Office of Lifelong Learning
The Office of Lifelong Learning is located on the Emory University campus and can be reached at 404.727.0714 or at OLL@emory.edu.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Through a variety of continuing education programs, Candler promotes ongoing learning for ordained clergy, diaconal ministers, church professionals, and laity of all denominations.
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 locations.
Practical Peacebuilding: Skills and Spiritual Practices for Conflict Transformation
Candler School of Theology and The General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church have developed a joint education program that will provide practical peacebuilding skills to clergy, other church leaders and anyone interested in the work of conflict transformation. Renowned Candler faculty Luther E. Smith Jr, professor of church and community, and Ellen Ott Marshall, associate professor of Christian ethics and conflict transformation, are leading the program. It also includes time with practitioners, both in the classroom and during field trips.
The event takes place Jan. 9-12 at the Desmond Tutu Center in New York City. Registration will remain open as long as space remains available. For more information and to register, visit the Practical Peacebuilding Registration Page.
Bill Mallard Lay Theology Institute
The Bill Mallard Lay Theology Institute offers theology courses for laity of all denominations, in partnership with a variety of congregations. The seminars are taught by faculty from Candler School of Theology and professionals. 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.
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.
Auditing Program for Non-Students
Through the auditing program, laity and clergy may sit in on up to two courses per semester at a reduced fee ($25 application fee; $200 registration fee). Continuing education units (CEUS) for auditing can be obtained by paying an additional fee at a rate of $25 per unit (credit hour). Space for auditing is limited based on space availability, approval by the director of lifelong learning and course instructor. Applications must be received one month prior to the semester start date.
Academic credit for individual classes can be obtained by registering with the admissions department as a special student. The admission department can be reached at candleradmissions@emory.edu
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.
Other Programs
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 short-term 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.