Candler in Conversation

"Silent Echoes" is a transformative podcast series exploring the profound interplay between silence, inner strength, and resilience. Each episode reflects on the powerful words of Howard Thurman: "In the stillness of quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair." Dr. Luther E. Smith Jr.'s current research focuses on the writings and correspondence of Howard Thurman, advocacy on behalf of children, and a spirituality of hope. Smith is an ordained elder in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. He retired from Candler in 2014.

"Silent Echoes" is a transformative podcast series exploring the profound interplay between silence, inner strength, and resilience. Each episode reflects on the powerful words of Howard Thurman: "In the stillness of quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair." Walter Earl Fluker is the senior editor of The Howard Thurman Papers Project and a well-known figure in the theory and practice of ethical leadership. Dr. Fluker holds the position of Distinguished Professor of the Howard Thurman Center at Hartford International University for Religion & Peace and previously served as Dean's Professor of Spirituality, Ethics, and Leadership at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. At Morehouse College, he was the founding director of the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership and the Coca-Cola Professorship of Leadership Studies. He is the Martin Luther King, Jr. professor emeritus of ethical leadership at Boston University and the editor of the Howard Thurman Papers Project where he developed an acclaimed Massive Online Operating Course titled Ethical Leadership: Character, Civility, and Community. His organization, Walter Earl Fluker & Associates, Inc., continues to advance this mission.

"Silent Echoes" is a transformative podcast series exploring the profound interplay between silence, inner strength, and resilience. Each episode reflects on the powerful words of Howard Thurman: "In the stillness of quiet, if we listen, we can hear the whisper of the heart giving strength to weakness, courage to fear, hope to despair." Walter Earl Fluker is the senior editor of The Howard Thurman Papers Project and a well-known figure in the theory and practice of ethical leadership. Dr. Fluker holds the position of Distinguished Professor of the Howard Thurman Center at Hartford International University for Religion & Peace and previously served as Dean's Professor of Spirituality, Ethics, and Leadership at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. At Morehouse College, he was the founding director of the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadershipand the Coca-Cola Professorship of Leadership Studies. He is the Martin Luther King, Jr. professor emeritus of ethical leadership at Boston University and the editor of the Howard Thurman Papers Project where he developed an acclaimed Massive Online Operating Course titled Ethical Leadership: Character, Civility, and Community. His organization, Walter Earl Fluker & Associates, Inc., continues to advance this mission.A sought-after consultant, speaker, and workshop leader, Dr. Fluker has shared his expertise at various institutions and organizations worldwide. Recently, he was honored with the 2023 Roosevelt Institute's Four Freedoms Award of Worship, along with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, the late activist Ady Barkan, Congressman Bennie Thompson, and former Executive Director of the American Library Association Tracie D. Hall. Dr. Fluker is a prolific author, with notable works including Ethical Leadership: The Questfor Character, Civility, and Community (2009) and The Ground Has Shifted: The Future of the Black Church in Post-Racial America (2016). He also edited the five-volume documentary edition The Papers of Howard Washington Thurman, the four-volume Walking with God: The Sermon Series of Howard Thurman (2020–2023), and The Unfinished Search for Common Ground (2023).He earned a BA in philosophy and biblical studies from Trinity College, an MDiv from Garrett-Evangelical Seminary, and a PhD in social ethics from BU. He holds an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Lees-McRae College and a Doctor of Laws honoris causa from Boston University.

The Candler Foundry in partnership with the Doctor of Ministry program presents this six-part series on Womanist Discourse! Our guest today is Dr. Musa Dube, the William Ragsdale Cannon Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Candler School of Theology.

The Candler Foundry has partnered with the Doctor of Ministry program to offer this six part series on Womanist Discourse in support of the new track launching at Candler! Here the insightful words of Dr. Teresa Fry Brown as she talks about the history of womanism, her life's work, and how womanism can can shape you as you grow in the work of liberation.

In this episode, Minister ShaCarolyn discusses her journey from the STEM field to psychology and ministry. She emphasizes to our audience the importance of obeying God during times of transition, as it ultimately leads to a fulfilling life and ministry as a whole person.

In this episode, Dr. Noblitt gives us insights into how burnout affects our lives, actions, and decisions. He shares about his time working in prison chaplaincy and what we can learn by pursuing wholeness in our lives and work.

In this episode, Yendelela gives us a candid look at her life as a successful lawyer, advocate, and mother. She reminds us that we must pace our purpose as we pursue wholeness in our lives and work.

In this episode, Dr. Hansen takes us through her faith journey, starting as a child in the Episcopal church. She encourages listeners to reclaim their agency to make the decisions that lead to wholeness while also making space for support. Dr. Hansen also shares how she helps students at Candler discern whether they need the "push" or support.

