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Rev. Greg Turk leads discussion for NBA's social entrepreneur track at September's Leadership Academy sponsored by Hope Partnership.
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A willingness for fierce conversations
by Rev. Rebecca Hale, VP for Mission and Ministry, National Benevolent Association
If you are a follower of pop music culture, allow me to state that the title above did not come from a gathering of folks exchanging Beyonce quotes of wisdom![1] Even more impressive, the quote came from a leader that participated in a recent gathering of Social Entrepreneurs of Faith, which was a leadership track that the NBA hosted as part of the 2014 HOPE Leadership Academy in September.
A Word of Hope Spoken
After spending five days together of learning, brainstorming, engaging in small group and plenary sessions, these leaders took time to speak a word of hope to one another - for their ministries, for the new friends and conversation partners that they had made in each other, and for the faithful work ahead. This cohort and group of leaders that we gathered together for these days of learning is part of the NBA Incubator initiative. Integral to NBA's mission to inspire and connect people and health and social service ministries across the life of the Disciples church, one of the ways that we are living into that mission is by incubating new and emerging projects, leaders, and non-profits for doing health and social service outreach and care in their local communities. I was humbled and inspired by the individuals that came together and by their commitments that I heard spoken aloud.
- From Sharyn with the Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center, she shares, "I experienced a turnaround in my spirit...I sensed fresh breath and my commitment strengthened." Hers is a ministry that provides social and health services for youth and young people within the juvenile justice system in Oklahoma's Tulsa County. Read the full story to see more
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Small but mighty congregation finds vitality through mission
by Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation staff
 Small in number, but big in mission would describe Church of Christ Uniting, a Disciples/Presbyterian congregation in Lexington, Ill., according to Hope Partnership's Linda Gardner. The leader of the peer support group ("CARE Group") of which the church's pastor, Jan Proeber, is a member, Linda has witnessed the congregation's transformation as the result of theirparticipation inHope Partnership's Journey service, a comprehensive process for developing transformational leaders that can result in new vitality for a congregation.
The Uniting congregation is demonstrating its vitality through a community garden/food giveaway that engages high school students and faculty from a nearby school, neighbors, church members and more; an after-school "Peacemakers" program for kids preschool through 8th grade; a joint church/high school fine arts center housed in one of the church buildings; an exercise class open to the community; housing for those in need of temporary housing; free lunches for the community; work with another Lee County ministry to help improve the living conditions of the people of Kentucky Appalachia; and more.
Describing the congregation's transformation, Hope Partnership Vice President Rick Morse says, "By going through the Journey process, the congregation discovered that it's not about being a bigger church, but a better church. In their declining community they felt hopeless, but now with a new focus on connecting with God's mission they are learning new ways to grow."
Inviting others to support them in their efforts, Jan says, "God keeps blessing us with opportunities...Continue your prayers for us and any ideas - we are open to them!"
Hope Partnership's Journey is a two-year cycle of services that helps church leaders discover the courage to lead their congregations through missional transformation by helping them seek answers to the right questions, unleash creativity and develop teamwork in their congregation. The process includes intensive training experiences, coaching and CARE group participation. For more information, visit www.hopepmt.org/transform/the-journey or contact Hope Partnership's Rick Morse, rmorse@hopepmt.org, or Linda Gardner, linda@heareveryvoice.com.
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Search for Regional Minister begins
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Capital Area Region is seeking to call an ordained minister and Transformational Leader in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to the position of Regional Minister. A Regional Profile and Position Description are posted on their website.
All applicants are required to provide updated Search and Call paperwork in order to be considered. Furthermore, all applicants are required to submit a Letter of Interest to the Christian Church Capital Area Regional Office addressed to:
Search Committee Chairperson
The Christian Church Capital Area
8814 Kensington Parkway
Suite 208
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6743
The application deadline is
Oct. 24
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