2024 YLS Show & Tell

Graphic art is impacting mission and outreach. Youth are reorganizing for evangelism. Parking lots can be the front door to the Church. These are just a few of the things that inspired us from the 2024 Youth Leadership Symposium’s “Show and Tell” event on June 1st. A dozen youth presented the projects they have designed. Some were complete. Some are still unfolding. Others are going to take some time, because this cohort has been thinking big! 

 

Youth Leaderships Symposium has three full cohort gatherings each year, and the last one has come to be known as “Show and Tell,” where participants present their main project and share how it is impacting their local congregation. Those who are done can celebrate. Those still working can get support and some feedback. Those with events further out can share their plan and invite input from their peers and the adult mentors. If you need something to revive your hope for the Church’s future, this is the place to be! 

 

Sam Dolan, a member of First Christian Church in Findley, OH worked with his congregation to design a pollinator garden along the landscaping. Since their church rents space from a United Church of Christ congregation, he had to work with their Church Council as well. Along the way, Sam noted that the building’s brick structure needed some tuckpointing done. By the end of his project, the building and its grounds had both received a facelift. 

 

“I just want to thank everyone who helped make this possible,” said Sam during is presentation, “YLS has been a great experience and I’m grateful for all the support I’ve received.”

 

Other projects included pancake suppers, mentoring picnics, intergenerational art projects to support local nonprofits, upgrading hospitality and marketing efforts, installing a basketball court for a church’s neighborhood, minimizing a church’s carbon footprint, and providing a festival for local children. As projects are completed, we will share their stories through the HELM newsletter and post them at www.YouthLeadershipSymposium.org. You can already find reports from the 2023 cohort on the website. 

 

Registration for YLS 2025 is now open. Every congregation can register one youth and one adult for free. Anyone who would like to host an in-person “pod” so youth in their area can zoom in together should contact YLS Director, Lee Yates, so we can add them to the registration form. You can reach Lee at LYates@HELMdisciples.org.

Dedication to Global Awareness in Leadership Development

The journey to another culture is not merely a physical voyage; it is a mental and emotional exploration creating a deeper connection with diverse peoples, historical complexities, and pressing social issues. Such global immersion experiences have the power to shape individuals, broaden perspectives, foster empathy, and ignite a passion for positive change. As part of our Leadership Fellows program, our students participate in a global immersion experience when they are in their third year of the program. This year’s cohort recently concluded their immersion trip to Japan, leaving them with memories to last a lifetime.

 

As we reflect on the experiences of our students in Japan, it reinforces the fact that these encounters are not just educational outings but life-altering opportunities that mold future leaders with a profound understanding of the world around them. Experience like this would not be possible without partners across the life of the Church. Let me take this opportunity to thank Derek Duncan, Area Executive for East Asia and the Pacific and Fiyori Kidane, People-to-People Coordinator for tireless work and expertise in leading our HELM Fellows. We could not be more grateful to our Common Global Ministries and Week of Compassion for unwavering support as we endeavor to educate Disciples young adults in mission and ministry. Thank you!

 

Immersive experiences such as this go beyond textbooks and lectures; they provide a tangible connection to real-world issues, allowing students to witness the impact of their learning firsthand. By engaging with local communities, organizations, and individuals, HELM Fellows gained invaluable insights that cannot be replicated within the confines of a classroom. They learned about the intricate balance between tradition and modernity, the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and the power of unity in striving for a better future.

 

Key highlights of this learning experience included participation in the Asian Rural Institute focusing on sustainable agriculture. We thank the Director of ARI, Ms. Tomoko Arakawa, ARI Ecumenical Relations, Mr. Jack Lichten and Mr. Ruyipo Vero, Caretaker of Nasu Seminar House. At ARI, students learned about sustainable agriculture in the context of a robust and international community.

Further, we thank Ms. Terumi Kataoka, Director of the Aizu Radiation Information Center (ARIC) and Rev. Hideharu Fuda, Director of the Izumi Project in the Tohoku District who taught us about the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster recovery process. Impactfully, we learned about the continuing 100-year impact of radiation in the soil and water as well as its effects on the environment and the people in this region.

