Transformation – in us and through us. This is more than a tagline for Goodfaith. We work to exemplify this in all we do and with all those we work with. Transformation is the personal call of Jesus to his disciples and the universal call of our Church. Through these personal, relational and communal transformations, we want to transform the world.
We know the current models of ministry are not bringing the Church the results she desires – for young people, families, and the larger community. But, we also know that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are curious, generous, justice oriented and are looking for places where they are heard and empowered to make a positive impact within their communities. And we know that older generations readily support and often engage with youth led initiatives within their faith communities. We know families are looking for ways to bring faith to life in their homes, helping their children know and serve God in all they do.
Goodfaith works with parishes, schools, dioceses and families to respond to these very needs, through our NeXt Level and Family Matters programs. NeXt Level, our latest youth initiative, transforms parishes through a process that empowers youth inspired, developed and implemented passion projects. Family Matters is a year-long family journey, inspiring parents to reflect on their “why” and to infuse Catholic social tradition into their family life. Both programs focus on relational discipleship through mentoring, peer sharing, and faith community involvement.
Through our research on NeXt Level, we have also developed a new framework and model for ministry, which we call the Pathways to Discipleship: Accompaniment, Encounter, Protagonism, and Spiritual Imagination. Our research found that these four pathways directly impact young people, and their mentors, ministries, and parish communities. All participants grew in their connection to God, their community, daily prayer, and participation in the Catholic Church.
Over the next four newsletters, we will explore each of the Pathways. And you will also be able to hear more about the Pathways framework and how they’re influencing our work and partnerships in our new podcast, In Goodfaith, with Stephanie Peddicord and Maggie Smith. The first episode is available now.
