Statement from the Virginia Conference Church Development Team
At a meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, members of the Virginia Conference Church Development Team (CDT) engaged in a time of holy conversation and decided to enter into a season of intentional listening and discernment.
Since 2008, CDT’s purpose has been rooted in a mandate known as “All Things New.” Clearly, many things have changed in our church and world since 2008; thus, CDT seeks to more fully understand its unique calling at this point in our VAUMC story. CDT believes that its next faithful step involves pausing and listening to persons throughout the VAUMC connection, persons in our communities and, most importantly, the Holy Spirit.
This season of intentional listening and discernment will begin on April 1, 2025. CDT will accept New Faith Community, Leadership and Fresh Expressions grant applications through March 1, 2025.
After March 1, 2025, CDT will not receive any new grant applications until this season of listening and discernment has been concluded. CDT will honor all preexisting grant and financial commitments as we engage in this season of listening and discernment.
While we are not sure what the Holy Spirit may reveal during this upcoming season, we trust that we will be called toward the holy task of supporting those who are passionate about creating new communities for new people, all for Jesus, and for the transformation of the world.
If you have any questions about this season of listening and discernment, please contact Stephanie Kimec Parker, CDT Chairperson, or Amanda Miller Garber, the VAUMC Church Developer and Conference staff support for CDT.