News & Events
Karem Fellowship Event:
Last week, a group of faculty from across the country joined with dedicated professionals for an enlightening and rejuvenating retreat that blended innovation with vocational renewal. From August 12-14, the Karam Fellowship, in partnership with the Beeson International Center for Biblical Preaching and Church Leadership, hosted a transformative event focused on exploring how to innovate in our vocations without succumbing to burnout.
The retreat began on Monday, August 12, with a welcoming dinner that set the stage for deep connections and meaningful conversations. That evening, participants enjoyed a discussion panel on the future of theological education, featuring seasoned professionals and academics. This session delved into pre-conference survey results and addressed critical questions about innovation in the field.
Tuesday offered a deeper exploration, starting with a thought-provoking session led by Christina Bieber Lake, the acclaimed author of The Flourishing Teacher: Vocational Renewal for a Sacred Profession. Her insights provided a foundation for the day’s journey to Berea, KY, where attendees immersed themselves in the rich history and innovative spirit of Berea College. Through tours, discussions, and moments of reflection amidst Berea’s artisan village and peaceful hiking trails, participants drew inspiration from how faith and mission have shaped educational excellence there—and how these lessons apply to their own work.
The retreat concluded on Wednesday with another engaging session led by Christina Bieber Lake, followed by a reflective discussion on practical next steps. Participants explored how they could apply what they’d learned about innovation and flourishing to their own vocations. The retreat wrapped up with a closing lunch, leaving everyone not just with new ideas, but with a renewed sense of purpose and energy.
This event was more than just a gathering—it was a powerful opportunity to reimagine vocation in a way that balances creativity and sustainability. Those who attended left inspired and ready to bring new energy to their work.
Grant Proposals:
As part of the Beeson Center’s 2024 relaunch, the Center would like to invite Asbury Theological Seminary faculty, staff, and current students to submit a grant proposal for research or a project that aligns with the mission of the Center “to empower flourishing leaders for a flourishing global church.” Grants will be awarded up to $5,000 for individuals or up to $10,000 for a proposal that correlates among schools. The Center intends to cast this as a broad net in the first year, encouraging proposals that aim at subjects such as:
- developing excellence in preaching and/or teaching
- innovative use of technology in ministry
- preaching to or reaching a particular audience
- co-vocational ministry leadership – opportunities and challenges
- innovations in church and mission
- other topics related to the Center’s mission
Proposals should be presented as an abstract of approximately 500 words in a Word Document and sent to beeson.center@asburyseminary.edu. Proposals should include the statement of the need, research methods, impact, and evaluation methods. The proposal should also include the financial request, the projected budget, the project timeline, and the deliverables that will come as a result of the project. The proposal should be submitted by September 30, 2024. All project proposals will be peer-reviewed by the Beeson Center leadership team. Notification of awards will be made by October 30, 2024. The completion of the grant work should be accomplished by June 1, 2025. The research or project will be presented at a Fall 2025 seminary event.
Preference will be given to proposals that forward the mission of the Beeson Center, are collaborative, and include a robust practical application for preaching, leadership, and innovation.
Discovery Groups:
As part of a new initiative from the Beeson Center, discovery groups are being organized to assess potential resources for preachers. The Center is undertaking multiple discovery groups with preachers to listen and better understand: 1) the areas in which preachers feel they need to develop and improve their craft and 2) the types of resources that would be most beneficial for preachers to serve the Church in the next season best. The development of future preaching resources will explore and cultivate the power of preaching to transform communities by transforming congregations.
If you are interested in being in a discovery group, please email beeson.center@asburyseminary.edu to find out how you can lend your voice to this important initiative.