2016 GFM National Staff Conference

Introduction

In March 2016, GFM staff gathered for our annual meetings at Mundelein with the goal of learning how to help graduate students and faculty engage the university as the salt and light of Christ. We talked about how students and faculty might engage the university in depth—in their everyday faithfulness and Christian presence in work and scholarship as well as in breadth—through the practices of listening and engaging conversations.

Conference Talks (Audio)

Engaging the University in Presence and Conversation

Bobby Gross, March 15, 2016

Engaging the University through Everyday Faithful Presence

Denise-Margaret Thompson and Andre Cooper, March 15, 2016

Note: Dr. Thompson and Dr. Cooper have asked that we not share this talk beyond GFM staff and official volunteers. Please respect their request and do not send this to others. Thanks.

Engaging the University in Conversation

Terry Halliday, March 16, 2016

Download PPT Presentation

Engaging Your University: Next Steps

Bobby Gross, March 17, 2016

Theological Reflection on Work

Here is the exercise we used at GFM National Staff Conference 2016 to reflect theologically on an experience of work. This can be adapted to use as an exercise with grad students or faculty. Also for download below is Kathy Cooper’s full-length “how to” guide for hosting an on-going Theological Reflection Group with students or faculty on campus. This guide includes additional theological/ biblical lenses for reflecting on work and scholarship, such as the incarnation, Jesus as teacher, Jesus as the Great Physician, the crucifixion, and resurrection.

Download the Theological Reflection Exercise / Download the Theological Reflection Guide for Groups

Ministry Stories: Engaging the University

World Café Conversations

World Café Guide – Mundelein 2016

What are World Café conversations? Read this World Café Guide to learn more. You’re welcome to adapt and use it with students and faculty.

World Café Information for Co-hosts

If you plan to host a World Café you might be interested in this “nuts and bolts” information used by the World Café co-hosts during our 2016 GFM National Staff Conference. This Co-hosts document includes suggestions for timing, facilitating, and debriefing World Café conversations as a large group.

World Café Topics

Here are the four topics that we focused on during our World Café conversations. Each page includes readings and a discussion guide for the topic. Listen to the World Café summary audio (above) for more on what was discussed in each Café.

1. Engaging the University
2. Integration of Faith, Learning and Practice
3. Mission Drift
4. Race, Diversity and Inclusion

World Café Summaries: Becoming Salt and Light in the University

World Café summaries, March 16, 2016

Preconference Materials

Feel free to adapt and re-use the preconference materials with students and faculty. You can reference them here. You will find speaker bios, the booklet by Terry Halliday, the exercise forTheological Reflection about Work, and the preconference assignments. Enjoy!