transformation – Page 3

Oct 06 2025

A Reparations Summit: An Episcopal Call to Moral Witness & Action

Join us for a summit calling the Episcopal Church in Massachusetts to truth, repair, and transformation. The Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas will deliver the keynote address, followed by stories from Christ Church Cambridge, ECM, and other communities leading reparations efforts. Participants can also join learning and action tracks designed to meet congregations and leaders wherever they are on their journey. Free and open to all. Lunch will be provided. Registration required.

In-person, Click Here to Register

Saturday, November 8, 2025

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST

Sep 12 2025

United Gospel Experience Tour 2025–2026: Come Together, Stay Together, Worship Together

UniteBoston is thrilled to share the launch of the second year of the United Gospel Experience Tour! Centered on the theme “Come together, stay together, worship together” (Mt. 18:20), the tour centers on Jesus’ promise that “where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

In these challenging times, our prayer is that, through this united worship, God’s Spirit will move mightily to bring healing, reconciliation, and new life. We’ve discovered that when students from across New England join their voices in one choir, gospel music rises as a powerful proclamation of hope and freedom. Read below to learn more about this year’s tour and how you can be part of it.

Building Momentum: From Vision to Movement

When the United Gospel Experience Tour began last year, it was a dream that students from different campuses could come together and experience the power of worshiping Jesus as one. What unfolded was both beautiful and surprising.

Through four gatherings, students and community members discovered the joy of being part of something larger than themselves. Small choirs of 10–15 became part of a mass choir of more than 150. At each of the worship gatherings, people gleaned from the enthusiasm and faith of being led in worship by the next generation.

Anthony from Trinity College Gospel Choir shared, “Participating in the tour has reignited the passion that my students have for Jesus Christ. To see that others their age believe and want to worship like they do has helped them be more confident in their walk with Christ and in their desire to share the good news.”

What we’ve seen so far has encouraged us that God is at work. But we also know this is just the beginning, and we step into this second year with open hands, asking the Lord to continue guiding us.

Click below to watch a documentary of highlights and testimonies from last year’s gospel experience tour

Gospel Music as Witness and Liberation

For Dr. Craig Ramsey, founder of God’s Chosen Gospel Choir at Gordon College and visionary behind this initiative, gospel music is more than harmonies and rhythms. It is a living history of God’s liberating power — from the fields of slavery to the struggles for civil rights, to today’s call for reconciliation.

In rehearsals, Dr. Ramsey weaves in moments of reflection on this heritage: “Gospel music isn’t just another form of worship. It tells the story of a God who walks with people in their suffering, who sets them free, and who continues to bring liberation today.”

Students are not only learning songs; they are learning to see themselves as bearers of this story of hope and grow as disciples. As Dyna from UMass Lowell shared, “I’m so grateful to be part of this vision and have seen God move in the gatherings so far. I want to see miracles this year—people responding to the gospel, students healed and delivered and set free. Greater works shall we do!”

Dr. Ramsey with the students in the “God’s Chosen” choir

Unity in a Divided World

This year’s theme, “Come together, stay together, worship together” lifts up Jesus’ promise that “where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Mt 18:20).

For many students, this theme cuts straight to the needs of our time. Anthony from Trinity reflected, “The theme highlights something that is needed in our communities, country and world today. More and more people are watching church online or not even participating in worship anymore, which I believe has stifled the church as well as choirs while separating people from the love and need of community.”

Dyna from UMass Lowell added, “In this year’s theme, the word ‘together’ stands out. To me this means unity, as I know that God’s Spirit moves freely in unity. We can anticipate God to move freely and do miracles when we are all on one accord and unified together.”

We have seen that when hundreds of voices gather together, something shifts. Gospel music becomes not only a sound but a witness—proclaiming that Jesus Christ still heals, still reconciles, still saves. What better ‘good news’ is needed than this in our world today?

