Nashville

Program or Partner
Nashville Epiphany Project (NEP)

Program Description
Volunteers with NEP will experience mission in a community ministry that focuses on being in mission with others rather than merely doing service. Because the experience of mission is reciprocal in nature, the NEP program provides volunteers with the opportunity, not only to serve individuals in need, but more impor­tantly to be blessed by relationships with others who are racially, theologically or economically different from themselves.

A Nashvile YAV serves in a community food kitchen. Photo from the NVO archives.NEP is operated by Second Presbyterian Church, described by some locals as “the little church that could” because of its reputation as a powerful force for community change, particularly in regards to social justice issues. Second Presbyterian Church is a very inclusive congregation of about 450 members that boasts an impressive number of theologians, including a number of past and present faculty at the Divinity School at Vanderbilt University. Young adults who envision a future in ministry have an extraordinary opportunity for professional mentoring at Second Presbyterian Church.

Placement Opportunities
Positions include:

• helping to address the needs of the homeless while seeking structural changes to eradicate homelessness
• assisting in the spiritual, emotional and educational development of at-risk youth
• community organizing to help shape public policy, represent the interest of all people and negotiate with city leaders
• focusing on the root issues of poverty and empower families to attain greater levels of well-being and self-reliance
• helping Hispanic families in Nashville realize their aspirations for social and economic advancement by promoting their integration into the local commu­nity

Housing
The volunteers live in community in a two-bedroom house on the property of Second Presbyterian Church. Utilities are included.

Intentional Community Aspects
Volunteers will be expected to live as an example of Christ’s service to others and will engage in spiritual disciplines of simple living, prayer and Bible study. Although the experience of mission is the principal element of the program, a unique opportunity afforded by the Nashville Epiphany Project is a focus on vocational discernment. The young adult volunteers will work with profes­sionals in activities that access their strengths and skills, and inform them of options to help determine how their faith, values, and spiritual gifts can be integrated with a wage-earning occupation.

Requirements
Age: 20-29
Education: college desirable

Site Coordinator
Susan Brantley

Website

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