Schedule
Academic scholars from across the country and around the world will gather to explore the theme, Curating Community: Recovering our Connections in a Divided World. An exciting lineup of featured speakers is planned as well as paper presentations, panel discussions and more.
CSC 2025 Schedule
Thomas H. Olbricht Christian Scholars’ Conference
June 4 – 6, 2025
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TX
Wednesday, June 4
All day
- Information Desk and Registration, Location: Hunter Welcome Center (HWC)
- Book Signings/Exhibitors, Location: Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) Atrium
- Coffee and Beverage service
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Registration Packet Pickup; Location: Hunter Welcome Center (HWC)
1 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Opening ceremony, Location: Culp Theatre, Williams Performing Arts Center (WPAC)
- Welcome: Robert Rhodes
- Frank and Della Pack Plenary: Shirley Hoogstra, with Linda Livingstone, Phil Schubert, and Gerald Turner
3 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Concurrent Session Slot #1, Location: designated rooms in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) and the Mabee Business Building (MBB)
- Session 1 Breakouts:
Curating Community Through Shared Stories
- Convener: Jack Shock, Harding University
- Speakers:
- Hailey Pruett, Harding University
- Kendal Escue, Harding University
- Alexa Bowman, Harding University
- Jack Shock, Harding University (Respondent)
Digital Discipleship in an AI-Driven World: Navigating Faith and Ethics in the Age of Technology
- Convener: Scott Hamm, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- James Prather, Abilene Christian University
- Trey Shirley, Abilene Christian University
- Brad East, Abilene Christian University
- Scott Hamm, Abilene Christian University
- Wade Ashby, Howard Payne University
- Berlin Fang, Saint Augustine University
- Myles Werntz, Abilene Christian University
Formation and Imaging in Contemporary Missiology
- Convener: Greg McKinzie, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Ariel Marie Bloomer, Saskatoon Church of Christ
- Alan Howell, Mission Resource Network
- Mac Ice, Abilene Christian University
- Laura Callarman, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
Healthcare and Human Dignity: Curating Community in an Ethics Initiative
- Convener: Garrett Smith, University of Dayton
- Speakers:
- Nathan Guy and David E. Smith, Harding University
- Rubel Shelly, Harpeth Hills Church of Christ
- Layne Keele, Samford University
- Kraig Martin, Harding University
Major Book Review: For Everything There is a Season by Jack Scott
- Convener: James Wiser, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Jack Scott, California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
- James Wiser, Abilene Christian University
Major Book Review: Richard Beck's The Shape of Joy: The Transformative Power of Moving Beyond Yourself
- Convener: Claire Davidson Frederick, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Cliff Barbarick, Abilene Christian University
- Marsha Vaughn, Adler University
- Steven Moore, Abilene Christian University
- Amy Nichols Boone, Abilene Christian University
- Rachael Milligan, Abilene Christian University
- Richard Beck, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
Should I Stay or Should I Go?: Fostering Change From Within and From Without
- Convener: Scott Billingsley, UNC Pembroke
- Speakers:
- Micki Pulleyking, Missouri State University
- Heather Gorman, Johnson University
- Karen Fletcher Smith, Writer and Artist
- Shannon Rains, Lubbock Christian University
- Naomi Walters, Rochester Christian University
- Amy E. Bost, Chaplaincy, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
- Kathy Pulley, Missouri State University (Respondent)
- Loretta Hunnicutt, Pepperdine University (Respondent)
Spiritual Formation in an Age of Technology: Challenges and Opportunities
- Convener: Tiffany Dahlman, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Sara Barton, HarperCollins Publishing
- Angela Reed, Truett Seminary at Baylor University
- Christopher Cobbler, Abilene Christian University
The Theology of Practice
- Convener: Tim Sensing, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby, Abilene Christian University
- Mason Lee, Abilene Christian University
- Tim Sensing, Abilene Christian University
- Karen Cooke, Minter Lane Church of Christ, Abilene, Texas (Respondent)
4:45 p.m.-6:15 p.m.
