Learning and Networking | Scriptural Reasoning for Vocational Reflection

In 2025, NetVUE successfully launched a new initiative: Scriptural Reasoning for Vocational Reflection. The practice of Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is designed to provide space for small groups of people to sit together to read and reflect on sacred texts from a range of religious traditions. This practice has consistently proved useful in equipping students to be confident and effective cross-cultural communicators; we are also finding that it can play an important role in vocational exploration and discernment.

This past May, four NetVUE institutions hosted SR training hubs: Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee; Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas; Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois; and Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. These events, which attracted participants from 35 NetVUE institutions across 20 states, provided an opportunity for intensive study, practical workshops, and conversation about possible student-facing experiences.

These “train the trainers” events provided an opportunity to explore how participants might help students read and interpret sacred texts in ways that open up conversation around deep reflective themes. These included the sense of catastrophe facing many young people, but also narratives of divine abundance in creation. Many participants voiced their strong commitment to finding ways for faculty members and staff to collaborate on student-oriented events. The workshops explored how Scriptural Reasoning might play a role in joint projects that fruitfully and effectively connect various groups within NetVUE member institutions.

Scriptural Reasoning for Vocational Reflection Webinar

with Nick Adams

October 22, 2025 | 3pm Eastern

Click here to register

Participants expressed profound appreciation for the themes that emerged at the four training hubs. These themes included the gift of time to enter into deep conversations and a pace that fostered reflection and shared insights. Participants also commented on the ways that certain academic hierarchies—the kind that can sometimes obstruct conversation—were gently but firmly set aside during the periods of study, enabling all voices to play a full part in discussion. Finally, participants noted that Scriptural Reasoning seems a good vehicle for fostering certain kinds of curiosity among students; it encourages openness, exploration, and the articulation of surprising forms of wisdom.

If you are interested in learning more about the work that took place at the training hubs—and about how Scriptural Reasoning might serve as an element of vocational reflection and discernment on your campus—please join us for a webinar on this topic on Wednesday, October 22, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern (2:00 Central, 1:00 Mountain, Noon Pacific). Nick Adams, NetVUE scriptural reasoning coordinator, will interview campus leaders who are making use of this approach. The group will address a variety of questions on the topic, including: What is scriptural reasoning? How can reading sacred texts help students think about who they are becoming and what kinds of work they are called to undertake? What are the best ways to equip students in confident and effective cross-cultural communication? What kinds of skills and habits do we want to foster among those who will inhabit the world of the future? Click here to register for this webinar.

For those who were unable to participate in one of the training hubs this past year, as well as those who are just now finding out about these events, four NetVUE institutions will host another set of training hubs in May and June 2026:

May 13–15, 2026

Campbell University
Buies Creek, NC

May 17–19, 2026

Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

May 26–28, 2026

St. Edward’s University
Austin, TX

June 3–5, 2026

Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA

Information about these hubs can be found on the NetVUE Scriptural Reasoning webpage; registration will open in the new year. For any additional questions, contact Nick Adams, NetVUE scriptural reasoning coordinator, at nadams@cic.edu. We look forward to welcoming you to our Scriptural Reasoning workshops in 2026.