MAIN CONTRIBUTORS
James Gibson
Dr. Gibson is the Director of the Geoscience Research Institute, in Loma Linda, California.
After completing his B.A. and M.A. degrees at Pacific Union College, he taught academy science and mathematics in California and West Africa. Further graduate work led to the PhD from Loma Linda University in 1984, when he joined the Geoscience Research Institute. In 1994, he succeeded Dr. Ariel Roth as Director of the Institute.
His main study interests are in historical biology and the relationship of faith and science. He and Humberto Rasi co-edited the book, Understanding Creation (Pacific Press, 2011).
He was also the principal contributor to the Sabbath School lessons for first quarter, 2013, and the author of the companion book for the lessons, entitled Origins.
Plenary Session #1: Design in Nature
When we examine the properties of the universe, we find that it has precisely those properties that are needed to support living organisms. We also observe that living organisms have precise specifications and that the known physical laws are insufficient to explain their origin. The best explanation for these observations is that both the universe and the life it contains originated by direct action of a supernatural, super-intelligent Creator.
Plenary Session #3: Worldviews and Origins
Most, perhaps all, worldviews fall into one of three categories: theism, pantheism, or materialism. In each worldview, a particular model of origins is incorporated, which makes important implications about the nature of reality and so has a strong influence in shaping the worldview itself. The biblical (creation) worldview is contrasted with other worldviews in this presentation.
Seminar: Toward a Responsible Theory of Creation
Creation theory is based on supernatural activity, thus it cannot be restricted to explanations that rely solely on unguided physical processes, but must be based on special revelation. This requires a careful approach, especially in evaluating arguments that claim to be supported by science but are actually based on materialistic presuppositions; and those that claim to be consistent with Scripture but are actually conjectural or unsubstantiated rumors. We will explore examples of these types of claims and suggest ways of dealing with them.
Seminar: A Creationist Theory of Change of Species
Part of Darwin’s impact came from his successful argument that species are constantly changing, and are not the same as when they first appeared. This seemed to disprove the biblical record of special creation. However, a careful look at the biblical text and the empirical evidence combine to show that the best explanation of diversity includes both special creation of diverse lineages and subsequent changes within each lineage.
Dr. Gibson is the Director of the Geoscience Research Institute, in Loma Linda, California.
After completing his B.A. and M.A. degrees at Pacific Union College, he taught academy science and mathematics in California and West Africa. Further graduate work led to the PhD from Loma Linda University in 1984, when he joined the Geoscience Research Institute. In 1994, he succeeded Dr. Ariel Roth as Director of the Institute.
His main study interests are in historical biology and the relationship of faith and science. He and Humberto Rasi co-edited the book, Understanding Creation (Pacific Press, 2011).
He was also the principal contributor to the Sabbath School lessons for first quarter, 2013, and the author of the companion book for the lessons, entitled Origins.
Plenary Session #1: Design in Nature
When we examine the properties of the universe, we find that it has precisely those properties that are needed to support living organisms. We also observe that living organisms have precise specifications and that the known physical laws are insufficient to explain their origin. The best explanation for these observations is that both the universe and the life it contains originated by direct action of a supernatural, super-intelligent Creator.
Plenary Session #3: Worldviews and Origins
Most, perhaps all, worldviews fall into one of three categories: theism, pantheism, or materialism. In each worldview, a particular model of origins is incorporated, which makes important implications about the nature of reality and so has a strong influence in shaping the worldview itself. The biblical (creation) worldview is contrasted with other worldviews in this presentation.
Seminar: Toward a Responsible Theory of Creation
Creation theory is based on supernatural activity, thus it cannot be restricted to explanations that rely solely on unguided physical processes, but must be based on special revelation. This requires a careful approach, especially in evaluating arguments that claim to be supported by science but are actually based on materialistic presuppositions; and those that claim to be consistent with Scripture but are actually conjectural or unsubstantiated rumors. We will explore examples of these types of claims and suggest ways of dealing with them.
Seminar: A Creationist Theory of Change of Species
Part of Darwin’s impact came from his successful argument that species are constantly changing, and are not the same as when they first appeared. This seemed to disprove the biblical record of special creation. However, a careful look at the biblical text and the empirical evidence combine to show that the best explanation of diversity includes both special creation of diverse lineages and subsequent changes within each lineage.
Timothy G. Standish
Dr. Standish earned a Ph. D. in environmental biology and public policy from George Mason University. His earlier studies included an MS in biology and a BS in zoology from Andrews University. Dr. Standish currently holds a research appointment at the Geoscience Research Institute in Loma Linda, California. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Loma Linda University Earth and Biological Sciences Department, the Adventist University of Africa and Adventist International Institute for Advanced Studies. His publications range from the molecular basis of cricket behavior to the interface between science, faith and public policy.
