Here's info about our foundational understandings, how we approach our efforts, and the roles in Thoughtful Faith:
Speaking of Faith
Across the three years in development and facilitation of Thoughtful Faith, much consideration has been given to how to best communicate the foundational Christian beliefs and desired practices of this small fellowship. While no existing document fully captures everything from the focused perspective of our work (i.e. Christ-centered learning in assessment of our world, and resulting conversations together), the insightful reflections of The Gospel Coalition (TGC) come close in terms of approach, understandings, and visionary practices. (Access via the below TGC logo.)
It is not necessary for registered members of Thoughtful Faith to embrace the tenets articulated in the below document from TGC. However, it is important for those in roles of leadership, content selection, facilitation, and in other guiding roles that there is consensus with the foundational 'basics' as articulated by TGC since these form a theological lens into and out from the efforts of Thoughtful Faith.
About Thoughtful Faith
Participants
Participation in Thoughtful Faith’s online conversations is not restricted by Christian denomination, and all who embrace the inerrant truths of Christianity (as expressed in the Nicene Creed) are welcome[1]. It may be helpful to also note that TF is not a church and does not hold any related affiliations. Differences in scriptural interpretation are naturally embedded in our conversations, and the guidance from the 17th century Lutheran theologian Rupertus Meldenius (aka Peter Meiderlin) is helpful: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity" -- a principle of Christian theology that encourages Christians to be united on fundamental doctrines while allowing for individual freedom on less important matters, all under the guidance of love and charity.
In terms of who participates in TF's monthly conversations, the group is currently composed of people with diverse callings, including pastors, attorneys, business leaders, educators, health care and in other vocations . Ages range from those in their 30's into the retirement years. A nice mix of men and women, each with perspectives worth understanding, and each freely extending grace in conversation!
Facilitator
Thoughtful Faith is curated and facilitated by Dr. David Hietala. Dave received his Ph.D. in Adult and Continuing Education from The Union Institute, Cincinnati, OH. His dissertation focused on transformative learning in community settings of faith, with research conducted at L’Abri, Greatham, England.
Across his career, Dave has served the business community, nonprofit settings, conservative Lutheran denominations, and higher education. In higher education, he has served as a professor, dean, director, vice president, and Christian college president.
Dr. Hietala is a lifelong member of conservative confessional congregations, taking guidance from a certainty in the lordship of Jesus Christ across the whole of life, embracing the famous words of Abraham Kuyper, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!”
Dave and his family reside in Minnesota.
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[1] A deeper dive into the function of ministry is articulated in the TGC document linked above.