The "slow food" and "slow money" movements have worked to recover more holistic and relational approaches to important life practices.  Since 2007 our Institutes have sought to do the same for discipleship education in a world of impersonal conferences and insular tertiary institutions (see list below of past themes).  The Bartimaeus Institute provides a mid-winter opportunity for interactive and in-depth study of scripture and social justice in the central coast village of Oak View, CA with Ched Myers, Elaine Enns and friends.  Building capacity for both proclamation and practice, we study gospel lections for Year A,B or C as they related to particular themes of social justice. Academic credit and limited scholarships are available; space is limited to 30 per Institute. Come be a part of a village of learning and engagement.

Our next Institute is Feb 20-24, 2012: “Reading Mark ‘Politically’:  A Socio-Literary Approach to the Gospel.”  Ched will lead an intensive training in how to exegete and exposit the Second Gospel throughout Year B for preachers, teachers, and activists.  Our approach will, as always, integrate perspectives from “the seminary, the sanctuary and the street.” For further information, pricing, downloadable registration and other 2012 dates go here.  To pay online for the February Institute go here.