Programs for Churches and Other Christian audiences

Rev. Michael Dowd
Presentations for Churches and Other Christian Audiences

THE REV. MICHAEL DOWD has been called "America's evolutionary evangelist". He and his wife, science writer Connie Barlow, have lived entirely on the road in North America since April 2002, teaching and preaching ways in which an understanding of the evolutionary sciences can enrich Christian faith and make core Christian doctrines truly relevant in modern times. At home in both liberal and conservative settings, Rev. Dowd is committed to enthusiastically sharing the great news of what God has been up to for billions of years, and also to sharing a realistically hopeful vision of the future that motivates people to be of service to the future, to the glory of God. He is the author of the acclaimed Thank God for Evolution!

  • BIOGRAPHY OF REV. DOWD

    ♦ BRIEF BIOGRAPHY for INTRODUCING Michael Dowd at Christian events

    published in 2007

    full list of endorsements

    		  

     

  • "Reveals that spirituality is not only compatible with a science-based worldview; it is integral to it." — Rev. Jim Burklo, Senior Minister, Sausalito Presbyterian Church, Founder of the Center for Progressive Christianity

  • "For Catholics who are worried that evolution has nothing to offer them but random Godlessness, this is the book to get. Take courage and read it!" — Chris Corbally, SJ, Vice Director of the Vatican Observatory

  • "The universe took 13.7 billion years to produce this amazing book. I heartily recommend it. I am often asked how science and religion can co-exist. This is a wonderful answer." —John Mather, NASA Chief Scientist, 2006 Nobel Prize in Physics

  • "Honest students of God should welcome the revelations of science as insights, not fear them as threats. Here is a book in that spirit by an ardent believer, who takes evolution to heart, and celebrates it." — Frank Wilczek, 2004 Nobel Prize in Physics

  • "Like orphans reunited, spirituality and evolution come face to face in this daring book." — Spencer Burke, TheOoze.com (evangelical), author of Heretic's Guide to Eternity

  • "If anyone can persuade a monotheist that the science of evolution—biological, geological, or cosmological—can enrich his or her faith, I'm betting on Michael Dowd." — Thomas C. Schelling, 2005 Nobel Prize in Economics

  • "A step toward that ultimate truth in which both religion and science will be reconciled." — Bishop John Shelby Spong, author of Jesus for the Non-Religious

  • "The science vs. religion debate is over! Michael Dowd masterfully unites rationality and spirituality in a world view that celebrates the mysteries of existence and inspires each human being to achieve a higher purpose in life. A must read for all, including scientists." — Craig Mello, 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine

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  • Since April 2002, Michael and his wife, Connie Barlow (a noted writer of popular science books), have been full-time itinerant evolutionary educators and sacred story tellers.

  • Read statements of PRAISE and GRATITUDE from Christian ministers and church leaders.
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    "How can I thank you enough? Sunday was phenomenal! People loved Michael and thought he was smart, charismatic, and thought provoking."— Lori Nelson, administrator of adult religious education programs at Calvary Presbyterian Church, San Francisco

    		 

    VIDEO & AUDIO Clips

    We suggest you listen to / watch these clips in order. Total TIME about 12 minutes.


      1. "Sacred Story" high   low   audio only 

      2. "More Meaning" high   low   audio only 

      3. "What Moses Knew" high   low   audio only 

      4. "14 billion Years" high   low   audio only 

      5. "The Gospel as Bigger" high   low   audio only 

      6. "Speaking of God" high   low   audio only 

      7. "Who Are We?" high   low   audio only 

      8. "Community Creativity" high   low   audio only 


    AUDIO & VIDEO clips of
    CORE CHRISTIAN CONCEPTS


     8. "The Gospel"  high  low   audio only 

     9. "Sin"  high  low   audio only 

     10. "Original Sin"  high  low   audio only 

     11. Salvation"  high  low   audio only 

     12. "A God's Eye View"  high  low   audio only 

     13. "Faith"  high  low   audio only 

     14. "Resurrection"  high  low   audio only 

     15. "The Cross"  high  low   audio only 

     16. To Follow Jesus"  high  low   audio only 

     17. "The Way"  high  low   audio only 

     18. "Worshiping God"  high  low   audio only 

     

     More VIDEO clips and full-length AUDIO programs
    are accessible through the companion website
    for Michael's book: Thank God for Evolution!

     


    Sermon Titles

    ♦ Thank God for Evolution!

    ♦ Why Jesus Loves Darwin and You Can Too

    ♦ The Marriage of Science and Religion for Personal and Planetary Wellbeing

    ♦ Evolutionary Christianity

    2-hour program for CHRISTIAN churches:

    "Thank God for Evolution!"

