On April 24th, we hosted the 8th annual Carver Conversation titled: “A Balm in Gilead: Shared Grief and Healing in Faith Community,” featuring Dr. Nii Addy (Albert E. Kent Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology at Yale School of Medicine), Dr. Lydia Dugdale (Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of the Center for Clinical Medical Ethics at Columbia University), and chaplain Joon (J.S.) Park. 

This conversation, moderated by Christi Brandenstein (MAC, LPC, and Executive Director of CrossRoads Counseling), engaged the difficult topic of mental health and loss, and the toll it takes on society, community, and healthcare providers. What does “on earth as it is in heaven” look like when a community is reeling from a sudden loss, a crisis, or caretaker burnout? When Jesus is our promised “balm in Gilead” how do we share that hope when all feels hopeless? 

J.S., Dr. Dugdale, and Dr. Addy shared practical ways we can love each other through loss and grief, and how we can become a stronger community when we lean into some of life’s most painful realities—all the while claiming the hope of the resurrection.

A discussion between Jessica Hooten Wilson, Francis Su, and Phil Vischer, moderated by TCP Faculty Fellow, John Hendrix.

Jesus’s ministry showed strikingly little interest in political influence, cultural power, and simple solutions. His mission seems to stand in direct contrast with many of the priorities of the modern world, both inside and outside the church. It can be challenging to understand how, exactly, we are called to be ‘salt’ and ‘light.’ Our panelists will discuss how we can inhabit a healthy Christian identity in the church, the university, and the greater world. The discussion will span across art, math, literature and contemporary issues, illuminating the many facets of the question: What does a faithful presence look like in our world today? 

Panelists included Trillia Newbell (author and senior director of acquisitions at Moody Publishing) and Daniel Nayeri (author of Everything Sad is Untrue and Newbery Honoree The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams). While Phil Vischer (writer, speaker, filmmaker, creator of VeggieTales) was unable to attend, he hopes to join The Carver Project for another dialogue soon.

Moderated by TCP Faculty Fellow John Hendrix, New York Times Bestselling illustrator and author of many children's books, including Shooting at the Stars, Drawing is Magic, John Brown: His Fight for Freedom, Miracle Man: The Story of Jesus, The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler.

TCC 2023: GRACE & TRUTH IN THE DIGITAL MEDIA AGE

Christine Emba, Columnist for The Washington Post specializing in ideas and society

David French, Opinion writer for The New York Times

Nona Jones, Author and global thought-leader at the intersection of faith, technology and identity

Moderated by Carver Project Faculty Fellow Peter Boumgarden

TCC 2022: Citizens & Sojourners

A Conversation with Esau McCaulley, Beth Moore, and Andrew Peterson

MODERATED BY TCP FACULTY FELLOW ABRAM VAN ENGEN

Continue exploring what it means to be sojourners and citizens with our references for discussion and reflection.

Friday, March 25, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

THIRD BAPTIST CHURCH
ST. LOUIS, MO

How do we think of restoring relationships not only between individuals but also within and among the institutions where we live, work, play, and worship? What does it mean for a church, business, university, or culture to pursue repentance and reconciliation? What do forgiveness and justice look like at these broader levels, and what are their limits, challenges, and possibilities?

Panelists:

• Rachael Denhollander

• Dominique Gilliard

• Penina Laker (TCP Faculty Fellow)

Moderated by TCP Faculty Fellow Heidi Kolk

Carver Conversation 2019, featuring Sho Baraka, Mako Fujimura, and Sara Groves.

Moderated by John Hendrix.

The calling of Christians is to be shaped and reshaped into people whose every thought and action is characterized by faith, hope, and love—and who then speak and act in the world with humility, patience, and tolerance.  How can Christians pursue this calling in a fractured age driven by fear, isolation, and selfishness?  In what ways are Christians themselves responsible for past and present shortcomings?  What are the greatest challenges and opportunities?  And how might we find common ground with others even if we can’t agree on a common good?

Featuring Tim Keller, LeCrae and John Inazu.  Moderated by Kirsten Powers.