Tending the Fire at the Center of the World

with David F. White, Professor Emeritus of Christian Education at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

This lecture will engage the central question of Christian formation: what kind of knowing is most likely to awaken and sustain Christian faith? This book seeks to reclaim aesthetics—beauty and creativity—as the church’s most native theological way of knowing and being, which participates with God’s own glory and creativity.  

About David F. White

An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, David F. White has served congregations in Alaska, California, and Mississippi, as well as in conference leadership in youth ministry.

Before joining Austin Seminary, White served at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, as visiting assistant professor of youth and education and associate director of research for the Youth Theological Initiative. From 1997 to 2002, he directed the Youth Discipleship Project at Claremont School of Theology, a research initiative exploring innovative approaches to youth ministry and congregational discernment.

White’s most recent book, Tending the Fire That Burns at the Center of the World: Beauty and the Art of Christian Formation(Cascade, 2023), will provide a primary resource for his masterclass at UUMC. His work explores Christian formation, beauty, discernment, vocation, and the spiritual lives of people. He previously served as a senior editor for the Theology of Joy and the Good Life project at the Yale Center for Faith and Culture, work that contributed toJoy: A Guide for Youth Ministry (Wesley’s Foundery Books, 2020).

His other books include Practicing Discernment with Youth (Pilgrim Press, 2005), Awakening Youth Discipleship in a Consumer Culture (Cascade, 2007), coauthored with Brian Mahan and Michael Warren, and Dreamcare: A Theology of Youth, Spirit, and Vocation (Cascade, 2013).

White’s research and teaching have been supported by grants from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Wabash Center, and the Templeton Foundation, including a $1.2 million Lilly Endowment grant supporting research and programming in youth discipleship.

About UUMC Masterclass

What happens when some of the finest teachers in our congregation bring their compelling lectures beyond the classroom?

UUMC MasterClass invites professors from our church to share their knowledge, passions, and best ideas with the broader public. Every Tuesday, a different lecturer will introduce us to a subject through an engaging and accessible presentation. No academic background is required. This is for anyone who enjoys learning and asking questions. Attend in person or on Zoom for a single lecture or return each week for a new topic and teacher! For a Zoom link, or with any questions, please email Pastor Earl: pastorearl@uumc.org