transformation – UniteBoston

Nov 06 2026

Celebrating the Legacy of Boston Flourish: Five Years of Kingdom Impact

What does it look like when the Church steps beyond sanctuary walls and into the deep-seated needs of a city? It looks like broken walls repaired, systemic burdens lifted, and diverse communities coming together to share the love of Christ, in word and deed.

Last week at Boston Flourish, nearly 200 Christian leaders spanning diverse generations, denominations, and professions came together with a bold proclamation: revival in New England is not a relic of the past—it is alive and active right now, as God’s redeeming work shows up in our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces.

Explore our highlight blog below, complete with video and photo recaps from the event, and be inspired by how God is actively moving—in Boston as it is in heaven.

P.S. Check out all the photos from the day here!

What a day at Boston Flourish!

The Boston Flourish movement recently marked a major milestone, celebrating five years of convening Christian leaders, students, pastors, and marketplace professionals across Greater Boston to connect, learn, and shape a flourishing future for the region. Guided by the theme “A story unfolding, a legacy in motion,” nearly 200 participants gathered around a shared conviction: following Jesus to foster a city where every neighbor can truly flourish.

Boston Flourish bridges pastors, nonprofit practitioners, community advocates, business executives, and emerging leaders to make an impact on key issues facing our city. What started as an annual gathering has now matured into an ongoing movement—one carried forward through deep relationships, shared resources, cross-sector initiatives, and Christ-centered action. Together, we are becoming the body of Christ that we are created to be: “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love as each part does its work” (Eph 4:16).

Redefining Revival: The Blueprint of Isaiah 58

UniteBoston’s Executive Director Rev. Kelly Fassett opened our gathering with a keynote from Isaiah 58, challenging us to expand our traditional understanding of spiritual awakening:

“Revival is bringing life back to the whole community—confronting injustice and restoring right relationship between God, people, and systems so that every neighbor experiences the flourishing God intends.”

Drawing on both biblical foundations and Boston’s rich spiritual heritage, Rev. Fassett emphasized that true revival moves beyond spiritual devotion to dismantle systemic brokenness. Isaiah 58 makes it clear that if we loose chains of injustice and share food with the hungry, then God’s light will appear like the dawn. When the Church addresses historic racial wealth gaps, housing burdens, and health disparities, we also stand with Jesus’ mission to bring Good News to the poor, proclaim freedom for captives, and that the oppressed will be set free (Luke 4:18). When we step across social and cultural divides to love one another in our fragmented world, we become a living testament to the reconciling power of Jesus Christ.

Signposts of Revival in Boston

Ongoing signs of revival were named clearly—Here are signs of God’s kingdom advancing across key issue areas championed by Boston Flourish over the years:

In Our Schools: 35 churches and community organizations partnering with 23 public schools across Boston and Cambridge with the Boston Education Collaborative, serving roughly 5,000 students every year.
In Second Chances: 14 formerly incarcerated men and women completing 56 workdays to restore and reupholster 772 historic sanctuary seats at Tremont Temple Baptist Church.
In Compassionate Advocacy: 155 Christians mobilizing in under 24 hours to file a petition for habeas corpus and secure the release of Pastor Raúl from unjust immigration detention—all while he was actively sharing the hope of Christ in the detention center.
In Healing & Protection: Hundreds of women vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking receiving weekly wraparound care with Route One Ministry, with the launch of a new drop-in center in Cambridge this fall.
In Immigrant Solidarity: 15 cross-church partnerships with Welcome NST coordinating 13 legal consultation clinics for families navigating shifting TPS policies. (Note: Eight Haitian congregations are actively seeking sister-church partnerships)
In Restorative Generosity: Episcopal City Mission distributing $1.3 million in direct payments to Black and Brown grassroots organizers as an act of tangible repentance and structural repair.
In Spiritual Rebirth: New England experiencing a remarkable 90% increase in baptisms over the past several years.
In Faithful Presence: 60 volunteer chaplains representing 16 Christian traditions keeping prayerful vigil outside the Burlington ICE facility to walk alongside immigrant families reporting for check-ins.
In Street-Level Transformation: Over the last three years, the number of churches and ministries represented from among those volunteering at Miracle Mile Ministries has quadrupled, from 47 in 2022 to 253 in 2025. As Pastor Sam Acevedo shared, they are “channeling the power of the Holy Spirit, through the body of Christ, to transform what has been known as ‘Methadone Mile’ into ‘Miracle Mile’… one soul at a time.”

