The Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary offers workshops, seminars, and free public events for those interested in learning from nationally-known experts in a variety of topics that will enhance your personal faith life and your leadership in the church.

Check out these events coming up in the winter/spring of 2015 (all events are on the Richmond campus):

• The Mid-Atlantic Korean-American Pastors Continuing Education features Dr. Chun-Hoi Heo speaking on the topic, “Theological Method for Korean Preachers and Scholars in the 21^st”  This workshop, which takes place February 23-25, will help you discover a multi-cultural understanding of the historical Jesus, in an effort to raise spiritual leaders for the next generation.  This event is part of the Asian American Ministry Center.  Cost:  $100 for pastors, $150 for couples.

• The Dawe Lecture on Thursday, February 26, features Dr. John Thatamanil, associate professor of theology and world religions at Union Theological Seminary in New York.  The lecture, which is FREE, is called “Caged Chickens or Free-Range Chickens?  Can Christian Theologians Fly the Coop to Learn from Other Religious Traditions?” An intriguing title and topic for those interested in the relationships between people of various world religions as we struggle to live together in peace.  Registration is not necessary for this event, which begins at 7:30 p.m.  For those who can’t attend in person, the Dawe Lecture will be streamed live on http://union.live.org

• The Carl Howie Center for Science, Art, and Theology event takes place on Monday, March 2.  Dr. Steffan Lösel, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia, will present his work on Mozart and Theology.   This event will take place in two parts, a free lunch followed by a seminar and conversation entitled, “May Such Great Effort Not Be in Vain:  Mozart on Divine Love, Judgment, and Retribution” from noon to 4:30 p.m. (the seminar begins at 1:30), followed by an evening lecture at 7:30 p.m. entitled, “Mozart: Catholic Enlightenment in a Musical Key.”  Both events are FREE, and will be streamed live on  http://union.live.org.  Registration is required for the afternoon part of this event.

• John Roberto, nationally known speaker, writer, and consultant, leads a workshop March 9-11 on “Vision and Practice of 21^st Century Faith Formation.”  The workshop is designed to help develop a connected, networked model of lifelong faith formation.  Those interested in Christian education and formation in the church and in other settings will be inspired and energized by Dr. Roberto and this workshop.  Cost:  $195 ($150 if you register by February 6)

• Board of Pensions Workshops:  Leaders from the PCUSA Board of Pensions will lead two workshops:  Post-Retirement Workshop on March 18, and Growing Into Tomorrow . . . Today, a workshop to help to plan for mid- to late-career plan members to prepare for retirement March 19-20.  These workshops are FREE (except for a $12 charge for lunches each day). Register for one or both!

• “Staying Fresh in a Long Small Church Pastorate,” is geared for pastors of smaller congregations who are in, or envision being in, a long-term pastorate.  Chris Stewart, who served the same two churches in Ohio since 1978, will share his experience and will offer suggestions for creating healthy boundaries and for keeping your message and ministry relevant and interesting.  This workshop, March 24-26, is offered at a special low cost due to the generous grant from the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Cost:  $130 ($95 if you register by February 16)

• Everyone called to be a leader in the church is a model for others, personally and corporately, in the area of financial discipleship.  “Called to be Stewards:  Embracing our Leadership Roles” uses the theological concepts of abundance, generosity, and hospitality to help leaders in living and sharing the message of responsible stewardship.  Meets April 13-16 with leaders Diana Barber, Associate Synod Executive for Leadership Development, and David Crittenden, PCUSA teaching elder and director of stewardship for the Presbyterian Mission Program.  Cost:  $250 ($195 if you register by March 2)

• Reformed Theology:  For Christian educators seeking PC(USA) certification, for those working in the educational ministries of the church, and for those in any denomination wishing to learn more about reformed theology, this hybrid course begins with online and at-home work on March 23.  Students completing the at-home portion then come to campus April 21-23 for additional face-to-face work with Dr. James Brashler, professor emeritus of Bible at Union Presbyterian Seminary.  This course fulfills the requirements for educator certification in the PC(USA), but is open to all.  Cost:  $295.

Check out the website at www.upsem.edu/leadership_institute for more information and to register for any of these events.