Conversation with the Vision Team

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We are grateful to those who attended our Town Hall Meeting on Monday, January 29, 2024. NEXT Church leadership shared some updates and then engaged in a generative activity and discussion. Check out what you missed!

Here are some highlights:

  • The Vision Team is seeking individuals to serve on the NEXT Church Vision Team for a two year term. Read more about the opportunity and submit your application by Friday, February 23.
  • Participate in the upcoming Lenten Series using a preview of our new resource “Antiracism as a Way of Being.” We look forward to this resource becoming available for wider use in late Spring.
  • Register for the National Gathering in Falls Church, VA on April 8-11, 2024. We hope to see you there!
  • Participants heard from Larissa Kwong Abazia, NEXT Church’s new Executive Director, about the direction and vision for NEXT Church in this chapter.
  • We spent a lot of time dreaming and wondering about the church in 2024. You are invited to add your own thoughts to the Jamboard.
  • Consider supporting NEXT Church with a financial gift, both individually and as a church.

Town Hall: Update from the Vision Team

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We are encouraged and energized by those who attended our Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2023. NEXT Church leadership shared some updates and we heard from so many of our leaders in the network. Check out what you missed!

Here are some highlights:

  • NEXT Church is refining how we embody our work. This is happening in three ways:
    1. Accompaniment – standing alongside leaders as we all engage in the work of ministry
    2. Co-Creators – creating a space for all to engage
    3. Co-Conspirators/Collaborators – learning from one another and trusting the knowledge in the room
  • Our Preaching for Change initiative has done a lot of listening and had a lot of conversations with others. We hope to launch in November with an invitation for cohorts to apply for the first round. Grab 5-8 colleagues or church members who want to dig into moving your congregation through changes using preaching as a moment of impact. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
  • NEXT Church has a new antiracism resource called “Antiracism as a Way of Being” coming this fall in partnership with Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training.
  • A sub team of the Vision Team has been meeting to consider a National Gathering in this season. We are planning a National Gathering for Spring 2024! Stay tuned!!
  • Please consider supporting NEXT Church with a financial gift, both individually and as a church.

What’s Next for NEXT Church

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We are grateful for so many supporters who attended our Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. NEXT Church leadership shared a lot of information about our future along with some exciting announcements. Check out what you missed!

Here are the highlights:
  • NEXT Church has shifted its staffing model to build a foundation for the future. These changes include hiring Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia as Designated Strategic Director and promoting Jen James to Program and Operations Director.
  • The results of the Race Equity Audit were officially released to the public after months of internal work and sharing among smaller groups, including attendees of the 2022 National Gathering. The full report and its findings are available on our website.
  • In a strategic decision to create space for organizational discernment, there will not be a National Gathering in 2023. NEXT Church is committed to “strengthening connections across the Church” and hopes to gather church leaders again in future years in ways leading to deeper connections and greater impact.
  • NEXT Church is engaging in a season of listening, learning, and discernment. You can join us by registering for a Learning Circle as we unpack the values that shape us. Read more about the Learning Circles and register today.
  • We are delighted and humbled to announce NEXT Church has received a substantial grant from Lilly Endowment to fund our Preaching for Change project. This project stands at the intersection of who NEXT Church has been and the commitment to continually listen to the needs of Christian leaders in order to serve their communities and the world. Stay tuned for more information!
  • We hope you will consider engaging in the NEXT Church movement as we seek to financially ground the organization for the future. Our current goal is to raise $50,000 in the next 6-8 weeks. If you or your congregation are able to consider a gift now or pledge for 2023, we value your partnership.