Why La Mesa?
La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies is an innovative new learning opportunity at Candler, especially designed with multiculturalism at its core. La Mesa offers a welcoming and open environment for students from diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages, and ecclesial traditions who are seeking to theologically reflect on issues impacting the church and our diasporic societies.
Through La Mesa, students are equipped to engage in culturally responsive dialogues that acknowledge the diversity of perspectives and theological stances. The program is designed to increase the intercultural competencies of students. It promotes well-being and includes opportunities to study with a community that engages spiritual formation and contextual educational experiences with global awareness and understanding.
Program Overview
The La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies’ Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies program includes 36 hours of coursework spanning four key areas: Christian Faith: Bible, Theology, and History; Ministerial Capacity; Engaging Culture and Context; and Academic Theological Inquiry. The required multilingual courses are offered in Spanish, English, and Korean.
Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies Program
The La Mesa curriculum was designed to provide an alternative path for students preparing for licensing or ordination that does not require a master of divinity degree. It also serves students in other ministry roles who believe a theological foundation will allow them to be more faithful and effective. Students at La Mesa Academy will engage in a graduate readiness curriculum designed to equip them for a graduate degree program.
This two-year program consists of two semesters per year, with 8 weeks of online courses and an annual 5 day in-person residency. Graduates of La Mesa who aspire to enroll in a graduate program at an ATS-accredited institution may request a letter of recommendation to supplement their transcript and other application materials. This letter will affirm their proficiency in the four literacies: research, theological, technological, and cultural.
Meet the La Mesa Team
The team at La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies is committed to supporting you on your academic journey. Whether you are an existing member of our community or considering joining our familia, we’re here to assist you every step and phase of the way.
Joanne Solis-Walker
Associate Dean of La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies
Rev. Dr. Joanne Solis-Walker (she/her) serves as Associate Dean and Professor in the Practice of Leadership at Candler School of Theology. In this role, she focuses on expanding access to Candler-based theological education by collaborating with congregations, denominations, and community organizations to ensure the school’s offerings meet their educational and ministerial needs. She is a practical theologian with extensive experience in leadership, global missions, and pastoral ministry, and is known for her innovative work in Christian higher education, particularly in developing theological programs for diverse communities in both Spanish and English.
A frequent speaker at theological institutions, universities, and churches both within the U.S. and globally, Joanne is actively involved in several organizations. Joanne holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership and Development with an emphasis on Ecclesial Leadership. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her family.
Karina Aragon-Buchanan
Program Coordinator
Karina (she/her) was born in Central Florida and raised between Florida and Costa Rica. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Flagler College and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology. After graduating from Candler School of Theology, she has returned to her alma mater as the Program Coordinator for La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies.
After 7 years of working in youth ministry, Karina moved into a bi-vocational role and remains as the Minister of Congregational Care at Eastside United Methodist Church. Outside of her work, Karina enjoys spending time with loved ones, reading, daydreaming about the beach, and searching for the world’s best cappuccino. Pura Vida!
Carla J. Carmona-Dillon
Bilingual Communications Specialist
Carla (she/her) hails from the small town of Peñuelas, Puerto Rico. Her involvement with higher education began at Emory, being an alumna of Oxford College, Emory College, and Laney Graduate School. With a BA in English & Creative Writing and an MA in English, she returns to her alma mater through her role as a Bilingual Communications Specialist at Candler School of Theology. She divides her time between Candler Communications and La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies.
Bringing over 3 years of expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and social media management to the table, Carla blends creativity with strategic acumen in every professional endeavor she undertakes. Beyond professional pursuits, Carla delights in quality time with family and friends (including her cat, Carmilla), gaming, writing, drawing, and strolling through Piedmont Park.
Israel Diaz-Freytes
Sr. Instructional Designer
Dr. Israel Díaz-Freytes (he/him) is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico and grew up in Miami, FL. His involvement in church ministries inspired him to pursue theological studies and teach theology in Catholic high schools and higher education. Israel holds an MA in Biblical Studies from the University of Notre Dame, an MTS degree from Candler School of Theology, and a DMin from Barry University. His doctoral research focused on the influence of digital technologies on religious education and evangelization efforts. Recently, Israel has applied Understanding by Design (UbD) to create theology curricula that engage learners in practical theology and incorporate digital technologies to enhance religious education and evangelization.
In his free time, Israel enjoys road trips to explore new places and delve into their history and culture, hiking, discovering local dining spots, and cherishing moments with family and friends. He is also an avid fan of Star Wars and Marvel.
Learn more about La Mesa
The admissions process for La Mesa includes an evaluation that considers various components of an applicant’s background and credentials. Below are the requirements that will assist in our evaluation:
- A completed online application: available in English, Spanish, and Korean
- High School Diploma or equivalency, including Bible Institute Certificate and/or other ministry experience
- Purpose Statement
- Two letters of recommendation; one that speaks to the academic preparation of the candidate and the other that speaks to their experience in ministry
- Candidates may be contacted for interviews
In addition, individuals are strongly encouraged to join a La Mesa Discernment Cohort, which offers prospective students the opportunity to assess their readiness for La Mesa.
We accept applications to La Mesa Academy on a rolling basis for an annual fall semester start date. We are now accepting applications for our Fall 2026 cohort.
The deadline for Fall semester acceptance is April 15th.
