In the age of sound bites, commercialism, and the celebration of the trivial, our culture makes it difficult to dialogue about ideas. However, the popularity of coffee houses, talk radio, and Internet blogs, among other things, highlight the appetite that exists for meaningful “conversations” about what is true and why it matters. Thought leaders throughout history have understood the importance of learning how to think critically, and how to communicate in a company of challenging peers. Meal hall and roundtable conversations have long been an essential part of a truly classical education experience. This seminar will help you better understand this “old” idea, and why our students, teachers, and communities need to make it “new” again.
Jim VanEerden​
Jim VanEerden, is the originator, along with Chuck Colson, of the Centurion’s Fellowship program. Jim’s passion is to assist business and social entrepreneurs in their efforts to become more effective change agents for God in their lifework pursuits. As part of this calling, he has explored the intersection between rhetoric and worldview formation in both graduate and post-graduate study programs, and has innovated a host of “roundtable” experiences to help others develop models that work. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, working to complete his dissertation entitled “Reclaiming Vibrant Catechism.” ​
