“In 20 years of ministry, I have never seen a more effective disciple-forming experience.” - Pastor Kathi McShane
Becoming compassion-driven changemakers like Jesus leads to 3 tiers of impact:
Changemakers come alive as they discover and pursue a closer intersection between their passions, their faith, and their community.
Changemaker Churches are invigorated when they shift to collaborative leadership that supports real people and their callings out in the community.
Community members experience greater flourishing when empathy and empowerment are central.
changemaker stories
Christy: passionate about mentoring parents of color
As a former foster care youth, Christy was passionate about giving back to that community. Her organization Strengthening the Black Village partners with county court systems and utilizes church spaces to provide supportive parenting classes.
“Changemaker is just a group of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”
Sungho and Alan: passionate about seniors
Through deep listening, the team at Central UMC Stockton realized an urgent issue, loneliness in seniors, and began a monthly lunch program in collaboration with local restaurants.
“Changemaker gave us the freedom to make mistakes, move at our own pace, and think outside the box. What a gift!”
Kelsea and Debra: passionate about addressing anxiety
First UMC Modesto launched a nature walk ministry to address significant mental health issues in their community. And they are offering a new children’s program, as well as ESL classes to meet needs that surfaced.
“This model of pastoral leadership emphasizing collaboration and shared leadership is so refreshing and freeing. ”
Pam: passionate about the environment
Pam blended her organizing skills with her passion for environmental stewardship and partnered with her congregation to create a neighborhood composting site on church property.
“I love how the concepts of changemaking pop up in other places in my life. I can use them at work!”
Michelle and Jan: passionate about listening
After realizing they didn’t really know their neighbors at all, folks at Atascadero UMC partnered with a local food back in order to get to know them better.
“These conversations put us on sacred ground; we need to do this all the time and hear from everyone. ”
Diane and Lindsey: passionate about empowerment
Christ Church Santa Rosa found changemaker to be an essential tool for pivoting their food pantry ministry during the pandemic, empowering lay people to lead worship, and include their neighbors in work to improve access to housing.