Take a Course in the Community This Fall
Four upcoming Courses in Community will launch this fall in an online format. Offered by the Candler Foundry, Candler’s new initiative in public theological education, Courses in the Community are led by Candler faculty and address a range of topics related to faith, theology, and pressing issues in public life. There are two types: Short Courses, which run for four to six weeks and take place within particular congregations; and Master Classes, semester-long courses that community members take alongside Candler students in a congregational setting.
“Faith in Conflict: Racism, Terrorism, and Toxic Religion”
August 8, 12, 15, 19
Taught by Gary Mason, Methodist minister and founder of Belfast-based organization Rethinking Conflict, this short course will explore the historical and theological roots of racism and religious terrorism. Based in lessons from peacebuilding efforts during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the course examines how communities of faith can pursue justice and reconciliation in the midst of conflict in their own settings. Learn more and register by August 7 at 5:00 p.m.
“The Bible and Poverty”
August 27 through November 12, Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Taught by Assistant Professor in the Practice of Old Testament Ryan Bonfiglio, this 12-session course will explore biblical views on and responses to material poverty, with an emphasis on how churches can use biblical frameworks to develop more just, effective, and transformative approaches to poverty in their own communities. Registration for this course is free for Candler alumni. Alumni may also register up to two additional participants at 50% off the regular course price. All course participants can earn four Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Learn more and register by August 7 at 5:00 p.m.
"The Church's Mission in the World"
September 8 through November 10, Tuesdays from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Taught by Jay Choi, missionary in residence with Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church and Candler School of Theology, this course offers a space for global mission dialogues. In this significant transition period in history, the church is called to rethink its mission of being the people of God called for the transformation of the world. Affirming the biblical tradition that forming a model community of mutuality and friendship in faith is an essential act of mission, the course takes a virtual mission journey with diverse mission scholars and practitioners who are serving around the world. By doing so, the course invites participants to participate in God’s mission contextually. Learn more and register by September 4 at 5:00 p.m.
"Wilderness Wanderings"
September 9, 16, 23, 30
Taught by Ryan Bonfiglio and Quincy Brown, district superintendent and missional specialist of the Central South District of the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church, this course explores the story of Israel’s 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. By closely examining key texts in the books of Exodus and Numbers, participants will relate lessons from Israel’s wilderness wanderings to what it looks like for the church to discern, dream, and develop practices of discipleship in our present context. Each session will include guided content, discussion, and time for questions. Learn more and register by September 4 at 5:00 p.m.