The third and final installment of the “Holy Shift” webinar series drew 125 attendees from across the country, offering inspiration and practical insight into innovative ministries serving young families.
Hosted by the Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin of the PC(USA)’s Around the Table initiative and moderated by the Rev. Libby Tedder Hugus of Resonate Coaching, the session featured four panelists whose ministries are reshaping faith formation for parents under 40. The webinar series was co-sponsored by the Office of Christian Formation and 1001 New Worshiping Communities of the Interim Unified Agency of the PC(USA), Sessions one and two are available online.
The “Holy Shift” series was born out of research conducted with the PC(USA) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by TryTank Research Institute, a venture of Virginia Theological Seminary. The study explored how young adult parents are shifting their relationship with church, spirituality and faith practices at home.
In “Holy Shift: Part 3 – Doing the Work,” four practitioners shared stories of risk, creativity and resilience in their efforts to meet the spiritual and practical needs of young families. The Rev. Kristin Willett, pastor of First Light Fellowship in Anthem, Arizona, described her journey of planting a new worshiping community focused on interactive worship and community engagement.
“We’re not here for perfection,” Willett said. “We’re here for chaos and tantrums and everything in between.”
Willett began by conducting “community exegesis,” asking local parents what they loved and struggled with in their neighborhood. Many expressed loneliness despite busy schedules. Willett responded by creating spaces for authentic connection, including worship in concentric circles, child-led prayers, and interactive sermons.
Jason Floyd, assistant to the pastor and youth coordinator at Westminster Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles, shared the story of Remix Youth Academy, a summer program that uses music, film, spoken word and visual arts to connect with youth.
“I felt a nudge to connect with people where they are,” Floyd said. “Rather than trying to forge a new path, I wanted to meet them in the things they were already doing.”
Inspired by a seminary assignment, Floyd launched Remix with support from his pastor and presbytery. The program includes Bible study, meals, and hands-on creative workshops. Students produce short films, music videos and spoken-word performances that reflect their faith and experiences.
The Rev. Ivette Llano Viano, pastor of El Camino “On the Way” in Lawrenceville, Georgia, described her ministry to Spanish and Portuguese-speaking immigrant families that she shares with her spouse, the Rev. Rafael Viano. El Camino began during a sabbatical and grew into two congregations: one in Spanish (El Camino) and one in Portuguese (Casa Brasil).
Llano highlighted the challenges of working with families who have multiple jobs and language barriers. She emphasized creativity and described ways the church can support parents in their responsibilities. The ministry finds creative ways to incentivize learning and celebrates achievements of young people to build self-esteem.
The Rev. Beth Garrod-Logsdon, pastor of Wilmore Presbyterian Church in Kentucky, shared the story of Urban Village, a faith-based community center serving neurodiverse children and their families. Garrod-Logsdon described herself as a “second generation planter” in the life of Urban Village. As a member of the community, a member of the initial planning team and the pastor of a nearby church, Garrod-Logsdon had helped to dream what the community-centered space could be. When the original mission developer, who was a martial arts education specialist, left in 2023 after four years, Garrod-Logsdon was asked by the Presbytery of Transylvania to assist. Garrod-Logsdon helped Urban Village discern the needs of the community and the gifts of the ministry and its leaders to become what it is today.
Urban Village offers martial arts, sensory swings, climbing walls and open play.
Panelists emphasized the importance of creativity, community engagement and financial sustainability. Many rely on grants, partnerships and alternative revenue streams such as birthday party rentals and craft markets. Each panelist offered wisdom to the audience gathered who were themselves thinking of innovative ways to reach families.
“Leave room for God,” Garrod-Logsdon advised. “Sometimes we hold our vision so tightly that we don’t allow God to shape it.”
“Meet people where they are,” Floyd added. “Listen to what they’re already doing and loving.”
Beth Waltemath, Communications Strategist, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)(Click here to read original PNS Story)
Let us join in prayer for:
Ruth Adams, Director, Assistance Program, Engagement & Church Relations, The Board of Pensions
Ahmad Ali, Vice President and Managing Director, Investments, The Board of Pensions
Let us pray:
God of new beginnings, thank you for the holy shifts that open doors to connection, creativity and grace. May every home, gathering and shared meal become a place where your love can grow. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment