Theological Symposium
Pastor-Scholar Guild
SESSION 4: Joel Newberg walks through the pastoral implications of trinitarian theology in this final session of the symposium.
PROMPT: How does the historic expression of trinitarian theology shape pastoral practice? Explain how ERAS impacts ministry expressions such as preaching, counseling, discipleship, and missions. From the point-of-view of the local church pastor, in what way does ERAS potentially help or hinder the task of shepherding?
This lecture was delivered on September 1, 2026.
SESSION 3: Bryan Lair addresses historical theology and ecclesiological implications.
PROMPT: Provide a survey of relevant creeds and confessions that explain the way Christians have articulated trinitarian theology historically. Connect to the liturgical and catechetical practices of the church. How does careful consideration of trinitarian grammar impact the corporate life of the church? What ecclesiological concerns arise from the pro-ERAS position and what concerns arise from the anti-ERAS position?
This lecture was delivered on September 1, 2026.
SESSION 2: Dave Abernethy presents the case against Eternal Relations of Authority and Submission by summarizing the view of Glenn Butner.
PROMPT: Interacting with Butner’s The Son Who Learned Obedience: A Theological Case Against the Eternal Subordination of the Son, provide a summary of Butner’s textual and theological argument against ERAS. Explain the best-case position against ERAS with brief commentary on potential ecclesiological and pastoral implications.
This lecture was delivered on September 1, 2026.
SESSION 1: Brent Kompelien begins the symposium by presenting the first lecture on the topic of Eternal Relations of Authority and Submission. This sessions summarizes the view of Wayne Grudem.
PROMPT: Interacting with Grudem’s Systematic Theology (2nd ed.) and other relevant publications, provide a summary of Grudem’s textual and theological argument in favor of ERAS. Explain the best-case position in favor of ERAS with brief commentary on potential ecclesiological and pastoral implications.
This lecture was delivered on September 1, 2026.
INTRODUCTORY SESSION: Aaron Downs introduces the topic of Eternal Functional Subordination / Eternal Submission of the Son / Eternal Relations of Authority and Submission. This introduction helps identify the central issues for the symposium.
This lecture was delivered on September 1, 2026.