Concurrent Session Slot #2, Location: designated rooms in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) and the Mabee Business Building (MBB)
- J.J.M. Roberts Lecture: Victor Matthews. Location: William Teague Classroom, Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) 114
- Session 2 Breakouts:
Becoming The Church: Formation of Identity and Spirituality in the Stone-Campbell Movement
- Convener: Corey J. Markum, Freed-Hardeman University
- Speakers:
- Douglas A. Foster, Abilene Christian University
- Mac Ice, Abilene Christian University
- Nathaniel Wiewora, Harding University
- Stacy L. Patty, Lubbock Christian University (Respondent)
Identity, Rhetoric, and Divine Encounters
- Convener: Jeff Childers, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- James E. Walters, Rochester Christian University
- Ethan Laster, Saint Louis University
- Tera Harmon, Abilene Christian University
Mission History and World Christianity
- Convener: Jeremy Hegi, Lubbock Christian University
- Speakers:
- Omar Palafox, Abilene Christian University
- Frank Obeng Essien, Heritage Christian University
- Paul Chimhungwe, Kgolagano College of Theological Education
- Gina Zurlo, Harvard University (Respondent)
Reclaiming the Forgotten Transcendental: Possibilities for a Reconversion to Beauty
- Convener: Leslie Erin Reed Senter, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Gary S. Selby, Emmanuel Christian Seminary
- Tessa L. Davidson, Harding University
- Mac Sandlin, Harding University
- Leslie Erin Reed Senter, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
The Legacy of Landon Saunders: Christ-Shaped Ministry for a Post-Christian World
- Convener: Claire Davidson Frederick, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Ronnie McBrayer, Senior Pastor, A Simple Faith Church, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
- Candace Nicolds, Senior Minister, Brookline Church of Christ, Brookline, MA
- Seth Bouchelle, Director of Equipping, Exponent Group, NYC
- Jared Mayes, Preaching Minister, Southside Church, Rogers, AR
The Pedagogy of Kenosis in Creation
- Convener: J. Scott Self, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- J. Scott Self, Abilene Christian University
- Christopher Cobbler, Abilene Christian University
- Abigail Thompson, Duke University
Adaptable for Life: Old Testament Pedagogy
- Conveners: Kilnam Cha, Abilene Christian University; Kevin Youngblood, Harding University
- Speakers:
- Anessa Westbrook, Harding University
- Nathan Bills, Heritage Christian University
- Dan Oden, Harding University
- Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby, Abilene Christian University
Understanding Paul
- Convener: Richard Wright, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Christopher R. Hutson, Abilene Christian University
- Jeff Peterson, Harding School of Theology
- Nicholas J. Zola, Pepperdine University
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Dinner, Hunter Welcome Center (HWC), McCaleb Conference Center Zones A-C
- Landon Saunders Lecture on the Human Being: John Barton
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Film Screening, Black Farmers in Search of Justice. Location: AT&T Theatre, Hunter Welcome Center (HWC)
Thursday, June 5
All day
- Information Desk and Registration, Location: Hunter Welcome Center (HWC)
- Book Signings/Exhibitors, Location: Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) Atrium Coffee and Beverage service
7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
- Breakfast, Location: World Famous Bean, McGlothlin Campus Center (MCG)
7:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m.
- CSC Board Meeting, Location: Dean's Conference Room, Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) 204
8:15 a.m.-8:45 a.m.
- Worship: Led by David Kneip, Location: Chapel on the Hill, Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB)
9-10:30 a.m.
