Hi everybody, My name is Fidelina Xinico, and I’m from Guatemala. I am a senior double majoring in international business and economics with a minor in management information system. I have been involved in AYTI by being a mentor for the summers of 2017 and 2018, and as one of the AYTI Ambassadors for the academic year since 2017. Something that I like about AYTI is that you always keep learning and working with people for the common good by educating yourself, spreading information, and by doing hands-on jobs. I am excited to be one of the Ambassadors again this year!
The CCV Blog
Summary of Phase One: Research
We were blessed to be invited into the lives of 12 local faith communities currently doing exceptional ministry with young adults. This post summarizes our that research and the themes which are currently emerging at this point in our analysis. The analysis is not complete and will, therefore, reveal more as the research team continues to work through it. However, we have already identified many important themes. This project takes an assets-based approach, looking to learn from what faith communities are already doing well rather than focusing on critique. Our findings, and this summary, reflect that asset-based spirit.
Study Congregations
These twelve local faith communities were nominated by their peers as communities currently doing effective work with young adults. They vary in denomination, size, context, staff structure, and in how they engage with young adults. No two faith communities are the same. They include:
- Bethlehem Lutheran — Minneapolis
- Church of All Nations — Columbia Heights
- Good Samaritan Lutheran (no official website) — Saint Paul
- Grace University Lutheran — Minneapolis
- Hope Community — Minneapolis
- Humble Walk — Saint Paul
- Intertwine Northeast — Minneapolis
- New City Church — Minneapolis
- Our Saviour’s Lutheran — Minneapolis
- Redeemer Lutheran — Minneapolis
- Sanctuary Covenant — Minneapolis
- Solomon’s Porch — Minneapolis
Methods
The Riverside Innovation Hub’s research team consists of eight faculty members from across various disciplines including Religion, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Social Work, Education, Communication, and Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies. Our researchers visited the above faith communities in groups of three to conduct site visits, focus groups, and interviews with senior pastors and young adult leaders. These focus groups and interviews were recorded and then transcribed. The Riverside Innovation Hub staff identified key themes emerging from these site visits, focus groups, and interviews. The research team then coded these transcriptions using key themes (listed below).
Curious about the research/studies we used as the background/foundation of our research? Go to our Resources on Young Adults page.
Characteristics and Values
We discovered some fascinating and helpful characteristics which we are excited to share. The following nineteen values were present in our study congregations in various levels, amounts, and combinations. We have organized them into four characteristics to help us imagine how these values shape the character of a faith community. If the local faith community’s call is to proclaim good news into people’s lives to displace their bad news, then what we see below are the various ways in which these faith communities are doing just that. They do it through unique and context-specific practices, but these context-specific practices share the following characteristics.
CHARACTERISTIC #1 — PLACESHARERS
These faith communities have found ways to effectively enter relationships with young adults by engaging in the real joys and struggles of people’s lives. They are not afraid of tough conversations or hard questions. They allow people to bring their real selves to the table.
Values
- Authenticity— There is no need to hide or fake who you really are. Individuals are able to be authentic because the leaders and the community are both authentic.
- Vulnerability— Participants are welcome to share their deepest longings and their shortcomings because the leaders and the organization both model this vulnerability.
- Complexity— There is eagerness to engage difficult issues and difficult conversations. Faith is both taught and practiced in complex ways.
- Energy— There is a noticeable quality of connection. It might not always only be lively, it could also be reflective. It matches the place where the young adults find themselves.
CHARACTERISTIC #2 — ROOTED IN THEOLOGY
These faith communities are clear about their beliefs and practices. Their theological convictions shape their lives together. Their sense of mission is clear and compelling and is reflected in what they do.
Values
- Explicit — Faith community is explicit about its values, mission, and story. They know what they stand for and they are explicit about making it known.
- Value Alignment — The faith community’s mission, leadership, and ministries align with the young adults’ values.
- Wisdom — Participants are engaged in the integration of theology and real life. They value thinking theologically about the world and thinking worldly about their theology.
- Sacred Objects & Rituals — Important symbols of relationships and transitions are present in important artifacts and actions. These help participants make meaning and help give shape and identity to the community by creating collective awareness, experience, emotion, & energy.
