Seeding Stories of Hope
“I have seen enough of God’s wily ways with the Powers to stake my life on the side of hope.”
— Walter Wink, The Powers That Be
Wink Fellows
Have you wondered how much more vibrant and transformative worship could be if children were fully included instead of sent out of the sanctuary?
For over three decades, Dr. Walter and June Wink provided workshops for religious and lay leaders to engage sacred text for social transformation. From apartheid South Africa to Indigenous communities in Chiapas, Mexico, Walter and June believed that through engaging sacred text, one could lead social change. Inspired by this legacy, Wink Fellows are trained in intergenerational approaches to sacred texts focused on children. As a Wink Fellow, you will gain:
Children-centered storytelling practices. Gain theological and spiritual practices that center the children in the community.
Transforming Sacred Text Study Training. Develop the skills to animate and celebrate sacred text and stories.
A Network of Children-Centered Leaders. Connect with other pastors and religious educators who center children in their ministry.
Congregational-based Impact. Gain insights necessary to build and maintain intergenerational worshipping communities.
Program Overview
The Winks Fellowship program begins with an interactive four-day in-person training for pastors, religious educators, and lay leaders to equip you with the practices, approaches, and theological framework to make this change. After the intensive, participants will return to their congregations to begin to put this approach into practice, with the opportunity to join virtual sessions for peer and faculty coaching. All Winks Fellows will regather at Auburn's Heal the World Summit to deepen learning and share experiences. Travel (within the US), lodging, meals, and materials for the program are covered at no cost to selected Fellows.
Is This Program for Me?
This program is for you if you are someone who:
Centers Children in Your Ministry. You are a leader of a congregation, including executive and senior ministers, or lead children’s ministries or religious education programs.
Embraces Sacred Texts in New and Embodied Ways. You want to find ways to animate and make sacred stories come alive in ways that inspire a new generation of children.
Desires Practical Skills and Resources. You desire to walk away with new techniques and practices for engaging children in worship.
Why Auburn?
Here is how we are carrying on that legacy:
A Legacy of Transformation. The Transformative Bible Study method ran for more than three decades leading social change in some of the most oppressive locations in the world. With an updated curriculum and focus on intergenerational change, this fellowship represents the leading edge in justice-oriented children’s ministry.
World-Class Faculty & Mentors. Auburn’s leaders bring over a 100 years combined children’s and youth ministry experience, and represent a broad diversity of cultural backgrounds.
Credibility & Research. Auburn’s methods are based on and informed by the most recent theological research and neuroscience relating to children.
Inclusive Learning Environment. Every voice matters at Auburn. Our programs are designed to honor diverse perspectives and cultivate a culture of mutual respect, deep dialogue, and healing.
Become a Fellow
If you’re ready to step into the fellowship: