CHICAGO, IL (January 13, 2011) – The 2011 Westerdahl lectures at North Park Theological Seminary will feature Peter Scazzero, best-selling author and founder and senior pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, New York City, a multi-racial, international congregation.

The lectures will begin at 9 a.m. on February 9.

Scazzero is the author of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality and The Emotionally Healthy Church: Updated and Expanded. He earned his Master of Divinity degree at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The two sessions will explore how to build a church culture that integrates practical tools and skills in which spiritual maturity and emotional health are considered inseparable.

Session one is entitled “Our Enormous Challenge and Opportunity.” He will introduce a biblical theology that integrates emotional health, contemplative spirituality and a vision for leadership that models integrity and depth. He will also look at the impact of family of origin on present relationships, building of mature leaders, and relationship with God.

Session two is entitled “Contemplative Spirituality – Slowing Down to Be with God.” This session will address the ways contemplative spirituality such as silence and solitude can develop a rhythm of life that enables people to joyfully serve Christ. The lecture will particularly focus on the Daily Office and Sabbath-keeping as key spiritual formation disciplines.