Just as the energy and learning that happened in Chicago carry us back into ministry, participants in the NEXT Church national gathering reflect on different pieces of the gathering — what they mean for our life together as the church, how we are being challenged, and where NEXT might be headed.

Jessica Tate offers some reflections on the places of tension at NEXT Church 2015.

Leslie King reflects on the difficulty of bridging thin places as we seek to be the diverse community of the church.

Jodi Craiglow writes about the experience of being in the minority when the results of the vote of 14-F were announced at NEXT 2015.

Therese Taylor Stinson argues for contemplation as a path for the church to engage on the way to racial justice.

Christopher Edmonston and Emily Powers share reactions to the art we engaged in worship.

Rebecca Messman reflects on George Srour’s challenge to the church.

Tony Sundermeier, pastor of First Presbyterian in Atlanta (host church for the 2016 National Gathering) raises questions that linger with him from Chicago.