Is it possible our world is just one big high school lunchroom? 

In a world fraught with polarization and division – where we form separate tables based on political beliefs, skin color, economic status, theological ideas, and personal preferences – can we find a way to live differently, more aligned with the ways of Jesus?

Join us for a conversation with Heather Gorman and Mark Nelson, exploring the ideas in their new book, Lunchroom Theology: Pushing Tables Together in a Fractured World. We’ll discuss the theological and sociological origins of the polarization we’re experiencing and then examine how Jesus and the earliest Christians help us think faithfully and creatively about how to push tables together in our fractured world.

Intersection: Where Theology and Practice Meet is a series of focused, online conversations hosted by Carson Reed. Drawing wisdom from special guests and inspiration from timely topics, we create space for collegial learning, reflection, and ministerial action.

HEATHER GORMAN

Heather Gorman is professor of New Testament at Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee. She holds a Ph.D. in New Testament from Baylor University, an M.A. in New Testament from Abilene Christian University and a B.A. in biblical studies from Cincinnati Christian University. In addition to Lunchroom Theology, she has published numerous other works focusing on narrative and rhetorical criticism of the New Testament. She is a consulting editor for the Stone-Campbell Journal and has served on steering committees for both the Christian Scholars’ Conference and the Society of Biblical Literature Conference. Heather enjoys teaching Greek and classes on various books of the New Testament, as well as topical courses like Theology & Human Sexuality and Women in the Bible. She serves in various leadership capacities in her local church. She and her husband Jamey have two daughters and enjoy hiking and kayaking in East Tennessee.

MARK NELSON

Mark Nelson is the executive director of Three Rivers Collaborative, an initiative of Johnson University funded by Eli Lilly. He holds a M.A. in ethics and leadership as well as a B.S. in youth ministry and biblical studies from Johnson University. He has been in vocational ministry for the last 38 years, including stints in youth ministry, campus ministry, and church planting. Mark is the founding pastor of Crossings, a faith community in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he served for 15 years. He is also the co-author with Alan Hirsch of Reframation: Seeing God, People, and Mission Through Reenchanted Frames. He has been married to Dr. Monica Nelson, professor of nursing at Johnson University, for 37 years and has three grown children.