By Elias Wilson 
Community development specialist, invitation support minister Central USA Mission Center 

Something is stirring among the rising generation of disciples in Community of Christ. In March, Central USA Mission Center hosted its largest Young Adult Retreat at Lake Doniphan at Excelsior Springs, Missouri, in over two decades, bringing together seventy-eight young adults for a weekend of relationship, connection, spiritual growth, and transformative hope. From the very beginning, what set this retreat apart wasn’t just the brilliant programming—it was the people. 

In a time when many people in our church believe that young adults will never “return,” we must reframe our thoughts and understandings of discipleship rather than getting caught up in our previous understandings of membership. Young adults are committed to the mission of Community of Christ. They are reimagining sacred community far beyond the routine of Sunday morning worship and calling the church to deeper authenticity, courage, and community. 

From the very beginning, what set this retreat apart wasn’t just the brilliant programming—it was the people.

The retreat was a reminder that young adults are not only the future of the church—they are a vital part of its present. Their voices, questions, and gifts are essential to shaping a faith community that is inclusive, courageous, and prophetic. As one participant put it, “This weekend reminded me that I am not alone, and have something valuable to offer. Retreat helped me understand that my faith and my passion for justice can walk hand in hand.” 

Building Sacred Space 

The diversity in experience, identity, and theological perspectives became a catalyst for the development of friendships. The laughter that echoed the hallways late into the night was a joyful display of the sacred community formed.  

During the retreat, we explored the theme “The Way to Hope is Here” and the scripture Acts 2:1-21. Our guest minister and the dean of the Community of Christ Seminary, Zac Harmon-McLaughlin, shared with us important context and background about the formation of the early Christian church and how, like many social movements, it was organized by young adults.  

In Getting Comfy with the Uncomfy, participants were invited to confront discomfort with curiosity and courage using dialectical behavior therapy skills. One participant who was attending their first Community of Christ gathering shared, “I didn’t know communities like this existed where people could be so kind.” The retreat consistently offered opportunities for new insights, thoughts, and ideas. 

This weekend reminded me that I am not alone, and have something valuable to offer.

The intergenerational support for the retreat was a beautiful example of a community in action. Fourteen children under the age of seven attended with their parents. On Saturday, volunteer “grandparents” stepped in to care for the little ones, allowing the young adults to engage in the retreat experience fully. It was a wonderful example of how we can care for our young families with compassion and support. 

Change In Approach 

This retreat didn’t happen on its own. The leadership team spent six months planning and organizing the weekend. However, sacred community was not formed because of micromanagement but rather by the intentional planning of the team that shaped every space to provide a foundation for participants to shape and mold the space into what they desired as a group. 

Insights 

• Nineteen people served up front or behind the scenes to ensure the retreat flowed smoothly. 

• Members of the planning team met for coffee, lunches, and dinners multiple times to ensure class leaders were supported. 

• More than 120 phone calls were sent to possible attendees (fifty-four of seventy-eigth attendees received a personal call from a friend or family member). 

• More than 300 text reminders were sent to possible attendees. 

• More than 300 emails were sent to possible attendees. 

• When asked in a survey why they attended retreat, 93 percent of respondents said it was because a friend or family member invited them. 

In Closing 

As retreat came to a close, I spoke with several participants who expressed their rekindled passion for ministry and renewed sense of belonging in the church. No matter our age, we all desire community. But community happens only when we create it. We must stop making excuses for why we can’t be involved in one another’s lives.  

The spirit is on the move, and if this retreat is any indication, the future of Community of Christ is not only bright—it’s inclusive, sacred, and joyfully alive.

If Community of Christ is to live Christ’s mission, the church must choose to change and be changed by one another. We must choose to be in impactful relationships with one another. The spirit is on the move, and if this retreat is any indication, the future of Community of Christ is not only bright—it’s inclusive, sacred, and joyfully alive. 

May we always choose to be together.