Introduction
In March 2018, GFM staff gathered for our annual meetings at Mundelein with the goal of being ready with the gospel of peace (shalom) amidst the brokenness of the campus. We explored together ways we can prepare ourselves, our students, and our faculty be more ready to call every corner of every campus to follow Jesus.
Conference Talks (Audio)
GFM's Readiness
Bobby Gross, March 20, 2018
A reflection on Ephesians 1 and the blessings of God for GFM in our mission among students and faculty.
Talk 1-- Prayer and Secularization: Naming Our Reality
Gordon Smith, March 20, 2018
Gordon Smith asks, “What does it look like to give leadership to and to pray in ‘a secular age’?” He examines four possible responses to secularism and highlights the importance of living in real-time connection with the ascended Lord Jesus. He warns of ignoring key historic and contemporary voices that can help us stay connected to Christ. Smith concludes that “the greatest threat to the church in a secular age is not external, but internal”—fear.
Note: Dr. Gordon Smith has asked that we not share his talks beyond GFM staff and official volunteers. Please respect this request and do not share his talks with others. Thanks.
Talk 2-- Prayer in an "Age of Anxiety": a Consideration of Philippians 4:4-7
Gordon Smith, March 20, 2018
In a culture of fear, how can we cultivate a non-anxious presence? Smith recommends five spiritual practices that can help us minister out of peace, not anxiety.
Note: Dr. Gordon Smith has asked that we not share his talks beyond GFM staff and official volunteers. Please respect this request and do not share his talks with others. Thanks.
Talk 3-- Praying “Thy Kingdom Come”: from Thanksgiving to Confession to Discernment
Gordon Smith, March 21, 2018
This talk presents an overview of the themes from Smith’s book Teach us to Pray. He explains three movements (thanksgiving, confession, and discernment) as we prayerfully participate in seeking God’s kingdom.
Note: Dr. Gordon Smith has asked that we not share his talks beyond GFM staff and official volunteers. Please respect this request and do not share his talks with others. Thanks.
Talk 4-- Proclaiming the Gospel of Peace on Campus: Counting the Cost
Sarah Shin, March 21, 2018
Sarah Shin names three areas in which GFM staff, students, and faculty must be willing to pay the cost in our witness: 1) Identifying publicly as a Christian, 2) living with Christlike integrity, and 3) stewarding power.
Talk 5-- The Nature of Our Witness
James Choung, March 22, 2018
James Choung speaks from Romans 15:17-21 on our witness in word, deed, and power as InterVarsity moves into our 2030 Calling.
Preconference Materials
Feel free to use the pre-course assignment below with students and faculty. You can order The Voice of Jesus from InterVarsity Press.