- Session Slot #3, Location: designated rooms in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) and the Mabee Business Building (MBB)
- Van Rheenen Lecture on Mission and World Christianity: Gina A. Zurlo, Location: William Teague Classroom, Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) 114
- Session 3 Breakouts:
Children as Image Bearers in Congregational Worship
- Convener: Shannon Rains, Lubbock Christian University
- Speakers:
- Shannon Rains, Lubbock Christian University
- Ron Bruner, Editor, Discernment: Theology and the Practice of Ministry
- Jennifer Schroeder, Abilene Christian University
- David Kneip, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
- Dana Kennamer, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
Hermeneutics of Unity in and after Scripture: Genesis 11:10–25:11
- Convener: David Stark, Faulkner University
- Speakers:
- Mark Hamilton, Abilene Christian University
- Rafael Rodríguez, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
- Mark Sneed, Lubbock Christian University (Respondent)
- Christopher Hutson, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
Hymns and Worship
- Convener: Matt Roberson, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Matt Roberson, Abilene Christian University
- Randy Gill, Lipscomb University
- Joshua Bell, Chalice Resources
Major Book Review: Brad East's The Church: A Guide to the People of God
- Convener: John Kern, Pepperdine University
- Speakers:
- Greg McKinzie, Abilene Christian University
- Nick Cumming, Pepperdine University
- Ron Highfield, Pepperdine University
- Brad East, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
Major Book Review: Courage in the Sheer Silence: Challenging Racism in 20th-Century Churches of Christ
- Convener: Jason Fikes, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Joel Anderson, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Tanya Brice, Saint Martin's University
- Edward J. Robinson, Texas College
- Wes Crawford, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
Preaching Beauty and Beautiful Preaching: Homiletics and Aesthetics in Conversation
- Conveners: Matthew Love and Mason Lee, Harding University and Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Matthew Love, Harding University
- Christopher Kearney, Windsong Church of Christ, North Little Rock, AR
- Milca Rivera, Baylor University
Teaching 2025: Content, Method, and Innovation
- Convener: Russell Dabbs, Lubbock Christian University
- Speakers:
- Donita Brown, Lipscomb University
- Joseph Manga and Julius N. Esunge, Abilene Christian University and University of Mary Washington
- Joshua Watson, Oklahoma Christian University
The Future of Churches of Christ: Unity and the Path Forward
- Convener: Keith Stanglin, Center for Christian Studies
- Speakers:
- Scott Adair, Harding University
- Rubel Shelly, Harpeth Hills Church of Christ, Brentwood, TN
- Keith Stanglin, Center for Christian Studies and Harding School of Theology
Prophet, Priest, and The Once Future King: Christian Theology and Arthurian Legends
- Convener: Mac Sandlin, Harding University
- Speakers:
- Anthony Rosselli, University of Dayton
- Jonathan Singleton, Harding University
- Hailey Pruitt, Harding School of Theology
10:45 a.m.-noon
- Hooper Plenary: Octavio Esqueda and Benjamin Espinoza, Location: Culp Theater, Williams Performing Arts Center (WPAC)
12:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m.
- Lunch – Location: The World Famous Bean, McGlothlin Campus Center (MCG)
- Special Ticketed Lunch Honoring Larry Long (must preregister) – Location: Hunter Welcome Center (HWC), McCaleb Conference Center
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
- Session Slot #4, Location: designated rooms in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) and the Mabee Business Building (MBB)
- Session 4 Breakouts:
Being a Philosopher in the Stone-Campbell Movement- Convener: Derek Estes, Pepperdine University
- Speakers:
- Frederick Aquino, Southern Methodist University
- William Perrin, Georgetown University
- Charles Duke, University of South Florida
Communication and Community
- Convener: Caren Fullerton, Lubbock Christian University
- Speakers:
- Tyra Edmond, George Fox University
- Laura Phillips, Abilene Christian University
- N. Lamar Reinsch and Paul N. Reinsch, Georgetown University (Emeritus) and Texas Tech University
Exploring Puzzling New Testament Concepts
- Convener: John Harrison, Oklahoma Christian University
- Speakers:
- Zane McGee, Abilene Christian University
- Ron Cox, Pepperdine University
- John Boyles, Abilene Christian University
Feminist Readings in Art and Literature
- Convener: Greg Straughn, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Tiffany Yecke-Brooks, Portland Seminary
- Carisse Berryhill, Abilene Christian University
- Lana Lockhart, Spelman College
Imagining All Generations: A Renewed Vision for an Intergenerational Church
