Parables Conference to be Feb. 16, 17.

Tyler Smothers

OBU’s second annual “To Tell the Story” conference aims to equip local congregations to share the story of the Gospel in the context of weekly worship services. This conference is taking place February 16,17 on OBU’s main campus.

OBU faculty, guests and students will offer their skills, knowledge and creativity, providing resources and enthusiasm that can be applied to the local church context.

Dr. Christopher Matthews, Dean of Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts said, “The College of Fine Arts is excited to be able to once again interact with local church leaders to imagine together how the arts can assist us in proclaiming the truths of Scripture. Our talented students and capable faculty will share their experiences and expertise in hopes of providing ideas that churches can adapt and utilize in their own contexts.”

Last year’s conference saw teaching by Dr. Ray Van Neste, dean of the School of Theology and Missions at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. The focus of Dr. Van Neste’s lectures were the Psalms.

“This year, our focus will be on the Parables of Christ with Dr. Bobby Kelly, the Ruth Dickinson Professor of Religion, offering the keynote address. We pray our time will be fruitful and that the living, active Word of God will continue to draw people to Jesus and to edify His Church,” Matthews said.

Several presenters will lead breakout sessions at the conference. Sessions include Dr. Hephzibah Dutt, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Director of Theatre, leading, “Performing Parables in Sunday Service: A Readers Theatre Workshop” and Professor Christi McGahan, Instructor of Journalism and Mass Media, leading “Audio/Visual Possibilities of the Parables.”

Professor Scot Loyd, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies and Director of Forensics and Debate, will lead “Three Parables of Christ” and Dr. Patricia Nelson, Associate Professor of Music Education will lead, “Involving Children in Retelling the Parables.”

“Contemporary Musical Settings of the Parables” will be led by Dr. Justin Pierce, Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music and “Seeing the Story: Visual Art and the Parables” will be led by Professor Corey Fuller, Associate Professor of Graphic Design and Chair of the Division of Art and Design and Professor Joshua Brunet, Assistant Professor of Art.

This year’s “To Tell the Story” will feature Dr. Bobby Kelly, Ruth Dickinson Professor of Religion at OBU. He will guide our thoughts as we seek to involve the Parables of Jesus more beautifully into corporate worship and discipleship.

OBU Students may attend the Showcase and Breakout Sessions at no charge. No registration is required. The second annual “To Tell the Story” conference is to be presented by the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts February 16-17, 2021. It will begin the evening of Tuesday, February 16 at 5:30 and conclude Wednesday, February 17 at noon.