In a word, the C.S. Lewis Institute focuses on discipleship. Since its founding in 1976, the Institute has partnered with Washington, DC area churches to foster discipleship of heart and mind for thoughtful believers. The Institute's vision complements the work of the Church, equipping thoughtful believers to impact their sphere of influence for Jesus Christ. This discipleship of heart and mind takes place by means of teaching, readings, and mentoring through:
- Conferences & Lectures featuring world-class teachers and thinkers
- Fellows Programs, mentoring groups giving theological and spiritual development
- Knowing & Doing, a teaching quarterly with challenging articles, interviews, and reviews
- Summer Programs vary in nature, but previous programs have included have included Oxford Summer Study and A Colloquium: The Love of God and the Love of Learning
In addition to those listed above, the Institute provides periodic lecture series, mini-courses, and opportunities to strengthen and encourage local area pastors.
Conferences & Lectures
Several times each year, the Institute hosts conferences with internationally and nationally known speakers such as Alister McGrath, N.T. Wright, Ravi Zacharias, Art Lindsley, Lyle Dorsett, Susan Yates, and David Prior. Hosted in various churches throughout the area, the conferences offer challenging teaching on relevant topics aimed at strengthening the hearts and minds of thoughtful believers. Typically, conferences take place on a Friday evening and Saturday morning schedule in order to make them more accessible to busy Washington schedules. Reduced rates at local hotels are available for out of town guests, as well.
For a listing of recent and upcoming conferences, please visit our Events Calendar.
To purchase tape and/or CD recordings of past conferences, see How to order C.S. Lewis Institute Conference Recordings.
Fellows
The C.S. Lewis Fellows is at the heart of the Institute's work. This growing program begins with a one-year period of intensive theological and spiritual formation for leaders and emerging leaders in the Washington, DC area. Each year a small group of 10-12 men and another group of 10-12 women, while continuing in their careers, take part in lectures, small group interaction, one-on-one mentoring, and guided readings in a format that is conducive to the time demands of busy professionals with families. Fellows experience close friendships with a group of like-minded believers in similar stages of life and career, and they often describe the program as having been one of the most spiritually formative in their lives.At the conclusion of the first year, Fellows are given opportunities for on-going lectures, readings, and mentoring.Each class of Fellows begins in the fall and concludes in spring.
Knowing & Doing
Knowing & Doing is the Institute's teaching quarterly containing thoughtful and insightful articles contributed by scholars such as Alister McGrath, Art Lindsley, Dennis Hollinger, James Houston, and others. Knowing & Doing is designed to engage the culture and challenge believers seeking greater understanding in their faith as it relates to the realities of life and truth.
Knowing & Doing is offered on request at no charge; however, a yearly gift is requested. To find out more, see Knowing & Doing.
Summer Programs
As opportunities and strong areas of interest arise, the Institute develops summer programs which further its goal of discipleship for heart and mind.
In the summer of 2001, an Oxford Summer Study program offered a weekend visit with C.S. Lewis's stepson Douglas Gresham in his home in Ireland followed by a two week summer school at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. The summer school was jointly sponsored by Wycliffe Hall and Regent College, Vancouver, BC and offered courses taught by J.I. Packer, Eugene Peterson, Alister McGrath, and others.
In summer 2002, the Institute worked together with InterVarsity Graduate & Faculty Ministries, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, and Center for Christian Study to host a Colloquium: The Love of God & The Love of Learning, at the Center for Christian Study in Charlottesville, Virginia. The keynote speakers were Dr. James Houston and Dr. Steven Garber.
Summer programs will be included in the Events Calendar as plans develop.
