170th CCNC-N Annual Gathering
New Wine in New Wineskins: Navigating Change and Decolonizing Church for a Relevant Tomorrow
Room: Sanctuary
In a world witnessing the rise of religious nationalism and the marginalization of progressive Christian values, it's time to challenge the conventional notions that have confined the essence of ???????? (Church) to mere spaces and buildings. Let us delve into the pressing question of how to make Church relevant in our rapidly changing world. Inspired by the words of Jesus, we confront the pitfalls of attempting to pour new wine into old wineskins, pushing ourselves to reimagine the very casing of Church. Against the backdrop of the US surgeon general's declaration of loneliness and isolation as an epidemic, we recognize the urgent need for a reimagined community that offers genuine hope and support. Can the Church become a beacon of inclusivity, compassion, and justice, transcending the confines of tradition? The workshop aims to decolonize the word "Church" and breathe new life into its meaning for contemporary contexts. Discover innovative ways to reinvent the Church, not just through changes in buildings but by transforming the very essence of our community. How do we build a Church that embraces newness with love and amplifies a voice resonating with an inclusive message of compassion, justice, and belonging for all people? This is the central question we seek to address. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a movement that redefines Church, fostering a space where the new and the old harmoniously coexist. Together, let's create a community that stands as a testament to love, hope, and belonging – a Church that goes beyond tradition and embraces the ever-evolving needs of our world.
Dr. Sharon Jacob
Sharon Jacob is a professor and speaker trained in critical thinking and social justice connected to matters of diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. She has over 12+ years of teaching, speaking, and training experience during which she has successfully trained over 200+ leaders including church leaders, laity, activists, organizers, and people working in nonprofit sectors. Students and participants have called Sharon’s sessions to be “thought provoking, challenging, inspiring, and critical.” Her training enables her to highlight perspectives that have previously been ignored or not taken into consideration, thereby, allowing for a more holistic and inclusive point of view. Her classes and sessions have often been described as “mind blowing, engaging, empowering, inclusive, and inspiring.”