- Good News/ Bad News — The articulation of how young adults are experiencing suffering or bondage in their lives (bad news) is present as well as ways the faith community is working to accompany them and/ or provide relief and freedom.
CHARACTERISTIC #3 — COMMUNITY
Faith communities are intentional about building community and bringing young adults into that community. There is a palpable sense of family and support and young adults are instrumental leaders.
Values
- Social Networks — Young adults find their way into these faith communities through their social networks.
- Participatory — Young adults are resources, active in the life and leadership of the faith community. There is noticeable representation of young adults within the faith community.
- Relationships — Meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, across generations, and across other differences are valued and nurtured with intentionality.
- Leadership — These communities value their leaders for their vulnerability, accessibility, and relationality. They are seen as strong preachers, teachers, and caregivers.
- Belonging — There is a sense of solidarity and “we-ness”.
CHARACTERISTIC #4 — PUBLIC
These faith communities empower their people, including young adults, to actively live out their faith in their public lives in a variety of ways. There is a high value placed upon the community gathered for worship, but always with an eye and ear towards those beyond their faith community.
Values
- Vocation — Tangible action for the good of the neighbor is valued and expected, but as an expression of freedom in Christ rather than legalistic acts to appease God.
- Inward/ Outward — The needs of the individual and the gathered faith community are met while simultaneously being open to and engaged with those beyond the faith community.
- Context — The location of the faith community is an important factor in the faith community’s identity and the young adults’ experience with the faith community.
- Social Justice — The faith community and/ or the young adult lift up social justice as an important component of the life of faith.
Conclusion
There was no special program or approach that made these congregations successful. We believe their success with young adults is related to their clarity of conviction and intentionality about engaging their young adults in leadership roles so that they might lead the faith community into living public lives of faith that matter.
Meet Our 2019 AYTI Ambassadors-Grace
Hi! My name is Grace Porter, and I am a first year here at Augsburg University. I am majoring in Theology and Public Leadership with a concentration in Youth Studies and a minor in music. I attended AYTI a few years ago, and it was one of the best weeks of my life! I grew so much in faith and friendships and had so many wonderful experiences that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. Attending the camp is also one of the big reasons I chose to attend Augsburg, and I love it here just as much as I thought I would!
Meet Our 2019 AYTI Ambassadors – Ian
Hello! My name is Ian Heseltine. I’m a second year at Augsburg University and I am majoring in Music, Media & Management with a minor in Religion. I’m so excited to be returning this school year to serve as an AYTI Ambassador. This summer I was also an AYTI mentor which was such an incredible and indescribable week that I believe all youth should experience! I can’t wait to have all of our 2019 AYTI students here at Augsburg to learn more about God, reflect on God, and serve their communities through God.
Heritage Day with Phil Adamo
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Hagfors Center 150, 700 21st Ave S, Minneapolis
THE MANY FOUNDINGS OF AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY
What do words like “founding” mean at a place like Augsburg? If, as a Lutheran institution, we believe in the concept of “semper reformanda” (always reforming), then shouldn’t we say that Augsburg has had multiple “foundings”—not only physically, but intellectually and theologically?
Augsburg history professor Phil Adamo will explore these questions in the 2018 Heritage Talk, offering examples from his new book, Hold Fast to What is Good: A History of Augsburg University in 10 Objects, written for the upcoming celebration of Augsburg’s 150th anniversary. A reception will follow the presentation.
More about our speaker:
Phillip C. Adamo has an international reputation as a scholar and teacher. He has presented his research at major conferences throughout the United States and Europe. In 2014, The Medieval Academy of America, the oldest and largest association of medievalists in the world, presented Phil with the CARA Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2015, the Carnegie Institute for the Advancement of Teaching named him Minnesota Professor of the Year. Phil is currently working on a history of Augsburg for its 150th anniversary.
More about the event:
This event is free and open to the public.
Registration for Heritage Day closed.
For any questions regarding registration for this event, please call Liz Behnke in the Institutional Advancement Office: 612-330-1171.
