The 39th Annual
Evangelical Seminary Deans’ Meeting & ITS Deans’ Council
February 5-7, 2009
Sheraton Hotel: Dallas, Texas

We are excited to announce the program and schedule for the 2009 Evangelical Seminary Deans’ Council (ESDC). Each year evangelical deans from around North America gather in a warm location in the cold days of winter to enjoy fellowship, professional development and personal enrichment. Here you will find all the details for this year’s meeting:

If you have questions, please send them to darrell@itscourses.org.

Program Information (top) – Click here for a detailed agenda (subject to change)

Speakers

	Dr. Darrell L. Bock will be our featured speaker. Dr. Bock is the Research Professor of New Testament Studies and Professor of Spiritual Development and Culture at Dallas Theological Seminary (bio, blog). The topic of these sessions will be Engagement with the Culture in the Seminary Curriculum: Is It There? In his ministry around the country, Dr. Bock has noticed a need for ministry leaders to develop in their ability to engage their culture(s) thoughtfully and effectively. They need to be able to discern the cultural dynamics not only in Scripture but also in the culture(s) around them—an emphasis often reserved for cross-cultural ministry. Thoughtfully engaging culture requires more than speaking the truth of the Bible; it requires that when we speak we understand and anticipate the culture and mindsets around us so that the truth can be heard. The question for seminaries to consider is this: How well are we doing?
	Dr. Barry H. Corey will be the keynote speaker for the Annual Banquet on Friday night. Dr. Corey is the President of Biola University (bio) and brings years of experience in various roles within the academy. A former ESDC member, he has appreciation for the role of Academic Dean and for the relationships he developed during his tenure with the Council. We are excited to welcome Barry back to the meeting and to hear what God has done in his life and ministry over the years.
	Dr. Tisa Lewis is a Director of Accreditation and Institutional Evaluation for the Association of Theological Schools (bio). Dr. Lewis is a familiar face for a number of ESDC schools and will provide this year’s update from ATS regarding accreditation. Over two sessions, Dr. Lewis will present information critical for schools to consider, lead discussion, and field questions from the group. All of Saturday morning will be dedicated to this discussion.
	Dr. Michael S. Lawson is the Department Chair and Senior Professor of Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary (bio). The topic of his session will be Untangling the Multi-generational Classroom. With over 30 years of experience in pastoral work and Christian education, Dr. Lawson is finding that old teaching strategies may need adjusting when they collide with wide ranging expectations in the multi-generational classroom. We will explore both the challenging realities and a few creative possibilities.

Additional Sessions and Workshops (top)

• Pre-Conference Orientation (for first-time attendees): If this is your first time attending the Deans’ Council, please plan to attend this orientation. We will provide an overview of the ESDC, how it began in the 70’s, its relationship to the Institute of Theological Studies, how it has developed over the years, and the benefits it can bring to you and your institution. The leaders of the Deans’ Council will be present to answer questions and share their experience with the meeting.
  
  
• Faculty Development Workshop: One of the pressing questions for academic deans is how to best support the personal, professional, and academic development of faculty members. Such a critical need must be addressed thoughtfully and intentionally. This workshop will feature a panel of three deans who have worked in this area and seen fruit on their campuses: Dr. Sean M. Lucas (Chief Academic Officer, Covenant Theological Seminary), Dr. Randy M. MacFarland (Provost, Denver Seminary), and Dr. W. Bingham Hunter (Academic Dean, Phoenix Seminary). Dr. John D. Grassmick (Academic Dean of Dallas Theological Seminary and ESDC Chair) will moderate the discussion.
  
  
• School Reports and Developments: Each attendee will have opportunity to summarize the major changes, developments and/or challenges facing his/her institution. This provides a forum for identifying common topics of interest for the open forum and also for helping those with similar concerns connect outside the meeting.To facilitate this discussion be sure to complete the School Statistics & Information Form (see below) and submit it to ITS by December 15, 2008.
  
  
• ITS Update & Forecast: For two years we have had several conversations about the status and direction of the Institute of Theological Studies, and we thank everyone for their valuable input both in meetings and one-on-one. This year we will provide an update on several exciting changes that have occurred in the last year and preview what we anticipate for 2009 and how we hope to be a benefit to your institution and to theological education in general.
  
  
• Open Forum Breakouts: Have specific questions you want to discuss that are not addressed in the program? This is your opportunity. Dr. John D. Grassmick (ESDC Chair) and Dr. Robert J. Cara (ESDC Vice-Chair) will each moderate open forum sessions to foster this discussion and encouragement.
  
  
• Overlap with the Distance Education Roundtable: On the last day of the meeting (Saturday, Feb. 7), the Distance Education Roundtable will join the Deans’ Council for the ATS Accreditation Update with Dr. Tisa Lewis. This overlap in meetings provides a unique opportunity for deans and their distance education leaders to interact outside of the usual campus setting. If you have someone over your distance education efforts who you may want to attend make sure he/she gets this information. There are a limited number of slots available for this meeting. Click here for full details.
  
  **Schedule subject to change

Hotel Information (top)

• Elegant executive suites with parlor, enlarged work desk and separate guest room
• Complimentary High-Speed Internet access (in guest rooms and public areas)
• Complimentary Breakfast (vouchers will be given at check-in)
• Beautiful and elaborate furnishings throughout the hotel
• Located in the heart of the Dallas Arts and Financial district, on the DART Light Rail and near every area attraction; within walking distance of the Dallas Museum of Art and the Meyerson Symphony Center.

Registration Details (top)

Please select the appropriate form below. You can enter your information online and print, or print the form and fill it out by hand. Fax the completed information to the ITS office at 616-363-7880 (Attention: ESDC).

• Member Schools: Member Registration includes the Member Fee ($350 USD) plus a Conference Fee ($150 USD, less the airfare discount). This covers one representative. Additional representatives from the same Member School are welcome to attend (Conference Fee: $150). Click here for the Member Registration Form.

• Guest Schools: Guest Registration includes a Conference Fee of $350 USD. Click here for the Guest Registration Form.

Registration deadline: December 15, 2008

School Statistics & Information (top)

Members and Guests alike are welcome to complete the School Statistics & Information Form, which serves as the basis for the School Reports.

Please note: There has been a change to how the statistics information should be submitted!

We would like to assemble this information into packets to be distributed at the meeting, so instead of bringing copies to handout in the meeting, please submit your information at the time of registration in MS Word format.

How to submit your statistics form: Please email your completed form to julie@itscourses.org by December 15, 2008.

Click here to download the form.

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