Ph.D., Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, 2009 (with distinction)

M.Th., Applied Theology, University of Wales (Spurgeon's College, London), 2003

B.S., Religion, Liberty University, 1997 (magna cum laude)

Why I teach at FPU

My sense of vocation is guided by my personal mission statement: “I endeavor to invest in avenues of teaching and training, research and writing, resourcing and relating that contribute to the church’s growth in missional faithfulness throughout North America and beyond.” I aim to inspire students to wrestle with the implications of the missio Dei for their lives and ministries in the contexts where they serve. Ultimately, I hope that this will help to strengthen and renew local congregations as redemptive communities living out God’s purposes in the world.

Articles:

• "Generation X, Intergenerational Justice, and the Renewal of the Traditioning Process", in HTS Teologiese Studies, 2010
• "Encountering the Heart of God in the Heart of the City: The Missional Vocation of the Urban Congregation," in Direction, Spring 2010
• "Show and Shape: How Congregational Worship Times Show and Shape Us as Followers of Christ," in Christian Leader, Feb./Mar. 2010
• "Plagiarism in the Pulpit," in Christian Leader, Dec. 2009/Jan. 2010
• "It’s All About Me, Jesus: The Narcissistic Worship Leader," in Direction Journal, Fall 2009
• "The Parable of the Sapped Servant," in Rejoice!, Summer 2009
• "Let It Shine," in Christian Leader, March 2009
• "Source of Growth: The Changing Power of Philippians," in In Touch, March 2009
• "God’s Impossible Mission," in Christian Leader, October 2008

Reviews:

• Review of On Earth as It is in Advertising, by S. Van Eman, in Missiology, January 2007
• Review of Knocking on Heaven’s Door, by M. Oppenheimber, in Missiology, July 2005
• Review of The Church Transition Workbook, by B. Kemp, in Congregations, Summer 2005
• Review of The Church on the Margins, by M. R. Sawyer, in Missiology, July 2005
• Review of In Search of Authentic Faith, by S. Rabey, in Missiology, January 2003

Professional Experiences

I currently serve on the steering committee for Fresno's NoName Fellowship, a community coalition of Christian leaders committed to "Releasing God's Resources to Rebuild Our City through Reconciled Relationships."

Other Information

All seminary faculty members are available for preaching and are prepared to lead a seminar on calling out leaders for training and ministry. Cory will consider teaching classes or seminars on topics in addition to those listed here, please contact him for more information. He specializes in the following topics:

• Seeking the Peace of the City
• Entering the Neighborhood
• Intergenerational Life in the Congregation
• Leadership Development
• Developing Your Personal Mission

Resources

Influencial authors: David Bosch, Harvie Conn & Manuel Ortiz, Michael Frost, Mark Gornik, Roger Greenway, Darrell Guder, Robert Linthicum, Erwin McManus, Stuart Murray, Alan Roxburgh, Wilbert Shenk, Craig Van Gelder