 

Traveling to Tokyo, our students met with Mr. David Gibson McIntosh, Co-Director of the Center for Minority Issues and Mission (CMIM) as well as Rev. Aminaka Shoko, General Secretary of The United Church of Christ Japan (UUCJ) and Rev. Oshima Kaori, General Secretary of the National Church Council in Japan (NCCJ), both inaugural women in these leadership positions. Additionally, the students had the opportunity to share a meal and discussion with Rev. Jeffrey Mensendiek, Global Ministries Mission Co-Worker and Chaplain at Wasdea University in Tokyo. In each of these conversations, our students gained a deeper sense of the role of religion in promoting social justice, compassion, and human dignity in this context. Experiences and meaningful interactions like this challenge preconceptions opening the door toward new relationships, perspectives, and fostering a sense of empathy and solidarity with individuals whose lives are shaped by different beliefs and values.

 

Students also grappled with the painful legacy of the “Comfort Women” visiting the Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace in Tokyo. Through these encounters, they were confronted with the harsh realities of war, exploitation, and human suffering, prompting them to reflect on the importance of remembrance, reconciliation, and advocacy for justice. The impact of these experiences will linger long after they return home, fueling a commitment to honor the memory of the victims and work towards a more just and inclusive society.

 

From Tokyo, our students traveled to Kyoto. Visiting the Bazzare Café, Fellows gained an understanding of the active efforts of the church in Kyoto to reach and serve individuals in who struggle from the personal and social challenges of overcoming addiction. By engaging with the staff and patrons of the cafe, the students learned valuable lessons about the strength of human connection, the importance of empathy and compassion, and the potential for positive change when communities come together with a shared purpose. We offer our sincere thanks to Ms. Chie Matsuura, Social Worker at the Bazzare Café as well as Ms. Martha Mensendiek, Global Ministries Co-Worker Associate Professor at Doshisha University for their time and work in preparing for our visit. We also thank Dr. Kanan Kitani, Associate Professor of the History of Christianity in Japan and Mr. Hitoshi Sasaki, a current Graduate Student at Doshisha University School of Theology for arranging time for our students to learn some of this rich history and to engage other college-age students for fun and relationship building. 

 

A concluding and poignant moment of the journey was the visit to Hiroshima Museum and Peace Park Memorial of 100,000+ Cranes – a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of nuclear warfare and a tribute to the innocent lives lost in the atomic bombing. Standing amidst the solemn monuments and hearing the stories of survivors, the students were humbled by the determination of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy. This experience instilled in them a sense of urgency to work towards a world free from violence, hatred, and division, inspiring them to become advocates for peace. Particuarly poignant, in this moment, was reframing current conflicts in light of the aftermath of war. The cranes bore witness of voices from around the world calling, no yearning, for peace. We remain grateful to Ms. Miwako Sawada of the Hiroshima Peace and Culture Foundation for guiding us through the memorial grounds and to Rev. Taisaku Obata, Chairman of the General Assembly Western-Chugoku District of the UCCJ for conversation regarding the peace efforts.

                                                   

 

The power of global immersion experiences lies in their ability to transcend boundaries, bridge differences, and cultivate a sense of shared humanity among individuals from diverse backgrounds. By immersing themselves in unfamiliar cultures, confronting difficult issues, and engaging with local communities, HELM Fellows develop a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the world we live in. These experiences equip students with the skills, knowledge, and empathy needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected and interdependent global landscape, preparing them to become compassionate, ethical, and effective leaders in their respective fields.

 

 

Higher Education & Leadership Ministries remains dedicated to fostering such deep presence and partnership in leadership development, we reaffirm our commitment to providing students with transformative opportunities that enrich their academic pursuits and nurture their personal growth. Global immersion experiences are not an optional add-on to traditional education; they are essential components of a holistic learning journey that empowers individuals to make a positive impact on the world around them. 