A tangible expression of this shared infrastructure is the Boston Immigrant Resource Dashboard (BIRD). While Boston is often described as resource-rich but connection-poor, BIRD bridges this gap. Developed through a collaborative effort that began at Boston Flourish three years ago among non-profit leaders, pastors, civic leaders, and immigrant service providers, the platform connects new arrivals with essential services such as legal aid, ESOL classes, and workforce training.

BIRD celebrates an increasing collaboration with Boston’s Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement (MOIA), where MOIA’s intern Victoria Rodriguez is devoting 5 hours per week to assist with onboarding providers and communication with BIRD.

MOIA Director Courtney White Sharing about BIRD at last week’s Boston Immigrant Advancement Forum

Rev. Dr. Melinda Priest, Pastor of Awaken City Church and DOJ rep for Immigrant Connection at Awaken City shared about her doctoral research on collaborative conversations for city-wide gospel movement. Rev. Melinda worked with Kelly to co-lead BIRD; many of the conversations from Boston Flourish informed her research. It’s exciting to know that research now shows how strategically planned conversations with catalytic conveners increases gospel movement in the city of Boston!

Collaborative Breakouts & Emerging Strategies

After the morning plenary, leaders dug into three focused areas of regional impact in three breakouts:

Leading Across Generations: As Greater Boston churches navigate a pivotal season of pastoral transitions—highlighted in a recent Boston Globe feature on Bishop Matthew Thompson Sr.’s consecration at Jubilee Christian Church—seasoned pastors and emerging leaders alike are discerning next steps. Drawing from a year of citywide listening by the Emmanuel Gospel Center (EGC), Jane Yim, EGC’s Director of Applied Research, facilitated an interactive workshop on intergenerational leadership and the adaptive structures needed to ensure lasting ministry vitality.
The Boston Youth Ministry Project: Rev. Dr. Virginia Ward hosted an engaging, podcast-style dialogue exploring the state and future of urban youth ministry. This conversation with the older generation marks the first installment of a three-part series sponsored by a grant to BMA TenPoint. Seasoned youth leaders Pastor Reggie Smalls and Minister Rochelle Jones discussed the current challenges and aspirations faced by the urban church in reaching and disciplining youth. In our afternoon session, Rev. Dr. Ray Hammond and Bishop Brian Greene shared their insights gained from years of pastoring multiple generations. Intergenerational table conversations produced additional feedback for the project. Attendees expressed interest in participating in the upcoming podcasts.
1. Next steps involve having conversations with younger generations later in November and an intergenerational conversation in January 2027. The findings from these conversations will be compiled and distributed in the spring of 2027.
Miracle Mile: Rev. Sam Acevedo and Evelyn Abrau from Congregación León de Judá walked leaders through the frontline ministry of Miracle Mile. They shared how churches and volunteers are working together to bring compassionate, sustained care to neighbors facing homelessness and addiction, and inspired participants to develop a similar outreach in their own neighborhood or city. It was powerful to see synergies emerge across local organizations around launching mentoring initiatives and trauma-informed care—and a vision was sparked for a citywide Miracle Mile coalition to support all those who are engaged in similar work.
1. The best way to see the transformative power of the Holy Spirit at work through Miracle Mile is to experience it! Join Evelyn and their team on every Saturday morning at 8am at Congregation Lion of Judah, 20 Reed Street, Boston MA. Register Here.
2. Join for a follow-up Miracle Mile Follow-Up Zoom Call on Thurs. Nov. 19 from 12pm to 1pm to hear updates on the mentoring initiative, next steps for creating research to demonstrate the value of Miracle Mile, as well as a Miracle Mile coalition. Register Here.

Honoring Faithful Pioneers: The Boston Flourish Legacy Awards

The afternoon session concluded by presenting the Boston Flourish Legacy Award to three couples whose decades of selfless leadership have helped pave the way for this movement:

Jeff and Ellen Bass
Rev. Dr. Ray Hammond and Rev. Dr. Gloria White-Hammond
Rev. Dr. Lawrence Ward and Rev. Dr. Virginia Ward

Each person reflected on how God’s redeeming work has built bridges across theological, civic, and economic divides in our city, while also highlighting the vital role of deep, trusting friendships among these three couples. Highlighting the generational legacy, hip-hop artist Caleb McCoy joined his parents, Bill and Paulea Mooney-McCoy, for an inspiring intergenerational performance to close out our gathering.

This is the enduring legacy and ongoing promise of Boston Flourish: the Church linking arms across traditions, generations, and sectors to announce and embody the good news of Jesus Christ.

