Office of Lifelong Learning
The Office of Lifelong Learning is located on the Emory University campus. The OLL staff can be reached at 404.727.0714 or at OLL@emory.edu.
Continuing Education
Through a variety of continuing education programs, Candler promotes ongoing learning for ordained clergy, diaconal ministers, lay church professionals, and laity of all denominations.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Continuing education events are designed to meet the ongoing learning needs of persons who want to grow in their theological, spiritual, and biblical knowledge. These events are held on campus and at various ecclesial, retreat, and conference centers throughout the Southeast. Continuing education opportunities in 2008–2009 include:
Auditing Program
Through the auditing program, laity and clergy may participate in one to two Candler courses per semester at a reduced fee ($25 application fee; $200 registration fee). Those wishing to receive continuing education units may pay an additional fee and receive nonacademic continuing education units at a fee of $25 per unit. Participation is limited based on space availability and individual approval by the director of lifelong learning and the course instructor. Applications must be received one month prior to the semester start date.
Persons preparing for ordination in The United Methodist Church must enroll in United Methodist history, polity, and doctrine courses for academic credit and pay the related tuition and fees through the Candler Admissions Office. These courses are offered each year during fall and spring semesters, and occasionally throughout the year in summer and two-week sessions. For further information contact the Candler Admissions Office at 404.727.6326.
Marcy Preaching Fellowship
Made possible by the Susan H. and W. H. Marcy Trust, this program works to improve the quality of preaching in the Florida Annual Conference. Annually, six pastors nominated by their district superintendents participate in a week of seminars and special study on the Emory campus during the month of October. Participants return to their respective congregations in Florida to demonstrate their new skills and then attend a March Marcy Preaching Fellowship reunion in Florida to share their experiences with one another.
Independent Reading Program
This program allows individuals to design their own program of study for growth in ministry. Individuals may make arrangements to come to campus at a time of their own choosing to use the library, sit in on classes, and work with a faculty consultant. Application for participation in this program must be made six weeks before study on campus and is subject to approval by the director of lifelong learning. Auditing fees apply. Individuals are responsible for their own housing and transportation.
National Institute in Church Finance and Administration
The National Institute in Church Finance and Administration provides advance study for church administrators, ministers, financial secretaries, and denominational administrators. The institute offers courses required for certification by the National Association of Church Business Administration, the United Methodist Association of Church Business Administrators, and other denominational associations. Weekly seminars held in the month of June are taught by faculty from Candler, the Goizueta Business School, and by nationally recognized professionals in church administration. The complete NICFA program consists of four weeks of seminars and the completion of an individual project.
The Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries Institute (PAUMCS)
The five-day PAUMCS Institute, cosponsored with The United Methodist Church General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), provides advanced professional training and enrichment for United Methodist church secretaries. The summer institute is designed to stimulate professional growth and development of the individual for work in the church. Participants are introduced to business concepts required for understanding the financial operations of the church as well as relationships with the pastor, church employees and members of the congregation. Studying such concepts with professors selected from a strong seminary and business school faculty as well as other experts encourages secretaries to become better informed and more effective church administrators. Participants who completes the program and meets the requirements set forth by GCFA is eligible to apply for certification as a Professional UMC Secretary.
Course of Study School for Ordained Ministry July 6-July31, 2009
The Course of Study School educates and trains local pastors in The United Methodist Church. To be admitted, students must be certified candidates for ordained ministry, have completed the requirements for license as a local pastor, have been tested in language skills proficiency through a process determined by the annual conference, and received endorsement of the annual conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Candler also offers a Saturday Course of Study program for part-time local pastors.
The five-year Course of Study School is conducted in two, two-week modules each summer for part- and full-time pastors. Successful completion of both modules fulfills one year of study. After completion of this program, students are eligible for the advanced Course of Study School.
The Course of Study School at Emory is sponsored by The United Methodist Church Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the Southeastern Jurisdictional Administrative Council, and Candler School of Theology. For further information contact Michelle Levan, program coordinator, at 404.727.4587.
Students interested in Advanced Course of Study must apply and be admitted as special students in order to enroll in Advanced Course of Study course work. Please see the special students section of the catalog (page 45) for more information about the admissions process.
Bill Mallard Lay Theology Institute
The Bill Mallard Lay Theology Institute offers theology courses for laity of all denominations each fall, winter, and spring. Each year, in partnership with a variety of congregations and variety of denominations, Candler offers sixweek courses and weekend seminars. The courses are taught by faculty from Candler School of Theology and professionals from the Atlanta community. Atlanta-area churches and Candler School of Theology serve as host sites for the courses. The curriculum provides excellent theological education for a lay, ecumenical student body. The goal of the Lay Theology Institute is to provide stimulating theological study to persons regardless of their religious or academic background. It is our understanding that persons interested in the Lay Theology Institute are searching for deeper understanding of their faith and of the faith of the ecumenical community. It is our hope that the courses offered through this program will respond to these personal and practical needs. For more information contact the Office of Lifelong Learning at 404.727.0714.
Other Programs
Reformation Day
Pitts Theology Library annually organizes Reformation Day at Emory, a special program of lectures, music, and worship highlighting some aspect of the Reformation heritage. The 2007 program marked the twentieth anniversary of the Kessler Reformation Collection, one of North America’s largest holdings of writings by Luther, his supporters, and his opponents.
In-Residence Program
The school of theology supports both a scholar-in-residence program and a churchman/churchwoman-in-residence program.
The in-residence program attracts scholars and church leaders on a shortterm basis (e.g., one semester to one year) to engage in research, teaching, and other activities considered useful to the school and the individual.
Scholars-in-residence can include postdoctoral fellows, retired scholars, and scholars on sabbatical leave from other institutions. Programs can involve research, teaching, joint publications, or other scholarly activities in religion.
Churchmen/churchwomen-in-residence may include active church leaders or retired churchmen/churchwomen with specific proposals for research, teaching, or other activities related to the life of the church and professional education for ministry.
All residents should be sponsored by a faculty member to undertake study or research or to participate in a professional activity of the theology school. Residents have faculty privileges for library use and parking, and may be invited to attend faculty meetings. Woodie W. White of The United Methodist Church serves as bishop-in-residence.