Personal Flourishing

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus explains that he has come not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. As a Jew, Jesus’ consciousness was deeply informed by Torah and its legal codes. To better understand what he meant by fulfilling the law, it is necessary to become familiar with the nature and function of these codes. This course begins there, ultimately shedding light on the subversive nature of Jesus’ encounters with others and the complexity of his work on the cross.

Tuesdays: September 16, 23, 30
7-8:30 p.m.
Resurrection Downtown, 1601 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

 Brendon Benz is an associate professor of history and religion and theologian-in-residence with the Center for Faith and Culture. Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Benz was raised in the Lutheran Church and attended Lutheran school from kindergarten through 12th grade. He earned his B.A. in Sociology from Taylor University before teaching history at Martin Luther High School in Queens, New York. He later received his M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, where he was awarded the Goethe Institute Fellowship and the Henry Snyder Gehman Award in Old Testament. In 2013, he earned his Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Studies from New York University, where he also received the NYU College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Teaching Award. Benz is the author of The Land Before the Kingdom of Israel and is currently working on a book exploring the Greek philosophical tradition and the interpretation of the imago Dei in Genesis 1. His passion lies in teaching the Bible’s message, history, and context in ways that help communities of faith flourish.

The Beatles were famous for many reasons, including their bold claim of being “more famous than Jesus.” Despite tension between rock music and some Christian traditions, the band embraced spirituality in various ways throughout their career. In this course, we will first examine examples of “secular” music with clear spiritual dimensions. Then, we will analyze three classic Beatles songs musically and lyrically, exploring how the band’s ability to blend music and storytelling created unforgettable and deeply moving art.

Wednesdays: Oct. 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5
5:30-7 p.m.
Second Baptist Church, 300 E. Kansas St., Liberty, MO 64068

 Ian Coleman grew up in Bristol, England, attending Counterslip Baptist Church before leaving for college at 18. His evangelical background was influenced by the house church movement. Coleman later joined the Episcopal Church and has worked as a church musician since his teens. Now a professor of music theory and composition at William Jewell College, he teaches courses on music, culture, and composition.

Science and technology increasingly shape our lives, making basic science literacy essential for responsible citizenship. This course introduces core scientific principles, explores key discoveries, and offers strategies for staying informed. Topics include human origins, our place in the universe, and the future of life on Earth—along with the implications for health, democracy, economy, faith, and daily life.

Mondays: November 3, 10, 17
6:30-8 p.m.
Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208

Blane Baker is a professor of Physics at William Jewell College where he has taught since 1999. He is the author of "Science in the Arena" and "Critical Thinking in the Physics Curriculum" and serves as president of Sigma Pi Sigma, the national physics honor society. His interests include electronics, sustainable energy, and materials science. He is an active member of Second Baptist Church in Liberty.
 

Drawing on 1 Corinthians 13, the writings of Marcus Borg, and James Fowler’s stages of faith, this class explores how adults can form a faith that embraces life’s complexities. Using tools such as the Search Institute’s research, participants will discover what it means to grow and live an adult faith in all aspects of life.

Wednesdays: November 5, 12, 19
6:30-8 p.m.
Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208

Rodger Nishioka is the senior pastor of Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village and former professor of Christian education at Columbia Theological Seminary.

Agrarianism is more than farming—it is a worldview that values all creation and recognizes humanity’s responsibility within it. In an era of increasing urbanization, agrarian values provide a counterbalance to industrial priorities of production and efficiency. This course invites participants to explore their relationship with the earth and learn from agrarian wisdom.

Saturday, November 8
Noon-4 p.m.
William Jewell College campus

Mark Buhlig is pastor at Englewood Church in Gladstone, Missouri, as well as a farmer, community organizer, and student of Agrarian Spirituality. His Agrarian work is expressed by way of Community Growers Network, an organization that encourages collaborative opportunities for churches, schools, and individuals to grow and distribute healthy food to those who struggle to find or afford healthy food.
 

Based on Ross Douthat’s "Believe," this course explores reasons why people might move from doubt toward belief. Topics include the cosmos and reason, humanity’s unique place in creation, and the persistence of supernatural experiences across cultures. No prior philosophical background is required—just a willingness to engage in open and respectful dialogue.

Tuesdays: December 2, 9, 16
7-8:30 p.m.
Resurrection Downtown, 1601 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108

Tom Petrizzo is the former CEO of Beacon Mental Health and has spent over 30 years in nonprofit behavioral health leadership. He holds degrees from Georgetown University, the University of Texas Law School, and the University of Houston. A long-time member of Church of the Resurrection, he enjoys hiking, jogging, and spending time with his family.