This is the Boston Revival: Many expressions. One Body. One mission.

For the flourishing of our city—in Boston as it is in heaven.

Oct 08 2026

Boston Will Flourish When We Transform Poverty & Addiction

“At our Miracle Mile breakfast on Saturday mornings, you can almost taste revival. Volunteers come from all over Boston and the region — 253 of them in 2025 — with every gift of the Holy Spirit on display: mercy, hospitality, healing, preaching, worship, and administrative leadership. My dream is that Christians throughout the city would lock arm in arm, turning Methadone Mile into Miracle Mile, one soul at a time.”
– Pastor Sam Acevedo, Pastor of Congregation Lion of Judah

In the weeks leading up to Boston Flourish, we are featuring the organizations making a powerful legacy across our city. This week, we’re highlighting Miracle Mile Ministries, a long-standing inter-church initiative bringing hope, healing, and transformation to the heart of Boston.

We had the chance to sit down with Pastor Sam Acevedo to learn about how this ministry began, the reality on the streets today, and how this collaborative outreach is a picture of spiritual revival.

Tell us a little bit about Miracle Mile Ministries

Miracle Mile Ministries is a collaborative of churches devoted to a sustained, deliberate, strategic response to the area we call “Miracle Mile,” a roughly 2-square-mile area in the South End of Boston often referred to as “Mass & Cass” or “Methadone Mile.” It is led by a core group of six Boston-area Lead Churches (Congregación León de Judá, Antioch Community Church Brighton, Cornerstone Church, Restoration City Church, Hilltop Church and Symphony Church) and also involves a dozen or so churches and parachurch ministries from throughout Boston’s neighboring communities who faithfully support this effort, week after week.

Wow, that’s really awesome to hear. Can you tell us about this ministry began?

This ministry began in 2012 as a weekly sidewalk outreach on Saturday mornings at Congregación León de Judá , serving coffee and making friends with people in the neighborhood around the church who were enduring homelessness and other needs. In 2014, “the breakfast” moved into Lion of Judah’s basement fellowship hall, allowing the church to serve a fuller breakfast, year-round, and conduct an evangelistic service. Over time, volunteers from area churches and ministries would flock to the “breakfast,” and today there are dozens of volunteers who contribute to make this ministry happen on a weekly basis.

How has it built and grown over the years?

Miracle Mile Ministries has the privilege of feeding and clothing anywhere from 60 to 100 guests each week, who come – to either of what are now two “campuses,” at Lion of Judah or Restoration City Church – from the neighboring streets and surrounding shelters. Now, we serve over 1,100 guests each year at Lion of Judah, alone – many of them struggling with the ravages of substance abuse addiction, working hard on coming clean, getting on their feet, and achieving their destiny.

Today, at our Miracle Mile breakfast on Saturday mornings, you can almost taste revival. Volunteers come from all over Boston and the region — 253 of them in 2025 — with every gift of the Holy Spirit on display: mercy, hospitality, healing, preaching, worship, and administrative leadership. And something is brewing – besides coffee. Over the last three years, the number of churches and ministries represented from among those volunteering at Miracle Mile Ministries has quadrupled (a stunning 438% rise), from 47 in 2022 to 253 in 2025!

I see Miracle Mile Ministries becoming the “base camp” for an ever-increasing concentration of the Kingdom of God against this region’s opioid crisis. The Holy Spirit draws these volunteers to the hope of witnessing lives transformed.

What is the approach you take to serve those struggling with addiction?

First, we meet immediate needs, as Jesus asks His followers to do in Matthew 25: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me…” Every Saturday, we serve hot food, coffee, and essential clothing—forming a literal “conveyor belt of love.”

Then, we introduce our guests to the gospel through open-air worship, prayer booths, street corner outreach, and Alpha small groups tailored specifically to foster spiritual growth and community among those experiencing homelessness and addiction.

In the coming days, we’re hoping to develop a more intentional case management approach and mentorship with the Together Initiative and also equipping our volunteers with trauma healing training so they can compassionately support individuals navigating complex trauma and mental health struggles.

Photos from a recent breakfast with guests and the worship ministry

What transformation have you seen take place?

The ultimate goal of Miracle Mile Ministries is to see our guests take solid steps toward a life free from despair and addiction. Over the years, we have seen dozens of guests placed in transitional housing or their own apartments, successfully complete residential recovery programs, and maintain long-term sobriety.

