The following two themes are the most often requested for keynote addresses, workshops, educational events, and retreats. Each can be crafted to work for shorter or longer events. General audiences will find “Christianity for the Rest of Us” more accessible; clergy and leadership audiences will benefit from events based either topic. Diana uses a variety of story-telling, traditional teaching, and video presentation formats.
Inquires about Diana's availability, schedules, and event planning should be directed to Linnae Peterson at linnae@dianabutlerbass.com.
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Also based on a book of the same name, this workshop is geared toward mainline Protestant church leaders—both lay and ordained. In these events, we explore the changes that have had an impact on mainline churches and the ways in which vital congregations are responding to cultural change as a way of renewal. Within the larger topic, we look at the need for structural and spiritual change, issues of tradition (the definitions and uses of tradition in congregations), the practices that make for congregational renewal, and the larger setting of cultural, political, and social justice commitments in mainline congregations.
Diana has spoken on topics related to American religious history, religion and politics, and leadership. Specific themes may be requested.
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Building from Diana’s book, Christianity for Rest of Us, events around this topic are geared toward a variety of audiences—spiritual seekers, churchgoers, and people generally interested in contemporary religious practice. Whether individual addresses or workshop settings, content can cover three general areas:
Why is religious practice changing?
Explores and explains the development of postmodern culture and the challenges of these shifts to the practice of religious faith communities.
How is it changing?
Looks at the emerging emphasis on practice-centered Christianity as a way of faith (instead of belief-centered Christianity) and the specific practices that are revitalizing congregations.
Where is all this going?
What is the point of all this? Where might this kind of Christianity take us? We can get beyond “navel-gazing” Christianity toward a kind of faith that transforms our selves, our congregations, and God’s world. |
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