You Can Do It

This month, our blog series is actually a vlog series – a video blog, that is! We’re calling it “The NEXT Few Minutes.” Over the next several weeks, we’ll share with you short, 2-3 minute videos from a variety of folks around the country with the hopes they spark your own imagination. We hope you’ll learn about some trends, ask questions, and think deeply about the practice of ministry in your own setting.

Denise Anderson, pastor of Unity Presbyterian Church in Temple Hills, MD, and co-moderator of the 222nd General Assembly, and her daughter Layla consider passions. Where has God placed fire in your belly? Instead of worrying about what everyone else is doing, what is God especially equipping you to do? Join the conversation by commenting on this blog post or on our Facebook/Twitter pages!

To see all of our videos in our “The NEXT Few Minutes” series, check out our playlist on Youtube.

Viewing the Rules Through the Eyes of Love

This month, our blog series is actually a vlog series – a video blog, that is! We’re calling it “The NEXT Few Minutes.” Over the next several weeks, we’ll share with you short, 2-3 minute videos from a variety of folks around the country with the hopes they spark your own imagination. We hope you’ll learn about some trends, ask questions, and think deeply about the practice of ministry in your own setting.

Krystal Leedy, associate pastor for campus ministries at University Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX, considers Robert’s Rules of Order and Presbyterian polity. How might parliamentary procedure enable you to make a difference in your church or denomination? Join the conversation by commenting on this blog post or on our Facebook/Twitter pages!

To see all of our videos in our “The NEXT Few Minutes” series, check out our playlist on Youtube.

Urgency Over Anxiety

This month, our blog series is actually a vlog series – a video blog, that is! We’re calling it “The NEXT Few Minutes.” Over the next several weeks, we’ll share with you short, 2-3 minute videos from a variety of folks around the country with the hopes they spark your own imagination. We hope you’ll learn about some trends, ask questions, and think deeply about the practice of ministry in your own setting.

Ken McFayden, academic dean and professor of ministry and leadership development at Union Presbyterian Seminary, considers anxiety and urgency in the church. What is your sense of urgency? What urgencies do you hear from others in the church? Where do we find common ground in these sources of urgency? Join the conversation by commenting on this blog post or on our Facebook/Twitter pages!

To see all of our videos in our “The NEXT Few Minutes” series, check out our playlist on Youtube.

Building Communities, Not Programs

This month, our blog series is actually a vlog series – a video blog, that is! We’re calling it “The NEXT Few Minutes.” Over the next several weeks, we’ll share with you short, 2-3 minute videos from a variety of folks around the country with the hopes they spark your own imagination. We hope you’ll learn about some trends, ask questions, and think deeply about the practice of ministry in your own setting.

Jen James, a christian educator in the National Capital Presbytery, asks what would happen if we spent more time considering what happened outside of the church walls instead of church programming. What if this year, our churches committed to making healthier communities instead of building up our own programming?  Join the conversation by commenting on this blog post or on our Facebook/Twitter pages!

To see all of our videos in our “The NEXT Few Minutes” series, check out our playlist on Youtube.

A Community Knit Through Song

This month, our blog series is actually a vlog series – a video blog, that is! We’re calling it “The NEXT Few Minutes.” Over the next several weeks, we’ll share with you short, 2-3 minute videos from a variety of folks around the country with the hopes they spark your own imagination. We hope you’ll learn about some trends, ask questions, and think deeply about the practice of ministry in your own setting.

Eric Wall, assistant professor of sacred music and dean of chapel at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, reflects on the role of music in church. What do you believe God is doing through song? Join the conversation by commenting on this blog post or on our Facebook/Twitter pages!

To see all of our videos in our “The NEXT Few Minutes” series, check out our playlist on Youtube.

Success in the Church

This month, our blog series is actually a vlog series – a video blog, that is! We’re calling it “The NEXT Few Minutes.” Over the next several weeks, we’ll share with you short, 2-3 minute videos from a variety of folks around the country with the hopes they spark your own imagination. We hope you’ll learn about some trends, ask questions, and think deeply about the practice of ministry in your own setting.