Most poignantly, we have watched individuals transform from guests seeking refuge from years on the street into active volunteers, Bible study participants, and thriving members of the Body of Christ. This is a true taste of revival!

I’d encourage you to watch Jerome’s story below. In the three years since Jerome first came to Miracle Mile, Jerome has moved into his own one-bedroom apartment, he recently celebrated his first Christmas with his family in 45 years, and has become an indispensable member of the Miracle Mile Team. “If I can change in the 60-something years I was doing alcohol and drugs, trust me you can change, too.”

What is your dream for your ministry? How can Christians in Boston come alongside your efforts?

My dream is to see the Church rise up as a synchronized unit to confront the forces of darkness surrounding this crisis.

Volunteers are always needed for everything from organizing supplies and serving food to leading small groups, offering prayer, and engaging neighbors on the street. My dream remains that Christians throughout our region lock arms to push back darkness and transform Methadone Mile into Miracle Mile, one soul at a time.

Continue the Story at Boston Flourish 2026

As we celebrate our fifth year at Boston Flourish, we are honoring stories like Miracle Mile—a story that started over a decade ago and remains a legacy in motion.

Join Pastor Sam Acevedo and ground-level ministry partners on October 29 for two dedicated breakout workshops:

AM Workshop: Turning ‘Methadone Mile’ into ‘Miracle Mile’

Learn how volunteers from over 200 churches have united to bring hope, dignity, and care to neighbors at Mass & Cass and hear firsthand testimonies of transformed lives. Then, join us to collaborate on strategies that integrate new mentorship programs, specialized Alpha groups, and trauma-healing training into their ministry.

PM Workshop: Taking the “Miracle” Beyond “the Mile”

This interactive session shifts outward to ask: “Could God be calling us to start an expression of Miracle Mile Ministries in our own neighborhood or city?” Explore key conditions, leadership development, and practical steps to replicate collaborative outreach in your neighborhood.

Join Us at Boston Flourish 2026

Theme: A Story Unfolding: A Legacy in Motion
Date & Time: Thursday, October 29 | 9am to 5pm
Location: Local 103 IBEW • Dorchester, Massachusetts

Get Your Tickets to Boston Flourish 2026 Here!

(Discounted Student & Group Rates Available!)

Aug 14 2026

Convergence: Becoming a River of Healing

Unity isn’t something we have to manufacture; it’s a reality Jesus has already accomplished that we are called to actively practice together. Pastor Josiah Armstrong—reformer, revivalist, and founder of The Body United —challenges us to cross denominational, cultural, and generational lines to steward what God is releasing across New England.

Dive into his blog reflection below, and register now for The Body United: A Divine Convergence happening September 11–12 right here in Boston!

P.S. If you are interested in learning how to lead your community in the peacemaking, reconciling Way of Jesus, consider joining us for the Online Beloved Community Lab. Applications are due this Friday August 21!

There are moments when God calls His people not simply to do more, or continue on in business as usual, but to shift and come together differently.

We believe we are living in such a moment.

Across Boston, New England, and beyond, God is stirring His Church. New believers are coming to faith. Churches are being strengthened. Leaders are being raised up. Communities are being served. New ministries and initiatives are emerging. There is a growing hunger for the presence of God and a renewed desire to see the Gospel embodied in ways that bring hope, healing, and transformation to our cities.

Yet in the midst of all that God is doing, we must ask an important question:

How will we steward what God is releasing among us?

No single church, denomination, ministry, or network can contain everything God desires to do. We need one another.

Psalm 46 gives us a beautiful picture: “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.” The picture is not of one stream replacing another, but of many streams converging into one river—bringing life to the city and ultimately becoming a source of healing.

Photo by Rolands Varsbergs on Unsplash

This is the heart behind Body United.

Body United is not an attempt to erase our distinctions or create another organization. It is an invitation to discover what becomes possible when the diverse expressions of Christ’s Church learn to walk together in the reconciliation Jesus has already accomplished for us.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that Christ Himself is our peace. He has broken down walls of hostility and made us one (Eph 2:14). Unity, then, is not something we manufacture; it is something Jesus has already given us. Our calling is to learn how to walk in it.

And this is where the challenge becomes deeply practical.

We live in a divided world. Political, racial, cultural, theological, and generational divisions are increasingly shaping how people see one another. Sadly, the Church has not been immune. We see silos between denominations, cultures, networks, theological traditions, generations, and expressions of ministry. We can faithfully labor in our own assignments while remaining largely disconnected from the rest of the Body of Christ laboring around us.

We cannot believe that this is the fullness of what Jesus intended.

