Programs

Key Elements of the Program

The fellowship year consists of two seasons, inviting us to explore two overarching themes: faith and justice. Each season consists of four units, helping us delve deeper into a particular aspect of the theme. Each unit lasts one month. 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 participates in a track-specific discussion forum throughout the year. Some fellows are part of a church or network cohort. 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.

Unit 1: Starting Points

Preparations for the Journey ahead! Introduction to the Year, with members of the Core Teaching Team. We'll talk about who we are, why we're here, and our hopes for the coming year. 

Speaker: Kirsten Powers
Book: Saving Grace: Speak Your Truth, Stay Centered, and Learn to Coexist with People Who Drive You Nuts

Unit 2: The Long Journey

Taking stock of our past, we look to the future with sobriety and hope. We'll be joined by Anthea Butler for a conversation about her book White Evangelical Racism and the need for soul searching repentance at the broadest levels in our world today. 

Speaker: Cole Arthur Riley
Book: This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories That Make Us

Unit 3: 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
Book: America's Book: The Rise and Decline of a Bible Civilization, 1794-1911

Unit 4: 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

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. 

Unit 5: 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? 

Unit 6: 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? 

Unit 7: Money, Power, and Justice

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

Unit 8: 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?