At Synod Assembly, we heard testimonies from our coaches and guiding teams about how listening to God, each other, and our neighbor changed the way they follow Jesus. We want to invite more congregations into this Faithful Innovation journey and encourage new ways of embodying Christian identity in a changing context.
Faithful Innovation is not another program, to-do list, or thing to add on top of already busy schedules. Rather, it is a way of life, a journey of discovery that draws us back into core stories of the faith and deepens our capacity to be led by God.
So how does it work? Participation in Faithful Innovation requires a guiding team of three to five disciples and their faith leader to work with a trained coach from our synod for monthly gatherings.
- Coach: Each guiding team will be assigned a coach from our synod and trained by Faith+Lead to encourage you on this journey.
- Minister (rostered or lay): The minister is on the team but does not lead the team. This person will play a supportive role as the team faces challenges.
- Point Person: This person is the primary organizational coordinator and communicator for the team and sets meeting times and dates.
- Historian: The Historian is willing to take notes and make sure the team is completing the various projects and practices that were agreed to.
- Communicator: Shares with the community of disciples, board, and other groups what is happening and how they can take part.
Guiding teams will meet for three all-day training sessions in a central location for each guiding team on the following dates:
- Saturday, September 13
- Saturday, December 6
- Saturday, March 14
In between these trainings, the guiding teams will gather every week or every other week to practice what was learned at the trainings. Guiding teams will meet once a month with their coach in between the trainings. This is to check in, ask questions, receive encouragement, and ask for guidance.
After the three trainings, guiding teams can continue to meet with their coaches once per month or not, that is up to them. They will have been given faith practices that they can continue to do regularly with each other, the congregation, and the community.
Maybe you have a holy curiosity, maybe you are ready to say “yes” to this exciting journey, or maybe you still have more questions about this adventure. Wherever you are at, feel free to give Deacon Jason a call at 315-277-3703 or email him at to ask more questions or to get a guiding team from your congregation registered.
While there is no cost to participate in the training, we do invite congregations to consider a donation of $30 per participant to help cover the cost of three lunches and snacks. Registration deadline for this round of Faithful Innovation training is Sunday, August 10.
As a synod, we are looking forward to being equipped to carry on in Christ’s Mission together.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Deacon Jason Fisher