2018 Christensen Symposium with Rahuldeep Gill
October 3, 2018
Morning Event
Christensen Symposium Address by Rahuldeep Gill
Who Are “We?” A Sikh Perspective on Vocation, Justice and Death
10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center
625 22nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Rahuldeep Singh Gill, PhD; Associate Professor, Department of Religion; Campus Interfaith Strategist, Division of Mission and Identity at California Lutheran University
Afternoon Event
Open conversation with Rahuldeep Gill, facilitated by Fardosa Hassan and Ole Schenk
Igniting hope in un-hopeful times
2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Student Lounge, Christensen Center
720 22nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454
About the speaker
Rahuldeep Gill, Ph.D., is a sought-after Speaker, Author, and Igniter for social change, whose life goal is to develop effective and heartful leaders with broad perspectives to drive innovations. Through his lectures and workshops he works to build pluralism and cross-cultural relations to inspire connected communities on campus, in the workplace, and in the marketplace.
He recently published his first book, Drinking from Love’s Cup, with Oxford University Press, and he is currently writing two more books about leadership and pluralism. He is a tenured professor and Campus Interfaith Strategist at California Lutheran University, and is the visiting professor of Sikh Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. He has twice been voted Cal Lutheran’s Diversity Professor of the Year and lives in Los Angeles with his family.
About the Christensen Symposium:
Each year, the Christensen Symposium provides the opportunity to explore and apply the lessons rooted in former Augsburg President Bernard M. Christensen’s legacy, which include:
- Christian faith liberates minds and lives.
- Diversity strengthens vital communities.
- Interfaith friendships enrich learning.
- The love of Christ draws us to God.
- We are called to service in the world.
Learn more on the Augsburg convocation series site.
Note: These sessions will be audio recorded. If you would like to be alerted as soon as the audio is available, please email ccv@augsburg.edu
Till & Keep Journal
The Till & Keep journal was published by Exploring Our Gifts at Augsburg University, a program for the theological exploration of vocation that operated from 2002-2010 and was funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. The journal was created by and for members of Augsburg and the greater academic community to encourage reflection and dialogue about vocation and the interplay between faith and learning.
Till & Keep Issues
Meet the Riverside Innovation Hub Coaches!
Top row (left to right): Lindsay Boehmer, Emily Kindelspire, Mason Mennenga, Baird Linke, Tim Thao, Asefa Melka Wakjira
Bottom row (left to right): Amanda Vetsch, Michelé Crowder
We have brought together eight dymanic and dedicated leaders for the role of Innovation Coach. The Twin Cities, Iowa, Rwanda, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Argentina, South Dakota, California, Texas, Europe, Philippines, China, Missouri, Montana, Norway, Germany – these are just some of the places our coaches have lived and learned and led. We are thrilled to bring them all and their collection of experiences across the globe together at Augsburg this August. We are prayerfully holding them up and the new places they will be called to lead and serve this coming year as coaches.
We are thrilled to let our team introduce themselves!
Meet Lindsay Boehmer…
My name is Lindsay Boehmer and I am from Sioux Falls South Dakota. I grew up in Sioux Falls and attended Augustana University in Sioux Falls where I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. The past couple years I have spent very little time in Sioux Falls, but my favorite thing about going back is visiting my home church. I was very active in my church from the time I was young all the way through college and I love to go and catch up with the staff and kids. They always welcome me with open and loving arms and that place continues to feel like home. Since graduation I have spent most of my time learning and discerning about the world, my faith and what my role is here. I spent a year in Cambodia with the Young Adults in Global Mission program and this past year I served as an intern at a Christian camp near Kansas City. Both of these experiences have shaped the person I am today and challenged me in exciting ways. I am thrilled for this new position with the Riverside Innovation Hub and the opportunity to work with others who are passionate about the church. I am eager to learn more about and be in discussion with others about what Christian community looks like today and how we foster authentic and welcoming environments for that community. One superpower I am bringing to this position is a harkened heart. By this I mean I love to listen to people and to hear what sits on other people’s hearts. I am excited for all the people I will get to meet and work with and hear through this position!
