Join the Vinery
Is there a university within a mile or two of your church?
Do you long for your church to become a dynamic hub of vibrant ministry serving people from your neighboring university?
Is your church already doing great ministry with its university neighbors, but you’re looking for a process and partners to help take your ministry to the next level?
We invite you to join us in a narratival process of listening deeply to your university neighbors and the broader community; reflecting on your congregation’s history, theology, and practices; then reimagining your congregation’s story of thriving in ministry with young adults, university neighbors, and your broader community.
Our promise is to see your church through this process every step of the way.
Before applying to be a part of The Vinery’s first cohort, it is important to read and carefully consider the criteria and commitments detailed below.
Is the Vinery right for my church?
Indicators of congregational readiness:
Proximity, Priority, and Capacity
Proximity
We aim to partner with congregations within close physical proximity to universities. We define close proximity as in walking distance--within two miles or an accessible public transit ride that is ten minutes or less.
Priority
The initiative is intended for congregations that either already prioritize vibrant college and young adult ministry or they have committed to a strategic plan to implement such ministry within the next five years.
Capacity
Strong candidates are congregations that demonstrate a willingness to commit to the following:
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Theological premise for self-reflection and examination of their mission, values, theological resources and trustworthy ministry practices.
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Cultural competence around issues of race, justice, equity, and narratives of dominant culture in their congregations and in ministry with their university neighbors,
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Financial investment in covering expenses for participation in a network of congregations committed to dynamic university ministry.
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A lead team ready to guide their congregation through the multi-step process, represent their congregation in the Vinery community, and communicate the vision and their work to their congregation.
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Time for rhythms of deep listening, reflecting, and reimagining during retreats and listening sessions during a two-year cohort.
