isaiah partnership
The Changemaker Initiative is thrilled to have collaborated with Princeton Theological Seminary in “The Isaiah Partnership.” We believe strong clergy-lay partnerships can spark congregational innovation and change, producing a ready environment for joining God’s transformative work in the world. This fully funded cohort experience invited pastor-lay person teams to participate in a 10-month program around leading for change. Our R.I.S.K. framework invited them to reflect, listen, dream, and experiment with something new.
Congratulations to these Change Leaders, their congregations, and their newly discerned endeavors that emerged from this program:
Allen AME Church in Newark, New Jersey, led by Saundra Ballon and Pastor Cynthia Jackson, is converting unused Sunday School rooms into a computer lab for children on weekends and after school.
New Life Community Church in Aylett, Virginia, led by Gale Robinson and Pastor Littycia Clay-Crawley, is launching a wellness program, with yoga and healthy recipe sharing, in response to significant health issues in the community.
Central UMC in Stockton, California, led by Alan Cook and Pastor Sungho Lee, realized a significant issue around loneliness and food insecurity in seniors, and has launched a monthly senior lunch program.
Saint Anthony the Great Orthodox Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina, led by David Butcher and Father Photios Parks, uncovered a yearning for connection and started lay-led dinner groups across its broad rural area.
First Congregational Church of Christ in Santa Rosa, California, led by Rachel Kau-Taylor and Pastor Diana Bell-Kerr, is focusing on how to be in partnership and solidarity with the trans community in their town.
Second Missionary Baptist Church in Kokomo, Indiana, led by Mary Dennis and Pastor Will Smith, was enthralled with slowing down to listen to each other and has declared that it wants to be a church of good listeners.
The Isaiah Partnership is funded by the 2021 Lilly Endowment Inc. Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative and administered by the Princeton Theological Seminary Office of Continuing Education
For questions or more information, contact isaiahpartnership@ptsem.edu