As the shadows lengthen on another year, it is natural to turn inward in reflection. So we ask ourselves: What have we done? Where have we been? Where would we like to go in the new year? Navigating life and leadership through the pandemic has led to some fallow times, but in this season, we have leaned into our roots of deep listening to the Spirit and to our network. What is NEXT Church called to in these times? Since May of this year, the Vision Team has acted as the NEXT Church organizational board, developing financial resources to sustain the work, and serving as the primary relationship builders across our network.

As a commitment to the season of listening, we re-connected to the network through 9 learning circles, 4 coaching cohorts, a town hall, 40+ relational meetings, numerous round table discussions of over 150 people, and 116 voices in a National Gathering survey.

We are convinced, now more than ever, that we need a connectional network like NEXT Church that meets the church – members, ruling elders, youth leaders, educators, pastors, seminarians, and church professionals – where it is and pushes us to imagine the possibilities and abundance God calls us to.

From our discernment and deep listening, we have clarified the mission of NEXT Church, which is to:

• Create expansive spaces to strengthen relationships across the Church.
• Develop and equip leaders for sustained and courageous leadership.
• Accompany leaders and congregations towards embodied wholeness, justice, and transformation.

Together we are entering into a new season in the life of NEXT Church. A season focused on the needs of the Church today rooted in meaningful connections, deep growth, and impactful actions. In this season, we are committed to reflection and action, discerning how to cultivate more stability, viability and sustainability going forward.

As part of our discernment, we have come to bear witness to the gifts already present. For the past season, Larissa Kwong Abazia has served NEXT Church as the Designated Strategic Director. The Vision Team recognizes the need for stable leadership, clear role identification, and a commitment to the sustainable development of NEXT Church. That is why the Vision Team announces, with joy, Larissa will become the Executive Director of NEXT Church starting January 1, 2024. Larissa has led us during a time of deep transition by listening to the network and guiding our way forward. We believe that her presence has been an immense gift to our movement and that she is the one to lead and accompany NEXT Church as we move forward.

We are thrilled about what this next season will bring! Join us for skill-building in our Winter Workshop Burst. Check out the opportunities for cohorts for the Preaching for Change initiative. We hope to see you at the 2024 NEXT Church National Gathering in Falls Church, VA, April 8-11, too!

If you are reading this, you are a part of the NEXT Church network. We are grateful for you and we need your support in order to continue sparking these connections and cultivating change in the church and world. If you have benefitted from NEXT Church’s presence in the world, we ask you to give back to this formative movement.

• Provide a financial gift to allow us to close the fiscal year strong.
• Set up a monthly gift (or increase your gift) to deepen your commitment to the network.
• Make a pledge for 2024, either as an individual or a church/organization, to enhance our impact in the new year.

Whether or not you can give financially, please hold the NEXT church network, our staff and coaches, and our Vision Team in prayer. We value your prayer, your generosity, and your participation in and connection to this incredible network.

While the shadows grow long, we cling to hope. Hope in knowing that God – Emmanuel – is with us. Hope that we will follow as the Spirit continues to push, nudge, and shove us with her guidance. Hope in the knowledge that the darkness gives space to germination for the new growth that will come after the winter. Join us in the anticipation of what is to come at NEXT Church! We’re excited to grow with you toward possibility and potential.

With Joy,
Angela Tyler-Williams
Allison Arsenault
Andrew Plocher
On Behalf of the NEXT Church Vision Team