Workshops/Travel Seminars

Pastor Rouse Leads Faith-based Travel Seminars

Pastor Rick Rouse has been leading inspirational study tours to the Middle East and Europe for over twenty years.  Watch for upcoming travel opportunities.

“A Taste of New Wine” in September, 2010: Travel from Paris through the wine regions of France and on to Munich, Germany on this pilgrimage of faith to the famous Oberammergau Passion Play (held once every ten years).  In addition to seeing many historical and religious sights—including the authentic Templar Knight’s burial site of Mary Magdalene—the group will also worship with the Taize Community and at the Norte Dam Cathedral in Paris.

Workshop/Seminar Descriptions

Pastor Rouse has been leading seminars and workshops across the church and is available to speak on the following topics:

“Seven Transformation Keys for a Missional Church" is a workshop for congregational leaders who want to learn more about what it takes to be a congregation focused on God’s mission  Pastor Rouse will share the vital signs of a missional church and explore ways to help congregations reclaim their vocation as a mission outpost and training center for today’s disciples.  This practical seminar will explore how to move a congregation from a chaplaincy model to a missional model and includes an actual case study of a congregation moving from crisis to claiming a renewed sense of health, strength, vision, and mission.  Rouse will share insights from a new book he co-authored on the topic with Craig Van Gelder from Luther Seminary, A Field Guide for the Missional Congregation: Embarking on a Journey of Transformation.

“Pastor as Steward Leader" is available as a workshop or one day course designed for pastors, seminarians, and lay leaders in congregations to help them understand the role of the pastor as a key leader in funding and mission development.  Course participants can be expected to take away key learnings in the following areas:

  • The importance of strategic planning and how to begin a visioning process

  • The missional relationship of a congregation with daycare or day school programs

  • How a pastor can help create a climate for healthy stewardship in a congregation

  • A look at some models for achieving financial health in a congregation

“Generational Challenege: Does the Church Have a Future?" This seminar reveals why congregations are failing to reach the under 40 crowd and how Boomers and Builders need to become mentors for a younger generation of leadership.  We will examine the unique characteristics of four generations (Builders, Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials) and why their expectations of church are so different.  Participants will look at ways to break down barriers and become a church for all generations.

“Religion and Public Life in the Southwest" This is an intriguing study of the religious history and current demographics of the southwest—including California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado—based on the newly released book “Religion and Public Life in the West: Sacred Landscapes in Transition”.  This presentation explores the importance of understanding the interface between culture and religion in the West.

“The Healing Power of Forgiveness" is a program which explores the radical and transforming nature of God’s grace.  Pastor Rick Rouse, author of Fire of Grace: The Healing Power of Forgiveness shares a personal and moving story of an arsonist and a congregation in the Seattle area along with other vignettes on forgiveness from scripture, literature, and current affairs.  He also utilizes a film of this incredible story entitled “Forgiveness: A Miracle of Love”.    Participants will explore the five stages of forgiveness that include: 1) denial, 2) anger, 3) bargaining, 4) depression, and 5) acceptance; and learn how to apply this process to their own lives and faith communities.