Uptick Catalyst

Uptick Catalyst

Building Bridges of Civility for Flourishing (SM)

by Laura McDaniel

Uptick Catalyst, funded by the Lilly Endowment, launched in January with three regional cohorts: the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia), Richmond, and the Tidewater. Each cohort consists of an Uptick alumni who serves as the convener, several pastoral mentors, and six Uptick participants.

Based on the Uptick model that uses a combination of gatherings, online meetings, coaching, and mentoring to develop deep listening skills in young leaders, Uptick Catalyst helps pastors navigate the challenges of leading in a metropolitan context through a framework based on Micah 6:8, Matthew 22:36-40, and Matthew 28:19: “UP” toward God through learning healthy rhythms of life in the face of congregational demands and a fastpaced environment; “IN” toward community by connecting to mentors and peers for relationships of trust and accountability, and learning about movemental leadership in their context; and “OUT” to the world by developing cultural intelligence and learning tools of reconciliation to navigate the polarity that exists in ethnic and racially diverse communities.

“I am excited about the Uptick Catalyst initiative and the potential it has for social and spiritual awakenings in participants and the churches of which they are a part. I am convinced that what our culture needs from the Church right now is a vision of unity amidst diversity and a radical commitment to “building bridges of civility for human flourishing that will result in lives changed by Jesus.”

– Dr. Phillip Faig Pastoral Mentor for Catalyst and Senior Pastor at Old Town Community Church, Alexandria, VA

The mission of Uptick Catalyst is equipping leaders to build bridges of civility for flourishing. Project Director Laura McDaniel observes that, “helping pastors to increase their capacity as bridge builders will not only help them flourish personally and professionally; it will provide a pathway for their churches and communities to thrive. Imagine the power of the church’s prophetic voice when its people model civility in their walk and witness, loving God and others in word and deed.”

Josh Hayden (Uptick alum, pastoral mentor for Catalyst, and Senior Pastor at First Baptist Ashland, VA) said, “I am excited for Uptick Catalyst because it is a tangible, in the flesh, real opportunity for young leaders of high capacity coming from diverse cultural backgrounds to experience meaningful discipleship and training for their calling. The more time I spend with each leader I am overwhelmed by the kind spirit and disruptive possibilities they bring to the capital-C Church. I am not sure that churches are going to know what to do with these amazing leaders, but I do know that they will be better churches for having made room for these young people to serve and grow. I’m also excited for what I will learn from them and with them about how to depolarize our current theological, political, and cultural climate.”

For more information, visit Uptick.org

Laura McDaniel is the Network Catalyst for Uptick.

“I am so grateful to be a part of this movement with Uptick Catalyst. It is such an important conversation to have with the church and our communities, for we are one and the same. This opportunity for growth both spiritually and missionally will give room for greater impact, especially given the way in which Uptick will function with three regions at a time. The journey will be hard and more than likely press into areas of my own life that have been left unexamined, but I am entrusting all things to Christ.”

– Artemia Tamayo Uptick alumni and convener of the DMV region, and Pastor at Greenbrier Baptist Church, Arlington, VA

“Uptick Catalyst is going to change the Church of tomorrow. Without leaders who are prepared to navigate the complexity of diversity, Churches will fail to minister to their cities. Uptick is an invaluable experience for seasoned leaders to impart wisdom to young leaders and for seasoned leaders to learn from young leaders! Being a part of Uptick inspires me to never stop learning, to never stop reaching, and to never stop longing for the Church of tomorrow to become better than the Church of today!”

- Fred Michaux Pastoral Mentor in Tidewater and Pastor of City Life Church, Newport News, VA

9