Denver
October 7-9, 2022
San Francisco
January 27-29, 2023
New York City
May 19-21, 2023
Programs
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Three Levels of Engagement
Join the network anytime for our monthly units, which can stand on their own or be part of a longer journey. Or do the fellowship with a cohort of peers. Or take a year to do the academic track and take a dip into seminary education.
Seminary
Do the work of the fellowship for academic credit at one of our partner seminaries.
Learn MoreOverview of the Year
There are two major themes that frame our activities over the course of the year: Spiritual Theology in the fall and Public Theology in the winter/spring. All of the core activities are fully online; there are three optional in-person gatherings in different parts of the country throughout the year. We encourage everyone to make it to at least one gathering as it deeply enriches the work we do online.
FALL / Spiritual Theology
The Way of Jesus
Develop spiritual and theological wisdom for life with God, focusing on all of life as time- and place-bound in order to shape the ways we approach telling our stories, reading Scripture, and building a life of prayer and contemplative practices in the way of Jesus.
KEY QUESTION: How do I love God?
TOPICS: Stories, Place, Prayer, Bible, Vocation
SPRING / PUBLIC THEOLOGY
The Work of Justice
Explore Christianity as a public faith that prioritizes the common good – with an interdisciplinary approach drawing on history, politics, science, as well as religion – to understand and address common obstacles to human flourishing for the good of the world.
KEY QUESTION: How do I love my neighbors?
TOPICS: Race, Gender and Sexuality, Money and Power, Multi-Faith Society
These in-person gatherings are optional but highly encouraged for network and fellowship participants. Travel scholarships are available.
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.
The Year at a GlanceStarting Points
As we prepare for the Journey ahead, it is important to take note of our individual and collective stories. We'll spend time talking about who we are, why we're here, and our hopes for the future.
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 Long Journey
Taking stock of our past, we look to the future with sobriety and hope.
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 Inward Journey
We'll be learning about resources and practices that help us along the spiritual life: the Daily Office, the Enneagram, contemplative prayer, lectio divina, and more.
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 must be accompanied by the outward journey in the spiritual life. We'll learn about God's call toward the world by examining once more the good news of Christianity for all peoples.
Speaker: Lisa Sharon Harper (Sat., Dec. 10, 10-11:30am PT; session will be recorded and available in the Media Library)
December 2022The 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.
January 2023Race 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?
February 2023Gender, 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?
March 2023Money, Power, and Justice
How can our economic and political systems seek human flourishing? Is that even possible?
April 2023Justice 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
May 2023Join Us on the Journey
And become part of a vibrant community of spiritual formation and mutual support that spans across the world, tackling hard questions and seeking the common good…