IDEAS Speakers Forum
The IDEAS Speakers Forum is a community of professional practitioners who speak and teach on transformative international development topics and issues. They offer their expertise and experience through speaking engagements, classes, lectures, and webinars.
To inquire about a speaker at your church, group, or organization, please contact Barb Larson at barb.larson@ideasworld.org.
Upcoming Online Event
"Strife and Sorrow: What devastation abroad can teach us about division at home"
with Jayson Casper
July 19, 2022
6:30pm (ET)
IDEAS Speakers & Topics


Christians & Muslims: Building Peace in a Climate of Hostility
Lebanon: A Nation in Crisis and the Family That Lives Through It
Strife and Sorrow: What devastation abroad can teach us about division at home

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Do you look forward to Mondays or dread them? Why should we work, and is there any value other than earning a regular paycheck?
Discover through this webinar how your work is a vital part of life and even an act of worship. What you do 2,080 hours (or more) a year really matters! Work can be life-giving rather than life-draining. You will begin to comprehend the impact of the historic separation of sacred work and secular work, and your understanding of kingdom work will be expanded to include any good endeavor accomplished for the benefit of society and for the glory of God.
Dr. Bill Merrifield served cross-culturally in Beirut, Lebanon for 18
years. He holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from George Fox University, an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from the American University of Beirut, an MA in Religion from Trinity International University, and a BA in Theology from Wheaton College. His experience includes roles in educational leadership and teaching in higher education, secondary education, and theological education. Dr. Merrifield’s research interests focus on the development of contextual critical thinking and refugee education. His dissertation examined the impact of socio-contextual, cultural, and linguistic variables in the critical thinking processes of multilingual students. His post-doc examined refugee education and employment in contexts of protracted displacement. Dr. Merrifield currently lives in Wheaton, IL and is the Director of Education with IDEAS.
Making Sense of Islam
This webinar examines Islam through a religious, historical, and cultural lens. It investigates Islamic beliefs and practices; addresses common misconceptions; explores the Christian-Muslim divide; and outlines practical steps for how to engage with Muslim neighbors and coworkers. With questions about the Muslim world at center stage politically, religiously, and socially, come discover how to demonstrate the redemptive message of Jesus by showing the world a response to Islam that is worthy of His name.
The Art of Critical Thinking
It seems like everyone touts the importance (or lack) of critical thinking these days. But what is critical thinking? Is it problem-solving, skepticism, self-reflexivity? Is it a set of skills, a disposition, or both? Is it a moral or amoral activity? Does critical thinking mean the same thing in different cultural contexts? This webinar presents different views on the purpose and goals of critical thinking and addresses the complicated question of what it means to promote critical thinking as a Christian in a multi-cultural world.


Spiritual Lessons from the Orchard


The Power of Books


Streams in the Desert (Isaiah)
With Christ in the Heavenly Places (Ephesians)
Draw Near
Pursuing Peace


How Ancient Communities Speak Outrage Against Rape (Judges 19; 2 Samuel 13)
The Valiant Woman: How Ancient Israelite Women Represent "Life, Wisdom, Sustenance, and Strength"