Meet Michelé Crowder…
I am a singer, actor, worship leader and educator with ultra healing hugs and soothing voice super powers! I was born in Germany and raised around Fort Hood, Texas. I attended Texas Lutheran University for Music as well as Social Entrepreneurship before volunteering a year to Urban Servant Corps in Denver, Colorado. Beginning in 2014, I have worked with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as a musician-educator in the Glocal organization, the collective of musician-educators embodying “accompaniment” as formed by the ELCA Global Mission Unit. Since coming back to Texas, I have spent time acting on various stages and teaching in Creative Action’s after-school programming. Creative Action is a nonprofit, arts-based, youth development organization located in Austin, TX. The best thing about Austin is it’s diverse cuisine offered at various price points. This lover of the color green is exited to learn what is most valued in the hearts of Minnesotans as well as how to grow that love in my own heart. I am truly excited to walk beside each congregation and experience the joy of the Lord with them.
Meet Emily Kindelspire…
I grew up in New Hope, Minnesota, one of the first suburbs outside of Minneapolis. I lived down the street from my grade school, which meant rain or snow, I walked- or sprinted, as junior high me slept until the last possible minute- to school. I’m still running today, having completed my second marathon this summer. The best thing about where I grew up were my neighbors, Mark and Beth, and their two sons Mark and Tom. I spent most of my childhood hopping the fence into their yard, as I was their honorary daughter. They invited me for dinner, brought me to their family gatherings and on vacations and made me feel seen. My desire to be the house on the block where kids know they can come and be cherished is derived from my experience as a part of Mark and Beth’s family. With a background in Justice and Peace Studies and Family Studies, I am able to critically examine the ways that power and privilege show up in relationships. After spending the better part of 16 years caring for children of all ages, I move through the world with gentleness and empathy. These parts of me combine to produce a dynamic superpower, one that allows me to say “I see you” and “let’s figure this out together”. I am excited to embark on this journey of community engagement and building! In the next 10 months, I hope to learn how to assist others in telling their stories in captivating, change producing ways. I am eager to l live in community with strangers, learn the rhythm of life in Cedar-Riverside, and build and sustain deep relationships.
Meet Baird Linke…
I was born and raised in beautiful Montana near the Great Divide where I learned to love being outside and exploring. I ran cross country and studied Biology and Spanish at Carroll College in Helena, MT. During the summers, I worked at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, south of Glacier National Park, and I’ve spent the last year living in Buenos Aires, Argentina through the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program. I’m excited to bring my curiosity and creativity to this new role as an Innovation Coach in the Twin Cities this year to learn about and join in the work being done there!
Meet Asefa Melka Wakjira…
My name is Asefa Melka Wakjira. I was born and raised in rural Ethiopia. My father finished grade four. He is retired Lutheran Church evangelist. My mother is strong and wise but she has never been to school. I have 10 siblings and I’m the 9th. I like to say I’m a child of a farmer from rural Africa who got opportunity to be educated because of committed missionaries from Norway, Sweden, Germany and other countries. I finished college in Ethiopia and got my bachelor in Sociology. Besides that, I led campus ministry. After working as a graduate assistant for two years, I got scholarship to study Sociology of Children in Norway for two years. Living in Norway opened my eyes to new culture. During my study in Norway, I got clear vision that I will serve in congregations. Then I prayed and God opened opportunity to study here in the USA. I finished my Masters of Divinity last May from San Francisco Theological Seminary in California. I hope to bring diverse educational backgrounds like sociology of children and theology. In addition to that, I will bring new culture of food, worship and ministry from Ethiopia. I also like to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. But it was not easy for me to be outgoing person before I went to Norway. I remember the difficulty I faced to adjust to new food and weather in Norway. It was very confusing to see sun at 10PM for me and I could not sleep on time for the first two weeks. I also could not try new food for almost a month except the Ethiopian food that I brought with me from home. I believe, adjusting to new environments takes time. I like to continue to learn new culture and listen to stories of people. That is one of the important lessons I look forward to learning more during the next 10 months of ministry.
