Student Life

Club Convo

About the Club Convo Program

We are glad you are interested in finding a Club Convo that fits you.  The Club Convo Program offers a wealth of topics as well as various different meeting times.  Each is lead by a faculty or staff member from Pepperdine University, addresses a topic from a Christian standpoint, and is to be a representation of the Christian Mission of Pepperdine.

You must attend at least 5 sessions to receive Convocation attendance credit and you may receive no more than 6 Club Convo credits per semester.

Sign Up for a Club Convo


The Club Convo registration deadline is one week before the first meeting of your desired Club Convo.

Please review this semester's options posted below, and click here to register. Although you are only allowed to join one Club Convo per semester, we ask for your top 3 choices in case your top choice is already full.

Club Convos Offered Fall 2009 - UPDATED DAILY

DISCIPLESHIP
An Attitude of Gratitude
Becoming a Modern Day Princess
Cinematic Portrayals of Jesus
Daniel, David, Joseph, and Job: Living Lives of Faith and Integrity in the Public Sphere
Do Hard Things: Succeeding at Life by Stretching Yourself for God
Exploring God's Crazy Love for Us and Our Response to Him
Fairy Tale Faith
Four Sunday Challenge
A Grace Filled Balance
Jesus Goes to College: Exploring What the Gospel Means for College Life
Not Your Typical Bible Study
Stories and Spins: How Our Stories Shape Our Spirituality
RELATIONSHIPS
Beyond the Disney Effect: Breaking Down Romanticized Love
A Christian Response to the Sexual Violence Among Us
From Me and You...to Us
How to Date the Best
One Body, 7000 Parts?
Overcoming Difficult Family Issues
Relationships 101
Relationships 102: Understanding Men
Sexuality and the Media
Why Do Christians Disagree?
VOCATION
Career or Calling: Waiting for Divine Inspiration SECTION 1
Career or Calling: Waiting for Divine Inspiration SECTION 2
The Christian Foundation for Social Action

DISCIPLESHIP

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An Attitude of Gratitude

Gratitude is an important Christian attitude, one that has recently been demonstrated to have additional benefits of psychological well-being. Join the director of the Counseling Center in exploring the Biblical rationale and the research support for the importance of gratitude. Practical ways to enhance the attitude will be suggested, and group members will share their increased awareness of blessings in their lives.

Connie Horton
Time: Wednesdays at 11:00am
Dates: September 16 - October 21
Location: Counseling Center Conference Room (TCC 270)
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Becoming a Modern-Day Princess
(WOMEN ONLY)
FULL-PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER CLUB CONVO

Through the movie Ever After, we will explore what it really means to be a princess. We’ll discuss themes of grace under pressure, beauty, trust, forgiveness, and redemption.

Michelle Grue
Time: Fridays at 9:00am
Dates: September 25 - October 30
Location: AC 261
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Cinematic Portrayals of Jesus

Participants will view five films featuring the character of Jesus Christ. Each session will include viewing scenes from the films, critically discussing the cinematic portrayal of Jesus, and engaging questions of our perspectives on Jesus’ life and work.

Travis Weber and LE Stokes
Time: Thursdays at 12:00pm
Dates: October 8 - November 19
Location: TBA
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Daniel, David, Joseph and Job: Living Lives of Faith and Integrity in the Public Sphere
(POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJORS ONLY)

It can be difficult living up to what Christ has called us to at times.  This is all the more true when under the constant attention of the public as a local, state or federal leader.  You are not alone if you seek to live a life of faith and integrity, but also feel called to public administration.  Glean lessons of men of faith from the past and strength and courage from each other as you create a firm, spiritual foundation from which you will draw strength as you seek to lead the men and women around you.

Jonathan Schmitt
Time: Fridays at 12:10pm
Dates: TBA
Location: Drescher S11
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Do Hard Things: Succeeding at Life by Stretching Yourself for God

Do you have big dreams?  Do you see mediocrity being celebrated and perceive the cynical indifference of others to problems and recognize that men and women who display faith, love, and courage and take responsibility for the problems around them are dwindling?  Don't write off the world around you-come and be inspired to put your faith into action.  We will be studying courage and faith-in-action through studying the Bible, the book "Do Hard Things," movie clips, and one session where we put what we've learned to use by stretching ourselves as a group and doing something good that we wouldn't do normally.

Jonathan Schmitt
Time: Fridays at 12:10pm
Dates: October 9 - November 20 (No Meeting October 16)
Location: Drescher S11
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Exploring God's Crazy Love for Us and Our Response to Him
(JUNIORS ONLY)

This group will use Francis Chan's book "Crazy Love" as a guide to explore God's unconditional love. Come to discuss what an authentic faith looks like today within our churches and personal lives. Challenge yourself to live passionately for Christ and take action daily.

