Friend,
NEXT Church has always been nimble, adaptive, and responsive to the needs around us and what comes our way. Transition seems more like a way of being rather than a season which we weather. Almost two years ago we could have never imagined the fruits of a preaching grant from the Lilly Endowment. Today, we can see the harvest from the leadership of the Rev. LeAnn Hodges. In this short time NEXT Church has fostered two Preaching for Change cohorts, held two in-person retreats, and expanded the impact possible on the local level under her leadership. As she leaves this role to focus on more life-giving aspects of her call, we celebrate the visions she has brought into reality. LeAnn’s last day on staff will be March 31.
Below are words from LeAnn to you, the NEXT Church network:
“NEXT Church has been an important part of my vocational life since 2018 when I co-coached my first cohort and most recently serving as the Coordinator for the Preaching for Change Initiative. The past two years serving on staff have been a privilege to play an active role in the transformational work of NEXT Church. Through the Preaching for Change Initiative we have been able to apply NEXT Church’s focus on coaching, justice and equity work, and community organizing practices to the preaching moment, and I look forward to witnessing the Initiative’s future impact.
As for my own discernment, I have decided to step away from my role as the Coordinator for the Initiative. I have missed coaching on a regular basis, which has been limited due to my dual roles as both the coordinator for the Initiative and serving in the local church. Transitioning out of this role will allow me to focus more on coaching in the midst of this volatile time.
I continue to believe that NEXT Church has an important role to play at such a time as this, and I look forward to continuing that work when we meet at the National Gathering in November.”
– Rev. LeAnn Hodges
As LeAnn has shared, there is still work to do together. As we continue to serve the Church, we look forward to the ways we will embody the transformation and change required of us. Join us in some or all of the ways to gather below.
THROUGH THE WILDERNESS
How Reproductive Justice Can Help Us Find Our Way
We are living through a time of great tumult. So much seeks to divide and conquer us, yet what can we learn from broad intersectional social movements like Reproductive Justice? Join us for a conversation about SACReD, Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity, and how our stories can lead us back to each other.
Tuesday, April 1
1pm EST // 10am PST
SHOWING UP FOR OUR NEIGHBORS
This season requires many different responses from churches to the needs of the communities around them. Join us for a crowdsourcing discussion concerning how we can show up for and alongside our neighbors: What are the needs on the ground and what resources are at our disposal? What can we do if church or community members lose access to medical care, social security funds, or necessary resources? How can our buildings be safe, courageous spaces for all?
Tuesday, April 29
2:30pm EST // 11:30am PST
REGISTRATION OPENS IN APRIL!
We are hard at work putting the final touches on our plans for the National Gathering in Grand Rapids this November. We are planning track-style pathways as cornerstones for the gathering that will allow you to dig into timely topics like community organizing, assessing mission initiatives, and trauma informed preaching. Registration will open in late April. Keep an eye out for the email!
In the Journey,
Larissa Kwong Abazia
Executive Director
