ETREK LEARNING GROUPS

Etrek Learning Groups: Peer-to-peer learning groups of approximately 14 learners and a facilitator. These unique learning groups meet face-to-face at the beginning and end of the 6-month series to meet each other, develop the topics to be explored, and celebrate learnings. In the intervening months, the group members participate in facilitated group phone conferences with experts or authors in the agreed upon subjects. Peer-to-peer phone conferences are used to further explore the topics being discussed. For each subject there will be a reading list, and members will be able to capture and share their learnings and ideas via Etrek’s online webtools. Graduate credit is available.

MORE>>>

SPEAKING

Conference Speakers & Panelists: Storytelling has become the most powerful communication tool of this generation. Etrek’s seasoned speakers create highly interactive experiential learning environments.

TOPICS

Metaphors of Emergence
The metaphors of the modern church were based in linear, analytical thinking. For instance, churches were named "First Presbyterian Church of Houston." You understood their ranking, their theological dogma, and their geographic location. In the emerging church, names like "Solomon’s Porch," "The Bridge" or even "Scum of the Earth" are the post-modern equivalents. They elicit story and evoke a spiritual truths like wisdom and community. In this workshop, come and explore the world of metaphors of the emerging language of the Church. When metaphor shifts, power shifts. When power shifts, control shifts. When control shifts, motivation shifts. When motivation shifts, involvement shifts. We’ll enter into a lively discussion that is sure to engage, enrage, and inspire.

Models of Emergence
Whether it’s church structures, seminary courses, or communication methods, everything about the Church has changed or is beginning to change. Take advantage of this opportunity to hear the real-life adventures of a person who is involved in the un-packaging of these traditional institutions. Get the behind the scenes stories and statistics of the successes and failures of TheOoze, Soularize and Etrek. Learn about credible new trends in experiential learning settings that have seminaries investigating their future. Learn how resource development and sharing through web-based initiatives have influenced the publishing world. Find out why curriculum-driven conventions are taking notice of collaborative gatherings where dogma, theology, or seven-step strategies yield to open dialogue that transcends traditional boundaries like liberal and conservative, or Catholic and Protestant to embrace being missional and Kingdom-oriented.

SPEAKERS

Spencer Burke - creator of TheOoze.com, a website dedicated to the "conversation for the journey" of the emerging Church and her leadership. He hosts an annual event, Soularize: A Learning Party, which is a cooperative gathering of traditional and non-traditional theologians, church planters, artists and musicians. He recently launched Etrek -- experiential learning groups, integrating face-to-face, on-line, and peer-to-peer curriculum based in real-time, real-world topics. Spencer is no stranger to established church ministry, having been on various pastoral staffs for 22 years. During his last stint of 8 years at Mariners Church in Irvine, California, he had a front row seat and a pivotal role in growing the church from 800 to 10,000 people, the merging of two mega-churches, and creative staff development. He also played a key teaching role for their start-up Saturday night service. Currently, Spencer is on the Board of Elders at Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California, where he’s experienced the joys and sorrows of balancing truth and grace during the release and restoration of the lead pastor.

SPENCER'S STORY>>>

Cultural Concierges provide you with information and resources for ministry in the emerging culture.

Relational Guides come alongside you at events, onsite or via phone conferences, allowing you greater entrance into the conversation of the emerging church.

Experience-Based Consulting is just that - we have real-life learnings to draw on and share.

For more information or for booking please email Spencer or call 949.631-0104

PHOTOGRAPHIC MEDITATIONS

Photographic Meditations: As a part of Spencer's spiritual journey he has learned that the window into his soul is his photography. Others journal, sit in reflective silence or drink deep from the well of great works. For Spencer, God breathes into the world all around him and he captures these sacred moments as prayers, expressions, acknowledgements and meditations that he experiences.

You are invited to relax, reflect, feel and sense God in these impressions of the spiritual fingerprints all around us everyday.

COMMING SOON>>>