Examen is an annual conference focused on exploring dynamic theological topics and providing practical resources and tools for contextualized ministry.

This October, we will be exploring Intersectional Theology as a way to explore the integrated and overlapping cultural and social realities that impact and shape our theological and ministerial experiences. At the 2024 Theology & Ministry colloquy, we will be spending intentional time exploring the intersectional theological issues of racial justice and climate justice.

Our distinguished guest and featured keynote for this colloquy is Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim. Dr. Dr. Kim is Professor of Theology at Earlham School of Religion. Kim is the author or editor of 22 books, including Intersectional Theology. Grace has appeared on PBS, BBC, MSNBC, C-Span, and more. She was included in the Englewood Review of Book’s list of “Ten Important Women Theologians That You Should Be Reading”. Sojourners recently included Dr. Kim as on of “8 Christian Women Shaping the Church in 2023”. Grace’s presence and insights are sure to inspire meaningful discussions and exploration of this critical subject. For more of Dr. Kim’s bio click here or view her substack here.

What is Intersectionality & Intersectional Theology?

Examen – An Annual Theological & Ministerial Conference

Schedule

Friday, October 11	Event	Location
4-6 p.m.	Registration Open	Temple Foyer
7 p.m.	Opening Session with Keynote address from Dr. Kim	Sanctuary
9 p.m.	Closing
Saturday, October 12	Event	Location
8 a.m.	Coffee, Snacks, & Fellowship	Temple Foyer
9 a.m.	Morning Devotion	Temple Sanctuary
9:30-11:30 a.m.	Keynote Lecture & Workshop with Dr. Kim	Temple Sanctuary
12 p.m.	Book Signing with Dr. Kim	Upper Temple Foyer
12 p.m.	Lunch	(TBD)
1 p.m.	Prayer for Peace	Temple Sanctuary
1:45-3 p.m.	Breakout Session 1	Various
3:15-4:30 p.m.	Breakout Session 2	Various
5 p.m.	Dinner	(TBD)
7 p.m.	Evening Experience	Temple Sanctuary
Sunday, October 13	Event	Location
8 a.m.	Coffee, Snacks, & Fellowship	Temple Foyer
9 a.m.	Hymn Sing of Justice	Temple Sanctuary
10:45 a.m.-12 p.m.	Closing Worship with Sermon from Dr. Kim	Temple Sanctuary

Examen Presenters

More presenters will be announced soon!

Racism, The Church: We are not what we once were, but we are not yet what we are called to become Dr. Lewis attended Drake University, received his teaching degree, and started teaching in the Des Moines Public Schools. Over the next few years, he completed an MSE, a SPEC, and a doctoral degree in administration and counseling from Drake University. Shortly after retirement he began working with an intercity non-profit organization, Children and Families Urban Ministry. He serves the Community of Christ Church as a Graceland University Board of Trustee and Community of Christ Standing High Council member. He has provided workshops and sessions on parenting, classroom discipline, diversity, and Cultural competency.

An Open Letter to Straight White Males Dr. Frizzell received a PhD from Chicago Theological Seminary. Dr. Frizzell teaches ethics, theology, and religion courses. He has taught on contemporary theology and culture, the life and writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., God and sexuality, and consumerism. He asks, teaches, professes and explores the questions that make human lives and life together possible.

Human Dignity: The Context of Intersectionality Debbie has been a mediator with CCR since 2004 and Mediation Coordinator since August 2009. Debbie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Human Services, with minors in German Language and Psychology. Currently she works primarily with neighborhoods and several Restorative Justice court diversion programs. She completed her Master’s Degree in Restorative Justice at Eastern Mennonite University in May 2018, which has expanded her skills and understanding as she helps people in families, neighborhoods and in the workplace work toward peaceful solutions to conflict. One of Debbie’s goals in the processes she facilitates is to help people uphold dignity for themselves and others to transform communication between differing opinions and perspectives.

Featured Guest Dr. Kim has appeared on PBS, BBC, MSNBC, C-Span, and more. She was included in the Englewood Review of Book’s list of “Ten Important Women Theologians That You Should Be Reading”. Sojourners recently included Dr. Kim as on of “8 Christian Women Shaping the Church in 2023”. Grace’s presence and insights are sure to inspire meaningful discussions and exploration of this critical subject.

God In All Things: IntersectionalTheologies as a Framework for Christian Discernment Dr. Katie Harmon-McLaughlin is a Spiritual Director and Formation Ministries Director for Community of Christ. She is faculty for Community of Christ Seminary. Dr. Harmon-McLaughlin received her Doctor of Ministry in Spiritual Leadership from San Francisco Theological Seminary in 2024. She also received a post-grad certificate in Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Leadership from Pnuema Institute.

Seeking the Spacious God: Trinity and the Intersection of Closing Borders and Weaponized Boundaries Dr. Chvala-Smith is an Associate Professor of Religion and Paul E. Morden Seminary Chair of Religion at the Community of Christ Seminary at Graceland University. Dr. Chvala-Smith teaches seminary and undergraduate courses in theology, the Bible, and the History of Christian Thought. He recieved a BA from Central Michigan, MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a PhD from Marquette University.

Climate Impact on Global Security Dr. Anderson received his D.Min in Missional Theology and Spiritual Formation at Hazelip School of Theology, Lipscomb University. David has served as a full-time field minister with Community of Christ since 2006, with responsibilities as a pastoral and administrative field officer and director of human resources in Europe and the United States. Previous, to his church career, he retired as an air force colonel serving 30 years. During his career, he served as an operational fighter pilot, diplomat, international affairs officer, strategic planner for global issues, and operations policy advisor to the US Ambassador at NATO.

Intersectionality & Mestizaje Bio coming soon.

Registration Costs:

Early bird registration: $150.00 through June 1, 2024
Regular registration: $175.00 – June 2 – August 1, 2024
Late registration: $200.00 – August 2 – Oct. 1, 2024
Student Registration: $50
Streaming Registration (online only): $50

For those that can’t join us in-person, we will be offering a streaming option for the 3 main sessions of the conference. The streaming registration will get you access to a link to join us virtually for:

1. 1. Friday Night Opening Session with a Keynote from Dr. Kim
  2. Dr. Kim’s Saturday Morning Session
  3. Closing Worship featuring a Sermon by Dr. Kim.

To register, click the link, select your event ticket(s) and follow the prompts.

How can we help you?

Community of Christ Seminary

seminary@graceland.edu

123.123.1234

1401 W. Truman Road
Independence, MO 64050