- Convener: Wilson McCoy, Independent Scholar
- Speakers:
- Wilson McCoy, Independent Scholar
- Holly Catterton Allen, Lipscomb University
- Valerie M. Grissom, Independent Scholar
Retrospects and Prospects about Reading for Unity in Genesis 1:1–11:9
- Convener: David Stark, Faulkner University
- Speakers:
- Daniel Oden, Harding University
- David Stark, Faulkner University
The Challenges of Christian Mentorship in the Experiential Learning Setting
- Convener: Kenneth Pybus, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Karley Adrion, Abilene Christian University
- April M. Fatula, Harding University
- Kenneth Pybus, Abilene Christian University
The Future of Catechesis of the Bible in Churches of Christ
- Convener: Kipp Swinney, Baylor University
- Speakers:
- Carl Flynn, Baylor University
- Lauren Smelser White, Lipscomb University
- Tim Spivey, Pepperdine University
- Brad East, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
The Theological Loci of Christology
- Convener: John Kern, Pepperdine University
- Speakers:
- Ethan Laster, Saint Louis University
- Chance Juliano, Southern Methodist University
- John Kern, Pepperdine University
3:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
- Session Slot #5, Location: designated rooms in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) and the Mabee Business Building (MBB)
- Session 5 Breakouts:
Book Review - Recent Releases in Old Testament Studies
- Conveners: Kilnam Cha, Abilene Christian University; Kevin Youngblood, Harding University
- Speakers:
- Kevin Youngblood, Harding University
- Kilnam Cha, Abilene Christian University
- Daniel Oden, Harding University
Civil Rights: The Black Farmers Movement
- Convener: Wes Crawford, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Waymon R. Hinson, USDA Coalition of Minority Employees and Justice for Black Farmers Group
- Robbie Hutchens, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
Coaching in Higher Education: Creating Connections and Community
- Convener: Andrea Bishop, Harding University
- Speakers:
- Andrea Bishop, Harding University
- Kevin Kehl, Harding University
- Jim Miller, Harding University
- Rigel Page, Harding University
- Andrea Morris, Harding University
Creative Writing in the Academy
- Convener: Micah Heatwole, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Micah Heatwole, Abilene Christian University
- Steven Moore, Abilene Christian University
- Matt Byars, Lubbock Christian University
Early Career Scholars in the Theological Disciplines
- Convener: Chance Juliano, Southern Methodist University
- Speakers:
- Xorah Cole, Emory University
- Eli Randolph, University of Notre Dame
- Spencer Shaw, Lumberton Church of Christ, Lumberton, TX
Education: Connectivity and Outcomes
- Convener: Brad Lemler, Howard Payne University
- Speakers:
- Caren Fullerton and Joshua Sauerwein, Lubbock Christian University
- Mark Phillips, Abilene Christian University
- Katie Wolfe-Burleson, Anderson University
Imagined Communities: Literature and Spiritual Formation
- Convener: Jon Singleton, Harding University
- Speakers:
- Eric Bontempo, Abilene Christian University
- Greg Laing, Harding University
- Rachel Gould, Pepperdine University
Leading Together: Building Bridges with the Next Generation
- Convener: Audra Pleasant, Harding University
- Speakers:
- Amy Cox, Harding University
- April Fatula, Harding University
- Kathy Helpenstill, Harding University
- Jaime Murphy, Harding University
Major Book Review: Richard T. Hughes and Christina Littlefield, Christian America and the Kingdom of God
- Convener: Robert E. Williams, Pepperdine University
- Speakers:
- Kelly Elliott, Abilene Christian University
- James L. Gorman, Johnson University
- Stanley Talbert, Pepperdine University
- Christina Littlefield, Pepperdine University (Respondent)
Owing and Belonging: How Debt Cultivates Community
- Convener: Cliff Barbarick, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Andrew Sutherland, Pepperdine University
- Katie Wick, Abilene Christian University
- Derek Estes, Pepperdine University
- Cliff Barbarick, Abilene Christian University
5:00 p.m.-6:15 p.m.
- Abraham Malherbe Plenary: Beth Allison Barr, Location: Culp Theater, Williams Performing Arts Center (WPAC)
6:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
- Dinner: An Evening of Food and Fission, Location: Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center (DEC). This unique event will be held at the campus-based site of the nation's first molten salt university research reactor and the first new nuclear reactor approved in the U.S. in the last 40 years. Conference participants will be able to tour the facility, learn more about this new source of energy and medical-grade isotopes, and enjoy an evening of "food and fission" in the central research bay. This space will be permanently closed to the public after this conference.
