Over the past two weeks, I have reflected on our inaugural Young Adult Weekend at Camp Sonrise Mountain and some of the themes that emerged through conversations with Gen Z participants. Those reflections have centered on belonging, community, spiritual formation, and the importance of creating spaces where young adults can encounter both God and one another.
Perhaps the most important takeaway, however, is not simply what we learned. It is what we choose to do with what we have learned.
One of the commitments we have been making at Winebrenner Seminary over the past several years is to become a better listening organization. Rather than assuming we already know the questions, challenges, or opportunities facing those we serve, we have intentionally created opportunities to gather people together, listen carefully, and learn collaboratively.
That commitment has shaped a variety of recent initiatives. Through previous posts on InDepth, I have shared about our efforts to better understand the student experience as well as our conversations with leaders from the Churches of God, General Conference. Each of these gatherings has reflected a simple conviction: meaningful innovation begins with careful listening.
These conversations have grown out of Winebrenner’s participation in the Building Alternative Futures initiative sponsored by the Association for Theological Schools and made possible through a Resource Grant from the In Trust Center for Theological Schools. The grant has provided opportunities for us to gather individuals around important questions facing theological education and the Church while creating space to listen well before rushing toward solutions.
As we conclude this series on engaging young adults, we are excited to extend that same commitment to listening by hosting a special gathering as part our upcoming Board of Trustees meeting focused specifically on Gen Z. On Wednesday evening, September 23, we will gather at the Hancock Hotel in Findlay for dinner and conversation as we continue learning about the opportunities and challenges facing this generation. We are grateful that our own Board member, Pastor Nancy Hiser, will guide the evening’s discussion and help us engage these important conversations together.
The timing of this event is intentional. The gathering will serve as the opening session for our Board of Trustees meetings, allowing the insights from the evening to inform the Board’s conversations over the following two days. Faculty, staff, invited students, and trustees will have the opportunity to continue reflecting together on how Winebrenner Seminary can faithfully serve both the Church and emerging generations of Christian leaders.
For us, this is about far more than hosting another event. It reflects an ongoing posture of learning. If discipleship begins with knowing people, then organizational leadership begins by listening well. Before developing new projects or strategies, we want to understand the people we are called to serve and the cultural realities shaping their lives.
The conversations at Camp Sonrise Mountain reminded me that young adults are asking significant questions about faith, purpose, community, and hope. Those questions deserve more than quick answers. They deserve careful listening, thoughtful engagement, and a willingness to learn together.
As Winebrenner Seminary continues serving the Church, we hope to remain an institution that listens first, learns continually, and faithfully responds as we seek to equip leaders for service in God’s kingdom.
- Brent C. Sleasman, President