Church Services

Intersections magazine is a publication from the Office of Church Services dedicated to highlighting the current spiritual and cultural concerns of the moment. Sign up to receive your own copy. 

Making the Case for Christian Higher Education, Spring 2019

Rethinking Short-Term Missions, Summer 2017

Pursuing Resiliency, Summer 2016

Enlightening the Eyes of our Heart, Winter 2015-2016

Prepared for Christ's Return, Summer 2015

Bolder for the Older, Winter 2015

 

Lipscomb's annual church fair is held every September in Bison Square where students can engage and interact with college ministers and church representatives to learn more about the different worship and service opportunities available to them, and to provide a potential "church home" during their university experience.

“America’s Greatest Revival: Cane Ridge Reconsidered”

Join us on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 for a fast-moving look at the greatest revival in American history and an event central to the DNA of Churches of Christ. Four eminent restoration scholars are coming together to present nine 18-minute messages spotlighting the roots and great themes behind this remarkable moment in American history. 

• Program: Tuesday, August 13, 2019
• Cost: $30 and includes continental breakfast, lunch and coming e-book
• Place: Longview Mansion, 811 Caldwell Lane
• Time: 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
• Presentations and Speakers that day include:
  • The Second Great Awakening (Gorman)
  • Barton Stone: His Role in the Revival (Hughes)
  • Cane Ridge: What Really Happened There? (Gorman)
  • Panel-Break
  • Exploring Cane Ridge: Communion Festival (Hicks)
  • Exploring Cane Ridge: Racial Diversity and Slavery (Hughes)
  • Exploring Cane Ridge: Women as Exhorters (Gorman)
  • Panel-Lunch
  • Reconsidering Cane Ridge: Was Cane Ridge America’s Pentecost? (Allen)
  • Reconsidering Cane Ridge: Revivalism, Spirit, and Unity (Hicks)
  • Reconsidering Cane Ridge: Loss of Trajectory in Restoration Movement (Allen)
  • Closing Panel

Statement of Faith and Purpose

Scott Sager

The purpose of my life is discover, know, surrender to and live in the steadfast and abounding love of God the Father, shown in Jesus the Son and poured into my heart through the Holy Spirit. This love is lived out in me as I respond to God’s love by loving God with all my heart, soul mind and strength, and loving others as I love myself. I cannot love everyone equally, therefore my aim is to love God first, my family second, friends third, church fourth and my career and vocation fifth.

Central Core of My Beliefs

• There is a God.
• There is only One God; integrity and order come from Him.
• God is Spirit, and thus is neither male nor female.
• God is Creator of all things visible and invisible; speaking them into existence from nothing.
• Satan exists, and is the Father of Lies reeking havoc in the world by corrupting the good, darkening hearts and opposing truth.
• Through Satan, sin exists as the opposite of the God-way and as the corruption of every good thing.
• God is Love, and though One in substance, is best revealed through the love of the Trinity as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• God’s love desires to be known, and thus God has revealed himself.
• God is revealed first through the creation, which testifies to the Creator and is studied to understand truths that hold the world together.
• God is revealed through the Word spoken to his chosen people Israel through the prophets and later through the Apostles. These words are studied to understand
• God’s character and moral demands and to take captive every thought before God.
• God is revealed most clearly through the special revelation of His Son, Jesus Christ--who was begotten, not made, of the Father and His exact representation.
• Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, and is fully God and fully man at the same time demonstrating no divide between sacred and secular.
• Jesus lived a perfect life while teaching all humankind how to live like Him through his words, his walk and his witness concerning his Father. To imitate Jesus is to live the God-life.
• Salvation can only be found through Jesus Christ; and participation by baptism into his death, burial and resurrection affords by grace both forgiveness of sin and the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
• The mystery of all ages is revealed in me through my baptism into Christ, which has both clothed me in Christ and revealed me as a New Creation, “Christ in me, the hope of glory.”
• Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father ruling over all creation; he hears our prayers and advocates for us to the Father through the Spirit. Jesus will return again to judge the living and the dead.
• The church is the visible and spiritual representation of Jesus Christ in the world. The only hope for redemption of humankind comes through participation in this community of saints.
• Baptism, the Lord’s Supper and the proclamation of the infallible Word of God (the Bible) are “graces” given to the church to administer and safeguard. The church is God’s last best hope for the world and one cannot fully participate in the “Kingdom of God” apart from this community.
• Once saved by grace through faith, followers of Jesus live as disciples, “learners,” striving to grow in the image of Jesus through Jesus’ own spiritual practices like study, prayer, service, worship, evangelism and charity.
• Disciples converge under various “pathways” of discipleship often called “denominations”; each denomination is an expression of what a group of disciples consider “best practices” for living the “Christ-life.” Within all these denominations there are faith-filled followers of Jesus, and my life desires unity with them upon essentials, liberty on non-essential and in all things charity.
• My own religious heritage grows from a branch of churches known as the “Restoration Churches” and finds its denominational rooting among Church of Christ disciples who view: believer’s baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sin, weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper, biblical inspiration, simplicity in worship, the priesthood of all believers, autonomy of congregations and the free-will of individuals to choose some good as key markers of discipleship.
• As I view my place in the Kingdom I affirm that God is over all; Jesus is exalted in all; and the Holy Spirit is our guide in all things. My family will be whole-hearted disciples of Jesus regardless of what others do; Truth will be relentlessly pursued; the Christ-life will be constantly nurtured; and all people of moral fiber, character and integrity are welcome in our home and lives regardless of nationality, gender or religious persuasion.
   

