Social Work and the Kingdom of God
This training will demonstrate the presenter's unique way of exploring social work as it relates to the Bible in his undergraduate classes (used in Intro to Social Work and Practice Skills courses). The presenter will lay out the format of the class session, which includes review questions, lecture, and discussion. This training will also explore a range of discussion possibilities in the classroom.
As a result of this training, participants will be able to:
Have a better understanding of one's own religious beliefs and values
Understand the broad definition of shalom in the Bible and how that translates to social work
Make connections between social justice, advocacy, work on behalf of populations at risk, and the life and ministry of Christ.
Ken Stoltzfus is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Social Sciences Department at LCC International University. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences Education from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, a Master's degree in Social Work from Temple University, and a PhD in Social Welfare from Case Western Reserve University. Ken is also a Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor (Ohio). Prior to his appointment at LCC, Ken spent nine years as a member of the Social Work faculty at Malone University in Canton, Ohio. He served as Chair of the Social Work Department for four years (2008-2012). Prior to his academic career, Dr. Stoltzfus worked as a counselor and administrator at a number of human service agencies, including a residential substance abuse treatment facility for adolescent males, a faith-based addiction treatment clinic, and a community-based mental health program. Ken received a Fulbright Senior Scholar Lecturing/Research Award in 2010; this award allowed him to lecture at Saratov State Technical University (in Saratov, Russian Federation) and to conduct research on faith-based substance abuse rehabilitation in the Russian Federation. His research interests include substance abuse, spirituality, and professional faith integration.