 

 

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries 

Phillips Theological Seminary selects Rev. Gary Kidwell as interim president

The Board of Trustees of Phillips Theological Seminary announces the appointment of the Rev. Gary W. Kidwell as interim president beginning Oct. 1, 2024. Kidwell comes to the seminary from the Christian Church Foundation where he has served as president since 2003.

“With more than 20 years of service as trustee at Lexington Theological Seminary, including six years as chair of the board, along with decades of additional leadership experience, Gary brings important insight into graduate theological education,” said Claire Meredith, trustees chair. “Phillips is fortunate to have Gary step into the president’s role to lead the seminary as we take the time to conduct a national search for our next president.”

Phillips President Nancy Claire Pittman will retire from the seminary Sept. 30. She has served the institution in several roles before being named the seminary’s first female president in 2019.

In accepting this new call to ministry, Kidwell said, “Phillips is a great and vital seminary on solid ground. I look forward to serving as a bridge between Dr. Pittman’s outstanding leadership to the next president.”

Kidwell is a graduate of Campbellsville University and received his Master of Divinity degree from Lexington Theological Seminary. He is a Chartered Financial Consultant, Certified Fundraising Executive, and a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He holds a certificate in nonprofit management from Harvard Business School.

Kidwell also brings the heart and passion of a church pastor to the role at Phillips having launched Twin Pines Christian Church in Lexington, KY, in 1985, as a new church pastor/developer. He also served as pastor of Walton Christian Church, Walton, KY, from 1980 to 1985.

Kidwell and his spouse, Judy, are members of Geist Christian Church in Indianapolis and are the parents of two adult children.

About Phillips Theological Seminary

Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Phillips Theological Seminary offers comprehensive theological education dedicated to learning, leadership, and service to society. It provides a range of graduate programs that prepare students to be thoughtful, informed, and responsible religious leaders in diverse community contexts.

Impactful Giving

We all like to know that our charitable gifts make an impact. Whether gifting to the Church, the local food bank, a program for victims of domestic violence, a pet shelter, or one of the many other nonprofits that provide assistance to worthy causes, it is important to know our gifts make a difference.

Rest assured, your gifts to HELM have a tremendous impact on the lives of students and their ability to be leaders of the future. For example,

  • For more than 20 years, between twenty and forty Disciples students have annually participated in HELM’s Leadership Fellows Program (LFP). Fellows  appreciate the scholarship stipend, for sure, but more importantly, HELM gives them the opportunity to become a community and develop both their vision and experiences in order to become stronger future leaders of the Church and global community. To learn more: https://helmdisciples.org/leadership-programs/leadership-fellows-2024/ Your gifts not only sustain, but allow this program to grow!
  • High school seniors from Disciples congregations can participate in the Youth Leadership Symposium (YLS). This six-month program pairs students with mentors from throughout the life of the Church, business, higher education and beyond. Students learn important life skills, develop a better understanding of how congregations operate, and find ways to impact their local church through leadership service projects. All of this at no cost to the student participant or their congregation. To learn more: https://helmdisciples.org/yls-comes-to-helm/ Your gifts help mentor our future leaders!
  • And, of course, there are many direct scholarships offered to undergraduate, Seminary and PhD students associated with Disciples congregations. Whether they are named scholarships created by a donor or a congregation, or part of HELM’s general scholarship program, these funds support Disciples students with a hand up as they continue to pursue their dreams of a college degree and a successful life afterward. These scholarships also remind students that the Church walks alongside them on the journey.

If you or your congregation is interested in starting an endowed scholarship fund to benefit Disciples students, let’s talk. We’d like to hear about the impact you would like to make, and can structure the scholarship to benefit a student from a specific congregation, city, region, or even a specific path of study. I can be reached at jcullumber@helmdisciples.org or 317-695-8267.

Additionally, there are many tax-savvy ways for individuals to fund the scholarships, including a direct gift of appreciated stock, that bypasses capital gains and Qualified Charitable Distributions from traditional retirement accounts. Together we can find a way that makes the most sense for your situation.

You can make a difference, not just in students’ lives, but in the lives of those who that student will positively impact throughout their own lifetimes. This truly becomes a gift with no end.

