Speaking Opportunities

The following talks and workshops can be adapted to several different formats of varying lengths. Each topic can be offered for a single two-hour presentation, a day-long workshop or retreat, or a multi-session series.

“Learning to Talk with the One You Love: Skills for Intimate Relationships”

 Intimacy is the bridge that connects two committed partners in a deep and loving bond. The key to an ongoing relationship that gives joy and satisfaction is to maintain the experience of loving the one you have chosen. Though love changes in many ways through the cycle of life, the experience can be maintained over a lifetime if it is tended and not neglected. Learn some of the reasons that loving intimacy wanes and learn skills for reviving, nourishing, and sustaining committed love. Stephen Binz is a certified instructor for the PAIRS method of couples education.

“Grieving: Moving from Loss to New Life”

Grieving is the bridge between the overwhelming pain of loss and the renewed life that is possible on the other side. The process of grieving is one of life’s most difficult and painful experiences. It is a massive onslaught of conflicting feelings: sadness, anger, confusion, despair, guilt, and emptiness. By facing our feelings, we learn about our own depths and discover the richness of our own inner life. The pain associated with grief has a limited size and shape; grief has a beginning and an end. Grief cripples us for a lifetime only when we do not allow its voice to be heard. Learn the phases of normal grieving and how to reach a new wholeness through the pains of loss. Stephen Binz is trained as an Advanced Bereavement Facilitator from the American Academy of Bereavement. 

"Thriving Through the Midlife Challenge"

Midlife is the bridge that connects young adulthood to what Carl Jung called "the second half of life." At midlife parts of ourselves that we had neglected, ignored, or suppressed begin to emerge. As we yearn for wholeness, we long to live our unlived lives. Typically people deny and resist the psychic upheaval at midlife, dismissing the internal signals and postponing the inevitable quest for deeper life. But through confusion, disappointment, and sometimes depression and anxiety, a totally unexpected journey of growth and change can occur. Learn ways to negotiate the sharp curves and steep hills of the midlife crisis into the more open road of life's second half.

"Stewardship of the Earth"

The Earth, its environment and its creatures, is a wonderful gift and a sacred trust to humanity. Celebrate the beauty and rich diversity of the created world and develop a sense of loving care for our planet through the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Listen anew to the biblical texts which help us understand our privilege and responsibility in caring for the earth and humbly recognize our place within it. In our present age of vast environmental degradation, a biblical spirituality of God's creation can help motivate believers toward an understanding of ecological justice.

"Conversing with God in Scripture: A Contemporary Approach to Lectio Divina" 

The ancient practice of lectio divina offers a time-tested way of listening and conversing with God through the inspired Scriptures. This ancient art is rooted in the Jewish tradition of Jesus, and it has been nourished through the desert spirituality of the early centuries, the patristic writers of the ancient church, and the monastic tradition through the ages. In our day, lectio divina is experiencing a world-wide revival as Christians everywhere are returning to age-old wisdom to experience the Scriptures in a deeper and more complete way. Pope Benedict has said, “If the practice of lectio divina is effectively promoted, I am convinced that it will produce a new spiritual springtime in the church.” The world synod of bishops has challenged the church to find new ways of adapting this tradition to the life of God’s people in the 21st century. This presentation will explain this ancient practice and show Bible readers how to experience the ongoing power of the Spirit within the inspired text. Participants will learn how to move from attentive listening, to reflective prayer, to contemplative action. This workshop is for Bible students in all stages of adulthood, parish pastoral teams, volunteers, and anyone interested in Catholic Bible study.

"Becoming a Community of the Word: How to Bring Bible Study to Your Whole Parish"

Ever since the Second Vatican Council gave us the mandate—“Access to sacred Scripture ought to be open wide to the Christian faithful”—Catholic parishes have been forming small groups for Bible study. Unfortunately this model has never been effective in bringing large numbers of Catholics to take Bible study seriously. Even in large parishes only a few dozen people want to join a group for another weekly session at church, but most Catholics want to learn how to study the Bible in a way that makes a difference in their lives. If we are to make access to Scripture open wide for all our church members, then we must think of other ways. We will begin by looking at ten principles for studying the Bible that make it a uniquely Catholic experience. These principles will show Catholics how to avoid the rampant fundamentalism of our culture and root their biblical understanding in the rich soil of our tradition. We will then learn about the church’s most ancient way of studying the Bible, in which the Scriptures move us to a dialogue with God and into prayer. Finally, we will discuss effective ways to bring this method of Bible study to your whole parish. This workshop is for Bible students in all stages of adulthood, parish pastoral teams, volunteers, and anyone interested in Catholic Bible study.

