Candler School of Theology will offer three webinars in April and May featuring dialogues among faculty and alumni exploring what it means to live their faith and practice ministry during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Wilderness Wanderings: Faith and Ministry During COVID-19” will be held April 22, April 29 and May 6 at 1 p.m. Register to attend the webinars via Zoom here. The webinars also can be viewed live on Candler’s Facebook page.
Drawing connections to the ancient Israelites’ time in the wilderness, each session will explore ways to engage the questions, challenges and creative possibilities facing the church during these uncertain times.
Wednesday, April 22
Topic: “Walking Through Grief”
In the wake of COVID-19, communities are facing agonizing grief over the loss of lives, jobs, social contact, daily rhythms and a sense of stability. How can the church help individuals express grief with honesty and authenticity? What rituals or practices can provide a way to process the reality of grief in a way that brings communities together and deepens faith formation?
Panelists:
- Kyle Lambelet, postdoctoral fellow
- Joya Abrams, associate pastor at Decatur First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Georgia
- Brian Combs, founding pastor of Haywood Street Church in Asheville, North Carolina
- Quincy Brown, district superintendent of the Atlanta Decatur Oxford District of the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church
Wednesday, April 29
Topic: “Facing the Fear of Scarcity”
The shutdown of the economy has brought a variety of difficult financial realities for individuals and institutions. What would it look like to embrace God’s abundance in the midst of the fears and anxieties that come with scarcity? How can such conditions spark new thinking about how to lead and serve in the world?
Panelists:
- Emmanuel Lartey, Charles Howard Candler Professor of Pastoral Theology and Spiritual Care
- Richard Mosson Weinberg, priest-in-charge at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC
- Kimberly Wagner, assistant professor of homiletics, Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago
- Quincy Brown, district superintendent of the Atlanta Decatur Oxford District of the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church
Wednesday, May 6
Topic: “Longing for the Way Things Used to Be”
With in-person gatherings canceled, COVID-19 has ushered in a “new normal” for the church. Even as churches have quickly adapted through online services, many long to return to the way things used to be. To what extent is this possible? In what ways can this crisis cultivate fresh and creative ministry practices?
Panelists:
- Karen Scheib, professor of pastoral care and pastoral theology
- Patrick Faulhaber, senior pastor at North Decatur United Methodist Church in Decatur, Georgia
- Susannah Bales, licensed marriage and family therapist at Fleurish Psychotherapy and Wise Heart Families; director of children’s ministry at Embry Hills United Methodist Church in Atlanta
- Quincy Brown, district superintendent of the Atlanta Decatur Oxford District of the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church
The series is sponsored by Candler’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Engagement.