Plenary Session #2: Struggle, Survival and Surrender
The idea that all of life is engaged in a struggle for existence played a central role in Darwin's theory of evolution as well as political and religious ideologies that built off it. This theme of struggle seems to be at odds with much of what is observed in nature and also with the Biblical theme of surrender to God's will. Justification by faith is about cooperation with Our Savior, rebellion involves a struggle against The Creator. While the Bible teaches that the creation has been marred by sin, is struggle really the predominant theme of the fallen creation? Or are there enough echoes of the original "very good" creation to encourage us to rethink the concept of struggle on which Darwinism and related ideologies are built?
Seminar: Design in the Fossil Record
The fossil record is commonly presented through the lens of Darwinism, but this tends to bias our understanding of the organisms we see represented there. In reality, patterns observed in the fossil record are commonly inconsistent with Darwinism and reveal amazing design, even in organisms long extinct. The Christian worldview liberates us to see design where it is clearly testified to in the fossils so that, to coopt the words of Jesus, "the stones cry out" testifying to God's hand in the creation.
Dr. Standish earned a Ph. D. in environmental biology and public policy from George Mason University. His earlier studies included an MS in biology and a BS in zoology from Andrews University. Dr. Standish currently holds a research appointment at the Geoscience Research Institute in Loma Linda, California. He also serves as an adjunct professor in the Loma Linda University Earth and Biological Sciences Department, the Adventist University of Africa and Adventist International Institute for Advanced Studies. His publications range from the molecular basis of cricket behavior to the interface between science, faith and public policy.
Plenary Session #2: Struggle, Survival and Surrender
The idea that all of life is engaged in a struggle for existence played a central role in Darwin's theory of evolution as well as political and religious ideologies that built off it. This theme of struggle seems to be at odds with much of what is observed in nature and also with the Biblical theme of surrender to God's will. Justification by faith is about cooperation with Our Savior, rebellion involves a struggle against The Creator. While the Bible teaches that the creation has been marred by sin, is struggle really the predominant theme of the fallen creation? Or are there enough echoes of the original "very good" creation to encourage us to rethink the concept of struggle on which Darwinism and related ideologies are built?
Seminar: Design in the Fossil Record
The fossil record is commonly presented through the lens of Darwinism, but this tends to bias our understanding of the organisms we see represented there. In reality, patterns observed in the fossil record are commonly inconsistent with Darwinism and reveal amazing design, even in organisms long extinct. The Christian worldview liberates us to see design where it is clearly testified to in the fossils so that, to coopt the words of Jesus, "the stones cry out" testifying to God's hand in the creation.
Randall W. Younker
Dr. Younker is Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology and Director of the Institute of Archaeology at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He is also Program Director of the PhD in Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Near Eastern Archaeology from the University of Arizona under William G. Dever. He also holds a degree in Religion and an MA in Biology. Dr. Younker has been a field archaeologist for the last 32 years in Israel, Sicily and Jordan where he has directed and co-directed numerous archaeological projects. Currently, he is directing excavations at Tell Jalul, the largest site in central Transjordan, for the Madaba Plains Project and Associate Director of Excavations at Kourion, Cyprus. He has served as a trustee on the board of the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research in Jerusalem and on the board of the American Schools of Oriental Research. He has co-edited seven books and published or co-published over 75 scholarly and professional articles and reviews. He was also a consultant for the recent National Geographic publication, The Letter and the Scroll: What Archaeology tells us about the Bible (2009). Dr. Younker has been active on various General Conference committees for the SDA church: he presently serves on the Biblical Research Institute Committee (BRICOM) and the Faith and Science Council. He wrote the lessons for the Adult Sabbath School Quarterly on Creation and authored the companion volume, “God’s Creation" (1999). He has taught the course, "Issues in Origins" at the Seminary for the last 28 years. He has served on the editorial board of several Adventist scholarly journals including Andrews University Seminary Studies, Origins, Journal for the Adventist Theological Society, and Perspective Digest.
Plenary Session #5: Is The Genesis Account of Creation Trustworthy?
Ever since the end of the 19th century various scholars have questioned the accuracy and historicity of the Genesis account of the creation. They suggest that the days of creation are not real days, that the first two chapters of Genesis contain contradictory creation accounts, that the flood was not global, and that the cosmology is pre-scientific. This presentation will review the support scholars have given for these arguments, and will then examine what Genesis really says based on a close reading of the text, as well as its context within the ancient near east.
