Virtual Formation Communities
What are virtual formation communities?
Members in virtual communities form around a set of community agreements and a shared focus. These communities meet exclusively online once a week via video conference for fellowship focused on community building and spiritual formation. Applicants are selected based on meeting the criteria for the program, their stated desires and the community’s focus. All students are welcome in every formation community regardless of race, gender, nationality, class, faith, sexual orientation and ability.
Interested in joining a virtual formation community for the 2026-27 academic year?
More about Candler's Virtual Communities
Forming in the spirit of unraveling, unfolding, reshaping, and molding creatively together.
In their own words
In Fieri translates to “In the Making” or “In the Becoming.” In this community, we meet each other creatively in this eternally creative process. We devote time to each other weekly in media, leaning into rhythms of prayer, meditation, creative expression, and authentic community. We are committed to bringing our full selves to the exchange of creative ideas, allowing space for the Spirit to inspire us. Each week, we spend time practicing our individual crafts and exploring the presence of God in our creative lives.
Logistics
The In Fieri Community consists of members from across the United States, so all activities are held on digital platforms (Zoom, Canvas, and GroupMe). Members have built rhythms of shared Christian life that bridge geographical distance and gather weekly for shared prayer and fellowship. They also connect asynchronously between weekly meetings for ongoing encouragement and support. There are up to 5 members in the In Fieri Community.
Forming in the spirit of relationship and sacred space
In their own words
Via Media Community seeks to build a remarkable community of Christian life that bridges the time and space between us as we gather in depth of relationship and with respect to body, mind, and creation. We embrace the gift of something new with courage, intentionality, persistence, heart, and commitment to hold sacred space with one another in the fellowship of spiritual community to manifest the world we want to see. Our community seeks to be the “middle way” between in-person and online, between liberal and conservative; to fill in the gaps with love and compassion to all people.
Logistics
The Via Media Community consists of members from across the United States, so all activities are held on digital platforms (Zoom, Canvas, and GroupMe). Members have built rhythms of shared Christian life that bridge geographical distance and gather weekly for shared prayer and fellowship. They also connect asynchronously between weekly meetings for ongoing encouragement and support. There are up to 4 members in the Via Media Community.
Anchor for the Journey
“The five of us started as total strangers. In just a few months, we have become permanent friends. Our care for each other and the inside jokes we share are treasures I would never want to journey through seminary without. Whether we’re sharing contemplative prayer, chatting politics, or swapping poetry, In Fieri has become Spiritual Home.”
– Blair Kawa, MDiv ’28
