The NC Conference Center for Leadership Excellence (CLE) has been awarded a significant grant from the Intentional Growth Center (IGC) to help fund The Colossian Way Initiative. The almost $8000 grant will help support 40 churches that would like to implement this program in their congregation.
The Colossian Way is a small-group curriculum that structures conversations about polarizing subjects while building community and connecting with one another in Christ’s love. Groups are led either by two laity or one pastor and one layperson who are trained and equipped to encourage healthy conversation. Framed by scripture and prayer, the program helps expose participants to various perspectives through video interviews and includes time to share personal stories in order to facilitate strengthened relationships and to help us see each other as part of the body of Christ.
Three different topics are offered, and churches choose the topic of greatest relevance for their congregation for the 10-week study: 1) the intersection of politics and faith; 2) policy decisions regarding controversial issues such as sexuality; or 3) how to be faithful Christians living in a scientific world.
The Intentional Growth Center, with headquarters at Lake Junaluska, seeks to fund educational events or programs that increase pastoral and congregational effectiveness in order to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The purpose of IGC is to provide grants that make possible programs for increasing Christian Discipleship and Church Leader Development for clergy and laity of all denominations, but with primary attention to persons of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church.
IGC board member, Bill Gattis, said, “The Intentional Growth Center is thrilled to be able to partner annually with imaginative and bold United Methodist Church (UMC) witness across the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the UMC. IGC, through our financial support, looks forward to partnering with you [NC Conference].”
“I am honored that we will get to bring this program into churches and give people a chance to discuss polarizing issues while deepening relationships with one another…ideally with groups becoming fully engaged in Holy conversation,” said Leah Wiebe-Smith, director of CLE.
Learn more about registering for The Colossian Way.
For questions, please contact cle@nccumc.org.