Seminar: The Creation Debate within Adventism
This workshop will explore the history of how Adventists have understood and related to the Biblical account of creation, from the beginnings of the church to the present time. There will be time for questions and discussion.
Dr. Younker is Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology and Director of the Institute of Archaeology at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He is also Program Director of the PhD in Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. in Near Eastern Archaeology from the University of Arizona under William G. Dever. He also holds a degree in Religion and an MA in Biology. Dr. Younker has been a field archaeologist for the last 32 years in Israel, Sicily and Jordan where he has directed and co-directed numerous archaeological projects. Currently, he is directing excavations at Tell Jalul, the largest site in central Transjordan, for the Madaba Plains Project and Associate Director of Excavations at Kourion, Cyprus. He has served as a trustee on the board of the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research in Jerusalem and on the board of the American Schools of Oriental Research. He has co-edited seven books and published or co-published over 75 scholarly and professional articles and reviews. He was also a consultant for the recent National Geographic publication, The Letter and the Scroll: What Archaeology tells us about the Bible (2009). Dr. Younker has been active on various General Conference committees for the SDA church: he presently serves on the Biblical Research Institute Committee (BRICOM) and the Faith and Science Council. He wrote the lessons for the Adult Sabbath School Quarterly on Creation and authored the companion volume, “God’s Creation" (1999). He has taught the course, "Issues in Origins" at the Seminary for the last 28 years. He has served on the editorial board of several Adventist scholarly journals including Andrews University Seminary Studies, Origins, Journal for the Adventist Theological Society, and Perspective Digest.
Plenary Session #5: Is The Genesis Account of Creation Trustworthy?
Ever since the end of the 19th century various scholars have questioned the accuracy and historicity of the Genesis account of the creation. They suggest that the days of creation are not real days, that the first two chapters of Genesis contain contradictory creation accounts, that the flood was not global, and that the cosmology is pre-scientific. This presentation will review the support scholars have given for these arguments, and will then examine what Genesis really says based on a close reading of the text, as well as its context within the ancient near east.
Seminar: The Creation Debate within Adventism
This workshop will explore the history of how Adventists have understood and related to the Biblical account of creation, from the beginnings of the church to the present time. There will be time for questions and discussion.
Ron Pickell
Ron Pickell has spent most of his ministry experience working with students on public college campuses first at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN and currently at the University of California, Berkeley both as the pastor of the Berkeley Seventh-day Adventist church and chaplain of the Adventist campus ministry group at UC Berkeley. Recently, August of 2008, he assumed the added responsibility of providing pastoral leadership of the Alameda, Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In 2005 Ron was asked to give leadership to a new initiative for Adventist campus ministry groups throughout the NAD as Volunteer Coordinator of Adventist Christian Fellowship NAD (ACF/NAD). ACF/NAD is the official NAD organization for Adventist ministry on public college campuses. Ron is married with three adult children.
Plenary Session #4: Loving God on Campus
This is a presentation on how students can preserve their faith on a secular college campus, but even more importantly grow and share their faith on campus. Students will learn how to love God with all their heart, their mind, their soul and with all their strength in a bold witness for Christ among their peers and professors.
Seminar: Following Jesus On Campus
This seminar will cover the ten essentials of campus ministry including a basic philosophy of Adventist campus ministry, and the nuts and bolts of how to start an Adventist group ion campus. Participants will learn how to launch, grow and sustain an Adventist ministry presence on campus.
Ron Pickell has spent most of his ministry experience working with students on public college campuses first at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN and currently at the University of California, Berkeley both as the pastor of the Berkeley Seventh-day Adventist church and chaplain of the Adventist campus ministry group at UC Berkeley. Recently, August of 2008, he assumed the added responsibility of providing pastoral leadership of the Alameda, Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In 2005 Ron was asked to give leadership to a new initiative for Adventist campus ministry groups throughout the NAD as Volunteer Coordinator of Adventist Christian Fellowship NAD (ACF/NAD). ACF/NAD is the official NAD organization for Adventist ministry on public college campuses. Ron is married with three adult children.
Plenary Session #4: Loving God on Campus
This is a presentation on how students can preserve their faith on a secular college campus, but even more importantly grow and share their faith on campus. Students will learn how to love God with all their heart, their mind, their soul and with all their strength in a bold witness for Christ among their peers and professors.
Seminar: Following Jesus On Campus
This seminar will cover the ten essentials of campus ministry including a basic philosophy of Adventist campus ministry, and the nuts and bolts of how to start an Adventist group ion campus. Participants will learn how to launch, grow and sustain an Adventist ministry presence on campus.
