The Episcopal Church announces the launch of Genesis II: Re-vision & Renew, an innovative new ministry redevelopment initiative that explores and highlights specific practices that can strengthen parishes for the challenging, yet exciting, work of launching new ministries in their neighborhoods.
“In Genesis II, we have a particular focus on the practice of building relationships within the local congregation and with our wider community,” explains the Rev. Thomas Brackett, manager, Episcopal Church Office of Church Planting and Redevelopment, “We believe that through these relationships we will discover the ways God is active in and around our congregations.”
Genesis II: Re-Vision and Renew is an 18-month initiative involving a cohort of 12 congregations from across The Episcopal Church who are engaged in redevelopment for the purpose of developing new ministries in their neighborhoods. This cohort, known as the Practicing Community, meets online twice a month beginning late spring 2020 through November 2021. Together, they will learn skills, collaborate as a cohort, and innovate new ways of being church today. The participants are supported by a Wisdom Community who serve as mentors, facilitators, and curriculum developers. Wisdom Community members share their experience of redevelopment of existing and new ministries with the Practicing Community.
The Genesis II: Re-Vision and Renew initiative invites the church-at-large to participate by joining a monthly meeting on the second Tuesday each month at 2:00pm EST in which the whole community, including participants and wisdom coaches, gather. The first meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2020. “The intent is that the insights shared during these online gatherings inspire the wider church to join in the work of discovering the next chapter in our collective faith story,” said Brackett. The monthly meetings will be held online at https://zoom.us/j/736284519 or by phone at 1.646.558.8656 (ID 736284519)
More information on Genesis II: Re-Vision and Renew can be found here. Interested churches are encouraged to apply by April 26, 2020.