Last year, Christians Standing with Israel (CSI) founded the Israel Academy. Starting in September, the foundation course is now in its fourth year, and we can look back on a wealth of experience and fantastic feedback. To put it simply: participation is worthwhile.
It was a big step when we decided to launch an Israel Academy in 2023. While CSI is a large organization dedicated to Israel, an academy is also a major undertaking. Therefore, we had to consider it carefully. We have now conducted the foundation course three times (with over 300 participants), and the advanced course is already in its second year. Our goal is to provide as many Christians as possible with a sound understanding of Israel that reaches not only the mind but also the heart, and we are increasingly succeeding in this. As an interim conclusion, we can only thank God for the overwhelming response and the fantastic feedback.
For example, participant Pia writes: “The Israel Academy achieves exactly what I've longed for: to deepen my vague, half-baked knowledge about Israel into a better understanding. The interactive exchange among the participants is so helpful and enriching. Thank you so much; now so much is clearer!” Or Kai Flottmann, senior pastor of FCG Bayreuth: “The Israel Academy was a real asset for me. It not only broadened my theological perspective but, above all, touched my heart. Some of it will have a lasting impact on my ministry.”
The concept of the Israel Academy
The introductory course runs online for ten evenings and takes place twice a year. You can participate conveniently from home, whether as an individual, a couple, or a small group. The course is based on my book, "The Israel Project." I also give supplementary lectures, and there are ample opportunities for questions and discussion within the group. We listen and discover, we engage with new ideas and take them to heart; some things bring a smile, others lead to a more stunned silence.
Together, we are on a journey to understand Israel and develop a deeper understanding – and that's simply fantastic! The wide range of participants is also inspiring: young and old, newcomers and seasoned Israel enthusiasts, church members and pastors, as well as various denominations and faiths have all taken part. The differences hardly matter: we have a topic, we have the Bible, we have each other, and we have God's blessing. That's all we need.
After the basic level comes the advanced level. It is designed for those who truly want to understand the subject and become "ambassadors for Israel." It consists of a program of in-person and online seminars that can be completed in two years (or more). There, we delve deeply into the issues, at a high level of reflection, yet in a way that is easily understandable. We are increasingly attracting renowned theology professors as instructors, each of whom is an absolute specialist. This is a real privilege and also a testament to the quality of the academy.
Further information and the registration form can be found here. The next foundation course is expected to begin on September 30, 2024. A warm invitation to all!
