UKirk and 1001 New Worshiping Communities support sustainable ministry through innovation and ecumenism
By Beth Waltemath | Presbyterian News Service
Labyrinth Cafe and Gathering Place is a campus ministry of Tulane University and the University of New Orleans located in Uptown New Orleans. “This is a community center where people can come together and ask deep questions about life and faith,” said the Rev. Zoe Garry, campus chaplain and director of Labyrinth.
“1001 has been a blessing to me,” said Garry, who credits the 1001 New Worshiping Communities movement with allowing the space to be creative and helping her grow her leadership and Labyrinth Café’s ministry. I credit them with the resources and support they provided.
Pastor Zoe Garry oversees Labyrinth Cafe in New Orleans. (screenshot)
The 1001 new worship communities connected to Labyrinth in 2020 are one of 40 emerging ministries for students that the 1001 Movement has supported to date.
“Labyrinth Café is a great example of the partnership between 1001 and UKirk,” said Rev Nicky Collins, who leads the 1001 NWC movement. “When 1001 was launched, we knew that new worshiping communities would emerge in a variety of settings, so our hope was that some of our students would include college campuses. I had high expectations.”
New campus ministries are eligible for grants through 1001 New Worshiping Communities. Collins said that while many campus ministers participate in 1001 training opportunities, both UKirk University Ministries and 1001 have matured as PC (USA) organizations and movements, making them “complementary for leaders.” “We are working together to create a comprehensive training event.”
Pastor Ginni Norris-Lane
“Having 1001 NWC as a UKirk partner is a true gift,” said Reverend Gini Norris-Lane, UKirk Director of University Ministries, noting that there are approximately 200 university ministries in the UKirk network. His UKirk ministry, launched since 2012, has been able to work with 1001 NWC and receive grants, coaching and support from both organizations. “Many of the programs and trainings that UKirk offers are inspired by the work that Nikki and others are doing at 1001 NWC, and we believe that UKirk is working with 1001 to help new campus ministers adapt to campus situations. I am excited to develop opportunities that will more fully prepare me to serve “more faithfully,” Norris Lane said.
Ecumenical partnerships are also how campus ministries create sustainability today. Labyrinth Cafe and Gathering Place benefited from a partnership with the United Methodist Church and found shelter in one of its buildings.
“Funding resources have decreased significantly over the past 25 years,” Norris Lane said, noting that at its peak in the 1950s there were 500 Presbyterian campus ministries across the country. “With more than 20 million undergraduates attending university today, the call to support the spiritual, intellectual and emotional formation of young people continues to grow,” although the official number of university ministries is much smaller. Norris Lane said, adding that ecumenical partnerships are becoming more and more important. , “Although sometimes born out of economic necessity, in reality it invites students to join a community of faith that is open to all and invites them to join in Christ’s mission of justice, love, and peace.” We can offer a deeper and broader Christian testimony.”
“On many university campuses, out of 15 to 20 Christian mission organizations, UKirk missions are often the only organization, or one of the few, that welcomes and accepts all students. “,” Norris Lane said.
Pastor Taylor Varner leads Jacob’s Porch Campus Ministry at The Ohio State University. (Posted photo)
The Rev. Taylor Berner, leader of Jacob’s Porch Campus Ministry at Ohio State University in Columbus, sees ecumenical ministry as more than just a “survival mechanism.”
“Ecumenical ministry reminds us to look beyond ourselves, our boxes, our alleys, our walls, and recognize the shared ministry of the gospel to which we are called,” Berner he said. “They are a positive embodiment of the body of Christ as it should be.”
“I believe that ecumenical partnerships are beneficial to students,” said UKirk national director Reverend Michelle Scott-Huffman. Scott Huffman leads Missouri State University’s Ecclesia Campus Ministry. “Many of the students who come to the only inclusive ministry on campus are not PC(USA),” Scott-Huffman said. “In my experience, many students (still some still) don’t even want to identify as Christians.”
Pastor Michelle Scott Huffman leads Missouri State University’s Ecclesia Campus Ministry. (Posted photo)
Professor Scott Huffman said, “By presenting students with a message of unconditional love and inclusivity that transcends one denomination, we hope that they believe it to be true and a valid theological perspective.” and when they leave our service and enter society, they can find a spiritual home in different places.”
“In many places in the American church, we have found that it makes sense to partner with other denominations and share service together,” Collins said, adding that new He noted that the worshiping community also benefits from ecumenical partners. “These partnerships often provide stronger financial support as well as a broader network of colleagues and friends in the missionary work.”
