Zephyr Point hosts ‘hatchathon'
Registration for ‘Inspiration Lab’ ends Aug. 31
From Sept. 18–22, Zephyr Point Camp and Conference Center will host a virtual or in-person Inspiration Lab event dubbed a “Hatchathon” to help individuals and organizations launch new models of ministry. Co-sponsored by the Office of Christian Formation of the PC(USA) and led by Ministry Incubators, the multi-day event is designed to help innovative teams clarify vision, set budgets, create launch strategies and fine-tune pitches for potential investors and grant funders.
Princeton Theological Seminary’s the Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean is the leader of the event. In addition to her work with Princeton’s Institute for Youth Ministry, Creasy Dean has been a campus minister and a pastor and is the author of 12 books drawing on her extensive experience in new ministry development, grant writing and nonprofit ministry, especially with young people
Registration for the event is available until Aug. 31.
Grounded in prayer and worship, the event is intended to help faith-inspired teams and independent innovators to hear God’s call while also engaging wisdom based on human-centered design and organizational theory. According to the registration page, “participants will learn about 17 systems necessary for a successful organization.”
“In the ongoing changing landscape of ministry, we believe the work of innovation is vital and want to provide opportunities for individuals, organizations, churches, presbyteries, synods and more to be inspired and equipped to develop new, fresh modes and models of ministry,” said Nathan Wheeler, Adult Program Manager of Zephyr Point Camp and Conference Center in Zephyr Cove, Nevada. Zephyr Point's mission focuses on its invitation to experience God through education, exploration and inspiration. “The work and expertise of Ministry Incubators are the perfect partners to help guide participants through the three-day process and provide ongoing coaching support for projects developed at the Inspiration Lab,” Wheeler said.
There’s no limit to the types of innovators Wheeler hopes to attract.
“We hope the ‘Inspiration Lab’ will be attended by campus ministries who are looking toward new models of community engagement and partnerships, camps and retreat centers who have an idea of a new program and want to work toward development and potential funding; a church who is committed to revitalization but doesn't yet have an idea of how to move toward that vision; and ministry teams that have an ongoing program that they are looking to expand and build to offer to the wider community,” he said.
The beauty of the “Hatchathon” is not just the new ideas but the conversation it sparks and the community and collaboration it fosters. Wheeler hopes the “Inspiration Lab” will be an annual program at Zephyr Point and that in the future there will be additional partnerships, including potential funding for projects through denominational partners, including the PC(USA).
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