#Occupy Empire: Anabaptism in God’s Mission

Session V is a series of three Lectures (Note: David Stutzman’s presence in the first lecture is via Skype)

Matthew Krabill and David Stutzman present on “Empire: The Mission Frontier of the Church.”  Matthew Krabill currently lives in Pasadena, CA, and is a doctoral candidate at Fuller Theological Seminary where enjoys studying immigration, global Christianity and Anabaptist theology.  David Stutzman works and lives in Los Angeles and is finishing up his MA in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.  He and his wife, Rebekka, serve in youth ministry at Maranatha Christian Fellowship, Northridge, CA.  Along with their newborn son, Immanuel, they hope to return to Europe one day (where Rebekka is from) to promote church renewal and mission. Matthew and David are both graduates of Eastern Mennonite University.

Josh Brockway presents on, “Tactical Asceticism: Transformation in the Fissures of Empire.” Josh is the Director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren, located in Elgin, Illinois.  Josh is also a doctoral candidate in Church History at the Catholic University of America.  His research focuses on the ascetic movements of the 5th and 6th centuries.  He is the current Book Review Editor and Blog Editor for Brethren Life and Thought.

Nathan Hershberger presents on “Power, Authority, and Renewal: The Concern Movement, Paul Peachey, and the Fragmented Institutionalization of Mennonite Life.” Nathan is a senior History and Philosophy/Theology major at Eastern Mennonite University.  He was born in Managua, Nicaragua and grew up in Harrisonburg, Va.  He is married to Kaitlin Heatwole.

Conference planners Brian Gumm and Aaron Kauffman describe the conference in this way:

“Anabaptism at its best has been a series of attempts both to live into God’s in-breaking occupation and to faithfully occupy the empires of this fallen age, signaling the shalom to come. Anabaptists have gone about this work by imaginatively patterning their worship and witness after the New Testament communities of Jesus. Come explore ways in which the Anabaptist tradition can help inspire faithful occupation in today’s world. Interdisciplinary academic presentations will be infused with worship and testimonies to open our minds and spirits to where God is calling us into mission in the midst of empire.”