Jesus prayed in John 17 that His people would be one, “as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You.” And He connected that unity to the witness of the Church: “that the world may believe.”

That means our unity is not merely an internal concern for the Church. It is part of our mission.

The question, then, is not simply, “Do we believe in unity?” The question is, “Will we practice it?”

What would it look like for us to intentionally cross the lines that have separated us? To sit at tables with people who don’t look like us, worship exactly like us, or share all of our theological language? To listen before we critique? To honor what God has entrusted to another part of the Body? To choose relationship over suspicion, reconciliation over rivalry, and love over territorialism?

This is where convergence becomes more than a gathering. It becomes a way of life.

I remember experiencing a small glimpse of this at a previous Body United gathering. Leaders who had served in the same region for years sat around tables together, some meeting one another for the first time. They came from different traditions and expressions of the Church, yet as they shared stories, listened, prayed, and discovered one another’s assignments, something began to happen. Barriers that had existed simply because people had never met began to disappear. What had been separate became relational. And what became relational suddenly became possible.

That is the power of convergence.

It is more than gathering in the same room. It is coming to the table—to listen, to honor, to learn, to pray, to discern, and to ask, “What is God doing among us, and how might we participate together?”

So, what do we do now?

We begin by saying yes.

Yes to relationship. Yes to reconciliation. Yes to the humility required to learn from one another. Yes to the hard and beautiful work of practicing the “one another” commands of Scripture across the lines that have historically divided us.

We begin by finding one another.

Pastors need to know pastors outside their denomination. Churches need to know the churches serving their neighborhoods. Ministries need to discover the resources and gifts present in other streams. Leaders need places where they can listen, discern, pray, and dream together. We need rhythms of relational connection that move beyond occasional events into sustainable patterns of collaboration.

And then we begin to work together- to build the kingdom side by side.

We pray together. We serve our communities together. We respond to needs together. We share resources. We strengthen and train leaders. We collaborate around mission. We celebrate what God is doing in another church as though it were happening in our own.

This is the radical shift required for the next season.

If God is entrusting His Church with a greater measure of His presence, influence, harvest, and responsibility, then we need a new wineskin capable of stewarding what He is releasing. We cannot carry a new work of God with old patterns of isolation, competition, suspicion, and fragmentation.

We need to recover the ancient paths in our modern times.

The wineskin must become relational as God always intended it- as a covenantal family.

It must become collaborative.

It must become mature.

It must look like a people who don’t merely preach reconciliation but embody it; who don’t merely sing about oneness but practice it; who don’t merely affirm the Body of Christ in theology but actually make room for the whole Body in relationship and mission.

This is the prophetic witness our divided world needs.

Imagine what Boston might see if the Church became a visible demonstration of another way of living together. Imagine Pentecostal and Presbyterian, Catholic and evangelical, charismatic and traditional, younger and older, Black, white, Latino, Asian, immigrant and native-born believers discovering that their differences do not have to prevent their love.

Imagine the city seeing a people who disagree on some things but refuse to divide over them; who honor truth without sacrificing love; who pursue holiness without losing humility; who carry different assignments but share one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one mission.

This is convergence.

Many streams. One river.

Many expressions. One Body.

Many assignments. One mission.

And one Lord who is worthy of a Church that faithfully reveals His Son.

The hope of Body United is not simply that we would gather. It is that we would become—a people increasingly formed into the likeness of Christ, walking in the unity He prayed for, and releasing through our relationships transformative good works and a visible witness of His glory.

As we converge, may God teach us to walk in the reconciliation He has given us, to embrace the gifts He has placed in one another, and to become a river of His presence that makes glad our cities and brings healing to the land.

Jesus, make us one. Teach us to walk together.  And let our unity become a visible witness of Your glory.

Save the Date: Experience “Convergence” Live on September 11–12

If Josiah’s message resonates with you, we invite you to move from reading about unity to practicing it! The Body United 2026 Gathering is bringing together Christians of all backgrounds to seek God’s wisdom and vision for our cities. Through shared worship, strategic conversations, and relational networking, this event aims to build sustainable, long-term partnerships across New England.

Last year, over 1200 people attended from over 120 different churches and ministries! Space is limited for this regional gathering—click here to view the schedule and secure your spot!

Jul 31 2026

Join the Online Beloved Community Lab Cohort

Monthly on Thursdays, 10:00AM to 1:00PM | Starts October 1 | Application Due August 21

– Do you long for a depth of unity that honors our unique cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, rather than ignoring them?-

– How do we follow Jesus’ call to love our neighbors – and our enemies – while holding fast to our deepest convictions?