Testimonies of Transformation

We were grateful to see how the first year of the tour was marked by testimonies of God’s restoring work. Jeremy Davis from the University of Hartford noted, “Being part of the tour has brought a sense of boldness to the members of the choir. They’re able to see that other students from other colleges are doing the same thing, which puts their fears aside and makes them want to be better disciples.”

At one concert, students opened space for prayer at the end of the evening. Dyna recalls:

“A student came up for prayer and God healed her from anxiety that was of a demonic persuasion. As she was being prayed over, her hands slowly started being lifted up. She was free!”

Stories like this remind us that the United Gospel Experience Tour is more than a concert series—it can open up a space where the Holy Spirit can move.

Sarah-Ann Long from UHart added, “Last time on the tour, I was going through a lot and didn’t have a church home in Connecticut. Then I met Miss Elizabeth from Apostolic Fellowship Church; she took me to church and that church has been my church home. They filled the void I was having in my heart.”

These testimonies reveal the heart of the tour: united worship often leads to further blessings of healing, belonging, boldness, and deeper discipleship.

Strengthening Campus Choirs and Directors

Another unexpected blessing has been how the tour strengthened individual campus choirs and their leaders. For small choirs, the vision of being part of something bigger has been invigorating.

Dyna noted, “It’s very appealing to be able to tell students up front all the concerts and travel opportunities we have. I believe it has helped with member retention and the students have something to look forward to.”

Deion Kelly from Trinity College Gospel Choir shared, “This tour reminded the choir that we are part of a bigger picture than just our campus – we are part of the kingdom of Jesus Christ!

For directors, the tour has fostered a sense of solidarity. Anthony shared, “Being part of this tour has helped me to strengthen my connection with other gospel choir directors. They understand the struggle and the victory that comes with doing what we do; I now have a network and a support system that I feel I can call on when I need encouragement or advice.”

As you can see from these testimonies, this collaboration is sowing seeds for long-term sustainability of gospel choirs on campuses across New England.

Looking Ahead: This Year’s Tour

From fall 2025 through spring 2026, the tour will travel to Hartford, Providence, Lowell, and Boston. Each concert will gather students from Gordon College, UMass Lowell, Trinity College, University of Hartford, and Providence College into one united choir.

Deion Kelly, an alum of Trinity, expressed his excitement: “I am most excited about having my alma mater school be one of the locations! The tour was such a light to other campuses, and I want it to be shared at Trinity College!”

And looking toward the finale in Boston, Anthony said: “The Bible states that, ‘Where two or three are gathered together in Jesus’ name, I am there in the midst of them.’ I am excited to see what miracles God will do when not only two but 300+ people are together, with like minds and hearts ready to worship Jesus Christ.”

Culminating Together in Boston

The tour will conclude on April 18, 2026, at Morningstar Baptist Church in Boston, gathering hundreds of students, alumni, and community members to celebrate God’s presence through gospel music.

Sarah-Ann put it beautifully: “This theme means that, while we are each going through a lot, when we worship together, we are one—raising our voices and praising our God. No matter who’s around us or what we’re going through, the praise for Him is always there.”

Our hope is that this finale will not just be the end of a concert series; it is a glimpse of the kingdom of God on earth—diverse, united, and ablaze with the love of Christ.

Save the Date & Join Us

We believe that the United Gospel Experience Tour is more than music—it’s a movement of young people bearing witness to the reconciling love of Christ through worship. As Jeremy Davis reminds us: “In today’s day and age, there are more reasons than ever to separate ourselves, but as children of God, we ought to overcome our differences and beliefs to lock in together.”

Mark your calendars for the 2025–2026 Gospel Experience Tour, and especially the finale at Morningstar Baptist Church, April 18, 2026. Stay connected for updates through UniteBoston’s weekly e-newsletter and social media (IG / FB). Together, let’s make this year a testimony of what happens when God’s people come together, stay together, and worship together.

