Engaging Faith and Culture
A speaker series from Concordia Lutheran Church Kirkwood
Join us for a speaker series focusing on how Christians can engage faith and culture in today’s world. There is no cost to attend. Each speaker will present at Concordia Lutheran Church from 7:00-8:30 p.m., which includes Q&A. This event is open to everyone so invite friends and neighbors.
While hope is a universal trait that can bridge the gap between Christians and the "spiritual but not religious," two conflicting assumptions—that Christian hope is either entirely unique or completely identical to others'—can hinder meaningful connection. By moving past these assumptions, Christians can shed false certainty and learn to walk both humbly and confidently alongside others. Join Rev. Dr. Mike Zeigler, Rev. Matt Peeples, Pastor Dave McGinley, and Rev. Geordie Denholm for panel discussion on this topic.
This presentation explores the critical intersection of homelessness, healthcare, and reentry in St. Louis by highlighting the challenges individuals face when transitioning from hospitals or jails without basic resources. Drawing on personal volunteer experiences and the local "Three Steps Home" program, it emphasizes how community and faith-based support can create vital pathways toward stability, healing, and hope. Following a presentation by Debra Wiens, Matt Miller will moderate a panel discussion featuring Rev. Chris Shearman, Stephanie Wormleighton, and Warren Hayden.
This presentation explores how engaging with poetry and scripture can deepen personal reflection, foster community, and enrich spiritual practice. By demystifying the medium, Rev. Dr. Tim Saleska, Rev. Dr. Travis Scholl, and Dr. Abram Van Engen will demonstrate how poetry serves as an "art of attention" that attunes our hearts to the world and connects us more deeply to the Creator.
While Christians hold diverse views on climate change, there is a strong scriptural foundation in Genesis and Christian tradition for environmental stewardship. This presentation by Douglas Wiens and Rev. Dr. Charles Arand examines the scientific evidence of human-induced climate change and explores how the Christian community can faithfully respond in alignment with Christ's teachings.
