Welcoming Christopher Watkin
In an age of rapid cultural change, the question for every believer is both simple and urgent: What does it mean to faithfully follow Christ here and now? If we desire to navigate an increasingly non-Christian context with wisdom, courage, and grace, how we equip our pastors, church leaders, and everyday disciples is critically important.
This November, Redeemer Community Church, in partnership with Beeson Divinity School, is honored to welcome Christopher Watkin, author of Biblical Critical Theory, to Birmingham. Over the course of his stay, Christopher will help us think deeply and biblically about how the gospel speaks to – and transforms – every facet of life in our ever-evolving cultural moment.
Whether you are a pastor, student, or simply someone seeking to follow Jesus with faithfulness and clarity, this will be an excellent opportunity to think, learn, and grow alongside one of today’s leading Christian voices. We hope that you join us.
Our Guest
Christopher Watkin is joining us from Melbourne, Australia, where he is a Senior Lecturer in French Studies at Monash University. He is a leading voice at the intersection of philosophy, theology, and cultural critique and recently authored Biblical Critical Theory. His writing traces how individuals and societies make sense of the world—especially when confronted with contrasting beliefs and ideas. As a Christian thinker and teacher, Christopher brings deep intellectual rigor to bear on questions of meaning, culture, and faith in contemporary life.
Schedule
Talkback with Redeemer College
Tuesday, November 11 • 7:00-9:00 PM
Watkin will be joining Redeemer College on Tuesday evening for a Talkback. These are times of teaching followed by questions from the audience.
While the gathering will be hosted by Redeemer College, all are welcome, and no registration is needed.
Ministry Leaders Forum
Wednesday, November 12 • 9-11:30 AM
In an era where the cultural ground beneath our feet is shifting, Christian leaders face the challenge of guiding God’s people with both conviction and humility. How can pastors, elders, and ministry leaders stay rooted in the gospel while wisely engaging a society that misunderstands or rejects the Gospel?
Over the course of the morning, Watkin will explore how the Bible’s grand narrative speaks into today’s cultural currents, offering a framework for leadership that is both deeply biblical and culturally astute. Together, we’ll consider how to resist the pressures of conformity, articulate the hope of Christ with clarity, and shepherd our communities with faithfulness in the face of increasing secularism.
While this gathering is primarily intended to serve staff and leaders of local churches and ministries, all are welcome, and no registration is needed for the forum. If you plan on staying for lunch, please register so we can prepare enough food.
Ministry Leaders Lunch
Wednesday, November 12 • 11:30-1:00 PM
We hope everyone will stay after the Ministry Leaders Forum for lunch and an opportunity to fellowship with one another.
Everyone is welcome to attend, though we do ask that you register in advance if possible so we can plan for the proper amount of food. Lunch is $10, but if cost is an issue, please let us know – we don’t want that to be a limiting factor for anyone.
An Evening Q&A with Christopher Watkin
Wednesday, November 12 • 6:00-8:00 PM
Join us for an evening of teaching and conversation with Christopher Watkin. He’ll offer a brief teaching on what it means to follow Christ faithfully in our rapidly shifting cultural moment, then open the floor for your questions. This is a unique opportunity to engage with one of today’s leading Christian thinkers and explore how the gospel speaks to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Childcare is available, though we do ask that you register in advance so we can plan for the proper amount of caregivers.