Upon completing their studies at La Mesa Academy, students will showcase proficiency in four key areas: research literacy, theological literacy, cultural literacy, and technological literacy. Armed with a profound understanding of educational goals, students will have the ability to:
- Articulate a culturally responsive understanding of their role as practitioners, leaders, and theologians within a multiethnic, intercultural, and ecumenically diverse global landscape. (Cultural Literacy)
- Demonstrate appropriate mastery of key concepts of the subject matters relevant to theology and demonstrate understanding of foundational principles, historical context, doctrines, and contemporary theological issues. (Theological Literacy)
- Showcase graduate-level skills in reading, research, writing, storytelling, leadership, critical thinking, and creative problem solving within a contextual, communal, and multicultural theological education framework. (Research Literacy)
- Display proficiency in using digital tools for research, communication, and theological inquiry, and a critical reflexivity about when and why to use technological resources for ministry and theological exploration. (Technological Literacy)
These qualities are designed to help La Mesa graduates prepare themselves to enter master’s degree programs and/or provide significant ministerial leadership in contexts meaningful to their callings. Two instruments, namely the student portfolio and the capstone project, will provide a method of assessing learning outcomes.
The curriculum for La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies’ Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies consists of 36 hours of coursework distributed across four areas: Christian Faith: Bible, Theology, and History; Ministerial Capacity; Engaging Culture and Context; and Academic Theological Inquiry. Requirements in all areas will be fulfilled by three-credit-hour courses.
Pre-Course
- Fundamentals of Academic Theological Inquiry (3 credit hours)
Christian Faith: Bible, Theology & History
- Re-reading the Old Testament (3 credit hours)
- Re-reading the New Testament (3 credit hours)
- History of Christianity through a Culturally Diverse Lens (3 credit hours)
- Introduction to Contextual and Systematic Theologies (3 credit hours)
Ministerial Capacity
- Community Development, Spiritual Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Leadership (3 credit hours)
- Trauma and Pastoral Care in Diverse Ministry Contexts (3 credit hours)
- Church Administration Leadership (3 credit hours)
Engaging Culture and Context
- Ethics and Society (3 credit hours)
- Prophetic Worship and Proclamation (3 credit hours)
- The Future of the Multilingual, Multi-Generational & Multi-Cultural Church (3 credit hours)
Graduate Research | Academic Theological Inquiry (3 credit hours)
- Capstone Project
- Student Portfolio
Emory University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, doctorate, and professional degrees. Emory University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Read more on accreditation here.
At La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies, we believe that theological education should be accessible to all. Those who enroll as students of La Mesa Academy will be eligible to apply for partial and full scholarships that, upon award, would allow them to pursue their studies tuition-free or at a reduced rate. To facilitate remote learning, La Mesa Academy can provide students with laptops and the necessary training to ensure seamless access to course materials and resources based on need.
La Mesa students will have access to the strong student support services available through the Ubuntu Learning Lab designed to address four literacies: research, theological, cultural, and technological. In addition, La Mesa students will have the option to participate or derive resources from the Discernment Cohorts, Biblioteca Digital Pitts, La Mesa Student Leadership Association, the Acompañamiento mentorship model, and La Mesa’s Well-being Support System.
Additional efforts will be implemented to accommodate students with disabilities. Students facing unique circumstances are encouraged to reach out to La Mesa staff for specialized assistance.
In the future, La Mesa plans on incorporating various tools to offer translation and interpretation models to enhance the student learning experience.
The transformative work at La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies is possible thanks to our partners who participated in the consultations where the vision of La Mesa came to fruition. These just and durable partnerships have been the key to implementing the work of La Mesa and without the ongoing investment of the 8 consultants and over 100 partners, this work would not be possible.
We were founded on the belief that our interculturalism, diversity of theology, ecclesial traditions, abilities, and perspectives are necessary for our collective growth. We believe that we grow best as a community, where every member can find belonging. The members of our La Mesa family are encouraged to bring their whole selves into our shared spaces to thrive as a member of the larger Candler community.
Apply now for Fall 2026 admission to La Mesa Academy.
Apply NowCandler Firsthand
Here’s what a few La Mesa Academy students have to say about their experience.
“I am thrilled to be part of La Mesa Academy, a program that is not only committed to theological education but also to ensuring that voices historically left out of these conversations are brought to the forefront. It is incredibly empowering to be involved with an organization that seeks to push boundaries, open doors, and prepare a table that welcomes everyone. I am excited to be a part of this groundbreaking learning experience.”
Angela Pratt
La Mesa Academy '26
“Throughout my life, I've sought a different point of view on how to deal with diverse cultures in ministry and the business world. I want to better understand and interact with others. In church culture, we see divisions between religious concepts and different ways of thinking. I want to be able to get to a place where I can understand these differences without judgment. This program will expand our minds to see the world in a new way.”
Abner Fuentes
La Mesa Academy '26
“After reading La Mesa's mission statement, ‘to invite to the table leaders from diverse ethnic and cultural communities…’ I was committed. The rich tradition steeped within the background of the Civil Rights Movement by the school's location in Atlanta, Georgia, the home of the father of the movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the prestigious Ebenezer Baptist Church, I knew I was definitely called and chosen, invited to the table.”
Priscilla Thomas-Benthall
La Mesa Academy '26
“I had been hoping for an opportunity like this. I applied with the hope of studying here, and I am deeply grateful. For me, it represents a true blessing, as it provides me with the chance to study at a prestigious institution and achieve goals I have always dreamed of. Taking advantage of this opportunity will not only significantly contribute to my development as a pastor but also to my personal growth.”
Norma Murillo
La Mesa Academy '26
“I am thrilled to be part of La Mesa Academy, a program that is not only committed to theological education but also to ensuring that voices historically left out of these conversations are brought to the forefront. It is incredibly empowering to be involved with an organization that seeks to push boundaries, open doors, and prepare a table that welcomes everyone. I am excited to be a part of this groundbreaking learning experience.”
Angela Pratt
La Mesa Academy '26
