Candler faculty members serve the academy, the church, and the public good. They produce modern spiritual classics, leading textbooks, hymns of faith, and liturgies of healing. Their teaching inspires students, empowering them for ministry. Their commitment to the church is demonstrated in their leadership in local parishes, denominational bodies, and Christian communities worldwide.
Tom Long wanted to be a family practice physician, but a pastor in Due West, South Carolina, changed his ambition. The Rev. George Leitz was a gentle and courageous voice for racial tolerance, which was an unpopular opinion at the time, and Long thought the reverend’s life was one worth living.
As the Bandy Professor of Preaching, Long literally wrote the book on preparing and delivering sermons. His textbook, The Witness of Preaching, is used around the world in introductory preaching courses. Long believes that preaching opens people’s ears to hear truth. It confronts the powers that hold us captive, comforts the brokenhearted, and engenders hope. Some would consider Long a physician after all—he cares for the health of souls.
Candler faculty members like Tom Long are educating future ministers and scholars of religion who will have an impact on the church and the world. Long wants graduates to leave Candler with a sense of confidence and excitement about the ministry. And he wants them to understand the urgency and importance of what they do and say as preachers.
Your support will help Candler cultivate a community of scholars who work toward social justice and demand theological integrity in studying and communicating Christian beliefs and traditions.
