Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Congregational Leaders Institute

Sunday, August 5 - Thursday, August 9, 2012 • Bay View, Michigan

The Congregational Leaders Institute is a renewal and study opportunity for pastors and other leaders who seek to have a week of reflection, learning and interaction with inspirational and provocative educational and faith leaders. The Institute is sponsored by Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in cooperation with the Bay View Religion Department.

                                        Rev. Dr. Mark Fowler                 Rev. Dr. James Harnish 

Will the Center Hold? Seeking Gravity in a Polarized Culture      

Is there a center of gravity that will provide stability in the tug and pull of our polarized culture? Can the central affirmations of the faith draw us together rather than push us apart? Paul’s letters to the Corinthians may provide an answer.

The 2012 program features Rev. Dr. James A. Harnish, Senior Pastor at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida since 1992. The author of numerous books, Bible studies, and articles, Harnish has served as a leader in The United Methodist Church both on the local and global level. Harnish has been a member of the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church since 1974.

Returning to Bay View for a second year is Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler, Associate Professor of Congregational Leadership and Director of the Institute for Transformative Leaders and Communities at Garrett-Evangelical. An expert in church leadership, Fowler has been instrumental in the development of numerous workshops and programs for ministers all over the world, including Garrett-Evangelical’s joint program with Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Plus.