– Do you want to explore how our differences can strengthen our connections to one another instead of fracturing us apart?

– Do you long for the Church to be known for what we are for, rather than what we are against?

– Do you desire to be an ambassador of reconciliation and grow in learning how to lead your community in the peacemaking, reconciling Way of Jesus?

– Do you have a longing to see the Church get beyond our fractured witness?

If these questions stir up something inside you, then the Beloved Community Lab might be for you!

A New Kind of Leadership for a Divided Time

Despite Jesus’ clear mandate for unity and welcoming all to the table, churches remain some of the most divided institutions in our society. With over 45,000 Christian denominations and countless divides over race, gender, theology, and politics, the Church’s fractured witness stands in stark contrast to Jesus’ prayer that we would be one (John 17).

A team of diverse Christian leaders in Boston recognized this gap and came together to ask:
What kind of discipleship is needed to form leaders who uphold God’s call for unity and oneness in today’s world?

Through prayer, study, and listening, UniteBoston has been on a three-year journey of developing the Beloved Community Lab, a unique opportunity for Christian leaders to come together across lines of difference to learn and practice unity, justice, and reconciliation in their leadership contexts.

We call this a “lab” because it combines core theological concepts with real-world application through case studies, interactive exercises, and spiritual practices. This cohort is a space for spiritual formation—shaping participants into peacemakers and reconcilers, growing into the life and way of Jesus. Read the story and fruit emerging behind about our pilot cohort here and a reflection by cohort alum Dr. Michael James.

If we want to see a different kind of world and a more embodied Christian witness, we must become different kinds of people. Our pilot Beloved Community Lab cohort is an experiment in Christian unity that seeks to change not just what we know, but how we live.

Details

WHEN: Thursdays from 10:00AM to 1:00PM EST (Approx every three weeks)

FORMAT: Zoom

COST: $600 to $1000 (Sliding scale)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 21, 2026

WHO SHOULD APPLY:
Christian leaders who value unity, reconciliation, and justice—and want to grow in living these out. We are seeking to convene a cohort community that come from a wide range of denominational, theological, racial/ethnic, and generational backgrounds. This cohort in particular is designed for Christian leaders who are interested in bringing the Beloved Community Lab to their contexts and cities.

Click here to see the Beloved Community Lab Cohort PDF to learn more about the vision, dates, core competencies, and more.

We believe there’s no better time than now for Christ followers to prioritize the ministry of reconciliation by engaging well across our deep differences – serving as peacemakers in our fractured world. Today’s algorithms and silos will seek to keep us fractured and divided, but God calls us to a different way.

Some of the most transformational moments in life happen when we journey with others. Are you ready to walk the uniting, reconciling way of Jesus—with courage, compassion, and community?

Apply by August 21 to join the pilot cohort.

Let’s grow together as peacemakers in a fractured world.

Jul 31 2026

Mending Divides: How 16 Boston Christian Leaders Pressed into Deep Difference as Beloved Community

In a culture fractured by hostility, what if the path to Christian unity runs directly through our differences rather than around them? The Beloved Community Lab was created to move beyond shallow tolerance and instead cultivate a daily discipleship of peacemaking and reconciliation.

Read below about the fruit that is emerging from our pilot cohort, and learn how you can join the movement this fall!

By Rev. Kelly Fassett

There we were at the Bethany House of Prayer in Arlington, sitting in a circle and reflecting on the year. As we went around the room sharing what this year had meant to us, two pastors spoke back-to-back. The contrast between them was striking—one hailing from a conservative-leaning theological tradition, the other a progressive clergy member in a mainline denomination.

Yet, the unity in the room was palpable. They spoke not of theological compromise, but of a quiet, uncanny kinship—a mutual affection that genuinely willed the good of the other. One described the year as a personal “journey from tentativeness to greater dimensions of security and affection,” describing their friendship as God-ordained. The other reflected: “In my tradition, I thought I knew a lot about tolerance and radical welcome. But being in close contact with Christians who profess quite different, often deeply (and personally) challenging theological views was something I was little prepared for. The point, of course, was not to change one another’s minds. Instead, it was to find ways to love each other. And I can say that this really did happen, slowly but genuinely… This alone feels like a miracle, and I am deeply, deeply grateful for it.”

Standing at the intersection of such profound difference and profound love raises a core question for the Church today: What is at the heart of the unity we seek as followers of Jesus, and how do we actually get there?