Topics of Biblical Spirituality

Shorter talks may be arranged for adult education at conferences and churches. Topics include the following: The Psalms as Prayer, People of the Passion, Hope in the Book of Revelation, The Resurrection and the Life, The Sacred Heart, Seeking Justice and Peace, The Holy City Jerusalem, Dreams in the Bible and in our Lives, The Infancy Narratives for Advent, Pilgrimage in Biblical Times and Today.

ENDORSEMENTS

"If you want an innovative, imaginative and dynamic workshop session, then I would highly recommend Stephen Binz as a presenter for your venue/event.  Stephen spoke at the annual Religious Education Congress and inspired the delegates with wisdom and hope.  Stephen was able to connect with his audience and was personally requested to return to Congress from many of our delegates who attend annually. We look forward to having Stephen with us at future Congresses and are thankful for the gift he brings."
                Jan C. Pedroza, LA Congress Programming Coordinator, Los Angeles Archdiocese

“The presentations of Stephen Binz to our catechetical leadership staff were just what they desired and needed. His gracious presence witnessed to them the life that comes from living with the Scriptures. His presentation and then the immediate application made the day much more than just a listening to, but also an experiencing day. The presentation on Lectio Divina spoke deeply to them. I heard a vast number say, “I’m going to start reading the Scriptures again and praying with them. What better response could a diocesan leader hope for?”

Sister Barbara Cline, FSE, Director of the Office of Catechesis, Diocese of Grand Rapids

“Stephen Binz' presentation on the Book of Revelation was the most professional and enlightening treatment of a topic I can recall in over 15 years of attending the Los Angeles Congress. His use of PowerPoint was most effective (not the lame "read along with me as I read this outline to you" approach we too often see!) And his enthusiasm for his thesis—that apocalyptic writing is a journey of imagination through which the reader is changed—has made a convert out of me. I used to speak on Revelation myself, but I'm tearing up my notes in favor of Binz' approach! I sincerely hope we see Steve again at Congress. We can never have too many speakers preaching the Scriptures with passion and creativity.”

Alice Camille, religious educator and award-winning author of Listening to God’s Word, A Book of Grace-Filled Days, and The Forgiveness Book

“Stephen Binz recently gave a series of workshops on the ancient practice of lectio divina in the archdiocese of Cincinnati to the delight of participants. Stephen’s presentation provided us with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Word of God in our lives today. Through both the theory and the practical application of the approach, I found myself wanting to leave and immediately pray with the scriptures.  He created a thirst from blending both the best of scholarship and a passion for hearing God speak through the Word.”

David M. Riley, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, Archdiocese of Cincinnati

"Stephen Binz brought the Threshold Bible Study to our diocese complete with an orientation.  Our catechetical leadership found his presentations insightful, inspiring, and right-on-the-mark!  Several of our parishes have begun incorporating TBS into their catechetical programming. Steve's message is simple: adult-based formation is a priority and Scripture-study is essential to the task!"

Dennis L. Johnson, Jr., Director of Religious Education, Archdiocese of Atlanta

“Stephen J. Binz's greatest gift to the Catholic faith community is a talent for bringing to his presentations and writings a combination of first-rate biblical scholarship and a keen ability to make that scholarship accessible to ordinary adults. In two presentations at the Archdiocese of Hartford, Binz was able to connect meaningfully with a variety of students. On the one hand, Binz succeeded in encouraging Scripture reading among Bible neophytes. On the other hand, Binz effectively invited more experienced Bible readers to reach more deeply into the Word of God for insights and practices that continue to nurture their faith. And those who attended Binz's presentation on St. Paul expressed increased confidence in their ability to read the Letters of Paul as a source of renewal in faith.”

Barbara Jean Daly Horell, Coordinator of the Catholic Biblical School, Archdiocese of Hartford

“I cannot thank Stephen Binz enough for the day-long workshop he offered to the people of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Stephen combined biblical scholarship, historical awareness, pastoral sensitivity and wonderful teaching skills in a day that was a blessing for all who were present. Stephen's passionate belief that the Scripture have the power to transform individual and congregational life was both an inspiration and a challenge to me. His workshop changed the way I make use of Scripture in my preaching and teaching. Many have asked me when we will have him with us again. My answer: As soon as we can!!!” 

Rev. Michael Fedewa, Rector, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Grand Rapids, MI