With the Fall Summit last week we have begun the second year of journeying with more than a dozen congregations through their innovation design and implementation. Last year the theme was team-building. This year the theme is partnership. Both of those seem vital in the ongoing work. Allow me to explain:
Churches often plan and implement a year out when deciding on budgeting and ministry design. The rapid change that has become the normal in society has increased load and decreased perceived execution time. Teams and partners can help lift the load and moderate the buffeting of external forces demanding unhealthy change.
These buffeting forces can be even more pronounced when you are a young adult, searching for stability in new jobs, careers, friendships, neighborhoods, and perhaps still feeling unsure of your faith. When peer relationships and intergenerational relationships are created through being invited to a team or through a partnership in ministry, there is mutual formation that can add a measure of stability where there otherwise wouldn't be.
If you want to hear more about what we are up to read below and come to our public events. We are going to tackle the subject of hospitality in just a few weeks (Nov. 9th at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church). We are taking on some new avenues of research (see participation request below) and hope to partner with our churches to begin to tell the story of what God is doing in the PNW among the lives of young adults and the churches they are engaged with.
~Martin Jimenez, Pivot NW Program Manager |