In this episode, Emily shares insights on how to manage our priorities effectively in our fast-paced lives. Additionally, she talks about discovering our purpose and motivation, or "why," during the decision-making process, drawing from her experiences working in the Admissions department at Candler.

In this episode, Dr. Lartey discusses how we can care for others in our multiplicities. He encourages us to understand how our past experiences and daily interactions inform the people we become and how we care for others. Above all he encourages us to find moments to play again!

In this episode, Dr. Ellison invites us to consider how we should engage in the bi-vocational work of ministry and entrepreneurship. Dr. Ellison candidly shares his journey from the start to the present day of his influential movement Fearless Dialogues.

In this episode, Amy shares her journey from Candler to her new role of Digital Chaplaincy. Amy allows us to reflect on what makes us whole in our entrepreneurial pursuits.

The Ministry and Entrepreneurship series highlights members of the Candler community that serve in ministry while thriving in the entrepreneurial space. Lessie is a 2nd Year MDiv at Candler School of Theology. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker and, a self-taught freelance makeup artist and C.E.O. Ever since her childhood, she has been in love with all things related to the Fashion and Beauty industry. It was at the beginning of her undergraduate career when she began to develop her craft, spending her downtime participating in college fashion shows and providing makeup services− “glamming up” anyone who would offer their face.

The Ministry and Entrepreneurship series highlights members of the Candler community that serve in ministry while thriving in the entrepreneurial space. Orlando currently serves as Senior Pastor at Bright Star United Methodist Church in Douglasville, GA. He actively encourages others to be united by faith and defined by love. Orlando owns BowTie Photos, LLC and is one of Atlanta's premier event photography and photobooth operators. His clients include the United Way of Greater Atlanta, Emory University, the Black Data Processors Association (BDPA), and more. Orlando earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan (Ross School of Business) and a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Emory University (Candler School of Theology) in 2019.

Ministry and Entrepreneurship series highlights members of the Candler community that serve in ministry while thriving in the entrepreneurial space. Minister Alex Revelle earned a Master of Divinity Degree from Candler School of Theology in 2021 and is now the Young People Division Pastor at Cascade United Methodist Church. During his time serving in this role, he has recognized his passion found in combining technology, with theology within the young people division ministries.

The Ministry and Entrepreneurship series highlights members of the Candler community that serve in ministry while thriving in the entrepreneurial space. Our guest today is Julian Davis Reid a 2020 Candler School of Theology graduate earning his Master of Divinity. Julian is an artist-theologian who uses words and music to invite us into the restful lives we were created to live. A pianist, producer, and composer, Julian is a founding member of the jazz-electronic fusion group The JuJu Exchange (with Nico Segal and Nova Zaii) and hosts musical-contemplative workshops and retreats called Notes of Rest. He writes about faith, music, and rest on his Substack page “Julian's Note,” and he works with the grassroots management consultancy Fearless Dialogues.

The second installment of the Candler Black Excellence (CBE) series on Candler in Conversation features Rev. Dr. Kevin Murriel (Pastor, Cascade UMC - Atlanta) and Rev. Dr. Damon Williams (Pastor, Providence Missionary Baptist Church - Atlanta) talking about the often unspoken insights into the life of a pastor. They share their pastoral journeys and the lessons learned as they transitioned from being an Associate Minister to the role of Senior Pastor. They discussed the realities of bi-vocational ministry and the importance of finding and developing positive and nurturing relationships. We even delved into the nuts and bolts of what a minister needs to know as they walk into their pastoral role, including compensation, benefits, preaching, planning, maximizing staff and volunteers, and their professional team. We also talked about the challenges of pastoring during a global pandemic and possible silver linings. This episode will help everyone in the church. The guest host is CBE Project Director Elliott Robinson, JD ‘16MDiv with music created by Julian Reid ‘19MDiv, both Candler alumni. Candler Black Excellence is a multi-year project highlighting the achievements and impact of Candler's Black faculty, alumni, and students through videos, podcasts, interviews, and articles.

This first installment of the Candler Black Excellence (CBE) series on Candler in Conversation features the Rev. Dr. Khalia Williams, Assistant Dean of Worship & Music at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. We explore the research Dr. Williams is conducting, in conjunction with the Wabash Institute, on the impact of breath and breath-work in both pedagogy and day-to-day life. The guest host is CBE Project Director Elliott Robinson, JD ‘16MDiv, with music created by Julian Reid ‘19MDiv, both Candler alumni. If you would like more info on breath coach, Kelly Walden, please visit her website: breathworkers.com. Candler Black Excellence is a multi-year project highlighting the achievements and impact of Candler's Black faculty, alumni and students through videos, podcasts, interviews, and articles.

