Thomas Troeger and Edward Everding
All of Us for All of God

August 9 - 15 

The theories of Multiple Intelligences, Children's Ways of Knowing and Adult Ways of Knowing are summarized in So That All Might Know: Preaching that Engages the Whole Congregation written by Tom and Ed (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2008).  Although the book applies these theories to effective preaching, the seminar will help participants understand their application to other activities of communication (e.g., teaching, interpersonal relationships, spiritual practices, etc.). 

One pre-publication reviewer wrote: “I loved reading this book! It is an outstanding application of cognitive theories to effective preaching, replete with wonderful examples to expand one's repertoire of communicative tools. It's a broadly accessible book that can help us reduce our distortions and stereotypes of those who differ from and with us. Even more significantly, however, it describes and models a hospitable and gracious honoring of the whole person and the whole church.  It can open you in new ways to the work of God's Spirit in the church and world while equipping you to be a more effective vessel for that work.” Lucinda Huffaker, past Director, Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion and coauthor, Viewpoints: Perspectives of Faith and Christian Nurture.

Tom and Ed have both offered retreats at the Ranch in past years. Coming back in 2009, especially to present on this topic, is a great treat. Many people are familiar with Howard Gardner’s work on multiple intelligences. Other researchers have expanded his study. What Tom and Ed can do for those of us attending their session is renew our comprehension of our ways of knowing and help us see the ways in which our ways influence our spiritual development and religious journeys. Gaining this understanding, we can become better communicators and teachers, leaders and friends.

-- Carl Koch, Director

“Too often God, your name is used to sanction hate and fear
so love and justice are refused to people you hold dear.
O never let us use your name to harm or hurt or kill
or consecrate a vicious aim as your almighty will.
But move through us in deeds that spell your name as Love and Light,
for faithful actions far excel beliefs that we recite.
Let naming you through how we live become our public creed:
the clearest witness we can give in meeting human need.
And keep us ready to receive the good that others do,
that helps expand what we believe and why we trust in you.
For where deep love and justice meet we see anew your face
and for a moment glimpse complete the world transformed by grace.
That vision opens wide the church to look beyond our walls,
to honor all who ask and search for where your spirit calls.
their questions and their wondering help us more fully claim
our mission as an offering that glorifies your name.”
-Thomas Troeger

 Other books by Thomas Troeger

Troeger is one of the very finest living religious poets. This new collection contains an even wider range and variety (even though the number of poems is fewer) than his excellent first collection (Borrowed Light, OUP). In the preface, Troeger writes: "This collection of hymns and anthems, rooted in Christian conviction is intermixed with poems that do not draw upon faith.

I am trying to map the landscape of the heart that still rejoices in God yet lives in a world that is largely oblivious to the spiritual dimension of life." He succeeds in portraying this brilliantly. The juxtapositions of texts are both startling and comforting. Highly recommend simply for reading pleasure, or for those who might wish to make wider use of the texts/poems contained therein (worship leaders, composers, authors, etc.). -- C. P. Cooman

This book includes all the texts from Troeger's prior collaborations and other prayers and poems which he has written. There are 134 texts (poems, prayers, etc.) in all, grouped by images and patterns of association: Borrowed Light, Hidden Water, Wind and Flame, Melody Alone, A Spendthrift Lover, A Single Unmatched Stone, Fragmentary Prayers, and Disturbance of the Solid Ground. Endnotes and indices according to meter, theme and image, scripture, and first lines will aid clergy, church musicians, liturgists, and composers. An afterword provides further material for the creative process by exploring the literary and theological understandings that shape the texts.