One City. One Church.
October 23, 2021
Breakouts
Participatory sessions that will equip and inspire us to live out God Dreams right where we are; through the ordinary things we do every day – together.
God Dreams: Neighborhood
Your neighborhood is a God Dream.
Come sit at the feet of leaders who have been living out the dreams of God in their neighborhood for years. They’ll share stories of success and of failure so to encourage and inspire you as you dream with God about loving our neighborhood.
God Dreams: Art
Art is a God Dream.
Art is power. It illuminates and transforms the world; it enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. It is the love of self and the love of neighbor. It is a God dream. This breakout will inspire those who identify as creatives, and those who don’t, to engage art as a medium of love, solidarity, and healing.
God Dreams: The Marketplace
The Marketplace is a God Dream.
The apostle Paul told his protégé, Timothy, that the love of money is the root of all evil. Which is to say, money has power – power to destroy and power to build. What if the people of God used their dollars in a way that built strong economies and strong communities – dismantling racism and oppressive structures? Let's get real about living into God's dream for God's people in the marketplace with more than just tithes, offerings, and philanthropy.
God Dreams: Behind the Scenes
What You Do in Secret is a God Dream.
We often fall prey to celebrity-like figures in our life who stand up front and claim important titles. They matter. But, it is the folk behind the scenes, those whose left hand doesn’t know what their right hand is doing, that embody the spirit of Christ in the most profound ways. This breakout will both honor all of our quiet heroes, as well as encourage and equip the saints who do the work we tend to overlook at home, at work, on Sundays, and on Mondays.
God Dreams: Nonprofits
Nonprofits are God Dreams.
This breakout will discuss what the dreams of God look like in the nonprofit sector from the perspectives of a diverse group of nonprofit leaders in both faith-based and non-faith-based settings. Explore everyday practices and programs that honor the sacred in the ordinary.
God Dreams: For-Profit Business
For-profits are God Dreams.
This breakout will discuss what the dreams of God look like in the for-profit sector from the perspectives of a diverse group of business leaders. Can business, profit, and Jesus mix? This breakout will talk about how businesses, and the people who work there, can be a God dream.
God Dreams: Politics
Government and Politics are God Dreams.
Government and politics are seen as divisive and “secular.” But, what if engaging the political arena was actually a way not only to bring about tremendous good in the world, but to unify the church and her neighbors across apparent boundaries? This breakout will expose you to folk who know a thing or two about politics and are living examples of how the church can be salt in light in a divided world.
God Dreams: Church
The church is a God Dream.
The church is the dream of God, but should also be an engine of inspiration for all people to live out the dreams of God in every aspect and realm of their life. But, is the church doing its job? In this breakout you will hear from seasoned pastors as they share ways that the church can contribute to the flourishing of her city through the "ordinary" and "everyday".
God Dreams: Christian Community Development
Christian Community Development is a God Dream.
In many ways, Together is rooted in the philosophy of Christian Community Development (CCD), which is about equipping Christ-followers to be ambassadors of Jesus in their own neighborhoods and communities. Based on Jesus’ ministry model of relocation, redistribution, and reconciliation, CCD is a model that has led to profound change and transformation in the most difficult places. This interactive breakout will grow your understanding of CCD, as well as your ability to practice it in solidarity with those who are suffering around you.
God Dreams: BIPOC
Black, Indigenous, People of Color are God Dreams.
BIPOC and White allies only. This breakout is designed to be a safe space for BIPOC to connect with peers who can relate to their experiences in the church and community. You will have an opportunity to share and hear stories of survival, as well as mutually equip one another as we discuss what living God dreams looks and feels like from the perspective of BIPOC. Allies are invited to come and learn ways to support God’s Dream for BIPOC.
God Dreams: Older Adults
Older Adults are God Dreams.
Older adults and allies only. Most of the church world has unintentionally marginalized our older saints in its desperation to reverse the all-too-popular statistics concerning the decline in church attendance. Additionally, many older adults have felt pigeon-holed into limited modes of participating in God’s work. While aging can be a difficult process, the truth is that our older saints have much more to offer than a legacy – they are the dream of God right now. Feeling unseen? Experiencing health challenges that make you feel unhelpful? Feeling alone and isolated? In this breakout you will have an opportunity to hear and share stories, as well as be inspired to continue running the race as a full participant in the body of Christ. Allies are invited to come and learn ways to support God’s Dream for older adults.
God Dreams: LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ are God Dreams.
LGBTQ+ and allies only. There is a paradoxical dilemma in the Christian church: on one hand, we claim to be a place where all are welcome to come just as they are; on the other hand, we ask people to change if they are going to stay. We honor the various perspectives around this very divisive “issue.” But, we trust that God is big enough to hold us together in our differences. This breakout is a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to share and hear stories of survival, as well as mutually equip one another to live out the unique dreams of God in our lives. Allies are invited to come and learn ways to support God’s Dream for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as learn ways to practice radical love and hospitality in spite of doctrinal differences. NOTE: This breakout is hosted by a panel of Christian folk with a range of doctrinal perspectives. They are prepared to listen and love and honor both conservatives and progressives.
Starting Your God Dream
Failing is a God Dream.
Together is about unleashing the imagination of God through the ordinary. But, whether you’re inspired to be more intentional with your neighbor, your family, and on your job; or you’ve been stirred to start something that’s extra-ordinary, it takes more than excitement to make it happen – it takes courage to fail. This interactive breakout will help you think through ways to give substance and life to the dream of your heart – God’s dream.