Newsletter
Leaning into the Mess this Advent
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This year our family did something new when it came to decorating for Christmas....
It was challenging to write an article this month because there are three important and timely updates I wanted to share. Each one could have been its own newsletter feature, and each will receive more attention in the months ahead, especially as we move toward our National Gathering in February. Still, I want to briefly highlight them now, because together they reflect the incredible ways God is at work in and through ECO.
Global Partnerships Expanding
A team of eight of us recently returned from the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The WCRC brings together 171 denominations from around the world. While its leadership primarily reflects the more progressive wings of the church in North America and Europe, many denominations from Africa, Asia, and other regions share ECO’s theology and missional passion.
During our time there, we met individually with leaders from over a dozen denominations to explore exciting opportunities for partnership. Many of these conversations centered on planting new congregations in the United States among communities who have immigrated from these global partner churches. The Spirit is clearly stirring new possibilities for mission and mutual encouragement. You will hear much more about these partnerships at our National Gathering.
New Season of Leadership Formation
Our second update relates to leadership formation. When Lisa Johnson announced her transition from the role of Executive Director of Leadership Formation, we took time to celebrate all that she built and strengthened. Because of Lisa’s work, many of the systems she developed are now running smoothly and can continue to bless our churches for years to come.
This transition gives us the chance to prayerfully consider the next season of leadership formation and how to meet emerging needs. Beginning in January, Saona Jackson and Jonathan LaBarge will serve as Co-Directors of Ordination. We have also welcomed a new administrator for leadership development, Lauren Warman, who will take on many of the administrative tasks so that Jonathan and Saona can focus more fully on their leadership roles while remaining part-time.
Looking ahead, we want to place renewed energy into developing supplemental training and continuing education for both vocational and volunteer leaders. Many pastors have told us that one of their greatest desires is to raise up new leaders, but they long for accessible tools to help them do so. We are developing resources that range from theological training, such as essential tenets courses for elders, to practical modules on leading meetings, discipling others, and sharing faith effectively. You will hear much more about these exciting developments soon, as we invite gifted leaders from inside and outside our movement to contribute to this growing ecosystem.
Encouraging Progress at the Flourish Institute of Theology
Finally, I want to share an update about the Flourish Institute of Theology (FIT). FIT recently applied to the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) to begin the process of accreditation. While ATS was deeply affirming of what has been accomplished so far and the vision for the future, they determined that FIT is still a little early in its development to formally enter the process. Every seminary that was accepted to begin accreditation this round was older than FIT, so their decision is understandable.
ATS gave clear and constructive feedback about additional steps we can take, and they are committed to walking alongside FIT to prepare for the next accreditation cycle. You can view a video message from FIT President Chris DiVietro that explains this process and our next steps in greater detail.
When Chris shared the news with me, I told him that while I was disappointed, I was not discouraged. I had hoped we might be accepted even as a younger institution, but I am deeply encouraged by ATS’s affirmation and support. This gives FIT a valuable season to strengthen its foundation, expand its innovation, and continue building an outstanding seminary that serves the flourishing of our pastors and churches.
Looking Ahead
I imagine you may have questions or interest in one or more of these areas. I look forward to sharing more details in the coming months and to celebrating all that God is doing among us when we gather together nationally in February.
In Christ,
Dana
