Goodfaith participated in the annual gathering of the Lilly Endowment’s Strengthening Congregational Ministry with Youth Initiative (SCMYI) in November, hosted by Fuller Youth Institute in Indianapolis. SCMYI invites universities, organizations and congregations to design and test new models for ministries with middle and high school youth, ages 12 to 18. All of the grantees are creating and implementing innovative approaches for nurturing the religious lives of young people that push beyond the “youth group” model and meet the needs and realities of young people today.
Goodfaith is one of 23 grantees from across the country in this initiative, joining other universities, seminaries, national organizations and congregations. This year, Stephanie, Maggie and Joe P. were excited to represent Goodfaith at the gathering as they continue their work with NeXt Level. These gatherings are great opportunities to network and collaborate with others around a shared passion. Much of the discussion at this gathering focused on sustainability, resourcing and scaling for the programs beyond the timeline of the grant. The staff participated in working sessions and panels to learn from others about their successes and challenges, which in turn, helps Goodfaith as they navigate questions of sustainability and scaling.
Goodfaith designed, implemented and researched our NeXt Level process through our five-year grant. We are now working to make NeXt Level available to parishes, dioceses and schools across the country in the coming year. If you are interested in discussing how NeXt Level might transform ministry in your parish, diocese, or school, please contact Joe Perdreauville.
