Friend,
Something is happening in the Church…
This past year, NEXT Church has been alive with momentum. Preachers are lifting up and celebrating their voices. Communities are shifting. Leaders who once felt isolated are discovering they are not alone. We want to take a moment to celebrate what we are building together and invite you into what’s next.
🎉 WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
In November, we launched “Still We Preach,” a cohort built by and for preachers of color navigating predominantly white spaces. 18 leaders joined us for this year-long journey rooted in prophetic preaching, spiritual sustainability, and authentic community. We are moved by their courage and commitment to proclaim God’s call in this season.
This January, our “Agents of Change” cohort began with a focus on the identity and agency of leaders who proclaim the Gospel from the pulpit. 15 preachers committed to claiming their voice, deepening their self-understanding, and building circles of accountability. The energy in these gatherings has been extraordinary.
Still We Preach Cohort
Agents of Change Cohort
Our Preaching for Change cohorts continue to bear fruit. One pastor discovered that showing up in her neighborhood — not just her pulpit — became its own act of proclamation. An Ohio cohort of Presbyterian pastors planned a full-day Sabbath retreat for clergy across their presbytery, grounded in the conviction that a rested preacher is a better preacher. These are the kinds of Spirit-led transformations we get to witness every day.
With a focus on deeper learning and sustainable impact, our National Gathering in Grand Rapids last November drew over 125 leaders. Conversations were honest, courageous, and full of hope. Because of our commitment to make resources accessible to everyone, you can engage all the videos from worship and plenaries on our website.
🌱 LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR WHAT’S NEXT
In March we began working with AORTA to create a strategic plan for the next 3-5 years. We are refining our mission, vision, and values through listening sessions, constituent conversations, board engagement, and staff involvement. We look forward to the fruits of these discussions and the ways they will shape our work into the future.
Like churches, organizations, and leaders across the Church, we are asking:
- What do people value most about our approach? What are our strengths?
- Where do we fall short in our mission and values? What are our weaknesses?
- What are the biggest challenges facing congregations/church leaders right now?
- Where can we have the greatest impact over the next 3 years? What are some key opportunities for our work?
We look forward to the ways we will share updates on the strategic planning process and the full report when it is completed.
📣 JOIN US THIS SPRING
We have two workshop opportunities this spring to deepen your leadership. The first is Changing the Culture of Assessment — a 3-session workshop series designed to help church leaders move beyond attendance numbers and budget reports toward something more faithful, more honest, and more alive. The second is a workshop that engages the principles of the Enneagram and applies it to churches and groups of leaders. Join us for one or both!
We are grateful for every person who prays for, participates in, and cheers on this work. If NEXT Church has meant something to you, a gift of any size helps us keep going — and keeps these programs available to leaders who need them most. You can give at nextchurch.net/donate.
It is a gift to be in this transformative work with you!
With Eastertide joy,
Larissa Kwong Abazia
Executive Director
