What picture of God are you actually living from?
We can know what Scripture says and still discover that the way we actually see God, ourselves, and life does not fully agree with what we say we believe.
The Albany event will give us time to worship together, open Scripture, and look honestly at what may be shaping the way we see and live.
Sometimes what we know and what we are living from are not the same thing.
We can know that God loves us and still approach Him as though He is disappointed, distant, or difficult to please.
We can know that Scripture says we are new creations in Christ and still see ourselves mainly through old failure, rejection, fear, weakness, or the expectations of other people.
That does not mean doctrine is unimportant. It means that knowing the right answer does not automatically tell us what picture has taken hold of the way we actually see.
That is the kind of question we are going to work through together in Albany.
The teaching will stay close to a few important questions.
Who Is God as He Has Revealed Himself?
We will look at the difference between God as He has made Himself known in Jesus Christ and the picture of Him we may have built through fear, experience, disappointment, or assumption.
Who Has God Made You to Be in Christ?
We will look at the reality God has already established for the believer in Christ and what happens when our perception of ourselves does not agree with that reality.
What Does Renewal of the Mind Actually Involve?
We will consider how our thinking and perception are brought increasingly into agreement with what God says is true and what that means for the way we live.
Worship, Scripture, and time to work through what matters.
The format is simple. We want enough time to worship, work carefully through Scripture, and leave room for people to think about what the teaching means for the way they actually see and live.
Worship
We will worship together because this ultimately brings us back to God Himself. Worship will help turn our attention toward Him without becoming the focus of the event.
Biblical Teaching
We will spend serious time in Scripture and follow the teaching far enough to understand what is being said rather than reducing the subject to a few quick points.
Time to Engage
There will be room to stop, think, consider what the teaching means, and ask questions where the format allows.
If the gap between what you know and what you are living from sounds familiar, this gathering is for you.
You do not need to be a pastor, theologian, or ministry leader.
This gathering is for believers who want to know God more clearly, understand what is true of them in Christ, and think seriously about the way their perception may be affecting the life they are living.
Pastors and ministry leaders are also warmly invited.
And if you are exploring Christianity or simply trying to understand what Scripture says about these questions, you are welcome too.
I want you to know what people in your congregation are being invited to before you decide whether to tell them about it.
I am not asking Albany-area pastors for pulpit time, financial support, or a formal endorsement.
I do want to give you enough information beforehand to understand why we are gathering, the questions I will be addressing, and where 180 Perspective is coming from theologically.
What am I asking from you?
Take a look through the information on this page. If you want to know more, you can also look through the broader 180 Perspective ministry and teaching.
If you have questions, contact me. I would be glad to talk with you directly.
If you believe the Albany gathering may benefit people in your congregation, you are welcome to let them know about it.
You are also warmly invited to attend yourself. No endorsement, partnership, or other commitment is expected.
Theological Posture
180 Perspective teaches from the conviction that Scripture is the authoritative Word of God and that Jesus Christ reveals who God is. The teaching stands within the historic Christian faith, affirming salvation by grace through faith in Christ, the believer's new life and identity in Him, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit as believers are renewed in their thinking and learn to live from what God has made true in Christ.
Want a fuller picture of the teaching behind 180 Perspective?
Much of the concern behind this ministry is explored more fully in my book, The God-Shaped Life: Restoring Our View of God, Self, and Others.
The book looks at the way our perception of God affects how we understand ourselves, relate to Him, and live the Christian life. If you want a better sense of where I am coming from before deciding whether to tell your congregation about the Albany event, the book will give you a much fuller picture.
Explore The God-Shaped LifeThere is no charge to attend the Albany event.
We do not want cost to determine who can participate.
Registration information will be added when the date and venue are finalized.
Registration will help us prepare for attendance and keep everyone informed as the remaining event details come together.
Free to attend does not mean there are no costs.
The room, insurance, promotion, travel, and other practical needs still have to be covered.
We are looking for individuals, businesses, friends of the ministry, and others who would like to help make the Albany gathering possible.
Churches are also welcome to help if they independently choose to do so, but pastors and churches are not being asked or expected to provide financial support in order to attend, participate in, or share the event.
Help might mean covering a specific expense, providing a needed service, assisting with event materials, or simply asking what is still needed.
If you would like to talk about helping with the Albany event, please contact me.
Contact 180 Perspective180 Perspective is not currently recognized as a 501(c)(3), and we are not representing financial support as a tax-deductible charitable contribution.
Albany Event FAQ
When will the Albany event take place?
Where will the event be held?
How much does it cost?
Will registration be required?
Is this event connected with one denomination?
Is 180 Perspective trying to start a church in Albany?
Can pastors review the teaching before telling their churches about the event?
Are pastors expected to endorse or financially support the event?
Can someone attend if they do not currently belong to a church?
How can I help support the Albany event?
Event details are coming together.
This page will be updated as the venue, date, registration, schedule, and other details are confirmed.