Valuing Many Points of View

I rely on a range of editors for my writing—not just for proofreading, but for their unique perspectives. Whether it's a clergy colleague who experiences racism and sexism in ways I don’t, a professor friend knowledgeable about graduate school applications, a layperson preventing theological-jargon-overload in my sermons, or a Catholic ethicist offering an outsider's view on my Wesleyan moral theology, each editor helps me see beyond my limited perspective.

This is one reason why I prioritize inclusion in our office's core values: PTS Continuing Education is Collaborative, Hospitable, Inclusive, and Strategic. Diverse voices in our educational events help us appreciate other perspectives and experiences while strengthening our own.

Value 3: CE is Inclusive

PTS is a diverse community of adaptable learners and leaders, both lay and clergy. Here, everyone is welcomed and affirmed with respect to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, ability, sexuality, theological convictions, and creed. The full diversity of humanity and of the church is acknowledged, valued, celebrated, and reflected through our themes and topics, speakers and presenters, and faculty and staff providing leadership. We seek to offer academic scholarship rooted in a variety of theological convictions, denominational affiliations, religious beliefs and practices, and contexts for ministry, because we learn best when we engage in honest and authentic conversations across difference.

Creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard has the power to break down barriers and build stronger communities. Furthermore, exposure to diverse viewpoints challenges participants to reflect critically on their own beliefs, often leading to greater clarity and conviction.

We invite you to contribute your unique perspective to our CE programming. Whether by adding your own voice during an event or suggesting improvements for the future, your input helps us better celebrate diverse identities and experiences. E-mail ConEd@pts.edu to share your ideas.

Peace,
The Rev. Erik Hoeke
Director of Continuing Education
McNaugher 211
412-924-1346
ehoeke@pts.edu

Only One Week to Go!

Henderson Leadership Conference with Dr. Diana Butler Bass

Faithful Resistance: Choosing Christ Over Empire

Sept. 22-24, 2024
In Person and Online

Join us Sept. 22-24 for this year’s Henderson Leadership Conference, led by Dr. Diana Butler Bass and the Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade, for timely, inspiring lectures and workshops full of strategies for ministry amid political and theological divisions. Join us in person or online!

Conference Highlights

▪	Three lectures with Dr. Diana Butler Bass*

▪	Two workshops with the Rev. Dr. Leah Schade

▪	Participatory art installation on campus

▪	Optional trips to the Maxo Vanka Murals in Millvale

Free Public Lecture with Dr. Diana Butler Bass: Sept. 23, 7:00 p.m.*

NOTE: In-person registration closes Mon., Sept. 16 at midnight! Online registration remains open until the event begins.

*These lectures will not be recorded and must be seen in real time. They will not be available at a later date.

Love Anyway Feast

Nov. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Hosted by Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, JCC Center for Loving Kindness, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and the Turkish Cultural Center of Pittsburgh, gather for a potluck meal on the Friday after the election in a space where everyone is heard, known, valued, and loved.

Register now.

Elsewhere in the Neighborhood

Mission in the Margins: Lessons and Practices from the Global Church, Oct. 11-12, 2024, In-person and Online

Mental Health First Aid Training, Oct. 22, 2024, In-person

PTS News and Resources

Master’s and Doctor of Ministry Virtual Information Sessions

Are you or someone you know discerning a call to do God’s work in the world? Or looking to rejuvenate their call and foster sustained theological exploration? Join the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary community Sept. 17 (doctor of ministry) or Sept. 19 (master’s and certificates) for upcoming online information sessions to learn about the Seminary’s academic programs. During the 60-minute Zoom sessions, participants will explore our master’s and certificate programs or our doctoral degrees and the financial aid opportunities available to students. Learn more.

Continuing Education is part of the PTS Neighborhood Collaborative, which includes the Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry, Continuing Education, Faith Forming Families Network, Kelso Museum of Near Eastern Archaeology, Metro-Urban Institute, Miller Summer Youth Institute, and World Mission Initiative. Together, in their respective and collective work, these programs foster vocational discernment, co-learning, and transformative action for the common good by connecting diverse neighbors locally and globally.