For a number of months, a cohort of emerging leaders within the NAB has been meeting on a monthly basis – mostly over Zoom, but also in person – to develop and enrich their relationships with each other, to receive instruction and host conversations about the movement of God in the world and how we participate, and to deepen their preparation for the future of the NAB. These leaders are part of the first iteration of the Year of Equipping, which recently held their second of three in-person gatherings in Detroit, Michigan.
For these leaders, which include Esther Grupp, these meetings have been life-changing:
Participating in the Year of Equipping (YOE) has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. As a leader, I had been struggling both to connect with fellow NAB leaders. Additionally, as I found out during our second gathering in Detroit, Michigan, my soul needs refocusing and healing. YOE has ministered to me as we are learning in community what it means to be on mission with God.
As I am writing this, I am in the air, and I cannot help but pause to reflect how much I needed YOE. As a group, we read articles and books that help guide our discussions, and we receive teaching from our NAB YOE team. I am humbled by the passion and desire to pass on to the next generation of the church what a life on mission is all about. YOE provides a space to wrestle and just sit in the presence of our Creator God.
I have been a part of many groups, but this one is different. I can only say the reason is the space to just dwell – in the Word, with God, and in community.
Again, my experience in YOE has been life changing. God has revealed to me things I needed to change and work on with the help of the Holy Spirit. In Detroit, we looked deep into spiritual formation and how it is directly tied to a missional life. This was not just done through talks, discussion, and reading, but also in enjoying a Detroit Red Wings hockey game and during our stay at a beautiful retreat center, The Lodge. The Lodge was in a beautiful location to take in God’s Creation and reveal in God’s goodness. We entered space to dwell. I was encouraged and challenged.
I strongly encourage other NAB emerging leaders to sign up for and participate in the next YOE cohort.
Esther Grupp serves as director of Operations for STEER, Inc., and is a co-leader of a multi-generational women’s Bible study group at Century Baptist Church in Bismarck, North Dakota.
If you are or know a leader in their 20s or 30s connected with a local NAB church who might be interested in taking part in the next round of Year of Equipping this fall, email Wayne Stapleton, VP of Cross-Cultural Engagement and Emerging Leader Engagement, to set up a conversation with him as a first step in the application process. Final applications due May 1.
Just a few weeks ago, NAB Emerging Leaders hosted a webinar with NAB missionaries Paul & Tanya Gericke. In this webinar, Empowering Gen Z, the Gerickes shared out of their experiences in Romania, both with Romanian and North American youth, and out of their doctoral studies at Kairos University focused on Gen Z research and leadership development.
In case you were unable to take part in the webinar, you want to watch it again, or you would like to share it with others, the recording is now available at the link below.
For Christians around the world, yesterday kicked off the season of Lent, a season to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter Sunday. As part of this season of preparation, the NAB releases daily devotionals for churches, individuals, or small groups to use.
These devotionals, written by pastors and leaders from across the NAB, are designed to help us look at the story of the cross and the larger redemptive narrative through the lens of unity. At the link below, you will find materials to help you promote the devotionals in your church or small group, as well as the first few weeks of devotionals. (The full series will be available soon.) You can also sign up for devotionals at that link. It is not too late to sign up!
Every three years, youth, young adults, and leaders from across the NAB come together in Orange County, California, for an experience unlike any other. The Gathering is a week of of powerful worship, impactful service projects, and tons of fun. The next Gathering is taking place July 2025.
There’s still plenty of time to register your youth group! The cost is $625 per person, which covers meals, accommodations, and pretty much everything else you’ll need during the week. (It does not cover airfare to SoCal or transportation to or from the campus.)
Additionally, the registration packet was recently updated with the most accurate and complete information, particularly regarding updates to the registration and the necessary forms! If you have not downloaded it recently, we suggest checking out the most recent version at the link to The Gathering page below.
Want to promote The Gathering among your youth? Or maybe drum up some financial support from your congregation as your teens raise money for this unforgettable trip? The team team behind The Gathering has your back. Check out the collection of short videos they put together to promote The Gathering to your church.
