The Initiative Staff

This month, I've been thinking a lot about friendship: its gifts, expectations and challenges. We're also introducing two new ways to connect with The Initiative on a regular basis. And the talks from the ASM conference are now on YouTube.

This month, we look back at last week's National Gathering and the American Society of Missiology. We're also getting a sneak preview for next year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - and taking some time off for the summer.

This month, we're still holding space for folks to join us in Chicago in mid-June and plant more seeds of unity. We're also featuring a reflection on Pope Leo from Council member Elizabeth Woodard. 

This month, I’m intentionally sending out this update on Holy Saturday (sometimes referred to as the Great Sabbath) because I feel like we’re in an experience of tension which mirrors the holy day: on the one hand, death, despair, fear dominate the landscape; on the other hand – hidden behind the stone – life, victory, love are about to erupt. I've got a few more thoughts about that in the video below. Please take a couple minutes to listen!

This month, we're featuring the newest book release from our founder, John Armstrong and some ways that you can engage with him and the community around the book. We're also inviting you to join us in June for our national gathering and highlighting a conference at the end of the month.

This month, we're looking back at some of the powerful Week of Prayer for Christian Unity services that happened in January, reflecting a little on the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, anticipating our national gathering in June - and remembering a dear sister who passed away at the end of last week.

It's January, so this month's update has an important video reflection on the challenge to be radically curious in 2025. I'd love to engage with any of you who are interested in a deeper conversation about this! This month we're also focused on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a global event that's been taking place annually between January 18th and 25th for over a century. Look below for ways that you can engage during this important week.

This month I'm sharing some of what the Leadership Council discerned at our November meeting and excitedly getting ready for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that starts January 18th.