Actions and Campaigns

Emerging Spirit is an initiative of The United Church of Canada working in new ways to nurture a relationship between the United Church and Canadians who don't attend church, with a focus on those between the ages of 30 and 45.

Emerging Spirit works to raise awareness about the ministry of The United Church of Canada and to invite people to join with us on the journey of faith.

Emerging Spirit reaches out using an integrated media campaign, connecting with audiences through traditional media like magazine and newspaper advertising, as well as through Internet advertising and social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. A key part of this campaign is the WonderCafe online discussion forum where people can explore their spirituality on their own terms, in a relevant, open-minded way.

The media campaign works hand-in-hand with Emerging Spirit learning events for United Church congregations which help members and leaders develop effective welcoming ministries, build new connections with their communities, and rise to the challenge of ministry in 21st century Canada. Emerging Spirit congregational learning events have been offered in several distinct series, including Living the Welcome (2007-2008, 32 events), Living the Hope (2008-2009, 14 events), and Living the Faith (2010, 14 events).

Emerging Spirit’s work to connect with those who don’t have a faith community has also included unique Paint Your Faith events. Paint Your Faith is a bold initiative which uses street art to spark public conversations about values, our experience of spirituality, and the meaning of faith. Two provocative, large-scale murals have been created through Paint Your Faith, one in Toronto and the other in Vancouver.

Through all of these efforts, Emerging Spirit offers important opportunities for congregations to reclaim and proclaim the key elements of the gospel they are called to live out in their context, reassess how they are perceived in their local communities, and strategize about things they might do to be more welcoming to those who don't currently attend a faith community.

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Find out more by visiting the Emerging Spirit website or by signing up for the Emerging Spirit e-newsletter.