Meet Mason Mennenga…
I am Mason Mennenga (do not feel ashamed for not being able to pronounce my last name on the first attempt. Baby steps, friends). On top of being an Innovation Coach, I work with the wonderful youth at Solomon’s Porch, a holistic missional Christian community in Minneapolis. I also podcast, write, snob about music, and scroll through Twitter. As an Enneagram 4 I think less about my superpowers and more about my superweaknesses; however, many who know me well would perhaps suggest I have the superpower of creating. I derive much of my energy in my creativity. As of recent, I have been constructing what a church may best look like in our day– a church that values art, is self-subversive, equitable, and kenotic. Therefore, my gift of creativity I bring as an Innovation Coach will hopefully be generative in creating compelling practices and systems that fully engage with the values and longings of young adults. I grew up in the expansive farmlands of South Dakota, so my most cherished memories involved my best friend and I driving around the country roads talking about faith, music, and politics. Little did I know at the time those conversations would later became foundational to the spiritual journey on which I have found myself. I hope I learn, over the course of the 10 months as an Innovation Coach, ways in which our abstract theological commitments concerning young adults’ engagement with the church can be concretized in practice. One of my passions is colliding the theoretical with the practical and this opportunity provides a space for me to creatively explore that.
Meet Tim Thao…
My name is Tim and I grew up right here in the beautiful Twin Cities of Minnesota. I am a graduate of the University of Northwestern (previously known as Northwestern College) in St. Paul and I am currently attending seminary at Bethel Seminary in pursuit of a Masters in Ministry. I have been happily married to my gorgeous wife Anna for about 9 months. We live just north of Minneapolis in the city of Brooklyn Park. Our home church is a multi-generational Hmong church in Coon Rapids. We both previously served in the youth ministry for almost a decade. Currently, I serve as the Worship Director for our church. We enjoy being active and playing music together. Our current hobbies include volleyball, playing our guitars, and do-it-yourself, home-improvement projects. Compassion is my big thing. I believe that every single one of us has a beautiful story to tell and we all deserve to be heard. It hurts to see that, even in our society today, people are stripped of their own voice and are told that their experiences, their opinions, and their perspectives are not valued. The Church ought to be a place where individuals find value in themselves in the context of community. Christ loves the lowly and the meek and I believe that we ought to as well. In these next 10 months, I am incredibly excited to see the work that God has begun in the churches of the Twin Cities. I believe that God is moving here in our city and I think that we are all blessed to be able to be a part of God’s kingdom-building work. Apart from my home church, I have not had the privilege to work with other congregations. I am eager to see churches seeking to honor and glorify Christ in their unique context.
Meet Amanda Vetsch…
Hi! My name is Amanda and I come from the great state of Minnesota, born and raised in Minneapolis. I have recently returned from a year of service in Rwanda through the Young Adult Global Missions (YAGM) program. While there, my work was a mashup of sports coach, youth group leader, and educational support staff. Before that I got a degree in Biology from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI. One of my everyday superpowers is the ability to regularly spill or drop things. One might not think that is a superpower, but I like to think that it translates into the ability to accept being bad at things and resiliency. I’m proud of my Minnesota heritage, there are many great things about this state, but especially the accessibility to nature as well as all of the amazing food at the MN state fair. In these next 10 months, I’m eager to develop my abilities to work with adults. The majority of my work experience is with children and youth so I’m trepidatiously excited to work with full sized humans.
Meet Alexa-2018 AYTI Mentor
Hi! My name is Alexa, and I will be going into my third year of college. I am majoring in Biology and minoring in both Spanish and Studio Art. My favorite thing about Augsburg is that I have met so many incredible people and professors that continue to help and support me in any way they can. I am so excited to be a mentor this year once again because of the amazing experience I had last year during the AYTI week. I can’t wait to get to know more awesome young adults and help them have an awesome experience throughout the AYTI week!
Meet Mitchell-2018 AYTI Mentor
Hi! I’m Mitchell, and I’m from Saint Paul MN. I’m a Senior Theology and Public Leadership major. My favorite thing about Augsburg has been the people I’ve met and gotten to study alongside. As well as studying Theology with Mary Lowe–as hard as it might be. A future goal I have is to go to seminary within the next few years. Last year I had such a inspiring time being a mentor for AYTI, and I can’t wait to come back this year.