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November 10 – 12

The vision of Rosedale Bible College (RBC) is to be a center for the advancement of an engaged and evangelical Anabaptist faith. An outgrowth of this vision has been the Evangelical Anabaptist Symposium series, developed to explore issues related to the two streams of faith that have historically fed this community: evangelicalism, with its emphasis on evangelism and Biblical commitment; and Anabaptism, with its Kingdom understanding and its focus on an active faith guided by the ethics and example of Jesus and his apostles.

Finding Community in a World Torn Apart

Research shows that Americans are more socially isolated than ever before. With the proliferation of electronic media, increased patterns of mobility, the breakdown of the family unit, and a societal bent toward individualism, many people in our society, and even in our churches, find themselves sadly alone. Yet the hope-filled message of Christ is one of mutual love and commitment. The concept of "community" has long guided the Anabaptist family of faith, framing the context in which we believe faith is to be lived out. Yet as we contemporary Anabaptists have begun to emerge from our ethnic homogeneity, we have struggled with finding relevant and effective models for fostering deep and meaning communities of faith.

Come join us as we explore together how to bring community to a world torn apart. What is the biblical basis for understanding "community"? Are there lessons that modern-day Anabaptists can learn about "community" from our faith heritage? What challenges are we facing as we try to build genuine community in our churches? How can we extend our community of faith to the disenfranchised and spiritually lost around us? What are some contemporary models of Christ-centered community in action that may guide our thinking?

See Registration Information, examine the Schedule, or download the brochure.

Speakers

Ronald J. Border pastored a Methodist church before serving with the U.S. Army Security Agency in Berlin, Germany. He became a conscientious objector, left the military, and joined the Amish-Mennonite group in Ohio. In 1984-85, Ron served as a missionary in France with his wife Ruth and their four children. He now ministers at Calvary Chapel Amish Mennonite (Beachy) in Louisville, Ohio.


Chris Jones has served as dean of students at RBC since 2007. He earned his M.C.S. from Regent College and a Th.M. from Columbia Theological Seminary, and has served the church for 20 years in pastoral and youth ministry positions. Chris lives in Rosedale, Ohio, with his wife Amber and their five children.



Shirley and Wilbur Miller are both RBC alumni. Shirley received a B.S.N. from Goshen College and a master s from Liberty University. Wilbur also graduated from Goshen and earned a master s in general theology from Columbia International University. The Millers worked in the Middle East for 17 years and currently live in an intentional community (with an international flavor) in Columbus, Ohio.

Keith Wasserman serves people who struggle with homelessness and poverty in rural Appalachia. Keith grew up in a Jewish home and began Good Works, Inc. in 1981 as an expression of his new-found faith in Jesus. Today, Good Works continues to connect people from all walks of life with people struggling with poverty so that the kingdom of God may be experienced. Keith is a graduate of Ohio University and lives with his wife Darlene and their son Timothy in Athens, Ohio.


President of RBC since 2005, Dan Ziegler has served for three decades in church, mission and ministry leadership. He and his wife Wendy joined the Mennonite church in the mid-80s, having been drawn by the Anabaptist expression of community. Dan has a B.S. from Eastern Mennonite University, and a master s from Thomas Edison State College; He is completing a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.



Schedule

Thursday, November 10
6:00–7:00 pm Registration in the Chapel Lobby
7:00 pm Building Community & the Mission of God — Chris Jones
8:30 pm Snack & fellowship
Friday, November 11
7:30–8:45 am Breakfast
9:15 am Sharing Community with the Least of These — Keith Wasserman
Coffee break
10:45 am Extending God s Love Through Community — Wilbur & Shirley Miller
12:00–12:45 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Round Table Discussions & Workshops: Session I
Break
3:30 pm Round Table Discussions & Workshops: Session II
5:00–5:45 pm Supper
6:30 pm Community in Anabaptism: Lessons for the Journey — Ronald J. Border
8:00 pm The Case of the Frozen Saints — A short play, directed by Christa Wolf and performed by the RBC Fall Drama Team.
Saturday, November 12
8:00–8:45 am Continental breakfast
9:00 am Community & the Simple Church
Coffee break
10:30 am A Seeker's Reflection on the Ties That Bind — Dan Ziegler
12:00–12:45 pm Lunch & Departure

Registration

You may register online, or by telephone (call 740-857-1311). The fee is $95 per person ($25 is non-refundable), due with registration, and includes all meals and events. The fee for registrations received after October 31 is $115.

For lodging assistance, please review our list of area hotels. Some space may also be available on campus. Inquiries about campus housing may be directed to Twila Weber.