ICS: Courses and Retreats
Alden Bass, Ph.D.
Discover Augustine: A Four-Week Online Introduction
Led by Alden Bass, Ph.D.
Thursdays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26 • 6:30–7:30 p.m. (CT) • via Zoom
About the Course
This February, join Hazelip School of Theology professor Alden Bass, Ph.D., for a 4-week course exploring the life and teachings of St. Augustine, one of the most influential voices in Christian history. We'll trace Augustine's restless and passionate journey to God and his profound insights into love, community, and the life of faith. Each week, we'll engage a central theme—discovering how his ancient wisdom continues to illuminate the path of Christian spirituality and discipleship today.
Session Themes:
- February 5: Restless Hearts: Augustine's Journey to God
- February 12: Love's Source: The Trinity and Divine Life
- February 19: Bound by Love: Augustine's Vision of Church
- February 26: Two Cities, Two Loves: Augustine's Political Vision
Course Details
Price
$100 for four sessions.
Lipscomb faculty and staff: email ics [at] lipscomb.edu (ics[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) for a $40 discount code.
Location
Online via Zoom
About Alden Bass
Alden Bass, Ph.D., is the Koonce Distinguished Professor of Bible and Ministry at Lipscomb University, where he specializes in early Christianity. A scholar and translator of Augustine's works, he brings both academic expertise and pastoral experience to his teaching. Dr. Bass has served churches in Missouri and Oklahoma, and currently preaches at the historic Lindsley Avenue Church in downtown Nashville.
Surprising Gifts: How Loving the Poor Connects us with Jesus
Led by John Grant, D.Min.
Thursday, March 5, 6:00–8:30 p.m. & Friday, March 6, 8:00–11:30 a.m. (CT) • In-Person Event
About the Course
Some might see Spiritual Formation as out of reach. Surprising Gifts shows how befriending the poor can deepen love for Jesus, the church, and the community. The course draws on relational poverty alleviation practices from When Helping Hurts and offers perspectives and practical ideas for helping neighbors in need.
Join us for:
- A "Poverty Dinner" on Thursday evening: experience what it's like when resources are distributed unevenly
- Conversation on why people in poverty often feel unwelcome at churches and how we can become more hospitable and compassionate communities
- Practical guidance on how to serve neighbors in need in ways that honor dignity and avoid unintentionally causing harm
- Formation in recognizing our own spiritual poverty and our continual need for God's grace and healing presence
Course Details
Price
$60
Lipscomb faculty and staff: email ics [at] lipscomb.edu (ics[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) for a $30 discount code.
Location
Lindsley Avenue Church of Christ, 3 Lindsley Ave., Nashville, TN 37210
About John Grant
John Grant, D.Min., is the founder of Compassionate Hands, an interdenominational network of churches that offers winter shelter and year-round services to neighbors in need of housing in Wilson County. The 2025–2026 winter season is their 13th year to serve.
In 2025, John became a full-time Spiritual Director with Standing Stone Ministry, providing coaching and confidential care for Christian leaders. Since 2017, he has trained Spiritual Directors with Lipscomb's Institute for Christian Spirituality.
John earned degrees from Lipscomb University and Abilene Christian University, including a Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Leadership. He served in congregational ministry for 30 years. Living in Lebanon, Tennessee, since 2005, John and his wife, Amy, have three married daughters and three grandchildren.
ICS Book Club: Sacrament of the Present Moment
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 • 6:30 to 8 p.m. (CT) • via Zoom
About the Course
Are you desiring to experience more of God in the ordinary moments of your life? Join the Institute for Christian Spirituality for its Cultivate Online Book Club on Nov. 4 to discuss the book "The Sacrament of the Present Moment" by Jean-Pierre de Caussade, a timeless spiritual classic that invites us to encounter God in the ordinary and embrace His will moment by moment. Together, we'll discuss, reflect and share about the art of living with peace, trust, and attentiveness to the holy right in front of us. Jodi Thomas, spiritual director and ICS staff member, will lead the book club.
The online meeting occur 6:30 to 8 p.m. CT via Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent in the registration confirmation email.
Event Details
Price
$25 per person. Registration required by Nov. 3.
Lipscomb faculty and staff: email ics [at] lipscomb.edu (ics[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) for a $10 discount code.
Location
Online via Zoom
Capacity
This event is limited to 25 participants.