Streaming 2012

“I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice,” June 18-20, 2012
Registration begins Jan. 1, 2012.

Registration fee—Before April 30, $185, after May 1 $200

“Go and learn what this means” Jesus urges, “’I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” Christian communities of hospitality—missional churches—take this admonition, and the learning that goes with it, seriously. This year’s Streaming conference invites participants deeper into the missional life of “mercy, not sacrifice.”

Presenters

No biblical scholar has helped students realize the far-reaching implications of the way of mercy more than Walter Brueggemann. His work has noted clearly the creative tensions between the themes of justice and purity as they appear throughout the biblical testimonies. His passionate and compelling voice calls us to honor a God whose way with the world is centered in justice and mercy.

While this call is clear, it is a way that has to be learned. This is due in part, according to psychologist Richard Beck, because we have strong psychological impulses toward maintaining boundaries around notions of purity. We desire, it seems, sacrifice, not mercy at a very primal level. Beck brings a lively voice, exhibited in his recent book, Unclean, to the discussions of what it means to be missional communities.

Greg Stevenson’s work as a New Testament scholar is not limited to historical sketches of the world that produced the Bible. He is also very interested in the world that receives the text. Because of this interest, Greg is a keen observer of themes in the cultures around us, and an interpreter full of rich insight. Greg will be tracing with us the theme of mercy through Matthew’s gospel.

Streaming is committed to the notion that faithful interpretation of biblical texts is a full-sensory enterprise. We don’t interpret the text at a safe remove from the world, but precisely through our deep engagement with creation. And we let artists lead the way. We have many exciting things in the works for this year’s Streaming, which we hope to announce soon. At this point, we can announce that Nashville singer/songwriter Caryl Parker has agreed to perform for us again this year.

Dallas based Cuban /American artist, Rolando Diaz, believes art is the expression of life. Everything we see, feel, touch, smell and hear, in one way or another, become part of the images expressed on the canvas. It is this thought that becomes the basis for the work of this Fine Artist. Born in Havana, Cuba , to a Cuban immigrant businessman who fled an oppressive Communist regime, Diaz learned early that there are those who will go through life with little or nothing they can call their own. Touched by this thought, the artist has traveled to many countries to personally experience what poverty truly is. In so doing, he has been in active in raising awareness and funds for those in need.

Mike Cope’s writing and speaking have shaped the hearts and imaginations of Christians for nearly thirty years. For the better part of his ministry life, Mike did this while serving churches, including 18 years at the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, TX. Currently he is leading a non-profit ministry for young adults called “What Really Matters,” teaching 300 freshman about Jesus each semester at Abilene Christian University, and preparing to become Director of the Pepperdine Bible Lectures and Pepperdine University.

Sara Barton teaches religion and composition courses at Rochester College. She especially enjoys teaching Introduction to the Christian Faith, a required course for all Rochester College students. Sara’s teaching is informed by experiences as a member of a church-planting team in Uganda and her studies in spiritual formation. Sara’s book A Woman Called is coming in May 2012. She and her husband John have two teenagers, Nate and Brynn.