YLS April 2024 Second Session: Change

Youth Leadership Symposium’s 2024 cohort gathered for their second session on April 6, starting with a keynote on leadership in the midst of change from Rev. Terri Hord Owens. She lifted up the importance of imagination and spiritual grounding in any change process and drew on examples from her time as General Minister and President while also looking at the present and future in the context of the “Implementation Team” for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that is working on the changes to the Church’s structure requested by the last General Assembly.

Rev. Owens was joined by Dr. Mica Stewart of Mt. San Antonio Community College who laid out a history of change, looking at how rapid and slow change have been advocated for throughout history, what experts we associate with those movements, and what problems are inherent to each. Rev. Eli Rolon Jeong of the Illinois / Wisconsin Region and Krista Johnson Weicksel of Global Ministry shared their own personal stories of working for change in the world, providing some contextual examples to illustrate Dr. Stewart’s presentation.

Between presentations, our YLS youth spent time in small groups, sharing their own stories, frustrations, and experiences with navigating change. Examples ranged from issues in Israel and Palestine to the current Financial Aid (FAFSA) chaos that seniors are facing, to local community politics over tourism and fears of crime. The wisdom of these young leaders was on full display as they bounced off each other, celebrated each other’s resolve, and offered hopes and ideas for the future.

The later sessions included presentations on faith formation and the importance of mentors, the difference in Gen-Z’s priorities and focus, and a conversation on how this new generation of leaders might approach Church in new ways. More guest voices deepened the conversation as Rev. Jose Martinez from Disciples’ New Church Ministry, Rev. Debbie Kline Allen of the Southern New England Conference, and Rev. Bruce Fowlkes from Eureka College shared personal stories of intergenerational faith shaping. More small group time gave the youth a chance to really dig into these presentations and imagine how this information might impact the projects they are designing in their own congregations.

Youth Leadership Symposium will close out its 2024 gatherings with a “Show and Tell” day on June 1 as each youth shares their project plan with the cohort for feedback, problem solving, and celebration of their efforts so far. Once youth complete their projects, they submit a report, evaluations, and a self-reflection to help them see what all they have accomplished. These projects, and the stories that inevitably come with them, will be shared as they are collected over the Summer and through the Fall.

Celebrating 130 Years of Resourcing and Empowering Leaders

In 2024, we mark the 130th Anniversary of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries! Today, we take time to briefly reflect on the profound historical journey of this invaluable ministry in the life of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) over the past 130 years.

Our story begins in the late 19th century, a time marked by great social change and intellectual fervor. In 1854, Alexander Campbell wrote in the Millennial Harbinger, “Colleges and churches go hand in hand in the progress of civilization.” Bethany College, Campbell’s own College was already in existence at this time (founded in 1840) as was Bacon College (1780) which became Transylvania University.

As we move into the early 20th century, the landscape of higher education continued to evolve with several Disciples affiliated institutional charters born including Chapman University (1861), Columbia College (1851), Culver-Stockton College (1853), Drury University (1873), Eureka College (1855), Hiram College (1850), Texas Christian University (1873), William Woods University (1870) and many more. Committed to this purpose, in 1880, the Disciples of Christ also established the College of the Bible in Lexington, Kentucky laying the foundation for what would later become Lexington Theological Seminary. The establishment of the college and seminary symbolized the commitment of the Disciples of Christ to academic excellence and spiritual growth.

In 1894, the American Missionary Society established the Board of Higher Education signaling the need for a new era of collaboration and cooperation among educational institutions affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Board of Higher Education played a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among educators and administrators in more than a dozen new affiliated colleges established during this period. Moreover, in 1898, the establishment of “Education Day” began a tradition of congregational connection and impact with the newly formed institutions of higher education. By 1903, this day evolved into what is now the “Thanksgiving Special Offering” supporting our colleges, universities and graduate theological institutions.