On this episode of Candler in Conversation, meet Doug Shipman, one of the February 2021 TheoEd Speakers. Doug Shipman is the Founding CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, a museum and cultural institution in Atlanta, Georgia which draws connections between the U.S. Civil Rights movement and today's human rights struggles. Shipman recently ended his tenure as the president and CEO of the Woodruff Arts Center, a position he used to support local arts groups. He holds degrees from the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Divinity School, and Emory University. Today, Shipman is invested in supporting Atlanta's art community and promoting racial justice in the arts. He can be found online on Twitter and Instagram as @dougship. The name of his TheoEd Talk is "Is Reconciliation Right for America?", and you can watch it live on Sunday, February 21 at 5:00pm EST. Visit TheoEd.com to register for the live event.

On this episode of Candler in Conversation, meet Rev. Olu Brown, one of the February 2021 TheoEd Speakers. Rev. Olu Brown is the lead pastor of Impact Church, a multicultural gathering located in Atlanta which he planted in 2007. In 2016, Impact Church was named one of the fastest-growing churches in America. He is the author of multiple books, including 4D Impact: Smash Barriers Like a Smart Church. The name of his TheoEd Talk is "Embracing Uncertainty", and he discusses his hopes for the talk in this episode. He can be found online at www.olubrown.com, @pastorolubrown on Instagram, and @impactdcd on Instagram.

On this episode of Candler in Conversation, you'll hear the Resiliency of Job lecture, presented by Drs. Carol Newsom and Karen Schieb. This lecture was originally recorded on Sunday, November 8, 2020 at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in partnership with Candler School of Theology. This event was made possible by the Manfred Hoffmann Endowment Fund and the Nancy Eiesland Endowment Fund. Together, Drs. Carol Newsom and Karen Scheib look at the various ways that Job, in the midst of his suffering, exhibits resiliency.

With national and local elections around the corner, there's much work to do in getting our political affairs, both individually and communally, in order now. How does or how should the church and faith-based organizations navigate politics? What's at stake on the ballots? Why should voting matter to our faith? Our all-star panelists will help us answer these questions. Links to resources mentioned in this episode: www.faithstrongvote.com https://ballotpedia.org https://projectoverzero.org/

On this episode of Candler in Conversation, we bring together three faith leaders who also serve as wellness practitioners to discuss balance, community, and living life in 2020.

In this episode of Candler in Conversation, we focus on finding balance as we continue living through 2020. Our guests are: Emily Rivers 20T, Yoga Instructor and Youth Pastor at Harrison UMC Lahronda Little 17T, PhD student in Spiritual Care and Pastoral Theology in the Graduate Division of Religion David Kim 96T, Founder of the Research Institute for Counseling & Education in Peachtree Corners, GA

It has been an extraordinary few months for adults, but what about our young people who are also experiencing life at this time? From the closing of schools and virtual learning to having to celebrate major life milestones in new ways, we must consider how our up-and-coming generation is faring and how this time will forever mark their future. This conversation will center best practices and strategies for working with young people at such a time as this. How do we best support the youth in our lives during this longer-term crisis?

On this special episode of Candler in Conversation, our guests will discuss the current state of affairs in America, the church's role in and response to current events, and how intersectionality has a huge impact on one's lived experience. Our guests are: Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Bandy Professor of Preaching Dr. Marla Frederick, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Religion and Culture Rev. Dr. Nichole R. Phillips, Associate Professor in the Practice of Sociology of Religion and Culture; Director of Black Church Studies This conversation will be facilitated by Chrystal Golden 20T, Program Coordinator for The Candler Foundry Nefertiti Williams, Interim Senior Director of Advancement and Alumni Engagement; Director of Alumni Engagement

Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of individuals as well as entire communities crying out to God in need of divine intervention. The practice of lament in present-day seems to be a more private affair, but there is power in using lament as part of one's public witness. Our guests engage our essential question: "What is the role of lament in public witness?"

The work of becoming actively anti-racist often starts in one's own heart, home, and church. From congregations newer to the fight for racial justice to congregations that have been engaged in it for a much longer time, current events suggest that there's still so much more to learn and put into practice. Our invited guests will discuss what they're saying and doing within their own congregations.

Darci Jaret 17T, Pastor of Worship, Advocacy, and Arts at Park Avenue Baptist Church, discusses why and how their congregation constructed a site of memory in honor of those who have lost their lives to police violence.

The entire world seems to be responding to the multiple incidents of racial violence against Black men and women that have happened over the last few months. From demonstrations happening in all 50 states in the US to acts of solidarity happening in other countries, signs have been made and voices have been lifted to decry the dehumanization of Black bodies. Our invited panelists discuss what these public responses have to do with our faith.