Moving Beyond Papered-Over Peace

Historically, efforts towards Christian unity have often centered high-level doctrinal negotiations—ecumenical councils of bishops and theologians ironing out statements of belief. While doctrine is vital—at UniteBoston, we hold steadfast to the foundational truths of the Nicene Creed—we are convinced that statements alone cannot heal a fractured Church.

Perhaps the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17 is less about structural consensus and more of an invitation into the dynamic, relational dance of the Trinity itself. After all, Jesus did not leave us a checklist; He offered Himself, saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” If our shared relationship with Jesus is the most fundamental reality of our identity and purpose, then we believe Christ is the anchor capable of holding us together across deep divides.

However, I’ve seen the Church too often settling for a shallow, ‘kumbaya’ togetherness that papers over difference with polite tolerance. I’ve become dismayed by how this plays out in events I attend: at ‘unity’ gatherings, I often notice that the room is predominantly white, while ‘justice’ events are led by BIPOC individuals and those on the margins. There is a tendency to treat unity and justice as competing priorities, but this is a false dichotomy because we know that God is about both unity AND justice.

Here at UniteBoston, we are beginning to cultivate a framework for Deep Unity—believing that the path to Christian oneness runs directly through our differences, not around them. Our aim is unity in reconciled diversity—a oneness cultivated and sustained not by watering down our differences or focusing on the least common denominator, but through diverse friendships in beloved community.

Deep Unity is a daily lifestyle and discipleship practice that:

Refuses to pretend differences don’t matter, choosing instead to honor the unique cultures and perspectives that enrich the body of Christ.
Cultivates the courage to stay at the table when conversations become difficult or uncomfortable, rather than retreating into ideological silos.
Approaches others with humility, curiosity, and generosity, remembering that we all “know in part” (1 Cor 13:9) and need one another to see God clearly.
Pursues justice for the vulnerable through cruciform solidarity—sacrificing power, privilege, and resources for the well-being of our neighbor towards holistic flourishing.
Listens deeply and tends to places of historical wounds, seeking the active redemption and restoration of broken relationships toward God’s vision of shalom.

The Birth of the Beloved Community Lab

Three years ago, a diverse group of Boston Christian leaders gathered around a burning question: What kind of discipleship actually forms leaders who can embody this kind of deep unity in a fractured world? We knew the answer had to move beyond mere debates, books, sermons, and conferences. What we needed was an intentional experience of holistic spiritual formation—a space that cultivated healthy engagement across Christians of differing backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. Out of that prayerful inquiry, the Beloved Community Lab (BCL) was born.

We call it a “lab” because it is both theological and practical—a courageous space to reflect, experiment, and practice with fellow Christians in a variety of leadership contexts. The 12-session curriculum centers on five foundational pillars: Belovedness, Diversity, Reconciliation, Justice, and Shalom. We operated on a simple truth: reconciliation is the Gospel, and true healing requires us to press into areas of deep disagreement so the love of Christ can mend what is broken.

The 2025–2026 Pilot Cohort: A Mosaic of Faith

From September 2025 through June 2026, we had the honor of piloting this curriculum with a cohort of sixteen courageous Boston-based pastors and ministry leaders. Representing a vast theological and denominational mosaic—including Reformed Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical Covenant, African Methodist Episcopal, Catholic, Episcopal, Nazarene, Assemblies of God, and United Church of Christ—this group gathered monthly to do the heavy, sacred work of bridge-building.

Bridge-building is demanding, holy work, and our year together was no exception. We navigated hard conversations and conflict involving tension across perspectives and life experiences. This is the hard work of beloved community: coming together across profound differences will inevitably stretch and cost everyone something. Reconciliation is cruciform—it is shaped like the cross and is, by its very nature, uncomfortable.

The unity Jesus prays for is not found by ignoring our convictions, but by cultivating the courage to stay at the table when tension arises. In fact, these places of tension and discomfort become the very soil where we become formed into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Gina Tillotson-Cordy, Pastor of Lynn First Church of the Nazarene, reflects on how the frameworks, conversations, and collaborative spaces within the lab shifted her perspective, equipping her to practice radical hospitality and see others more deeply as “beloved.”

For Rev. Rocklyn E. Clarke, Pastor of Life Church Boston, staying at the table provided a clearer mirror for his own ministry. He shared that the cohort gave him “a better understanding of the perspectives with which I differ and a better understanding of how to express my own perspectives. It has equipped me to better love my brothers and sisters in Christ and my neighbors who are not yet followers of Jesus.”