7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
- John T. Willis Plenary: Scenes from The Dutch Lady, Location: Culp Theater, Williams Performing Arts Center (WPAC)
Friday, June 6
All Day
- Information Desk and Registration, Location: Hunter Welcome Center (HWC)
- Book Signings/Exhibitors, Location: Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) Atrium Coffee and Beverage service
7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
- Breakfast, Location: World Famous Bean, McGlothlin Campus Center (MCG)
8:15 a.m.-8:45 a.m.
- Worship: Led by David Kneip, Location: Chapel on the Hill, Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB)
9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Session Slot #6, Location: designated rooms in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building (BSB) and the Mabee Business Building (MBB)
- Session 6 Breakouts:
Curating Community in the Church and Academy
- Convener: Heather Gorman, Johnson University
- Speakers:
- Falon Barton, University Church of Christ, Malibu, California
- Rachel Collins, Abilene Christian University
- James L. Knapp, Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Alejandro Ezquerra, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
Ethics: Markets, Innovation, and Vocation
- Convener: Donita Brown, Lipscomb University
- Speakers:
- Janice Hauge, University of North Texas
- Brad Lemler, Howard Payne University
- Roy Luo, Houston Christian University
Frontiers of Imagined Communities: Literature, Music, and Artificial Intelligence
- Convener: Jon Singleton, Harding University
- Speakers:
- Hannah Diles, Harding University
- Nancy Posey, Lipscomb University
- Grant Testut, Oklahoma Christian University
- Heath Rosser, Oklahoma Christian University
- Chris Rosser, Oklahoma State University
Icons of the South: Wendell Berry
- Convener: Sara Barton, HarperCollins Publishing
- Speakers:
- Brooks Blevins, Missouri State University
- Nate Barton, University of California-Riverside
- Kathy Pulley, Missouri State University
- Steven Moore, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
Identifying the Rewards and Joys of DEI Leadership
- Convener: Stephanie Hamm, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Stephanie Hamm, Abilene Christian University
- Anthony Williams, Abilene Christian University
- Jennifer Butcher, Abilene Christian University
Issues in Contemporary Missiology
- Convener: Christopher Flanders, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Renee Rheinbolt-Uribe, Stellenbosch University
- Mark Love, 1528 Collaborative
- Daniel A. Rodriguez, Pepperdine University
- Greg McKinzie, Abilene Christian University (Respondent)
Major Book Review: Raymond Carr's Theology in the Mode of Monk: An Aesthetics of Barth and Cone on Revelation and Freedom
- Convener: Claire Davidson Frederick, Abilene Christian University
- Speakers:
- Tanya Smith Brice, Saint Martin's University
- Angela Sims, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School
- Dwayne Stallworth, Author, Lecturer, and Independent Scholar
- Raymond Carr, Research Associate, Moses Mesoamerican Archive, Harvard University; Director, Codex Charles H. Long Papers Project; President, Society for the Study of Black Religion (Respondent)
Nature, Geography, and Neurology - Recent Research in the Sciences
- Convener: John Lewis, Lipscomb University
- Speakers:
- Dwayne Simmons, Baylor University
- Christiano Bittencourt Machado and Igreja Plena Icaraí, Niterói & Centro Universitário Unilasalle – Niterói – Brazil
- Finney Premkumar, University of Birmingham (UK)
- Joshua M. Brokaw, Gisela E. Guerrero, Ana Rodriguez, Amy C. Osborn, Jessica T. Edo, Yourim Cho, Abilene Christian University
Theologies and Philosophies of Family and Community
- Speakers:
- Tim Bench, Hendrick Medical Center
- Wendell Willis, Abilene Christian University
- Pearson Yoram Nhayo, Virginia Theological Seminary
Theology at the Nexus of World, Church, and Human Need: Contributed Papers in Practical Theology
- Convener: Jack B. Holland, Emmanuel Christian Seminary
- Speakers:
- Heidi Morris and Bradley Steele, Abilene Christian University and University Church of Christ, Abilene, TX
- Nathaniel J. Bishop, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Edward Williams, Columbia International University
- Jack B. Holland, Emmanuel Christian Seminary (Respondent)
11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Fred Gray Plenary: Robert George and Cornel West, Location: Culp Theater, Williams Performing Arts Center (WPAC)
12:15 p.m. -
Closing Lunch (Grab and Go Boxes), Location: Adam and Donna Hester Lobby, Williams Performing Arts Center (WPAC)
