My colleague, Dr. Laura Van der Velden, will be presenting a paper entitled, “Becoming Some Things to Some People: An Interdisciplinary Appeal for ‘Boundaries’ in Ministry” at our next Biblical and Theological Studies Symposium.  Laura teaches in our counselling department, but is formally trained as a theologian, having written her PhD on theological methodology in the work of Karl Barth and Stanley Hauerwas.  She is, therefore, uniquely positioned to bring some crucial clarity and insight to this important topic.  For a while, I’ve been somewhat uncomfortable with the language of “boundaries,” but have also recognized the need for pastors to have greater clarity about their vocation in order to avoid burnout.  So, I’m very much looking forward to hearing what Laura will have to say about this topic.  Another of my colleagues, the always perceptive Dr. Joshua Coutts, will offer a response to the paper.

The event will be held on Thursday, October 27 at 12:00 pm CST in the Howison Room in the Student Life Center at Providence.  It will also be open to participation from those at distance via Zoom.  For more information and to register for this free event visit:  BTS Symposium – Providence University College and Theological Seminary.