How can worship become fertile ground for community transformation over time, not just for a season? The weekly gathering of God’s people offers a precious opportunity to (re)align our hearts and minds with God’s love and justice but it can also be a place where we reinforce cultural norms and values that keep us mired in systems that inhibit flourishing for all.

Regardless of a congregation’s size, resources, or location, NEXT Church believes worship can be a seedbed for transformation and we’re excited to host a workshop in the Portland area that invites participants to:

• notice how community is formed through hopeful, embodied worship and singing that supports the participation of all

• play and pray together, creatively engaging community-building practices that invite us to joyful resistance as well as heartfelt lament

• reflect on worship as a primary place for anti-racism work in congregational life, especially noticing how the dominant culture affects our choices as planners and leaders

• enjoy the companionship of other leaders yearning for renewal and collective liberation

Church staff teams, Worship and Music Committees, and those who plan and lead worship are encouraged to attend together!