"I'm Open to Jesus, but I Hate the Church"
Workshop Description:
Deconstruction of Christian faith seems all the rage today. Little wonder, in view of Church misconduct and many cultural changes. We have to rethink the meaning of Jesus’ Incarnation in our world for today… all of us. But how do we do this in a strategic way to deconstruct and intentionally reframe Christian life without descending into dissipation? This session is aimed not so much at developing an apologetic argument as providing practical ways to help those questioning Christian faith navigate today’s troubled waters.
Jack Gabig has long been a student of culture, always looking the world through two lenses at the same time the cultural and the theological. During his undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh he spent several years abroad training in French and Spanish business translation. Near the end of his undergraduate career he had a profound Christian faith encounter with the Scriptures and fell in love with the Lord through them. He began working with young people in his local Parish and began studies at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA. After graduation and ordination in 1995 he served for eight years as an Assistant Rector at the Church of the Ascension, Pittsburgh overseeing student ministries and foreign missions. In 2002 He moved to England, to undertake Ph.D research at King’s College, London and served as a Chaplain at New College, Oxford. He completed his Ph.D. in 2007, exploring the role of popular culture (film in specific) in the religious lives of American teenagers.
Fr. Gabig is Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Trinity School for Ministry, Ambridge, PA. He also serves as an affiliate faculty member of Nashotah House Seminary, Wisconsin. Additionally, over the course of ten years he Chaired of the Committee for Catechesis of the Anglican Church in North America which recently produced the new Anglican Catechism for adults To Be a Christian.
His research interests are concerned with issues of ancient creedal faith lived out in contemporary contexts, focusing on catechesis, popular culture and mission in North America.