La Mesa Academy for Theological Studies

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

We are beyond honored to co-host First Gathering, Primer Encuentro with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship!

Today and tomorrow, we are extending La Mesa hospitality to more than 80 pastors and leaders representing over 18 churches across Georgia for a bilingual gathering centered on vital worship and vital preaching.

For many, this is their first time at Candler, and we are so glad to welcome leaders serving African diaspora, Latine, Brazilian, and Black communities across different languages and denominations. This is what gathering en conjunto looks like. ❤️

We are also grateful to welcome Dr. David Latimore, the new Executive Director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, and Rev. Dr. Fernando Cascante, lead consultant for this project, alongside a wonderful team from the Calvin Institute.

Bienvenidos! Welcome! We are so glad you are here.

08/21/2026

A word of support from Candler’s new dean, Dr. Terrence L. Johnson, during our Experience La Mesa celebration. La Mesa is thrilled to begin this next chapter together! 💛

08/13/2026

Let's break bread.

“Faith is about feeding and being fed.” — Rachel Held Evans

08/10/2026

Meet Cohort 3 students, Katie Simbala, Meghan Bennett, and Omar Johnson. 💛

Meghan is a pastoral assistant for outreach at an Episcopal church in Carrollton, Georgia. She brings a warm, funny spirit to the group, and we’re so glad she’s here.

Katie is a filmmaker and entrepreneur based in Baltimore, Maryland. She is on a heartfelt search for a ministry where she can show up fully as herself. We look forward to helping her get there.

And Omar is a former Cohort 1 student who has returned to join Cohort 3. We are so happy to welcome you back, Omar.

We look forward to introducing all Cohort 3 students over the next few months.

08/09/2026

Meet Cohort 3! Classes begin the week of August 24, and we can’t wait to see what this group brings to the journey ahead. Let’s do this!