The mid-20th century brought about significant changes in the field of higher education and leadership ministries for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Following the Great Depression in the 1930’s and the post-war years 1940’s, the need to restructure the role and purpose of the Board of Higher Education led to a new mission: “To promote Christian education by assisting colleges and other educational institutions fostered by the Disciples of Christ; to promote comity, cooperation and unity among these institutions…in brief, to be a means of national cooperation for higher education.”

The 1960s and 1970s were marked by a renewed emphasis on social justice and inclusivity within the Disciples of Christ community. During this time, many of our affiliated colleges and universities actively participated in the civil rights movement and other social justice causes. Disciples of Christ institutions served as beacons of hope and centers of activism, inspiring a new generation of leaders committed to creating a more just and equitable society. By 1968, the Disciples adopted a church-wide restructure which included the renaming of the Board of Higher Education. However, it was not until October 21, 1977, that the new Division of Higher Education was officially in place. The mission of the Division played a pivotal role in promoting academic excellence, fostering a spirit of innovation and inquiry within our educational institutions, providing recommendations for faculty, encouraging collaboration, and facilitating gatherings of scholars such as the Association of Disciples for Theological Discussion (ADTD).

From the late 20th and to the early 21st centuries, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) continued to uphold its commitment to higher education and leadership ministries. The Council on Theological Education (CTE) was established to coordinate and collaborate among Disciples-related theological institutions. Similarly, supporting campus ministries became a priority adding the Council of Higher Education Ministries (CHEM) to the Division’s mission offering a print resource to equip chaplains and campus ministers entitled Footnotes - honoring the “on the ground” work of ministry with students, faculty and staff. In 2002, adopting the strategic priority of leadership development among emerging pre-college, college, seminary and Ph.D. students, the name of the ministry changed once again to become the Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM) and represented a new chapter in our community's dedication to nurturing and empowering future leaders.    

Today, as we reflect on the past 130 years of history within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we are reminded of the resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our community to the pursuit of knowledge, truth, and justice. Our educational institutions have served as crucibles of transformation, shaping the minds and hearts of countless individuals who have gone on to make a positive impact on the world around them. As we look to the future, let us reaffirm our commitment to higher education and leadership development within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Let us continue to cultivate a spirit of curiosity, exploration, and lifelong learning. Let us strive to resource, empower and equip future leaders with the tools they need to navigate an ever-changing world with grace, wisdom, and compassion. Finally, let us honor the legacy of those who came before us and pave the way for generations yet to come. May our commitment to higher education and leadership ministries be a beacon of light and hope for all who seek to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

50 Days in Sacred Presence

Welcome to 50 Days in Sacred Practice with Beloved Compassion Network!

Join Beloved Compassion Network  beginning March 31st, as seekers of healing and wholeness are setting aside time each day to “soak in the sweet spot” of life experiences that feel sacred or expansive, moments of heightened presence, deep peace, connection, or vitality.  These moments of awe and wonder are glimpses of what life is like when we are intimately connected with the source of infinite compassion that holds the universe.

What is 50 Days in Sacred Presence?

It’s a 50-day contemplative experience designed to create intentional time to simply be in the presence of the Sacred, however you define it. You’re invited to set an intention to practice the Remembering Sacred Moments meditation of the Compassion Practice each day for 50 days. Download a PDF of the steps of the meditation here.

How do I get involved?

It’s simple — beginning March 31st, create space in each day to practice the Remembering Sacred Moments meditation.

For a more guided experience, sign up using this online form and you’ll receive occasional email reminders, reflections, and words of encouragement during the 50 days.

Why is “Remembering Sacred Moments” important to our health and wellbeing?

When we remember and reenter sacred moments, we attune our hearts to the PULSE OF COMPASSION that flows throughout the universe. When we are in rhythm with this source of infinite compassion, our “core self” or “true self” overflows with genuine compassion for self and others. When we are so empowered, we can bring healing to our own lives and bring wholeness to the world around us.

When we remember and reenter sacred moments, we reinforce the brain pathways that help us access “life-generating” thoughts, impulses and emotions. Our amygdala responds to fearful or stressful experiences with “fight, flight, or freeze.” The more these responses are activated within us, the more habitual they become.  In extreme cases, “fight, flight or freeze” can become the default responses to every life experience. Reliving “life-generating” experiences can strengthen our ability to respond with calm, curiosity, courage and compassion. In time, these can become our default responses to every life experience.

