2027 Biennial Consultation

JANUARY 20-23, 2027 IN ATLANTA, GA

"HOPE IN FLUX:

The Art of Repair, Imagination, and Courageous Resistance"

The Association of Theological Field Education invites you to the 2027 Biennial Consultation, exploring how practices of repair, fragmentation, and re-creation—drawn from art forms such as mosaic, kintsugi, and collage—can inform the work of theological educators and leaders.

As theological field education continues to evolve amid institutional, cultural, and pedagogical change, this gathering offers space for critical reflection on shifting contexts, student formation, and the future of the field.

Hosted in Atlanta, participants will engage these questions within a context shaped by both historic and ongoing commitments to faith, justice, and public life.

Read the full theme here.

CONSULTATION SPONSORS

We're excited to invite organizations and companies to sponsor our 2027 Biennial Consultation!

Sponsorship Opportunity Information                                     Sponsorship Registration Form

Consultation Schedule

Wednesday, January 20

Candler School of Theology at Emory University

Time Event
3:00 PM–6:00 PM Registration and Check In
4:30 PM–5:30 PM New to ATFE Reception
5:00 PM–6:45 PM Welcome and Relax
7:00 PM–9:00 PM Welcome to ATFE & Opening Concert

Thursday, January 21

Columbia Theological Seminary

Time Event
9:00 AM–11:15 AM Morning Worship/Plenary Session #1/Business Meeting #1
11:15 AM–1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM–2:30 PM Workshops
3:00 PM–5:30 PM Excursions (Vans)
6:00 PM Denominational Caucus Dinners
7:00 PM Meet the Steering Committee and R&P Committee

Friday, January 22

Candler School of Theology at Emory University

Time Event
9:00 AM–9:30 AM Morning Prayer
10:00 AM–11:30 AM Panel Session #2/Business Meeting #2
11:30 AM–1:00 PM Lunch & Sponsorship Fair
1:00 PM–2:30 PM Plenary Session #3
3:00 PM–4:30 PM Workshops
6:00 PM ATFE Banquet & Business Meeting

Saturday, January 23

No Large Gathering – Travel Day

Plenary Speakers

Dr. Luther E. Smith, Jr

Luther E. Smith, Jr., Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus of Church and Community at Candler School of Theology of Emory University (Atlanta, Georgia), where he served on the faculty for thirty-five years. While at Emory University, Dr. Smith served as President of the University Senate, President of the University’s Faculty Council, and as Candler’s Associate Dean for Faculty Development. Dr. Smith writes and speaks extensively on issues of church and society, congregational renewal, meanings and dynamics of community, interfaith cooperation, Christian spirituality, and the thought of Howard Thurman. Learn more about Dr. Smith here.

 

 

The Reverend Adriene Thorne, Mdiv

Reverend Adriene Thorne serves as the eighth Senior Minister of the historic and history-making Riverside Church in the City of New York — and is the first African American woman to hold this role in the church’s 96-year legacy of faith and justice.

Before entering ministry, Adriene performed with The Dance Theatre of Harlem, The Metropolitan Opera, and the world-famous Radio City Rockettes. She now brings that same embodied wisdom to the pulpit and public square. Rev. Thorne's full bio can be found here.