Education
As Christians, we spend our entire lives, from baptism to death, becoming disciples of Christ and growing in faith. As Episcopalians, this process of formation is shaped, in particular, by our liturgy and life together. Therefore, so are our education programs. The Cathedral offers programs for all ages and kinds of learners. These programs are intended to equip us for ministry and to foster spiritual growth through meaningful participation in and reflection on our common prayer, community, sacred stories, and mission. Contact Vicar George Maxwell, 404-365-1088, if you have questions about adult education.
Children's ministries Youth ministries
Adult Christian Education
At the Cathedral of St. Philip, adult education is more than learning about faith—it’s about learning how to live it. Our adult formation offerings are designed to support adults in living out their baptismal promises through intentional spiritual practice, deeper reflection, and active participation in the life of the Church.
We recognize that formation is lifelong. Whether you are new to the Episcopal Church or have been a member for decades, our programs invite you into a process of growing in awareness, maturity, and faithfulness. We understand spiritual growth as both individual and communal: shaped by the Holy Spirit, nurtured by common prayer, and sustained by practices that help us stay awake to God’s presence in our daily lives.
Our adult education offerings include seasonal courses, small groups, retreats, and parish-wide learning opportunities. These programs aim to:
- Help participants grow in clarity about their own spiritual journey.
- Foster habits of prayer, reflection, and service rooted in the Anglican tradition.
- Connect people more deeply to the Cathedral parish as a spiritual community.
- Encourage lives marked by compassion, integrity, and courage.
Formation is not just about gaining knowledge. It’s about becoming the kind of person—individually and together—that can live the Christian life in today’s world. We invite you to join us in this journey.
The Dean's Forum
10:10 a.m., in the Good Faith Chapel
Dean Sam Candler leads this class on topics related to the church and the world. Occasionally, the Dean hosts guest speakers to offer presentations.
Living Faith
10:10 a.m., in Room 239
Join us as we explore what it means to live out our faith in conversation with scripture and tradition, contemporary books, and one another. This fall, the class will discuss Rabbi Norman J. Cohen’s classic text Self Struggle, and Change: Family Conflict Stories in Genesis and their Healing Insights for our Lives.
The Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener leads this class.
Young Professionals Sunday School
10:10 a.m., in Room 368
All Young Professionals are invited to participate.
Our Young Professionals group meets on Sunday mornings during the formation hour. We gather to explore our Episcopal traditions and discuss various relevant, faith-based and spirituality-related topics. All young adults in their twenties and thirties are welcome to join the conversations. No advance preparation is required. During the program year, this class meets Sunday mornings at 10:10 a.m.
For more information contact Keith Dumke, kdumke@catehdralATL.org) or Canon Ashley Carr, ashley.carr@catehdralATL.org.
Godly Play Parents
10:10 a.m., in Room 316
Godly Play Parents (GPP) is a Christian Formation class supporting parents that meets on Sunday mornings. Led by Deacon Linda Rosengren and the Rev. Canon David Boyd, the class includes fellowship and conversation about how parents might engage in the stories and lessons of the Bible alongside their children.
Enjoy Biblical Greek!
1:15 p.m., Room 239 and on Zoom
This newcomer-friendly class is open to beginners, while including long-term members who enjoy exchanging tips, best learning practices, and coaching points on how to translate the Greek New Testament. The goal is enhanced Bible study, not language mastery.
For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Thee Smith, 404-365-1093.
Adult Education During the Week
TUESDAYS
The Dean's Men's Bible Study
7–8 a.m., Room 319 (Chapter Room)
This group meets every Tuesday morning to read and study scripture, to share faith stories, and to support each other in prayer. The Very Rev. Sam Candler, the Dean of the Cathedral, usually leads the group; all men are invited, whether Cathedral members or not. Contact Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@cathedralATL.org, for more information.
Early Morning Women's Bible Study
7–8 a.m., Room 239
All women are welcome to this group led by the Rev. Canon David Boyd; start your day with scripture, prayer and fellowship. Contact Canon David Boyd for more information.
WEDNESDAYS
The Dean's Women's Bible Study
10:45–11:45 a.m., Room 319 (Chapter Room)
This group meets Wednesday mornings to read and study scripture, to share faith stories, and to support each other in prayer. Dean Candler usually leads the group and coffee is available. All women are invited, whether Cathedral members or not. Contact Jeannie Mahood, jmahood@cathedralATL.org, for more information.
Eat Your Word Bible Study
12 p.m.–1 p.m., Room 239
Join Eat Your Word, a weekly Bible study led by the Rev. Canon Salmoon Bashir. You are welcome to bring your lunch and enjoy an engaging conversation as we explore Scripture together. Whether you have been studying the Bible for years or are curious to learn more, you will find a welcoming space for thoughtful discussion, honest questions, and building holy community.
For more information, please contact the Rev. Salmoon Bashir, sbashir@cathedralATL.org
After The Chosen: Media Practice as Spirituality
5 p.m., Lanier House, September–May
This group uses The Chosen video series as a jumping off point for meangingful spiritual conversation. We are revisiting the series together, finding that each viewing reveals new dimensions of Jesus’ ministry, the biblical narrative, and our own journeys of faith. Along the way, members occasionally introduce works that have particularly inspired them—films, visual art, poetry, theology, and other media—and lead the discussion themselves. Learn more about this offering here.
Click here to view all seasons of The Chosen.
THURSDAYS
Bible Study at Parish Grove (11 a.m–11:45 a.m.)
All are welcome to join us in the library at Parish Grove on Thursday mornings at 11 a.m. The Rev. Canon Julia Mitchener leads the Bible study with a focus on the upcoming Sunday lectionary readings. Note: You do not need to be a Parish Grove resident to participate! Simply check in at the front desk when you arrive, and you’ll find a warm welcome.
Monthly Group
Thursday Morning Men's Group
First and Third Thursday of every month
8 – 9 a.m., Chapter Room
The Thursday morning men’s group meets on the first Thursday of every month (unless otherwise indicated) for breakfast, discussion, and fellowship. All men are welcome! Each session stands on its own, so come when your schedule permits. For more information, contact Canon George Maxwell at gmaxwell@cathedralATL.org.
EfM: Education for Ministry
Thursdays, 10 a.m.
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year program of the School of Theology of the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. Participants commit one year at a time (January – December, with a break for the summer) to participate in weekly, facilitated seminars that combine lesson discussion, theological reflection, worship, and community formation. Over the course of the four years, students study the Bible, church history, and theology, while reflecting on ministry and developing a wonderful spiritual community. For more information and registration procedures, contact the Rev. Canon George Maxwell, gmaxwell@cathedralATL.org.