When we remember and reenter sacred moments, we choose an identity grounded in better stories.  The stories we choose to tell and choose not to tell truly do shape our lives.  All too often, we tell ourselves and others unhealthy stories. Our negativity can become like a contest — “You think you’ve got it bad.  Let me tell you how bad it is with me.” This is a path to depression, disorder, and even habitual victimization. Telling healthy stories is a path to emotional, spiritual, and physical resilience.

Adaptive Leadership – YLS Session Two

What role does change play in your leadership? It seems like a simple question, but the more you think about it, the more complex it becomes. Are you leading to create change? Are you leading because something changed? Does changing the leader fundamentally change a process? What if change is not the reason, or the outcome? What if change is simply the context – the reality in which all leadership happens? Change is not something we have to be fearful of, but instead, it is part of leadership’s environment, and we plan for it right along with timelines, budgets, and what to put in the volunteer’s gift bags.

On April 6, the Youth Leadership Symposium (YLS) will welcome Rev. Terri Hord Owens as the featured speaker for the second session of our 2025 Cohort gathering. The session will focus on Adaptive Leadership, exploring how the constant reality of change impacts the way we lead. It will attend to the fact that every individual is constantly in a state of change as we grow and acknowledge that our leadership style and gifts evolve along with us. Guest speakers from across the life of the Church will give voice to the importance and the challenges of leading amid change, and the powerful ways God is at work during these times of transformation.

Participants will engage with speakers on the topics of Leading in Chaos; Generational Faith and Healing; Gifts of a New Generation; and Historical Language Around Fast and Slow Change Movements. Each of these topics will include powerful guest speakers, follow-up discussion, and small group reflection time. Hopefully it will all prepare students to face change that will inevitably take place as they serve in their local churches.

Jori Gibbens-Egolf, a 2023 YLS Participant, shared about facing unexpected struggles in her plans to help clear the overgrown grounds of her local church saying, “We rented goats, and once we got the goats on site, I thought the hard work was done. But overnight, someone cut the wire and let them out. I had to collect them and apologize to our neighbors for the things they had eaten. None of that was in my plan!”

As with everything we do in YLS the final question is, “How does this impact your local church and the project you are planning?” We want everything to have a personal expression, and a practical application. YLS hopes to prepare a new generation of leaders that are ready for anything, and who can lead the church in ways we have yet to imagine.

Embracing New Beginnings: Arise!

Embracing New Beginnings: Arise!


Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

Easter is a time of renewal, rebirth, and new beginnings. It is a celebration that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and signifies hope, redemption, and transformation. In her writings, Diana Butler Bass beautifully captures the essence of Easter as a time to embrace change, reflect on spiritual growth, and embark on a journey toward a brighter future. She emphasizes the importance of embracing new beginnings, both individually and collectively, and views Easter as a powerful symbol of renewal and hope. According to Bass, Easter invites us to look beyond our past mistakes and failures and to envision a future filled with grace, love, and possibility.

In her book Grounded: Finding God in the World-A Spiritual Revolution, Bass delves into the idea of resurrection not just as an historical event but as a metaphor for personal and societal transformation. She challenges readers to reflect on the ways in which they can experience their own “resurrections” – moments of awakening, growth, and renewal that propel them toward a more authentic and purposeful life.

As we journey through the season of Easter, it is a time to embrace change, seek renewal, and cultivate a spirit of hope and resilience. Just as the earth awakens from its winter slumber and bursts forth with new life during springtime, so too can we experience a spiritual awakening and a fresh start in our own lives.

Many students are just about to enter a challenging time of papers and final exams even while they witness nature arising out of winter toward the hopeful, bright colors of spring. At HELM, we especially think of our seniors at this time of year. The doorway to their future and the celebration of their accomplishments is near; yet, like the Season of Lent, there is still a path to journey before graduation arrives. We will share the stories of some of our seniors in our May Digest. For now, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare to take the next step as educated leaders!

