The era when “everyone” knew the Christian story, the church held a position of public respect, and Sunday mornings were reserved for worship is ending. The church is losing influence, power, and the social expectations that maintained our institutions and budgets. How will we, as leaders, respond to this transition out of hope and courage rather than fear? What can we learn for this new reality from voices in the church who have modeled perseverance, maturity, faithfulness, and innovation from a place of cultural marginalization? What do we need to retain at our core; what do we need to cast off; and what do we need to adapt in order to proclaim the gospel and form disciples in this new reality?
2022 Themes & Gatherings
2022 Themes
The Missionary Church After Christendom
(Gatherings: Alabama, Oregon)
Racial Reconciliation and Discipleship in the Missionary Church
(Gatherings: Philadelphia, Virtual September)
Our Presiding Bishop has called us into a deeper understanding of the relationship between evangelism and racial reconciliation. It has been said that Sunday morning is the most segregated time in America, because our worshipping communities often reflect the dividing lines of race rather than the unity of Christ’s Body or the glorious diversity of God’s creation. We wish to explore the connection between discipleship, mission, and racial reconciliation. Continuing events in our nation make this work all the more urgent. We understand ourselves, as Christians, to be called to reconciliation. How does making disciples facilitate and celebrate racial reconciliation in our particular contexts? How are the church’s legacies of racial division and racial healing affecting your work of evangelism and mission? What signs of hope do you see? Within the context of the Great Commission, what roles do confession, repentance, forgiveness and reparation play in the work of racial reconciliation within ourselves, our congregations and the Episcopal Church?
2022 Gatherings
Gathering at Alabama
Date: Monday, January 24 – Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Location: Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, AL
Theme: The Missionary Church After Christendom
Fee: $495
Click here to register.
Gathering at Philadelphia
Date: Monday, June 27 – Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Location: Pendle Hill, Philadelphia, PA
Theme: Racial Reconciliation and Discipleship
Fee: $495
Click here to register.
Virtual September Gathering
Date: Tuesday, September 20 – Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Location: Zoom
Theme: Racial Reconciliation and Discipleship
Fee: $99
Click here to register.
Gathering at Oregon
Date: Monday, October 17 – Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Location: Menucha Retreat Center, Portland, OR
Theme: The Missionary Church After Christendom
Fee: $495
Click here to register.