"The Epistle of James: Contexts, Cultures, and Communities" Event

The Epistle of James: Contexts, Cultures, and Communities provides a deep dive into the book of James within its historical and cultural settings that will foster a community that can apply and teach others what they have learned. This is a fly-in event located in San Antonio, TX. Registration is available by invitation only and space is limited. Please RSVP with your email invitation by February 1, 2025.

Event Dates

March 26 - 29, 2025

Event Location

Menger Hotel in San Antonio, TX
The event will be held at this historic hotel adjacent to the Alamo and San Antonio Riverwalk. Information will follow registration for those who would like to stay at the hotel for a discounted group rate of $159 per night (limited availability).

Event Cost

The cost per guest is $475. This includes event costs, lecture materials, and daily lunches. (The cost of travel, hotel booking, and breakfasts/dinners are not included in this price.)

Event Schedule

Saturday, March 22

• Pre-Event Online Lecture at 11:00pm EDT

Wednesday, March 26

• Arrival and Reception at 6:00-9:00pm

Thursday, March 27

• Morning Session: "Trials in Perspective" (James 1:1-11)
• Lunch (provided)
• Afternoon Session: "Open Ears and Measured Words" (James 1:12-27)
• Evening Activity

Friday, March 28

• Morning Session: "A Faith that Works" (James 2:1-26) 
• Lunch (provided)
• Afternoon Session: "Wisdom's Beauty" (James 3:1-18) 
• Evening Activity

Saturday, March 29

• Morning Session: "Making Plans and the Will of God" (James 4:1-17) 
• Lunch (provided)
• Afternoon Session: "Prayer for All Seasons" (James 5:1-20) 
• Evening Activity

Event Lecturer

Dr. Chris Vlachos: Dr. Vlachos earned an M.A. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Ph.D. at Wheaton College under the supervision of Douglas J. Moo. He went on to teach at Wheaton College for 17 years where he also served for many years as the director of the Wheaton in the Holy Lands program and later helped to launch, in partnership with JUC, Wheaton College’s new Semester in Jerusalem program. Dr. Vlachos has been teaching in-residence at JUC during fall semesters since 2021. He and his wife Patty live on the south side of Chicago and are the parents of three children and grandparents of six grandchildren.