Lastly, in this issue, you will encounter a beautiful story of a congregation whose legacy will forever empower the lives of students. We remain deeply grateful to all of our current congregational partners. Today, we want to lift the legacy gift from Northside Christian Church, St. Louis, MO. Gifts like this “dawn new wings” and bring the resurrection story to life, especially for students who will benefit from this scholarship for generations to come. Please accept our deepest and profound thanks to the members who made this difficult but life-giving decision.  Let me dedicate this short but meaningful poem to Northside Christian Church:

Arising
Winter’s cold introspective place
Born anew creation’s grace
Life unfolds from seed’s long pain
Warm sun’s gentle springs refrain

A song of life with faithful healing
Promise of freedom now revealing
A song of hope in nature’s chorus
Rises up in joy before us
(Author Unknown)

As we celebrate Easter and the promise of new beginnings, may we draw inspiration from one another and resurrection life from new visions as we work together to change lives, one student at a time, in the life of our beloved Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

 

 

Congregation Leaves Legacy for Future Leaders

It’s both difficult and sad when a congregation closes its doors, but churches such as Northside Christian Church in northern St. Louis have discovered a resurrection by paving the way for future church leaders.

Congregation leaders took the proceeds from the sale of the church property in 2014 and turned it into a legacy fund at the Christian Church Foundation. Half of the annual income from the fund goes to Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM) to support the Leadership Fellows Program. The other half supports other general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

“Northside had supported those in higher education in the past,” says Melissa Feldhaus, church treasurer tasked with implementing the fund. “While closing a church is painful, knowing that our resources allow the spirit of the congregation to live into the future is a gift to us.”

The HELM Leadership Fellows Program (LFP) prioritizes undergraduate leadership formation and also provides scholarship support to its students during their four years of collegiate study. The program hosts around forty fellows, all belonging to Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations. Alongside their cohort and adult mentor, participants engage in book studies, an annual growth & learning retreat, and intentionally delve into the themes of  Christian community, societal transformation, global awareness, and leadership engagement to strengthen their overall value as leaders. 

One LFP alum is Krista Johnson Weicksel. In 2022, she was named vice president of administration and programs at the Disciples Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries. 

“I think what I gained most was confidence,” Krista says. “I don’t remember all the topics we covered in the workshops, but I do remember feeling challenged. I don’t remember all the church leaders we met, but I do remember feeling heard and respected as a young person in the life of the church.”

“Being a part of the Leadership Fellows Program helped me to articulate a call to lay ministry through peacebuilding.”

It was the program’s purpose that helped inspire Northside leaders as they contemplated how they could impact the denomination after closing. Dennis Landon, former HELM president, met with the congregation to share a vision for how the Leadership Fellows Program helps nurture transformative leaders for church, society, and the world, said the Rev. Dr. Judy Ridlen, NCC pastor from 1993 until it closed in 2014.

Northside had a long history of supporting seminary students through scholarships and internships. Dr. Ridlen added that the desire to support students was fueled by a series of “Heritage Trips” in which members visited Disciples seminaries and colleges, and a number of Disciples historical sites.

HELM President, Rev. Dr. Tamara Rodenberg, while saddened that Northside’s on-site ministry has ended, said the congregation’s witness extends forever in the future church and community leaders who will participate in the HELM Leadership Fellows Program. “Graduates of this program have gone on to become tremendous ministers and outstanding lay leaders, working in their congregations and beyond,” she said.  “We are grateful for Northside, and encourage other individuals and congregations to invest in future generations of Disciples students as well.”

The fellowship of Northside members continues today as several gather monthly for a meal and a chance to re-connect and remember. They also celebrate in the knowledge that the ministry of Northside Christian Church is living on in the lives of young people being nurtured into leaders of today and tomorrow.

If you or your congregation would like to support the Leadership Fellows Program, or start contributing to a scholarship for undergraduate or graduate students from Disciples congregations, please contact Jim Cullumber at jcullumber@helmdisciples.org or call (317) 713-2660.