Lipscomb University’s continuing education in Bible, ministry and spiritual leadership. This joint venture of Church Services, Bible & Ministry and Lifelong Learning offers graduate-level instruction as a personal continuing education. Texts and readings will be assigned weekly, but no tests will be given. Students may choose to complete a final paper to demonstrate competency if desired. All classes run for 5 weeks from 6:30-8:00 pm unless otherwise noted. View session details below.

• Classes “make” at 20 students so invite your friends to join you!

• Classes “cap” at 35 students so don’t delay!

• Cost per course is $125

Resuming Group Life After a Captivity

Coronavirus Resources

Starting a Good Samaritan Fund

Policy and Guidelines

Printable Lesson Plans 

• "The Great Debate: The Sinner's Prayer and Believer's Baptism"
• CHRISTeens Covenant

Best Hiring Practices for Churches 

• Initial Phone Interview Questions
• Taking the Perspiring Out of Hiring
• Releasing an Employee the Right Way

Institute for Christian Spirituality

The Institute for Christian Spirituality helps guide your explorations of faith, so you can deepen your connection with Him and live His word gracefully, intentionally, and courageously every day.

Hazelip School of Theology

Interested in ministry?  Want to dig deeper into your faith? Intending to pursue a career in chaplaincy, youth ministry, or theology? The Hazelip School of Theology offers seminary studies leading to the M.A.C.M., M.T.S., M.Div., and D.Min. degrees. Each degree allows you, the student, to design a flexible degree track that combines spiritual formation with rigorous scholarship. Our diverse student body enriches the classroom environment while our solid faculty further enhances the seminary experience.

With the Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Master of Arts in Christian Ministry programs, Hazelip School of Theology is a place where a respected seminary degree is also a deep spiritual experience - all in the heart of Music City!

Hazelip School of Theology is an accredited member of The Association of Theological Schools.

Journal of Biblical Integration in Business

The Journal of Biblical Integration in Business has published "Success in Spite of Ourselves: Violation of Sabbath Rest in Contemporary Culture" by Laura Morrow, Christopher H. Thomas, & W. Scott Sager. 

In today’s culture, many people believe success is linked to good behavior. Likewise, the Pharisees viewed righteousness as the path to success, and they regarded rule-keeping, including rules of the Sabbath, as the outward manifestation of righteousness. We postulate their strict adherence to rules may have, in fact, precluded them from experiencing the true blessings God associated with keeping the Sabbath holy. We explore the intended meaning of Sabbath-keeping and its benefits while discussing opposing views of Sabbath violation in contemporary culture. We highlight the consequences of failing to uphold the Sabbath and suggest that any success encountered in doing so is likely temporary and in spite of our behavior rather than due to it.

Read the article here.

Summer Celebration

Engaging speakers from around the globe gather every summer on Lipscomb’s campus, bringing powerful and relevant messages for leaders, parents, families, and children to encourage and equip their worldview in Jesus Christ and to find Him in a unifying CORE of faith and practice to navigate the turbulent culture wars ahead.

Daily sessions offer instruction and insight on a variety of topics, including spiritual formation, church leadership, marriage & family, evangelism, and today's economic challenges. Summer Celebration is for kids and teens too! Children as young as 6 months and as old as high-school seniors are offered nurturing, faith-building programs to deepen and inspire their walk with God. The whole family can be involved in faith-building, then enjoy a wonderful fireworks show at the conclusion of the event.

Weekend Seminars

Lipscomb has many offerings when it comes to educating others, both spiritually and academically. We are honored to share this wealth of talent and resources with churches and organizations. Church Services can be directly involved in working with your church for a seminar or leadership consulting. Contact Scott Sager for more information at scott.sager [at] lipscomb.edu (scott[dot]sager[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) and see how we can assist with your church's needs collectively or one-on-one with your leadership staff.

