Core Unit 1 – Christianity and the Public Square
Identify and defend the place of religion in democratic social, economic, cultural and political life.
Session 1: The Role of Religion in American Democracy
This session explores three particular issues: (1) whether and how the U.S. can be viewed as a Christian nation and the significance of the relation between church and state as articulated in the First Amendment, (2) the relationship between faith and politics in the early churches and the historical development of alternatives, and (3) the distinction between various approaches to relating the Christian faith and thought to political frameworks and the pursuit of justice and the common good.
Session 2: The Bible in Moral and Political Debate
Because the Bible has been invoked as a religious authority in faith and practice and a resource in ethical thinking and judgments, this session will examine the variety of ways in which the Bible is actually interpreted and used to establish the grounds for a particular position on a moral, political, or sociocultural issue.
Session 3: The Role of the Church and its Presence in Public
The church is a community of faith, a communal expression of shared beliefs, values, opinions, attitudes and practices that shape understanding and personal and social life. Some of these contribute to ministry that seeks social justice and the common good, and some are obstacles to effective social justice. This session looks closely at the relationship between beliefs and practices, and engages the reasons why some congregations are better at faith-based advocacy than others.
Core Unit 2 – Christian Perspectives on Politics and Public Policy
Biblical and theological perspectives on issue analysis, policy assessment, strategic planning, and advocacy practice.
Session 4: Policy Area(s) 1 –
Session 5: Policy Area(s) 2 –
Session 6: Policy Area(s) 3 –
Each of the above sessions is given entirely to one policy area, chosen from the following areas and focused more specifically on issues that are currently most relevant to a congregation’s setting and situation:
- health care
- education
- immigration
- poverty (TANF, living wage, affordable housing)
- same-sex marriage
- reproductive rights
- environment
- drug treatment-decriminalization
- ex-offender opportunities
- campaign/political reform
- aging
Each session will provide biblical and theological perspectives on the policy area under consideration, some analysis of policy issues and alternatives, and possible strategies and practices in advocacy applicable in a congregational context.
Core Unit 3 – Christian Practice for the Common Good
Developing knowledge and skill in the roles leadership, education, and advocacy in relation to areas of social justice and promoting the beloved community
Session 7: Faith-Based Advocacy
In this session, participants consider the distinctiveness of faith-based advocacy and work on developing servant-leadership skills that can bring about positive change. Specific attention is given to identifying the important values and roles essential for effective collaboration and advocacy. Participants also work on ways to develop strategy and conduct longer-range strategic planning to achieve social justice goals.
Session 8: Communication and Action with Powerful People
Participants work on the skills of active listening, effective speaking, and leading discussions. Special consideration is given to the relation between communication and building relationships, especially in circumstances where conversation is difficult and infused with conflict. The abilities needed for effective interaction with legislators and other public officials are addressed, including the most efficient ways to organize and present information that would be useful to decision-makers.
Session 9: Building Congregation-Based Education, Ministry and Advocacy
This session focuses on skills that contribute to personal and communal transformation in pursuing the common good. Participants consider ways to lead or participate in the process of identifying social justice issues for a congregation and how to organize effective responses. Consideration is given to the limits of congregational participation in the political process and the importance of education and collaboration in engaging others in the service of justice.
Session 10: Where do we go from here? Technology and Strategic Action Plans
In this final session, participants share their action plans for their leadership and continuing work in their congregations (or another organization) on behalf of the common good. Time will also be spent in an evaluation of the academy’s program.
