Given Much, Now Giving Back

Beginning at noon on February 7, Candler will take part in Emory's annual day of giving, All in a Day: 24 Hours of Change. We encourage members of the Candler community-alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends-to give to what inspires you, and help the school that has helped you. Need some motivation? Look no further than our Senior Class Gift Campaign Co-Chairs, three third-year MDiv students who are already preparing to incorporate Candler into their post-seminary giving. May their words serve as a reminder that every gift helps make seminary possible for the next generation of theologians!

Serving as the co-chair for the Senior Gift Campaign Committee is a great honor. However, giving back to Candler is also an honor because I am able to participate in helping future ministry leaders discern their call through rigorous academic pursuit, challenging conversations, and the ultimate shaping process that encourages growth both personally and spiritually.

-Rocky Major

Candler has formed me in unimaginable ways! My Candler experience would not have been possible without the faithful support of our community of donors. It is only natural that upon graduation I join that community to support others in having their own formative experience without the burden of debt.

-Jayde Rasband

I grew up in a very small black church where we hollered and crooned old-time camp meeting and brush arbor songs from tattered, shape-note hymnals entitled "Heavenly Highway Hymns." Albert Brumley, an Oklahoma cotton farmer-turned-songwriter, wrote two of my favorite hymns: “I’ll Fly Away” and “Jesus, Hold My Hand.” Both songs are about journeying with Christ and toward God. Candler is a community of pilgrim companions. Every stimulating lecture, carefully-crafted sermon, spirited conversation, joyful song, or mindful meal has been sustenance for the journey. Like the songs of my boyhood, I will keep these things in my heart as I journey on life’s heavenly highway. Giving to Candler is a spiritual practice, a way to reflect on God’s goodness in my heart. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. As a South Carolina country boy-turned-theologian, I give these gifts as a reminder that a piece of my heart will always remain at Candler.