Candler School of Theology
The Church and Community Ministries Certificate Program
The Church and Community Ministries Certificate enhances Candler's mission to "educate ... through scholarship, teaching and service ... faithful and creative leaders for the church's ministries in the world." The program also enhances our commitments to ... "the interaction of theoretical and practical learning in the classroom, in the church and in other public settings, and ... the preparation of leaders to participate in ministries of justice and reconciliation."
Through participation in this program (classes, internships, community events, contextual education track), students can learn the methodologies of church-community partnerships and the tools for developing reconciling ministries. While tracking legislation through city, state and federal governments, students can also renew their understanding of the legislative process. They will learn how to inspire collaborations with their congregations and foundations, local government, nonprofit agencies, and other community organizations in order to effect social change.
Because this program draws on the enormous resources of other Emory departments, other Atlanta-area universities, the Interdenominational Theological Center, and Columbia Theological Seminary, students have the opportunity to converse with a broad range of scholars and colleagues. Much of this work occurs in particular communities in metropolitan Atlanta so students can learn firsthand from local leadership how to identify concerns and the local resources to address them.
This program is open to students in the MDiv program as well as those wishing to have this concentration in the MTS program.