Dr. John R. Franke
Theologian in Residence
(317) 253-6461
Adults@Second
Zooming. Online Bible classes. E-studying. This community of faith remains connected, whether we are meeting in person or on screen. Find ways below to engage in spiritual formation with Second!
Our Theologian in Residence -- Dr. John Franke -- leads the adults of Second through studies, classes, small group discussion, and more. Click on the images below to learn details.
For information about other programs and activities at Second, please go to SecondChurch.org/Events.
Spiritual Practices
Let these short videos guide you and your family to re-center yourselves in Christ this Advent season.
Equipping Faith for Action: Black Maternal Health
Sundays, 9:30 a.m., Room 356
We lift up voices from around our city discussing this important health crisis.
Who Will Be A Witness? Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love, and Deliverance
Online Book Study
Theology, Thoughts & Coffee
Sundays, 8 a.m., Zoom
Book Study: Healing Our Broken
Humanity: Practices for Revitalizing the Church and Renewing
the World by Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Graham Hill
Koinonia
Sundays, 9:30 a.m., Room 401
Book Study: Healing our Broken Humanity: Practices for Revitalizing the Church and Renewing the World by Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Graham Hill
Wisdom Seekers
Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m., Zoom
Wayfinders
Mondays, 1 p.m., Room 312
All are welcome to join the conversation!
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
8 a.m., Common Room
Start your day with us!
Women in the Word
Tuesdays, 2:30 p.m., Room 114
Women@Second Bible Study
Wednesdays, Room 356
Women@Second Sermon Discussion Group
Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m., Zoom
Faith in Action
Pray. Read. Learn. Study. Act.
Desert Fathers and Mothers
Saturdays, January 8-29, 10 AM - 12:30 PM, Room 112
Presbyterian 101
Four classes to understand where we've come from...and where we're going
The Call to Welcome: An Evening with Professor Dirk Smit
Watch the video of this engaging conversation from March 25, 2021.
Lectio Divina
Guided Scripture Readings
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Theologian in Residence
(317) 253-6461 | jfranke@secondchurch.org
As Theologian in Residence, John provides the congregation at Second with exceptional biblical and theological teaching as well as guiding the adult education and spiritual formation programs of the church. An acknowledged thought leader, he and has spoken on the relationships between the gospel, church, and culture throughout the country and around the world. He is the author of multiple books and numerous articles, essays, reviews, and book chapters, as well as the general editor of two academic book series.
John is a graduate of Oxford University (D.Phil. in Theology) and previously served as a seminary professor and administrator, chief executive officer of a new school start up, and as theologian in residence for a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation in Pennsylvania. He joined the staff of Second Presbyterian Church in September 2015 and also serves as affiliate professor of theology at Christian Theological Seminary, general coordinator of the Gospel and Our Culture Network in North America, and adjunct professor at Princeton Theological Seminary.
John is an avid sports fan and a Cincinnati Reds season ticket holder. In addition to the Reds, his favorite teams are the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Blackhawks, Golden State Warriors, Ohio State Buckeyes (football), and the Indiana Hoosiers (basketball). He loves to read, listen to the music of the 70’s, and hike in remote places. He recently completed his first Spartan run and looks forward to bettering his time in the future.
Book recommendations: Between the World and Me (Ta-Nehisi Coates), The Woman’s Hour (Elaine Weiss), Baseball as a Road to God (John Sexton), The Day the Revolution Began (N. T. Wright)
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Rev. Brian S. Shivers
Senior Associate Pastor for Formation
(317) 253-6461Senior Associate Pastor for Formation
(317) 253-6461 | bshivers@secondchurch.org
As Senior Associate Pastor for Formation, Brian is the senior staff liaison for all of the formation programs of the church and the Formation Committee of the Session. He spends most of his time programmatically with the youth and college students of the church. Brian enjoys teaching, facilitating group discussions, and working with an incredibly talented group of colleagues. At Second, Brian lives out his call to congregational ministry and leads out of his desire for the church to be a place where all are welcomed and know they are loved – no matter what.
Brian is a graduate of Taylor University (B.A. in Christian Education) and Christian Theological Seminary. He began ministry at Second Presbyterian Church in July of 1990 and was ordained and installed as Minister of Word and Sacrament at Second in 2011. Brian is married to Jennifer Shivers, who is a Senior Integration Architect at Regenstrief Institute on the Global Health Informatics team. Brian and Jennifer met at church when they were in middle school and were married in 1987. They are the parents of one adult daughter, Allison.
Brian loves to travel, read, and write poetry. He gets the most joy through spending time with Jennifer and Allison.
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Megan Marquardt
Ministry Assistant for Children & Families and Youth
(317) 253-6461