It was an absolute joy and blessing to hold our first in-person Gathering of Leaders in Seattle last month. It was our first time getting together since February of 2020 and was a source of rejuvenation and respite for those who were able to attend.

Each of the presenters brought their own unique methods and ministry to share, and it was obvious how much we were all craving a non-tech experience. There were more crayons, markers, playdoh, and colors that I've seen at any previous Gathering, yet all these supplies truly deepened the conversation around Formation for the Missionary Church in a Changing World. Long-time GOL Participant Bishop Eugene Sutton remarked, "I wish there could be one of these every month!"

We have one more in-person Gathering this year in October in Arizona, and there are a few spots left. Looking into 2022 (already?!?) there are both in-person and virtual Gatherings that will continue to explore mission and evangelism through either the lense of Racial Reconciliation and Discipleship or will dive deep into The Missionary Church After Christendom. Details and registration links are below.

We ask continued prayers for GOL leadership and the board of directors as we discern the expansions of our offerings and growth of our network. We are planning the first Lay Gathering of Leaders for June of next year, and our first bivocational/part-time Gathering next summer as well. We are accepting nominations for creative, energetic, hope-filled laity and bivo clergy to be part of our pilot events.

If you have any questions about GOL and how we can support you in your ministry, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. The Holy Spirit is moving in our midst, and you are all doing amazing ministry!

Blessings,

Haley Bankey
Executive Director, Gathering of Leaders
haley@thegatheringofleaders.org

Formation for the Missionary Church in a Changing World

Recent events have reminded us that as we proclaim the gospel, we continually encounter the unexpected and are called into places of vulnerability. At our best, we meet these challenges with fortitude, steadfastness, and resilience. What practical strategies can we share to form communities in those virtues? How do we teach and shape Christians to proclaim Christ’s good news amid the challenges of the unexpected and the pain of the world's brokenness? As we engage the present and look to the future, how do we form communities of courage and hope?

The Missionary Church After Christendom

(Gatherings: Alabama, Virtual February, Oregon)

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?

Racial Reconcilation 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?

PARTICIPANT DIRECTORY: Those who have attended at least one Gathering have access to search our directory for other Participants by name, church affiliation, city, or state. Travelling somewhere and want to meet up with some GOLers? Give it a search! Try out the Directory here.

PARTICIPANT ONLY FACEBOOK GROUP: One of the main ways our participants connect and collaborate with one another is through our private Facebook group. If you have attended at least one Gathering, and are not yet part of the group, please email haley@thegatheringofleaders.org to get setup.

SUGGESTED READING LISTS: At each Gathering we collected suggested readings from our participants that deal directly with our annual theme. Click the themes for access to the most current suggested reading list: Racial Reconciliation and for Unity & Division. 

SHARED RESOURCES: During each Gathering we record the peer-learning presentation (with permission) and upload them to our participant portal.  For all presentations from our Racial Reconciliation year and Unity & Division, log into our website and search.

SEMINARY DEBT REDUCTION GRANTS: Through GOL's partnership with the Episcopal Church Foundation, grant funds have been made available to participants in the Gathering of Leaders network to reduce individual seminary debt. The grants must be used to make loan payments above and beyond the normal repayment/amortization schedule (i.e., principal) and will be awarded on the basis of financial need and the demonstrated capacity to manage debt, handle day-to-day finances, and plan for the future. Grants will range from $3,000-$5,000 and will be paid in one lump sum. Learn more and apply.