Wesley Lecture 

The Wesley Lecture Series has brought a number of thought-provoking speakers to Reinhardt. Envisioned in 2003 by Reinhardt President Dr. J. Thomas Isherwood, it seeks to present speakers who will engage the College community with challenging perspectives on faith. 

Thursday, November 19 at 2 pm

Hasty Student Life Center Glasshouse

Join us for a discussion led by author, Georgia Shaffer.  Millions of Christian singles struggle to make smart, Christ-honoring choices as they confront the challenges of today's hook-up culture. Psychologist and life coach Georgia Shaffer takes a fresh look at the increasingly complicated dating scene and provides hope, encouragement, and practical solutions for those who want to choose well in the most important relationship of their lives.

Shaffer explores why many singles don't always choose well in their dating relationships and provides readers the strategies they need for growth, healthy intimacy, and wise choices. Singles who follow her advice will learn how to

• take an honest assessment of their dating relationships
• recognize their blind spots
• protect themselves from potentially poor choices
• understand the difference between romance and love

Dating can be difficult, even scary at times. How Not to Date a Loser offers sage advice for those who want to avoid the trauma and pain of failed relationships.

Why Study Dating & Relationships?

Christian author & licensed psychologist Georgia Shaffer

Martin said she and Director of Counseling Services Derek Struchtemeyer see relationships as one of the biggest issues students face.  "[Relationships] can cause trouble, affect academic work, affect life work," she said.  "College is all about figuring out yourself and figuring out your relationships and making healthy choices.  What Georgia Shaffer's book does is give readers a practical way to really step back and look at relationship patterns and look at themselves and then learn to make smarter choices."

A Workbook for Creating Better Relationship Models

Martin describes Shaffer's book, How Not to Date a Loser, as a very practical book, almost like a relationship workshop, with scripture used throughout.  "The first part looks back at our relationship patterns and looks for similarities, both positive and negative," she said.  "Then Shaffer moves to looking at ourselves.  We all come to relationships with different baggage - modeled behavior from our parents and friends.  Her book addresses how to create better models.  She also addresses truly liking ourselves."

 "I see students who look for completeness, for identity, for balance, even purpose in their relationships, and that's not always through romantic relationships, though that's the focus of Shaffer's book," Martin said.  "We look for that completeness in others, but really we need to have that with ourselves in order to have healthy relationships with others."

Previous Wesley Lecture speakers include

• Dr. James T. Laney, former ambassador to South Korea, former Emory University president, and former Candler School of Theology dean;
• Bishop William H. Willimon, an internationally known theologian, pastor and author; 
• Abraham Yel Nhial, a Lost Boy of Sudan and co-author of "Lost Boy No More";
• the Rev. Sandra Olewine, a United Methodist minister who worked in the Middle East advocating peace between Israelis and Palestinians; and
• the Rev. Dr. Luther Felder, Assistant General Secretary for the Campus Ministry section of the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry;
• Margaret Feinberg, author.