Rinn Dow and Angela Martins
Time: Mondays at 2:00pm
Dates: September 21 - October 26
Location: TCC 260
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Fairy Tale Faith
FULL - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER CLUB CONVO

Come explore six fairy tales and discover what they communicate about God and about who God created us to be.

Caitlin Lawrence
Time: Mondays at 4:15pm
Dates: October 5 - November 9
Location: CCB 251
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Four Sunday Challenge
FULL _ PLEASE SELECET ANOTHER CLUB CONVO

The Four Sunday Challenge is an opportunity to experience worship services that might be different from your own tradition. We will be visiting a Latino , urban African American, and a Korean church. Depending on the church traditions of the students that sign up for this club convo, we will determine what the last church will be. It might mean visiting an Evangelical church or an Eastern Orthodox church. You must attend all four Sundays to get all six credits. We will be carpooling to the various churches and having lunch afterwards to talk about the experience. We are very excited to explore how many different ways there are to worship an amazing God.

LE Stokes and Travis Weber
Time: Sundays at 8:00am and 2:00pm
Dates: September 27 - November 8
Location: TBA each week via email
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A Grace-Filled Balance
FULL - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER CLUB CONVO

Together, we’ll explore ways to integrate more balance into the busy Pepperdine lifestyle. Expect some experiential segments as we examine the value of grace within rest, prayer and play.

Heidi Gunderson and Nivla Fitzpatrick
Time: Mondays at 4:00pm
Dates: October 12 - November 16
Location: Counseling Center Conference Room (TCC 270)
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Jesus Goes to College: Exploring What the Gospel Means to College Life

What do the Gospels teach about Jesus and His Way of being in the world; and how can their message serve to form college students in their search for spiritual understanding?

This Club Convo will look at the book written by Adam Baron, Resident Director, (and will be seeking your editorial input) about the four Gospels and College Life. The book was birthed to help students understand the basic message of each of the New Testament Gospels and how these books can guide them as followers of Jesus, or cautious admirers of Jesus. Guaranteed, in four sessions you'll understand the four Gospels and more about the person, teaching, and way of Jesus.

 Adam Baron
Time: Wednesdays at 5:00pm
Dates:October 28 - December 9
Location: HAWC - Upstairs Lounge
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Not Your Typical Bible Study
(FRESHMEN WOMEN ONLY)

This alternative bible-study meets each week to review a NOOMA (Rob Bell) episode (10-14 mins.). Following the video, we have 45 mins. of open discussion, prayer, and scripture reading. This is a study for freshmen women on campus who want to explore their own faith and how this is both challenged and nurtured in our culture. Check out samples of NOOMA on youtube to get a feeling for the content of our discussions and the style of our group.

Dr. Cooker Perkins and Malika Rice
Time: Mondays at 12:00pm
Dates: September 21 - November 30
Location: TCC 260
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Stories and Spins: How Our Stories Shape Our Spirituality

Participants will explore how their spirituality is shaped by stories they identify with. Club convo members will take turns sharing stories from the Bible, from popular media, or from their personal lives that have personal and spiritual significance.

Dave Christy
Time: Thursdays at 2:00pm
Dates: October 1 - November 5
Location: Counseling Center Conference Room (TCC 270)
Sign Up
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RELATIONSHIPS

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Beyond the Disney Effect: Breaking Down Romanticized Love
(WOMEN ONLY)
FULL - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER CLUB CONVO

This series invites each student to explore his or her personal identity and the unique purpose for his or her life. It looks to find what lies beyond the fairy tales filled with princesses and “prince charmings”, to examine real love and real life with real people.

Krystal Chapman and Hannah Parmelee
Time: Thursdays at 4:00pm
Dates: September 10 - October 15
Location: TCC 260
Sign Up
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A Christian Response to the Sexual Violence Among Us

.This Club Convo, through the use of readings, videos, and rich discussions will address challenging questions regarding sexual violence. What is the role of a Christian University or a church in the far too common occurance of sexual violence? Where is God in this? How can I minister to a victim? What are the theological issues and gender dynamics that influence these issues? Discussion will be led by Connie Horton, Director of the Counseling Center and Travis Weber, SLA Program coordinator.

Connie Horton and Travis Weber
Time: Wednesdays at 1:00pm
Dates: September 30 - November 11
Location: Counseling Center Conference Room (TCC 270)
Sign Up
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From Me and You...to Us
FULL - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER CLUB CONVO

Are you seriously dating or engaged to someone special? Do you want build the right foundation for a happy and successful future? Take this opportunity and discover how to thrive in your relationship: learn your love languages, how to better communicate, how to meet each other’s needs, and how to grow spiritually together. Each week, couples will share together in learning more about their relationship as well as ways in which they can develop individually and as a couple. Couples will be challenged to reflect on their own personal development and understanding and use this information to guide and enhance their relationships.

