Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 9:30 AM until 11:00 AMUS Eastern Daylight Time UTC -04:00
Hospitality Suite - MOCC (second floor)610 Wooster RoadWinona Lake, IN 46590United States
What might the preaching of a tenth-century abbot contribute to the practice of Christian preaching today? This seminar offers a focused study of Symeon the New Theologian, examining his preaching within its historical context. A pietistic and “charismatic” preacher, Symeon reacted against the dead formalism of the Eastern Church. He preached with deep sincerity and spiritual intensity. One scholar referred to Symeon as “the Jonathan Edwards of Eastern Orthodoxy.” We will examine Symeon’s sermon entitled, “On Partaking of the Holy Spirit” as we seek to answer two questions: What can contemporary preachers learn from the strengths of his approach? Conversely, what aspects of Symeon’s preaching should cause us to exercise caution? For pastors, students, and anyone interested in the history and practice of Christian preaching, this seminar offers an opportunity to place contemporary homiletics in conversation with one of the Eastern Church's most influential and enthusiastic preachers.Dr. Rock LaGioia serves as Professor of Pastoral Studies and Director of Doctoral Programs. Rock is passionate about building up the body of Christ by training the next generation of effective church leaders. Dr. LaGioia has taught undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level courses in bible, theology, pastoral studies, and preaching at Moody Bible Institute and Taylor University. Grace College; Huntington University Graduate School; Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; and Grace Theological Seminary. Rev. LaGioia has pastored churches in Illinois and has served as Interim Pastor at numerous churches throughout the Midwest. He has also served as Chaplain at O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway Airport. Rock enjoys an active preaching and teaching ministry at worship services, prophecy conferences, doctrinal seminars, pastors’ conferences, and denominational meetings.
Registration Rates (Complimentary breakfast included):
*For group registrations, please note that one person will receive the payment receipt. That person is the first one listed when inputting the registrations.*
