Back from the Catalyst Consultation

Yes… it’s been a while since I’ve returned from the consultation, but I’ve needed a good bit of time to process things – and, in the meantime, summer project has gotten off to a running start. (You can read more about that in the previous post by Glennis.)

My three days at the consultation were jam-packed with all sorts of thought- and heart-provoking conversation and rumination. It’s taken me longer to mull over and absorb some things because I went to that gathering not knowing what to expect.

For one thing, I had no idea how much diversity would actually be represented in this gathering: not ethnic/cultural diversity, or even organizational diversity, but theological diversity. It was a good challenge for me to interact with, appreciate, and be blessed by people who hold different views on a handful of issues.

One of these issues was never addressed directly, but rather emerged in the course of the consultation. Church leaders representing both immigrant-founded, multi-generational churches and multi-ethnic, mostly 2^nd+ generational churches were present, and leaders from both of these groups got to address the entire consultation. It was clear that each of these leaders believe strongly and passionately in their particular model for how to “do” church. What wasn’t made clear, at least from up front, was how we can work together for God’s Kingdom purposes without feeling antagonistic or competitive toward churches that embrace the other philosophy.

Additionally, it was a bit of a challenge to be the only Epic Movement / Campus Crusade person there. My introduction gave cause for a more than a few double-takes at my name tag: either my new friend had never heard of Epic before (the less common reason), or was simply surprised that Campus Crusade would send someone to such a gathering (the more common reason). I’m not sure what that says about Crusade as a whole, and I’m not a gung-ho Crusader by any means, but regardless, I’m glad I had a chance to represent our organization there, for better or worse – (hopefully for better).

As for what we discussed on my track in the consultation – called “Developing and Supporting Women Leaders” – I’ll save that for the next post. Hopefully I’ll be able to share a picture of us at the consultation then, too.

Meeting the Staff

Today we got to meet the staff who will be serving with us in the city! Simon (from the Penn State team), Sarah (from a Texas team…sorry I forget details easily), Cinelle (a volunteer who also lives in the city), my hubby Sunny (who will also be volunteering a couple days a week), MeiLing (our expert Brooklynite) and Lara (our semi-director); along with us Epic directors: the Chans and myself. But it wasn’t just the Epic staff, it was staff from all the Tribeca tracks including Inner City, Arts, and Campus, about 40+ staff in all. One staff described that first meeting as the feeling of walking into a cafeteria and wondering anxiously, “Who am I gonna sit with?” Thankfully though, we all bonded pretty quickly. And of course, us Asians couldn’t help but clump together…

As we shared on our track, I sense there is a mix of feelings: excitement for all the possibilities of what God can do this summer and also trepidation over the task of ministering in a difficult and stressful place. Lara shared how she thought it was cool that she was able to be on the very first Tribeca project several years ago, and now she is on the very first Epic track on the Tribeca project. It is amazing to think that last year I was just putting in a proposal of how we need to have an Epic track in NYC. And, here we are!

I am glad, though, that it is not just us Epic track on the Tribeca project. I like meeting the folks who have come to serve on the Arts, Inner City and Campus track. I’m looking forward to learning a lot from all my teammates, and serving alongside them. Our vision this summer is: Captured by the Messiah to seek the transformation of ourselves and the people of the city.

Summer in NYC

Summer is upon us! And for the Epic Movement NYC team, we’ll be working with staff and students from all over the U.S. to reach the lost in New York City. The day after tomorrow, we’ll be welcoming the staff that will be serving with us, and next week the students will be joining us on our team. I’m excited about meeting everyone!

I have to admit, though, I’m a little bummed that we will probably miss Happyslip & Kevjumba’s NYC event “Downloaded” on June 3rd (check out http://youaredownloaded.com/). As Happyslip’s dad would say, “Disaster!”  If anyone makes it, you have to let us know how it was….