Chris and Leslie Bauman
Time: Tuesdays at 7:00pm
Dates: October 6 - November 10
Location: Lovernich Annex (Next to Special Programs)
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How to Date the Best
FULL - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER CLUB CONVO

Come learn a model that will help you pick great people to date! This is from Dr. John Van Epps material "How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk." It is great material, very helpful and a lot of fun.

Hannah Parmelee
Time: Tuesdays at 2:00pm
Dates: October 13 - November 17
Location: TCC 260
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One Body, 7000 Parts?

A conversation about unity and diversity among people of faith. We'll invite leaders from different Christian traditions to share their stories and describe their distinctives. We'll reflect on how our own faith communities are part of God's story and connected to the stories we hear. We'll meet for lunch together at noon on five Wednesdays in September and October, and use World Communion Sunday, October 4, as our sixth.

Dave and Angie Lemley
Time: Wednesdays at 12:00pm
Dates: September 16 - October 14 (ONE MEETING ON SUNDAY, OCT. 4)
Location: TCC 104
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Overcoming Difficult Family Issues
NOTE NEW START DATE!

Come explore discuss challenging issues in your family of origin and how you can rely on the Lord to help you overcome.

Maurice Hilliard
Time: Wednesdays at 6:30pm
Dates: September 23 - October 28
Location: Jone's Trophy Room (Heritage Hall)
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Relationships 101
(Women Only)
FULL - PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER CLUB CONVO

This Club Convo is a candid discussion group, focusing on past and present relationships. Experience freedom from hurts, as we learn the value of forgiveness and telling ourselves the truth which leads to healthy relationships. You will also be given relational tools you can use the rest of your life.

Garianne Rubenstein
Time: Wednesdays at 11:00am
Dates: October 14 - November 18
Location: Jerene's Room (In Appleby Center across from Religion Division Office)
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Relationships 102: Understanding Men
(Women Only, Must have completed Relationships 101)

Come help us uncover why men do what they do. We will learn how to make peace with all men, transform our relationships with them, and learn to have satisfying dating and romantic relationships. The content for this club convo will be gleaned from the excellent research of author and speaker Allison Armstrong.

Garianne Rubenstein
Time: Wednesdays at 1:00pm
Dates: October 14 - November 18
Location: Jerene's Room (In Appleby Center across from the Religion Division Office)
Sign Up
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Sexuality and the Media

Description Coming Soon...

Krystal Chapman and Zach Love
Time: Fridays at 12:00pm
Dates: October 16 - November 20
Location: TBA
Sign Up
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Why Do Christians Disagree?
NOTE: You must attend 6 sessions to receive attendance credit, but you can receive up to 8 convo credits for this Club Convo.
FULL-PLEASE SELECT ANOTHER CLUB CONVO

How is it that Christians can vary so widely on some of the most important issues facing our society today? In this Club Convo, we shall explore three such issues that fall into this category. In our discussion, we shall define the positions of Christians on each side of the issue, determine what is at stake theologically for each position, and then ask whether or not these positions are consistent with other tenets of Christian thought.

Dr.and Mrs. Doran
Time: Wednesdays at 6:15pm
Dates: September 23 - November 11
Location: 24319 Baxter Dr.
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VOCATION


Career or Calling: Waiting for Divine Inspiration - SECTION 1
(SENIORS ONLY)

Need some clarity on your vocational calling? Drawing upon practical tools used in career counseling, a Professional Career Counselor will help you better understand your ‘life gifts' and interests, and how they might be used in the world of work. If you are ready to be an active participant in God's vocational plan for you, join us for this Club Convo.

Sheila Benko
Time:Tuesdays at 12:00pm
Dates:September 15 - October 20
Location: TCC 260
Sign Up

Career or Calling: Waiting for Divine Inspiration - SECTION 2
(SENIORS ONLY)

Need some clarity on your vocational calling? Drawing upon practical tools used in career counseling, a Professional Career Counselor will help you better understand your ‘life gifts' and interests, and how they might be used in the world of work. If you are ready to be an active participant in God's vocational plan for you, join us for this Club Convo.

Sheila Benko
Time: Tuesdays at 12:00pm
Dates: October 27 - December 3
Location: TCC 260
Sign Up
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The Christian Foundation for Social Action

Social action has a strong Christian foundation. Participants will examine the biblical roots of social action and justice, learn about the tenets of Catholic Social Thought, and understand what it means to live as a Christian truly committed to justice. Finally, participants will consider how their own faith journeys connect with social justice.

Becca Patton
Time: Thursdays at 10:00am
Dates: October 1 - December 3
Location: TBA
Sign Up
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Additional Resources

If you have any questions please contact us:
TCC 104 (next to the Waves Cafe).

Click here to find out more about the Club Convos in the Relationship IQ Series offered by the Center for the Family.