Jul 14 2025

Building Beloved Community: A Journey of Unity, Truth, and Transformation

A year ago, a group of thirteen Christian leaders gathered under the shared hope of building something that could help the Church become more whole. Month by month, conversation by conversation, we started co-creating a discipleship experience for those longing to see reconciliation in the Church and the world. Our work together birthed the Beloved Community Lab—a hands-on curriculum for Christian leaders to come together across lines of difference to learn and practice unity, justice, and reconciliation in their leadership contexts.

We met monthly, each time bringing our full selves to the table. Our conversations were deep and vulnerable, marked by prayer, laughter, and the hard, necessary work of reckoning with the barriers that keep us from living out the oneness Jesus prays for. One standout moment was a case study exploring tensions between the Church and the LGBTQIA+ community. We examined two parallel narratives: one naming the harm and hubris often perpetuated by the Church, and the other acknowledging the pain and posture of resistance within some parts of the queer community. These conversations required courage and humility—and they reminded us of the work of holding truth with compassion that was central to Jesus’ ministry.

The journey wasn’t just intellectual—it was formational. “Participating in an ecumenical cohort gave me an opportunity to build friendships with Christians who are different than me,” shared Dr. Elizabeth Woodard. “This is of vital importance in being the diverse, beautiful Body of Christ in the community.” Others, like Pastor Sophia Kim from First Korean Church in Cambridge, reflected on how the experience fostered healing: “It helped me realize I wasn’t alone… We weren’t just gathering for discussions—we were creating a space where it felt safe to put our problems on the table, and to support one another as we sought God’s Kingdom together—in Jesus’ way.”

(Above, Pastor Jihyon (Sophia) Kim shares her testimony of participating in the cohorts at our spring “Fortify” Fundraising Party)

We concluded our cohort with a retreat in New Hampshire that deepened our learnings and close out the year together. Each group took time to present the “building blocks” they had developed for the Beloved Community Lab through embodied experiences that stirred mind, heart and imagination. One of our members shared her gifts by cooking an incredible meal, and we gathered around the table as a community—eating, singing, praying, and celebrating what God had done. We even sung songs around a makeshift “campfire” made out of stringed lights because it was too rainy to be outdoors. It was a glimpse of what unity in Christ could look like: a mosaic of voices, perspectives, and traditions seeking to love God and neighbor well.

Several participants shared how deeply this experience impacted their faith and leadership. “This cohort helped me see and know God more fully because of the insights and perspectives of this diverse body of believers,” said Katelyn Hannan. “They expanded my imagination for how I can love my neighbor—especially alongside the whole body of Christ as a collective witness.” Additionally, Pastor Sarah Gautier, pastor of Living Stones Boston, reflected, “The beauty of this journey was affirming that every part of the body is necessary in the work of unity… In our affirmation of one another’s belovedness, we saw the body of Christ come alive to new possibilities across differences.”

For many, the experience has already left a lasting impact. “The relationships I built in this cohort have already been transformative, impacting my ministry and my life in general,” wrote Rev. Tom Reid, pastor of Newton Presbyterian Church. “Thank you, UniteBoston, for your creativity and inspiring witness to the work of the Church here in Boston.” Kat Hampson, pastor of Riverwalk Church, adds, “This journey with my cohort has been life-changing. I have come to cherish these individuals, who were very different from me, as dearly beloved friends and siblings in Christ. Together, we have learned to listen to each other’s stories, seek deeper understanding in how we each engage with God and the world, and share our hearts for God and His Kin-dom.”

As we look ahead, we are excited to refine and expand this curriculum so that others might experience what we have—a journey that moves beyond surface-level unity toward deep reconciliation and repair. “Reflecting on my time in this cohort,” one participant shared, “one of the most significant lessons I learned was how to navigate disagreements without building walls of quiet judgment, but instead build stronger bridges of understanding.”

The Beloved Community Lab is a journey of spiritual formation—shaping participants into peacemakers and ambassadors of reconciliation, growing into the life and way of Jesus. We call this a “lab” because it combines core theological concepts with real-world application through case studies, interactive exercises, and spiritual practices.

