Rooted or Released: Discerning our Place in Non-Inclusive Faith Communities
This is session one of the three part series “LGBTQ+ Conversations with Rick Power.” Rick Power enjoyed a rich and rewarding career as a pastor (Texas, Hawaii, Kansas), missionary in China, and district superintendent in Hawaii. In 2024, he resigned his ordination credential after his views on human sexuality were called into question. He is currently pursuing ministerial standing in a new denomination.
The Guest Panelist for this session is Melissa Tucker. Melissa is a former Adjunct Professor at Point Loma Nazarene University and staff member at San Diego First Church of the Nazarene. Melissa was informed in January 2023 that she would no longer be allowed to teach at the institution due to her "progressive views on human sexuality" and her public support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Both Rick Power and Melissa Tucker will bring meaningful insights to this conversation from their own personal experiences of discerning their place in the Church of the Nazarene.
The discussion will be moderated by Bill Sunberg.
“How Does Being Wesleyan Help Us Think About LGBTQ+ Questions?”
This is session two of the three part series “LGBTQ+ Conversations with Rick Power.”
Rick Power enjoyed a rich and rewarding career as a pastor (Texas, Hawaii, Kansas), missionary in China, and district superintendent in Hawaii. In 2024, he resigned his ordination credential after his views on human sexuality were called into question. He is currently pursuing ministerial standing in a new denomination.
Our Guest Panelist for this session is Janet Blevins Dean. Janet is a pastor, teacher, and lifelong student of Wesleyan theology who cares deeply about how we read scripture and how it shapes our communities. She brings a thoughtful, down-to-earth perspective to tough questions, especially around faith and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Janet’s all about honest conversations, deep grace, and staying rooted in the Wesleyan tradition while engaging today’s world. Janet is currently an Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene and a Professor of Pastoral Counseling Education at Asbury Theological Seminary.
This conversation will explore the Wesleyan foundations for both the affirming and non affirming positions on LGBTQ+ issues. This conversation is perfect for those who are searching for answers and do not know where they stand on these issues.
This conversation will be moderated by Bill Sunberg.
panoRRama Panel
Description: A panel of panoRRama Contributors will meet to discuss important issues of the day. Registration provides an opportunity to participate in the discussion via submitted questions and group conversation.
Panel Topic:
Panel Members:
Moderator: Bill Sunberg
Cost: $5 USD
The Color of Compromise
The Color of Compromise by Jamar Tisby is an important and insightful look at the history of racism in North America through the lens of the actions and complicity of the Church. It is thought provoking and challenging. It should be a meaningful addition to the library of every compassionate Christian in the twenty-first century.
This Workshop is led by Bill Sunberg and meets weekly for six consecutive weeks, beginning Wednesday, February 19, at 8:00 EST. We will cover two chapters of the book in each session. The sessions include interactive discussion, creative reflection exercises, and the development of a personal action plan. Workshop participants are responsible for purchasing a copy of the book in addition to the workshop registration.
“Unclobber: Rethinking our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality” by Colby Martin
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
8:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Description: The six passages in the Scriptures used to condemn the LGBTQ Community are often referred to as the Clobber Passages. Colby Martin works through each of these passages in his book, “Unclobber,” and demonstrates how these passages have been misused. At the same time, Martin shares his own journey of changing his own position on these passages and the impact this had on his life and ministry. While working through this book, the workshop group will also reflect on their own personal journeys as well.
Workshop Leader: Bill Sunberg
Cost: Members Registration Fee - $55 USD | Non-Member Registration Fee - $75 USD