapshot of their future works that have emerged out the process of writing this volume. Teresa will provide the overview for the volume and the emerging themes. Francesca Nuzolese will address the need for a pastoral methodology for counseling women in the subcultures of poverty that explores the spiritual dimension of psychotherapeutic work. Sophia Park’s research is to expand pastoral theology to address spiritual realities of pastoral counseling clients whose narratives include spiritual warfare between the good and the evil spirits or God/demons, including those who observe tradition/folk religions and those who are Christian as well. As a result, these people, including those who profess to be Christian, turn elsewhere and seek out shamans, mediums, and psychics in order to make sense of their experience. Barbara McClure will describe her research and writing on expanding the horizons of pastoral theology to include attention to institutional contexts and ways they inhibit or support human flourishing, especially for those on the margins or undersides of those contexts (such as women of color). Mindy McGarrah Sharp will define the complex intercultural issues surrounding child discipline across cultures, including cases of menstruation rituals, property ownership, and cultural histories, moving from a constructive conversation with feminist political theory to include additional methods of inquiry as resources. Insook Lee will explore why the stereotyping of Korean women as “victim” or “heroine” prevails in the current representations of Asian women’s experiences and the need for the decolonization of psychological and theological theories of healing in order to explore the deeper meanings of suffering, justice, and remembering.
SOCIETY LUNCHEON:
Friend and colleague Jim Poling has graciously agreed to share his wisdom with us at the Society Luncheon. Jim is Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. The title of his presentation is “Creativity, Generativity and the Next Generation.”
THEOLOGICAL STUDY GROUPS:
Each of our study groups focuses on a particular area, though the specific themes evolve from year to year. Under the leadership of two Society members, and with a core of participants, groups welcome anyone attending the conference to visit and participate in conversation. Study groups meet annually, providing a small support community for ongoing research and related interests on theological themes. In this regard the study groups differ from workshops, which are one-time contributions during which members present and lead discussions on specific topics. Theological study groups may disband as goals and purposes are met, and new study groups may be formed. The study groups are not closed. You are invited and encouraged to drop in, “test the waters,” and contact a co-chair.
Study Groups convene on Friday, 2:15-4:00 p.m.
Faith and Health (Will Not Meet):
Karen Scheib - 404.727.2423, kscheib@emory.edu John Blevins - johnblevins@emory.edu
The Faith and Health study group reviews new research/scholarship in faith and health while considering upcoming opportunities for pastoral theologians within the field.
The Church and Christian Formation:
Rosalyn Karaban - 585.271.3657, rkarahan@stbemards.edu Charles Scalise - 206.284.9000, cscalise@fuller.edu
Personal involvement, commitment and loyalty are common ideas frequently invoked in pastoral and moral rhetoric but seldom carefully examined psychologically. One of the best theories that does so is by a social psychologist, Philip Brickman. Rod Hunter will present an overview and lead a discussion of Brickman’s remarkable and largely overlooked formulations, which draw masterfully on social psychological research to fashion a comprehensive theory of committing and de-committing. Brickman’s theory is based in part on cognitive dissonance and creativity studies. It includes a developmental dimension and has profound implications for faith, religious formation, and ministry."
Religious Practices and Pastoral Research:
Leonard Hummel - 717.338.3000, lhummel@ltsg.edu Mary Moschella - mmoschella@wesleyseminary.edu
The newly renamed Religious Practices and Pastoral Research group offers colleagues a chance to hear or present recent work that may involve empirical research, ethnography, congregational studies, or theoretical reflective topics related to pastoral research. This year, we particularly invite papers that explore the inter-relationship between research and theology, activism and pastoral research, or papers that explore the ethics of pastoral research. We also welcome reflections on your current research-in-progress. Please e-mail proposals to the group conveners by May 1, 2009.
Embodiment:
Glenn Asquith - 610.861.1521, asquith@moravian.edu Carrie Doehring - 303.765.3169, cdoehring@iliff.edu
The Embodiment group provides an arena for participants to talk in depth about research projects involving the theme of embodiment-issues of body image as well as issues of sexuality. Participants are welcome to bring handouts (outlines, bibliographies, and etc.) that describe their work and obtain feedback from the group. If you wish to distribute handouts, please contact the conveners in advance. Future leadership of the group will be a part of the group discussion this year.
Theological Anthropology:
Jim Higginbotham - 765.983.1688, higgij@carlham.edu Jan Holton - 203.432.5371, jan.holton@yale.edu
The study group offers a supportive and critical ear to those who are working on particular projects, such as dissertations, articles, and papers. Members who have interest should contact Jim Higginbotham or Jan Holton for information.
Theological Dimensions of Family:
Herb Anderson - 206.720.0253, handerson@plts.edu Bonnie Miller-McLemore - 615.343.3970, bonnie.miller-mclemore@vanderbilt.edu
The study group engages in a rich variety of activities from paper presentations, syllabi discussions, shared reading, family manifesto composition, and research-in-progress reports. Members who have interest in joining the group should contact Herb Anderson or Bonnie Miller-McLemore.
Brain Sciences and Pastoral Theology:
David Hogue - 847.866.3983, david.hogue@garrett.edu Amenti Sujai - 803.535.5399, asujai@claflin.edu
For over twenty years neuroscience has been engaged in the study of mindfulness and its effect on brain function. Some studies have suggested that mindfulness, or paying attention to life in the present moment, has been instrumental in stress reduction; improved relationships and positive emotional changes meaningful engagement in one’s vocational responsibilities; and conflict resolution, diversity training and an overall deeper appreciation for life. Studies also suggest that brain and immune function is positively enhanced by mindfulness practice while other studies propose the supportive effects of mindfulness on brain “training.”