Similarly, Rev. Dr. Daniel Montañez, Executive Director of the Center for Public Theology & Migration, found that the space expanded his vision for the Church’s public witness: “I was challenged to reimagine what true unity within the body of Christ can look like and why it matters today. The experience has inspired me to envision the body of Christ as a model of reconciliation, justice, and abundant life for a hurting world.”

Additionally, Jeff Bass, Vice Chair of Stewards at New Roots AME and former Executive Director of the Emmanuel Gospel Center, reflected on how invaluable it was to press into the hard concepts of Christian unity alongside a broad cross-section of the Church, forging relationships that will bear fruit for years to come.

Ultimately, as Rev. Jihyon (Sophia) Kim, Youth Pastor at First Korean Church of Cambridge, summarized: “More than anything, this experience reminded me that reconciliation is not simply another ministry strategy—it is part of the Gospel itself.”

Highlights from the Closing Retreat: Mending and Commissioning

To close the inaugural Beloved Community Lab Cohort, we had a closing retreat at Bethany House of Prayer in Arlington. We took time to debrief our journey together and prayerfully discern tangible next steps toward that vision, committing to carry the work of reconciliation into our own communities and leadership contexts.

One of the most moving—and comedic—moments of the retreat was a physical parable of our year together: creating our Beloved Community Mending Blanket. Each person brought a piece of fabric representing their community or context, and together we began weaving them into what will become an ever-growing tapestry of unity in diversity.

Like visible mending, the goal isn’t to hide the seams or erase our differences. The imperfections are the point. Christ holds together our diverse stories, cultures, and experiences, allowing us to see God more fully. It stands as a visible reminder that our distinct, fragmented stories are far stronger when mended together… even with memories of beginner’s mistakes, like accidentally attaching the tablecloth to the blanket!

We concluded the retreat by commissioning each participant as an Ambassador of Reconciliation, where participants named their next steps to implement this into their contexts, and we prayed over each person to extend this work in the places God has called them to live, work, and play. We will continue to meet regularly to continue learning, practicing, and reflecting together as a Beloved Community Lab cohort family.

When Relationships Become Collaboration

The retreat may have ended, but the work of mending divides is just beginning. One of the greatest joys of the Beloved Community Lab is watching trust transform into concrete partnerships. In our closing session, when asked what they wanted to do with their Beloved Community Lab journey next, many participants shared a deep desire to collaborate across denominational and cultural lines.

This vision is already bearing fruit in real-time. Just this past Sunday, Rev. Cristina Rathbone, Executive Director of Common Cathedral and Rev. Devlin Scott, Pastor of NewCity Church came together in worship and service on the Boston Common. For the second year in a row, NewCity Church had the privilege of serving lunch before worship and joining the Common Cathedral community in celebrating God’s presence among neighbors who are unhoused and housed alike. Additionally, Life Church and Neighborhood Church of Dorchester both co-sponsored a gospel night with the Boston Project Ministries in the streets of Dorchester.

These are beautiful, living expressions of the Gospel and a reminder that the Church is at its best when we cross boundaries to love, serve, and worship together. This is what we hope the Beloved Community Lab will cultivate: relationships that grow into partnerships, partnerships that become shared ministry, and shared ministry that bears witness to the reconciling love of Christ: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn. 13:35). May this be said of us, today.

Looking Forward: Expanding the Movement

As this pilot year came to a close, we began to hear of leaders in other contexts who share a longing to bring the journey of mending divides to their own contexts. We believe this instinct and dream for deep unity is something the Holy Spirit is birthing in our day and age.

In response to this growing movement, UniteBoston is thrilled to announce the next chapter of our story:

Beloved Community Consulting Opportunities & Workshops: We are extending customized training, interactive workshops, and coaching to help local congregations and community organizations put these concepts into practice in their own staffs and leadership teams.
Online Beloved Community Lab Cohort (Launching Fall 2026): We are officially opening up our 12-session interactive curriculum to pastors and ministry leaders nationwide who have interest in bringing this to their contexts and cities through a digital cohort space and in-person closing retreat.

The Beloved Community Lab is far more than a leadership program—it is an active experiment in Christian unity that meets this cultural moment with grace, truth, and hope. As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in living out this mission, leaning into difference without fear, and embodying the reconciling love of Christ across every line that seeks to divide us.

Interested in bringing the Beloved Community Lab to your church or joining our Fall Online Cohort? Contact our team at info@uniteboston.com – we’d love to hear from you!