Left to right: Rev. Trey Harper, Rev. Chris McAlilly and Rev. Tim Thompson
According to a report from the director undergraduatestudyindiverse4elds various small and medium-sized faith of The Co-op, Rev. Chris McAlilly, the like journalism, integrative marketing communities across Mississippi. program had developed a proven and communications, business and Director of faith community formation model for growing Christian leaders education into the work of ministry at and administrative assistant to the in the Wesleyan tradition through two the local church. bishop, Rev. Tim Thompson shared that primary tracks: 1. a 10-week summer The program began in 2016 with a in addition to developing future leaders, internship primarily for college students grant from faith community formation thereareseveralbene4tsofinvestingin and 2. a 12-month residence in to be housed at Oxford University this approach as a conference. ministry for recent college graduates. United Methodist Church in Oxford Both tracks give emerging adults the “We hope that the participants will gain and partner with eight other churches opportunity to explore what it means exposuretodierentareasofministry, in the connection. The primary goal to live as followers of Jesus Christ in build good spiritual habits and thrive of the initiative is to produce leaders their work life. Additionally, the report in a culture of vocational discernment,” for the next generation in the church, statesthatoneofthemosteective said Thompson. “But there is also an the marketplace and the world, and ways to develop young leaders is opportunity to re-weave the connection to be able to replicate the program in to provide avenues to incorporate See The Co-op, page 30
The primary goal of the initiative is to produce leaders for the next generation in the church, the marketplace and the world...
Summer 2022 The Circuit Rider Souvenir Journal 25