Institutes and Initiatives
Youth Theological Initiative
Welcome to Candler's Youth Theological Initiative. Since 1993 YTI has been a center for research and the theological education of youth and youth ministers. Our work is focused around a vision of theologically-grounded, socially-conscious ministries with youth and young adults, ministries that help young people and the older ones working with them to Explore Questions that Shape Us. We welcome your participation with us in this important contribution to ministry in the church and the world.
YTI partners with Candler's Religious Education Program to offer a certificate in ministries with youth for Master of Divintiy (MDiv) and Master of Theological Studies (MTS) students. Many students from Candler and Emory's Graduate Division of Religion work with us on our research, which explores the theological perspectives and practices of youth and young adults. Others work with our annual Summer Academy, an intensive, residential program of justice-seeking theological education for high school students. We accept applications for summer staff positions each fall, so contact us at yti@emory.edu if you would like more information. In addition to our efforts to provide outstanding opportunities in youth ministry education at Candler, we support the work of denominations, regional judicatories, and congregations through our Youth Ministry Education programs, working to enhance the practices of youth ministry in local congregations.
World Methodist Evangelism Institute
The World Methodist Evangelism Institute, a cooperative ministry of the World Methodist Council and Candler School of Theology, offers additional opportunities for study and research in the nature and practice of evangelism. Using a multiracial and multinational faculty, the institute brings world evangelism leaders, faculty, and students together at Candler and at other places around the world, and sends faculty to different countries to share insights and learn from the experience of others. Annually, Candler students in good academic standing and students from other seminaries are permitted to enroll in the institute’s international and regional evangelism seminars for academic credit. Located on the Emory University campus, the institute provides opportunities for pastors and lay persons to gain continuing education credits while gaining experience in evangelism in other cultures, offers training in faith-sharing in a non-confrontational approach, and provides opportunities for seminary students to have a dialogue with students of other seminaries across the world.
For more information please contact Winston Worrell, director, at 404.727.6344 or wworrel@emory.edu. You may also contact Julia Crim, program administrative assistant, at jcrim@emory.edu