• James E. Hightower was the editor of Proclaim Magazine in the Church Administration Department of the Sunday School Board. The lecture begins with James Hightower being introduced as the conference lecturer (00:00-02:37). Hightower lays out the topics of his lecture (02:38-05:13). In his first topic, Hightower walks through the Christian liturgical calendar year, and he argues that preaching around the events of Jesus’ ministry is beneficial for the church (05:14-25:07). In his second topic, Hightower gives a method of preaching through the Bible chronologically (25:08-30:39). In his third topic, Hightower gives a method of preaching through the civil and denominational calendar, and he says that calendars are a great way to know in advance what the topic or sermon text will be for Sundays throughout the year (30:40-46:02). Hightower opens for questions, and the first question is about the benefits of using a lectionary (46:03-50:22). The second question is about spiritual growth through using the lectionary, and the lecture ends with Hightower giving a word of thanks to the audience (50:23-52:12).
Richard Loren Hester was Professor of Pastoral Care and Psychology of Religion. The service begins with an announcement on the symposium of ministerial authority, and a word of prayer is given (00:00-02:02). The speaker reads from Mark 10:35-45 (02:03-03:50). Hester speaks about seduction in ministry and how it is not always connected to sex, but it is more often found in the desire of heroism (03:51-30:04). The audience is given the opportunity to ask questions on Hester’s message (30:05-31:15). The first question deals with the difficulty of loving everyone like Christ (31:16-36:09). The second question deals with understanding a good side of seductive power (36:10-38:46). The third question deals with locus of authority (38:47-40:47). The fourth question deals with idea of seeking to meet our own needs (40:48-42:27). The fifth question deals with the issue of caring for pietistic members and the expectations of being heroic (42:28-45:21). The final question deals with issue of self-justification (45:22-49:36).
John H. Westerhoff was Professor of Religion and Education at Duke University and an Episcopal priest. The service begins with a reading from John 1 and a word of prayer (00:00-01:20). John H. Westerhoff, III is introduced as the Spring Lecturer (01:21-02:48). Westerhoff begins his lecture by stating his addressing issues of the context and process of catechetics, and he addresses the issue of faith as perception (02:49-14:36). Westeroff’s first point is faith, and its perception is tied to the community (14:37-21:49). Westerhoff second point is about the community of faith, and the five criteria of community are a common memory, common vision, common rituals, common norms, and common life together (21:50-44:30). Westerhoff concludes his lecture with a story of a baptism in a church in Latin America (44:31-49:59). The service ends with a word of prayer (50:00-50:31).