    This two-hour program is based on Rev. Dowd's recently published book, Thank God for Evolution!, which has been endorsed by 5 Nobel Prize winners and 120 other scientists, theologians, ministers, and cultural leaders across the religious spectrum. These two questions will guide the evening:
        1. How can the 14 billion year history of the universe, as given by mainstream science, be understood in God-glorifying, Christ-edifying, scripture-honoring ways?
        2. How can evolutionary brain science and evolutionary psychology deepen our understanding of original sin and shed new light on Jesus as our one true path to salvation?

    Thank God for Evolution! website: http://ThankGodforEvolution.com
    Thank God for Evolution! blog: http://thankgodforevolution.com/blog
    Evolutionary Christianity blog: http://EvolutionaryChristianity.org
    Promotion tools: http://thankgodforevolution.com/evangelize.html

       Michael Dowd preaching on an evolutionary understanding of original sin at North America's first evolutionary revival in San Diego, February 2008. An evolutionary understanding of original sin can be found in chapters 8 - 11 of his book, Thank God for Evolution!. The projected slide behind him in the photo presents playful names for the parts of our brain that reflect a deep evolutionary heritage: "Lizard Legacy" (brain stem and cerebellum); "Furry Li'l Mammal" (limbic system); "Monkey Mind" (neocortex); and "Higher Porpoise" (frontal lobes)



      

    Michael's book is endorsed by 5 NOBEL LAUREATES, other scientists, and religious leaders across the spectrum

    Visit the Thank God for Evolution! website for

  • samples of audio and video clips from Rev. Dowd's media interviews and live presentations

  • links to NEWS REPORTS of the book and Dowd's ministry, including articles published in New York Times Magazine and Washington Post.

  • Rev. Dowd's BLOG: "The Evolutionary Evangelist"

  • link for purchasing the book


    • Suggested DESCRIPTION FOR PUBLICITY for this 2-hour special presentation:

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    The Rev. Michael Dowd will offer a free, 2-hour presentation [when / where]. In this lively program, Rev. Dowd will cover the major themes of his 2007 book, Thank God for Evolution!, which has received endorsements from five Nobel laureates, as well as leaders across the religious spectrum. Come learn how our modern understanding of this 14 billion year old Universe, as given by mainstream science, builds bridges, provides guidance, and restores realistic hope for individuals and families, for humanity, and for the body of life as a whole.

    ♦ Rev. Dowd and his wife, science writer Connie Barlow, have been called "America's evolutionary evangelists." For 6 years they have lived entirely on the road, visiting churches, schools, and spiritual centers across the USA.

    		  
    templates for
    PUBLICITY FLIERS     		  

    ♦ PUBLICITY PHOTOS      ♦ TEMPLATES FOR PUBLICITY FLIERS

      

    "Thank God for Evolution!" is partly a powerpoint presentation so it requires a room that can be darkened. Michael brings his own high-lumen, digital projector with him, and he also brings our own large screen, so the only equipment requests are (1) a small, high table for setting the projector on, and (2) an extension cord.

    		   


    Short Biography: MICHAEL DOWD, a former United Church of Christ minister, has been called "America's Evolutionary Evangelist." He is the author of the 2007 book Thank God for Evolution!, which has been endorsed by five Nobel laureates, as well as leaders across the religious spectrum. Rev. Dowd envisions "Evolutionary Christianity" as a pathway for modern peoples to enthusiastically embrace and personally benefit from the core Christian doctrines.

    ♦ BIOGRAPHY OF REV. DOWD

    ♦ BRIEF BIOGRAPHY for INTRODUCING Michael Dowd at Christian events

    ♦ Click for PRAISE for Michael's 2007 book.


    Scheduling Presentations and Fees

    Michael is passionate about these topics. For guest sermons on Sunday mornings, he gratefully accepts whatever compensation a congregation typically offers guest ministers. Typically, he prefers to follow up all Sunday sermons/lessons with a weekday (Monday or Tuesday) evening presentation at the same church (and to which the public is also invited). The evening presentation may be offered to attendees free of charge OR on a love-offering basis, as Rev. Dowd earns most of his livelihood via the sale of books and dvds at such events. For larger venues, especially those that require him to travel by air, a compensatory honorarium will be very much appreciated.

    Rev. Dowd generally schedules appearances on a region-by-region basis to minimize transportation time and costs. To learn when Michael will be in your region, click for the ITINERARY. To discuss the possibility of having Michael bring one or more of these presentations to your church, please contact his PERSONAL ASSISTANT, Mia Van Meter, at

    Michael and Connie's itinerant lifestyle is made possible by a commitment to voluntary simplicity and the generosity of those who open up their homes to them for a few days or longer. Depending on whether we are also presenting for other organizations in your town or city, we may ask you to locate HOME HOSPITALITY for us for the night preceding a morning service or that follows an evening workshop. Click here for a handy list of information on our HOME HOSPITALITY needs. We intend this list to supply prospective hosts with all the information they need to feel comfortable in extending us an invitation.

  • DVDs of Michael's performances - available through this website.


    Click here to view or download PUBLICITY PHOTOS.



    WWW www.TheGreatStory.org