Youth Theological Initiative Fellowship
Description:
The Youth Theological Initiative is an intensive, residential summer program in theological education with high school youth. We gather youth from around the country, as well as from other countries, to Emory University to explore “public theology,” that is, the intersection of Christian faith and practice with the needs of the world. We are committed to social justice, diversity, critical thinking, ecumenism and inter-faith dialogue. We practice a form of youth ministry that seeks to empower the prophetic voices of youth, and we do this as adult mentors who “walk alongside” young people and engage them in reflection and action.
A Beatitudes Fellow would spend the first half of the 8 weeks doing research and learning about our pedagogy, and helping us to prepare for the arrival of the youth. He/She will spend the second half fully engaged in working with the youth. Although the fellow will participate in a variety of activities, he/she will work primarily to support our “Faith, Ethics and the City” program, in which our community engages in learning about Environmental Justice, Racism, and Immigration and Labor issues through classroom work and service learning projects in the Atlanta community. The fellow will also gather resources for and help facilitate the planning of creative, ecumenical community worship 3-4 nights a week, and help organize our annual Day of Interfaith Youth Service with Atlanta youth from different faith backgrounds.
Skills Required:
The ability to work collaboratively within a culturally diverse and ecumenical context is essential. We expect all staff to utilize their theological training by engaging youth in substantive conversations about theological concepts, biblical texts, classic Christian writers and the meaning of Christian practices. Prior experience working with high school aged youth is preferred. Some background in engaging issues of race, environmental justice and/or immigration and labor issues is helpful, but training will be provided.
Unique Opportunities:
Fellows working with YTI will gain experience in teaching and ministry with high school aged youth, training in innovative pedagogical techniques, opportunities to explore theology within a convenantal community, experience in setting up service-learning projects, connections with Atlanta area non-profits, churches, and other religious communities, and a supportive work environment that encourages reflection and growth as a public theologian.
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