Programs

Key Elements of the Program

The fellowship year consists of two seasons, inviting us to explore two overarching themes: faith and justice. Each month, we focus on a topic that helps us delve deeper into a particular aspect of the theme. There are a variety of activities to support learning and conversation over the course of the year:

- monthly webinars*
- fireside chats*
- bi-weekly podcast
- curated readings
- mini lectures 
- embodied practices

Everyone is invited to contribute to the online discussions. Some participants are part of a cohort (learn more here). If you are interested in leading a cohort from your church or network, please contact us. 

*Activities marked with an asterisk are synchronous, and ideally participants would join at the scheduled time, though recordings will be available after the event as well. Please note that most other fellowship activities are asynchronous, meaning you can do them on your own at a flexible time that works best for you.

Starting Points

Who are we, and how did we get here? We’ll examine the places and times that have shaped our lives to see God at work in all of it. In doing this work, we’ll discover that a deeper understanding of our present moment helps us walk in the way of Jesus. 

Speaker: Kirsten Powers (Sat., Sept. 10, 10-11:30am PT; session will be recorded and available in the Media Library)
Book: Saving Grace: Speak Your Truth, Stay Centered, and Learn to Coexist with People Who Drive You Nuts

The Inward Journey

To avoid a navel-gazing spirituality will require not turning away from ourselves but looking more deeply into ourselves. We’ll learn about specific resources and practices that help us along the spiritual life: contemplative prayer, lectio divina, the Enneagram, and more. 

Speaker: Cole Arthur Riley (Sat., Oct. 8, 10-11:30am PT; session will be recorded and available in the Media Library)
Book: This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories That Make Us
Optional Gathering: October 7-9 in Denver

The Long Journey

Following Jesus leads us through wild varieties of life’s terrain. Just as the road behind us has been uneven, there are more surprises ahead. We’ll locate ourselves on a long life trajectory as a spiritual practice. Taking stock of our past, we will look to the future with sobriety and hope. 

Speaker: Mark Noll (Sat., Nov. 12, 10-11:30am PT; session will be recorded and available in the Media Library)
Book: America's Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794-1911

The Outward Journey

Just as there is breathing in and breathing out, the inward journey leads to the outward journey in the spiritual life. We’ll learn about how life with God moves us out toward the world by seeing once more how the good news of Christianity is good news for all people. 

Speaker: Lisa Sharon Harper (Sat., Dec. 10, 10-11:30am PT; session will be recorded and available in the Media Library)

The Beloved Community Gathering (Optional)

In January, we'll gather* in San Francisco for a 2-day public conference, followed by a weekend retreat outside the city. 

Race and Justice

What does it mean that we live in a racialized society? Does racialization and racism really pollute everything social in our world? What does it mean to pursue justice? 

Gender, Sexuality, and Justice

What is the relationship between Christian faith and gender, sexuality, and justice? How can Christian spirituality heal and restore what has been broken in the most intimate areas of our life? 

Money, Power, and Justice

How can our economic and political systems seek human flourishing? Is that even possible? 

Justice in a Multi-Faith World

How is learning about world Christianity essential for the work of justice? What about inter-religious dialogue and relationships? What does translation, contextualization, and epistemological humility have to do with the heart of Christian faith? 

Optional Gathering: May 19-21 in NYC