The Strategy Team of NEXT Church has invited Larissa Kwong Abazia to serve as consultant/coach as NEXT Church – committed to building a network of leaders to support transformative ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and beyond – envisions the next chapter in its mission.
Larissa’s work will focus on several areas:
• Helping NEXT Church think through leadership and staff structures, and internal culture
• Working alongside the Strategy Team to implement the Antiracism Audit and assess ways forward
• Laying final groundwork for the interim leadership period
Her primary tasks will be to work with the current staff, Coordinating and Strategy Teams and other constituents to help create healthy space for the future leadership.
Larissa is a respected and experienced leader within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She has served at all levels of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Vice Moderator of the 221st General Assembly, the General Assembly Committee on Representation, and in congregations located in Chicago (IL), Queens (NY), Greenwich (CT), and throughout New Jersey. She currently serves as the Transitional Head of Operations for More Light Presbyterians and as a NEXT Church Antiracism Coach.
Says Larissa: “I’m looking forward to journeying alongside NEXT Church leadership as they consider the future ahead. We will work internally as well as engage with external partners, constituencies, and those whom NEXT seeks to serve in order to pave the way forward.”
John Wilkinson, co-convener of the NEXT Church Coordinating Team, comments that “We are excited and grateful for Larissa’s willingness to share her gifts and wisdom with us as we face an important season of transition. As we seek what’s next for NEXT Church, we look forward to Larissa helping us to discern faithfully and boldly.”
Larissa’s service, envisioned for a part-time, six-month period, will commence on August 15. Her work, along with the pending appointment of an acting administrator, will enable NEXT Church to identify longer term transitional leadership as it envisions the next chapter in its ministry.
