Speaker Series | Bower Hill Community Church

Faith Forward: The Future of Congregational Life

Bower Hill Community Church invites you to our 2026 Speaker Series.

March 11 ~ Ryan P. Burge - Examines the data including the rise of the non-religious, religious polarization and implications for American society

April 22 ~ Andrew Root -Will discuss how congregational life is changing

May 13 ~ Liddy Barlow, Greg Jones,Tracy Keenan, Eric Schaffer - A panel discussion on potential ways forward.

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Dinner Included - Cefalo's Banquet and Event Center - Carnegie, PA - MAP OF LOCATION

We will gather for each of these programs at 4:00 p.m. Presentations and discussion will be followed by dinner. At 7:00 p.m. participants are encouraged to stay on for further informal discussion with our speaker(s). The evening will conclude by 8:00 p.m.

Registration:

To register online click here. If you prefer to register by mail, please click here for the registration form.

On March 11 we will examine the data . .

Ryan P. Burge is a political scientist and statistician known for his work on religion, and until 2024, as an American Baptist pastor. Dr. Burge is currently a professor of practice at the John C. Danforth Center at Washington University in St. Louis. His popular Substack newsletter Graphs about Religion has tens of thousands of subscribers. He is a well-known data analyst with work appearing in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and POLITICO, and he has been featured on 60 Minutes. Our speaker is the author of five books. His debut, The Nones: Where They Came From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going, explores the dramatic rise of non-religious Americans and offers explanations for this seismic cultural shift. His forthcoming book, The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us, examines religious polarization and its broader implications for American society. Join us for what will no doubt be a thought-provoking presentation.

On April 22 we will learn how congregational life is changing .

Andrew Root has been a professor at Luther Seminary in St. Paul since 2005, where he teaches classes on a theology of ministry, youth ministry, and culture. He is the author of the six-volume Ministry in a Secular Age series that examines what it means to practice faith in a secular age. Dr. Root explores how today's belief systems are more fragile and contested, leading people to seek meaning through more personal quests. Our speaker will present his ideas on maintaining faith amidst modern challenges, and finding divine encounters in everyday interactions. He is known for an engaging style that laces together stories, theological depth, and humor.

On May 13 we will discuss potential ways forward . . .

Liddy Barlow, Executive Minister of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, will moderate a discussion among our guest speakers, each of whom brings unique experiences to the challenges lying ahead in congregational life.

Gregory D. Jones is an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Duquesne University. His work focuses on the theological meaning of gaming and the intersection of religion, media, and popular culture. He worships with First Baptist Church of Bridgeville, which currently shares space with Bower Hill.

Tracy Keenan, recently retired Missional Presbyter of New Castle Presbytery (Delaware/Eastern Maryland), helped congregations strengthen mission, outreach, and social justice ministries. She also served as associate pastor at Bower Hill Community Church from 1988–1994.

Eric Schaffer spent more than 40 years at a major international law firm. As Past President of Rodef Shalom, he is helping guide the merger of Rodef Shalom and Temple Sinai. He will share practical insights on the merger process, challenges, and opportunities for congregations considering similar steps.