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Pittsburgh Theological Seminary leadership conference will feature Dr. Diana Butler Bass

Register now for Butler Bass’ Sept. 23 lecture, which will be available online free of charge

by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary | Special to Presbyterian News Service

Dr. Diana Butler Bass

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will host the 40th annual Henderson Leadership Conference in person and online Sept. 22-24, focusing on “Faithful Resistance: Choosing Christ over Empire.”

The event will feature prominent speaker Dr. Diana Butler Bass, an influential theologian, historian, and author, as this year’s Henderson Lecturer. The Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, author of “Preaching in the Purple Zone: Ministry in the Red-Blue Divide,” will lead two workshops: “How Can We Heal Our Divides? Approaches for Navigating Politics with the People We Love” and “Preaching Across the Divide: Strategies for Sermons in the Election Season.”

The Henderson Leadership Conference is an annual event that brings together clergy, lay leaders, scholars, and students to engage in deep theological reflection and leadership training. This year’s conference will focus on how Christians can maintain faithfulness in the midst of societal and political pressures, aligning their discipleship with the call of Christ in challenging times.

Butler Bass’ lecture, which is free and open to the public and begins at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, Sept. 23, will challenge attendees to think critically about their role in society and the church, offering insights on how to resist cultural and political systems that undermine the Gospel’s core message of justice, mercy, and love.

In addition to the keynote lecture, the Henderson Leadership Conference will feature workshops, worship services, and opportunities for fellowship. These sessions will focus on practical leadership skills for clergy and faith-based leaders, addressing contemporary challenges in ministry and the broader culture. Participants will gain strategies for leading communities with integrity and theological depth, grounded in the mission to serve both the church and the world.

Registration is open. Participants can attend in person or online and must register by Sept. 16 to attend in person. Also note, Butler Bass’ lectures will not be recorded and must be seen in real time. Scholarships are offered to support participation from a diverse range of church leaders and faith communities.

For more information and to register for the 2024 Henderson Leadership Conference, go here.

Rooted in the Reformed tradition and in relationship with Christ-followers from other traditions, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary forms and equips people for ministries familiar and yet to unfold and communities present and yet to be gathered.


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