Coronavirus Resources

* "Starting a Good Samaritan Fund"

• Monday classes: Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Oct. 7 with John Mark Hicks
  • “Job, Suffering and Faith”
    • Description:  The book of Job is sometimes described as a "dramatic lament." There we see a faithful believer speak to God and respond to friends as Job struggles to understand what has happened to him and what it means. This class will discuss the nature of faith as it endures suffering, seeks the meaning of suffering, and protests the existence of suffering. When we read Job with empathetic eyes, perhaps we can sit with Job on the ash-heap, ask God questions, and wait for God's response in faith.
    • Text: Assorted readings. Mainly reading the book of Job.
    • Bio:  John Mark has taught in higher education among churches of Christ for over thirty-seven years. He has published a number of books and articles as well as taught in 20 countries and over 40 states.  John Mark began studying Job when he lost his first wife to death in 1980 and intensified his study after the death of his son in 2001.  He is married to Jennifer, and they have five living children and six grandchildren.
• Tuesday classes: Sept. 3, 10,17, 24, Oct. 1 with Leonard Allen 
  • “Christian History Made Simple” 
    • Description: Christian history of the past two thousand years is rich and complex. Knowing its contours can help us understand where we are in our spiritual journeys and navigate our experiences in today’s faith communities. In these five weeks, we will see why early Christians were persecuted, how the rise of state churches created “Christendom,” why the Protestant Reformation changed the whole Christian landscape, where the Restoration Movement fits in this story, and why Christianity today is entering another period of momentous change. 
    • Text: Various readings
    • Bio: Leonard Allen serves as dean of the College of Bible & Ministry at Lipscomb. He taught theology, ethics, and philosophy at the graduate and undergraduate level for over twenty years. He holds a PhD in History of Christian Thought from the School of Religion at the University of Iowa, and is the author or co-author of ten books, including his most recent book Poured Out: The Spirit of God Empowering the Mission of God (2018). 
• Thursdays at Spark Cool Springs Sept. 5, 12, 19 and October 3 with Rubel Shelly
  • Note these classes run from 6:30-8:30 pm for 4 weeks
  • “Plato: Why People Still Read Him”
    • Description: Plato is the great genius in the western tradition of philosophy. Find out why Plato is so significant by reading some of his early dialogues for yourself. Wrestle with the questions he raised. Make friends with his teacher and mentor, Socrates.
    • Text: The Trial and Death of Socrates: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito and Phaedo. Rev.Ed. (Translated by Benjamin Jowett.) Los Angeles: Enhanced Media Publications, 2017. [On-demand paperback / about $5.00]
    • Bio: Rubel Shelly has read, taught, and written from the body of Plato’s work throughout his academic career. As you read Plato, you will find out why Rubel enjoys his work -- and thinks you will too.

Register

• Wednesday meetings could be: Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13 and 20 with Mark Black 
  • “Reading & Interpreting the Bible for Today”
    • Description: How can ordinary Christians use the best tools to better interpret the Bible? With a little know-how and confidence, any educated person can understand most all of the Bible (consulting scholars on occasion). We will also discuss the difficult task of how to apply biblical teachings in the very different cultural world in which we live today.
    • Text: How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth, Fee & Stewart
    • Bio: Mark Black was raised in Alabama and Georgia, and he went to college at Freed-Hardeman. He then earned master’s degrees at Harding and Princeton and a PhD at Emory. He has preached and ministered for churches in Atlanta, Louisville, and Nashville. He now teaches New Testament at Lipscomb and has three grown daughters and six grandchildren.
• Thursday classes at Longview Mansion: Oct. 24, 31, Nov. 7, 14 and 21 with Earl Lavender
  • “The Church: Missional Living & Missional Understandings”
    • Description: Much is being said about the declining growth rate in most churches. In our ever-changing culture, the idea of reaching out with the Good News of Jesus seems to be increasingly difficult. Might it be that the world is as receptive as ever – with the problem being in Christians lack of preparedness to share the Gospel? This class will explore the call of God for all believers to pursue God’s mission in the world. It will challenge individuals and churches to reconsider their approach to God’s mission as well as equip them with biblically-based guiding principles for a hopeful future of outreach.
    • Text: Various readings; extensive annotated bibliography provided with class.
    • Bio: Born and raised to missionary parents in Italy, Earl completed his undergraduate studies at David Lipscomb. Married to the former Rebecca Nance, they planted churches in Italy and domestically. Earl completed his masters at Lipscomb, and received a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Saint Louis University. He has directed missional studies at Lipscomb since 1999, teaching undergraduate, graduate and doctoral courses. He continues to work with churches in Italy and throughout the world, encouraging them to embrace their missional call. Rebecca and Earl have been blessed with happily married children and six amazing grandchildren.
• Thursdays at Spark Cool Springs October 24, 31; November 7, 14 with Rubel Shelly
  • Note these classes run from 6:30-8:30 pm for 4
  • “Medical Ethics: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”
    • Description: The true story of Henrietta Lacks raises several central issues in medical ethics. How does culture influence the practice of medicine? How did the current rules of medical practice evolve? What are the guiding principles of medical ethics? What are your rights in health care settings?
    • Text:    Rebecca Skloot. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. New York: Broadway Books, 2011. [Paperback / $12-$15]
    • Bio: Rubel Shelly has taught medical ethics at Vanderbilt, Lipscomb, TSU, and Rochester College. He has served on the ethics committee of a hospital and counseled countless patients on these topics. This course will deal with personal autonomy, patient rights, end-of-life issues, and other current topics in health care.

Register