William Cork
Pastor Cork has had experience in university, hospital, and military chaplaincy. He has been active in interfaith dialogue, especially with Jews and Muslims, and has taught college courses in world religions. He is a graduate of Atlantic Union College, began his graduate studies at Loma Linda University, and received his Master of Arts in church history and Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. He and his wife, Joy, have two young adult children, Andrew and Aimee.
Plenary Session #6: The Missionary Mandate and Ministry to Higher Education
As Jesus sent the disciples into all the world, we are sent to bring the good news to the university. This requires an appreciation for the university as a center of learning, and the ability to adapt our methods, with the flexibility of Paul and the compassion of Jesus.
Seminar: Working with Those of Other Faiths
Institutional chaplaincy requires that we work together with others in an atmosphere of respect and collaboration without compromising our distinctive beliefs. Practical examples will be discussed of the opportunities for collaboration, especially in the areas of health, human rights, and in witnessing to a common worldview.
Pastor Cork has had experience in university, hospital, and military chaplaincy. He has been active in interfaith dialogue, especially with Jews and Muslims, and has taught college courses in world religions. He is a graduate of Atlantic Union College, began his graduate studies at Loma Linda University, and received his Master of Arts in church history and Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. He and his wife, Joy, have two young adult children, Andrew and Aimee.
Plenary Session #6: The Missionary Mandate and Ministry to Higher Education
As Jesus sent the disciples into all the world, we are sent to bring the good news to the university. This requires an appreciation for the university as a center of learning, and the ability to adapt our methods, with the flexibility of Paul and the compassion of Jesus.
Seminar: Working with Those of Other Faiths
Institutional chaplaincy requires that we work together with others in an atmosphere of respect and collaboration without compromising our distinctive beliefs. Practical examples will be discussed of the opportunities for collaboration, especially in the areas of health, human rights, and in witnessing to a common worldview.
Jiwan S. Moon
Dr. Jiwan S. Moon grew up in the mission field, as a product of multiculturalism. He spent 20 years in youth & young adult ministry and in chaplaincy. Recently Pastor Moon ministered a multicultural congregation that grew over 70% over 10 years (2002-2013) with 90% youth & young adult retention rate. He is a youth pastor at heart who believes in young people, that if they are properly and intentionally mentored/disciples, they will one day become proactive Christians who would live Christ’s self-renouncing and self-sacrificing love and Jesus' selfless service. He obtained his D.Min. in Youth & Young Adult Ministry and MA in Youth Ministry degree from Andrews University SDA Theological Seminary and Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies (Minor in Practical Theology) from Southern Adventist University. He is married to Jessica Moon, Portuguese Canadian and they have three beautiful daughter ages 6, 4 & 3. He loves music and playing soccer.
Seminar: “Come, Follow Me!” - Learning to be Jesus’ True Disciples (The Theology of Mentoring & Discipleship) This workshop/seminar will establish biblical foundation for mentoring & discipleship and also teach the importance of mentoring & discipling adolescents in their identity formation in order for them to become proactive Christians. Biblical examples of mentoring/discipleship relationships will be discuss as the importance of mentoring/discipleship will be established throughout the workshop/seminar. The lecture will teach that mentoring and discipleship is the most important component in youth & young adult ministry, especially Adventist Public Campus Ministries.
Dr. Jiwan S. Moon grew up in the mission field, as a product of multiculturalism. He spent 20 years in youth & young adult ministry and in chaplaincy. Recently Pastor Moon ministered a multicultural congregation that grew over 70% over 10 years (2002-2013) with 90% youth & young adult retention rate. He is a youth pastor at heart who believes in young people, that if they are properly and intentionally mentored/disciples, they will one day become proactive Christians who would live Christ’s self-renouncing and self-sacrificing love and Jesus' selfless service. He obtained his D.Min. in Youth & Young Adult Ministry and MA in Youth Ministry degree from Andrews University SDA Theological Seminary and Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies (Minor in Practical Theology) from Southern Adventist University. He is married to Jessica Moon, Portuguese Canadian and they have three beautiful daughter ages 6, 4 & 3. He loves music and playing soccer.
Seminar: “Come, Follow Me!” - Learning to be Jesus’ True Disciples (The Theology of Mentoring & Discipleship) This workshop/seminar will establish biblical foundation for mentoring & discipleship and also teach the importance of mentoring & discipling adolescents in their identity formation in order for them to become proactive Christians. Biblical examples of mentoring/discipleship relationships will be discuss as the importance of mentoring/discipleship will be established throughout the workshop/seminar. The lecture will teach that mentoring and discipleship is the most important component in youth & young adult ministry, especially Adventist Public Campus Ministries.