Economics and Pastoral Theology:
Jim Poling - 847.866.3900, jpoling@garrett.edu Pam Couture - 585.271.1320, pcouture@spst.edu
The purpose of the study group is to improve our skills to interpret the economic realities of our world and the way they affect individuals, families, and congregations. The discussion this year will focus on the current economic crisis. What is the best analysis of the global crisis and how can we prepare ourselves as pastoral theologians to cope with its effects on persons and systems?
WORKSHOPS:
Workshops focus on a particular topic that reflects the current research interests of the presenter. There are several workshops from which to choose, on Thursday. Use the registration form to indicate your first (1st) and second (2nd) choices of the workshops you plan to attend.
1. Teaching the Introduction to Pastoral Care Course
We will begin by considering the contexts in which we teach, and the ways in which our courses are embedded in the culture of our schools, facilitating traveling knowledge among required courses and the integration of theory and practice. Reviewing a sampling of syllabi, we will examine (1) how we frame the course by teaching about pastoral theological methodology, and (2) how textbooks help students understand methodology and equip them as pastoral caregivers. Finally, we will survey the range of teaching strategies used to integrate knowledge and skills as students move through formation process. Experiences teaching online will be included this year. Presenter: Carrie Doehring, Iliff School of Theology
2. Soon-to-be and New Teachers: Directions and Strategies
New professors of pastoral care, counseling and theology face the challenges that many new teaching professionals face as they develop skills in balancing research and teaching. At the same time we face additional challenges as we work with students to develop emotional intelligence and self-awareness. In this workshop we will explore strategies for new professors in our field. Presenter: Kristen Leslie, Yale Divinity School
3. Narrative and Liberation in Rural Appalachia
Narrative and Liberation in Appalachia presents an inductive pastoral care approach using spiritual narratives through integrating narrative therapy and liberation theology based on an action research model utilized in Appalachia. Presenter: Suzanne Coyle, Christian Theological Seminary
4. ACPE and SPT: Partners in Theological Education
The ACPE curriculum is an outcome-based one in which the action-reflection model is utilized to promote pastoral identity, pastoral functioning, and pastoral reflection. ACPE representatives will discuss the history of the ACPE’s current curriculum and accreditation standards and will invite dialog on how pastoral theologians and ACPE can work more closely to promote this form of theological education. Presenters: Deryck Durston, Associate Director, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc., and Peter Yuichi Clark, ACPE Supervisor, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care at the American Baptist Seminary of the West and Chaplain Administrator for Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Berkeley, CA
5. Hospitality is a Queer Thing
Description: Contemporary pastoral and practical theologies have been developed to highlight the importance of offering hospitality to others not like us. Critiques of these theological perspectives have been developed, however. One set of these critiques argues that practices of hospitality appear to open wide the doors of our religious communities while continuing to set strict limits as to who can come in. This workshop will explore that critique in light of queer theory and the question of identity, relying on the scholarship of Jacques Derrida and his description of hospitality in which he names hospitality as an ethical imperative that is also dangerous and disruptive. Using those theoretical concepts, the workshop will conclude with a discussion about how to risk (or whether we would want to risk) this kind of practice of hospitality in our pastoral practices. Presenter: John Blevins, Candler School of Theology, Emory University
6. The Bible and Pastoral Ministry: Conflicted Forgiveness
Workshop leaders will invite people to participate in a bibliodrama to embody the tensions in the Joseph story (Gen. 42-45). Through the frame of conflicted forgiveness, we will explore patterns of forgiveness and ‘unforgiveness’ between people and within congregations. Our discussion and analysis will consider the relational trio of self-forgiveness, other-forgiveness, and God-forgiveness. Co-Presenters: Denise Dombkowski Hopkins, Professor of Hebrew Bible, and Michael Koppel, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Congregational Care, Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC.
Displays at the Annual Study Conference:
The Steering Committee has adopted a policy that commercial displays of goods for sale by members are not appropriate at our Annual Study Conferences.
CEU’s:
The Steering Committee cannot provide CEU’s for those who attend our Society meetings. A certificate confirming one’s attendance at the meeting can be made available upon request. Please be sure to indicate your request on the registration form. The certificate will be made available at the conference registration desk.
Future Meeting Site:
The SPT 2010 Annual Study Conference will convene in Chicago, Illinois June 17-19. Mark your calendars and begin planning to attend! Residents in Chicago who would like to volunteer to serve on the local planning committee may contact David Hogue or notify a Steering Committee member at the Atlanta site this summer. Please, bring a copy of the Spring Newsletter to the Study conference in Atlanta. That way you will have the enclosed materials and we will all contribute to saving trees.
SPT QUICK REFERENCE, 2008-2009
Steering Committee
David Hogue, Chair, 847-866-3983 David.Hogue@garrett.edu
Daniel Hembree, Recording Secretary, 803-535-5894 dhembree@clafin.edu
Siroj Sorajjakool, Conference Registrar, 909-558-4300 ext 83413 ssorajjakool@rel.llu.edu
Jeanne Hoeft, Treasurer, 816-245-4814 jhoeft@spst.edu
Elizabeth Walker, Corresponding Secretary, 502-895-3411 ewalker@lpts.edu
For information on previous Annual Meetings, please visit the following links:
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