{"id":54969,"date":"2023-11-14T10:30:42","date_gmt":"2023-11-14T15:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/?p=54969"},"modified":"2023-11-16T09:37:54","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T14:37:54","slug":"shalom-academy-builds-on-legacy-of-school-for-leadership-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2023\/shalom-academy-builds-on-legacy-of-school-for-leadership-training\/","title":{"rendered":"Shalom Academy builds on legacy of School for Leadership Training"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the 2024 presidential election fast approaches and the campaign signs and TV ads begin their blitzes, it may seem the nation is more divided than ever. And, for faith leaders, Courtney Joyner<\/strong> said, it can be difficult for them to cultivate unity in communities that are so polarized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a hard world for pastors to navigate right now,\u201d said Joyner, director of the Thriving in Ministry grant at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. \u201cWe wanted to address that and equip them with tools to better be able to minister in their local context.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shalom Academy 2024<\/a>, held at the seminary from Monday, Jan. 8, to Wednesday, Jan. 10, is themed \u201cPursuing Community in a Divisive World.\u201d It offers a place to learn and reflect on the practices that move congregations past divisiveness and toward peace both within their walls and in their larger communities. The deadline for standard registration pricing is Saturday, Dec. 9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more <\/a>
and register.<\/a><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

New Name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is the first time that Shalom Academy, formerly known as the School for Leadership Training (SLT), will be using its new name. For 54 years, SLT has equipped pastors with tools needed for deepening the effectiveness of their ministries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As we build on the solid foundation of SLT, we recognize the need to more overtly emphasize justice, peacebuilding and conflict transformation from a faith-based lens,” Joyner said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She said the name change projects this focus while also distinguishing the conference as one of the programs under the umbrella of EMS’s new Shalom Collaboratory<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Shalom Academy is a place for both education and connection,” Joyner said. This year, Shalom Academy will feature keynote speakers and workshops that give fresh perspectives on justice-inspired shalom, small-group spaces to connect around shared interests and excursions that provide relaxation and recreation with friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Keynote speakers<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Rev. Melissa <\/strong>
Florer-Bixler<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Rev. Melissa Florer-Bixler<\/strong>, an author and the pastor of Raleigh Mennonite Church in North Carolina, is the chair of L\u2019Arche North Carolina, an organization that provides housing, support and care for adults with intellectual disabilities. Her address on Monday evening is titled, \u201cMinistry During the Election Cycle: Politics Without Despair,\u201d and will discuss how church leaders can faithfully and hopefully lead congregations in the months ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Rev. Adam <\/strong>
Russell Taylor<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The other keynote speaker is Rev. Adam Russell Taylor<\/strong>, president of Sojourners, a Christian media and advocacy organization that works toward social and racial justice. His address on Tuesday is titled \u201cWhere Do We Go From Here: Toxic Polarization or the Beloved Community?\u201d and will focus on the tools for overcoming polarization in our society, our politics and our churches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Excursions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A new addition to the activity schedule this year is excursions. The excursions provide a space for participants to get to know each other outside of conference events, Joyner said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe wanted to incorporate an afternoon where people can relax, connect with each other, have fun and build relationships in a playful way,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The excursions for Shalom Academy 2024 are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n