Chris Chakoian, pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Lake Forest, IL, considers what it means to be successful in the church as part of NEXT Church’s series “The NEXT Few Minutes.” What is it Jesus really wants from us in the church? What is it he hopes for us as we move into the future? What does success look like in your context? Join the conversation by commenting on this blog post or on our Facebook/Twitter pages!

To see all of our videos in our “The NEXT Few Minutes” series, check out our playlist on Youtube.

A Public Profession of Faith

This month, our blog series is actually a vlog series – a video blog, that is! We’re calling it “The NEXT Few Minutes.” Over the next several weeks, we’ll share with you short, 2-3 minute videos from a variety of folks around the country with the hopes they spark your own imagination. We hope you’ll learn about some trends, ask questions, and think deeply about the practice of ministry in your own setting.

Jeff Krehbiel, pastor of Church of the Pilgrims in Washington, DC, reflects on faith in community as part of NEXT Church’s video series “The NEXT Few Minutes.” What might a public profession of faith look like for you? Who or what are the “Caesars” in your life? Join the conversation by commenting on this blog post or on our Facebook/Twitter pages!

To see all of our videos in our “The NEXT Few Minutes” series, check out our playlist on Youtube.

2016-2017 Young Adult Volunteer

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to our new Young Adult Volunteer: Sarah-Dianne Jones! Sarah-Dianne will be serving with us for one year and just joined our team last week. We’ll let her share some things about herself with you!

sdj-square-smMy name is Sarah-Dianne Jones and I’m thrilled to be a part of the NEXT Church team as the 2016-2017 Young Adult Volunteer! I am a Birmingham, Alabama native and graduated in May with a religion degree from Maryville College, a Presbyterian college outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. I am a cradle Presbyterian, a preacher’s kid, and a self-proclaimed “hardcore Presbyterian.” Following this YAV year, I plan on pursuing a Master of Divinity degree and ordination in the PCUSA. Some of my favorite things include running, The West Wing, Alabama football, and opportunities to live-stream Presbyterian events.

I have been lucky to have many experiences with the larger church, primarily through Montreat planning teams and conferences, as well as NEXT Church National Gatherings. My summers are marked by the themes of Montreat Youth Conferences and the Montreat Middle School Conference, as well as how many miles travelled with various youth groups to mission trips, conferences, and retreats. Feeling the love and excitement that those youth have for their churches and communities continues to inspire me to be a part of the church and to work for a church that is relevant and meaningful.

I am so excited to be working with NEXT Church this year, and especially to be learning about community organizing and what that looks like in the church and in local communities. I’ll also be working with New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, and I’m looking forward to seeing how these two placements with intersect. Please feel free to read my blog about my experiences this year!

Creating Safe Spaces

This month, our blog series is actually a vlog series – a video blog, that is! We’re calling it “The NEXT Few Minutes.” Over the next several weeks, we’ll share with you short, 2-3 minute videos from a variety of folks around the country with the hopes they spark your own imagination. We hope you’ll learn about some trends, ask questions, and think deeply about the practice of ministry in your own setting.

Nancy Myer and Kim McNeill of University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, NC, share thoughts on effective child protection policies. How can you best educate your entire church on child protection? What might be the part of your church’s policy that is hardest to grasp or remember? Join the conversation by commenting on this blog post or on our Facebook/Twitter pages! And learn more about University Presbyterian’s policies on their website.

To see all of our videos in our “The NEXT Few Minutes” series, check out our playlist on Youtube.

Transformation Through Tradition

This month, our blog series is actually a vlog series – a video blog, that is! We’re calling it “The NEXT Few Minutes.” Over the next several weeks, we’ll share with you short, 2-3 minute videos from a variety of folks around the country with the hopes they spark your own imagination. We hope you’ll learn about some trends, ask questions, and think deeply about the practice of ministry in your own setting.

John Wilkinson, pastor of Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY, considers how tradition informs our present living. How can we access our great tradition in ways that are approachable and honest? What would such transformation look like? Join the conversation by commenting on this blog post or on our Facebook/Twitter pages!

To see all of our videos in our “The NEXT Few Minutes” series, check out our playlist on Youtube.