Valérie Dufour
Valérie Dufour is the Director of the Health Ministries Department at the Inter-European Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. After her studies in Economics and Finances at Master’s level, she taught Economics in high school for a few years, before getting deeply interested with nutrition and health issues, which led her to a change in her career. Valérie Dufour is a licensed dietician and a candidate for a Master in Public Health at Andrews University, Michigan, USA. She has travelled extensively in Europe and the USA, doing what she enjoys most – to share the good news of healthy living with children, youth and adults alike. She has been a member of the General Conference Nutrition Council since 2011.
Seminar: Creation and Health
In the Creation week Adam and Eve were created at last. God only gave them life after each one of the elements fitting their needs and designed for their happiness had been called to existence. What can we learn from each one of the Creation days in relationship with the foundations of our health and well-being? In what does today’s medical science point to Genesis, thus indirectly providing support to creation science?
Valérie Dufour is the Director of the Health Ministries Department at the Inter-European Division of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. After her studies in Economics and Finances at Master’s level, she taught Economics in high school for a few years, before getting deeply interested with nutrition and health issues, which led her to a change in her career. Valérie Dufour is a licensed dietician and a candidate for a Master in Public Health at Andrews University, Michigan, USA. She has travelled extensively in Europe and the USA, doing what she enjoys most – to share the good news of healthy living with children, youth and adults alike. She has been a member of the General Conference Nutrition Council since 2011.
Seminar: Creation and Health
In the Creation week Adam and Eve were created at last. God only gave them life after each one of the elements fitting their needs and designed for their happiness had been called to existence. What can we learn from each one of the Creation days in relationship with the foundations of our health and well-being? In what does today’s medical science point to Genesis, thus indirectly providing support to creation science?
Derek Morris
Derek Morris currently serves as an associate secretary in the General Conference Ministerial Association, Editor of Ministry, an international journal for pastors, teacher for Hope Sabbath School, an international interactive Bible study on the Hope Channel, co-host of MINISTRYinMOTION, and an adjunct professor at Southern Adventist University.
His greatest joy is found in helping people to experience a life-changing encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Devotions:
Our Creator's radical perspective - God wants us to see the world from His radical perspective. As our Creator, He loves each one of us with an everlasting, self-sacrificing love. He wants us to see the world as He does, and to join Him in a work that will change the world.
A radical prayer - Once we have seen the world from God's radical perspective, we are ready to hear the earnest appeal of Jesus. Before He comes again in glory, there is a great harvest work that needs to be accomplished. Discover how God wants to impact the world through you.
Praying in Jesus' name - Were you taught to pray "in the name of Jesus"? What exactly does that mean? Have we realized the tremendous privilege and responsibility that is ours to pray in Jesus' name? When we understand and respond to Christ's appeal to pray in His name, miracle will happen.
Seminar: Transformed by God's Word
There is creative power in the Word of God. The light of His Word dispels the darkness. The authority of His Word sets captives free. The truth of His Word exposes the lies of the enemy. Discover practical ways to hide God's Word in your heart. Your life will be transformed.
Derek Morris currently serves as an associate secretary in the General Conference Ministerial Association, Editor of Ministry, an international journal for pastors, teacher for Hope Sabbath School, an international interactive Bible study on the Hope Channel, co-host of MINISTRYinMOTION, and an adjunct professor at Southern Adventist University.
His greatest joy is found in helping people to experience a life-changing encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Devotions:
Our Creator's radical perspective - God wants us to see the world from His radical perspective. As our Creator, He loves each one of us with an everlasting, self-sacrificing love. He wants us to see the world as He does, and to join Him in a work that will change the world.
A radical prayer - Once we have seen the world from God's radical perspective, we are ready to hear the earnest appeal of Jesus. Before He comes again in glory, there is a great harvest work that needs to be accomplished. Discover how God wants to impact the world through you.
Praying in Jesus' name - Were you taught to pray "in the name of Jesus"? What exactly does that mean? Have we realized the tremendous privilege and responsibility that is ours to pray in Jesus' name? When we understand and respond to Christ's appeal to pray in His name, miracle will happen.
Seminar: Transformed by God's Word
There is creative power in the Word of God. The light of His Word dispels the darkness. The authority of His Word sets captives free. The truth of His Word exposes the lies of the enemy. Discover practical ways to hide God's Word in your heart. Your life will be transformed.
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