We believe that if we want to see a different kind of world and a more embodied Christian witness, we must become different kinds of people. It is an experiment in Christian unity that seeks to change not just what we know, but how we live.

This fall, UniteBoston is launching a pilot group to experience the curriculum in community—and we’d love for you to consider joining us. If you want to grow in learning how to lead your community in the peacemaking, reconciling Way of Jesus, we invite you to come be part of this next chapter. Click here to learn more!

Jun 11 2025

CarePortal Area Director for Eastern Massachusetts

Click Here to Apply

OVERVIEW

You believe that people want to come together to care for the most vulnerable, yet they struggle to know who to help and how to connect. You know that children shouldn’t pay the highest price when families face extreme hardships, and you want to see the Church and the Community come together to care together. Colleagues would describe you as a steadfast organizational leader with a strategic mind, a compassionate heart, and a strong bias for action—a coalition builder committed to listening and facilitating unity (meaning concerted activity, not uniformity). Your ability to lead teams with clarity and humility while building relational partnerships to achieve measurable results allows you to be a positive agent for change.

CarePortal is Care-Sharing technology that drives action for local kids and families in crisis. We subscribe to the vision that through the Church and Community, there can be More Than Enough care for every child through the power of Care-Sharing in local communities before, during, and beyond foster care. The goal is transformation from child welfare to family well-being in the lives of hurting children/families, the Church, and the Community. We develop and mobilize robust Care-Sharing Networks and lead with Courage, Humility, and Excellence.

We do this through the local Church and in concert with child-serving organizations, businesses, and people who care – that’s where you come in.

POSITION SUMMARY
Area Director—Eastern Massachusetts

In this full-time role, you have a strong desire to see the strengthening and empowerment of the local children and families in your area, and you’re ready to lead and mobilize the CarePortal network in Massachusetts, one meaningful connection at a time. You’re goal-oriented, a self-starter, a creative problem-solver, and are committed to driving inspiration into action. You feel passionate about bridging the gap between child-serving
organizations, the Church, and business leaders to see transformation in your state–you’re energized by the opportunity to deepen and expand their impact by working together. You bring expertise in community engagement, networking, and fundraising and have the tenacity to both effectively cast the vision and develop the networks and resources needed to sustain it. You’re a leader that finds joy in cultivating a new market from the pilot phase and growing it to maturity. This position’s responsibilities will change as the area grows–from being boots on the ground to leading the area.

At CarePortal, we believe that children belong in the care of healthy, loving families and that families should be supported by a local church and caring members of their community. If you are ready to put your expertise to work for a mission you care deeply about, then join us, and let’s get started as we go all out to close the front door of the foster care system in Massachusetts and beyond.

Your Responsibilities Include

Pilot Phase:

Recruit, train, and empower churches, child-serving organizations, & community partners to make meaningful connections through the CarePortal network.
Cultivate, champion, and maintain positive, engaging, and dignity-oriented relationships with all organization partners as the regional representative of CarePortal.
Monitor and ensure an objective standard of excellence in the systematic use of CarePortal technology among all network partners.
Maximize the impact of the local Care-Sharing network by communicating and collaborating with all network partners to achieve specific, data-driven outcomes as outlined by CarePortal Success Standards.
Implement national new market strategy and prepare collaborative operational plans for the state.

Growth Phase:

Build relationships with key government leaders, representing CarePortal in citywide and statewide policy and partnership conversations.
Raise sustainable public & private funding, and recruit Community Champions.
Hire, onboard, & supervise Regional Managers & other direct team members.
Deliver financial and operational impact results as outlined by CarePortal Success Standards.
Establish high-influence relationships in support of CarePortal.
Champion CarePortal culture of supportive accountability and employee well-being.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills, You Bring to the Organization

Current resident of Eastern Massachusetts
3+ years of progressive sales, operations, or general management; advanced experience preferred
Excellent public speaking, interpersonal skills, and high emotional intelligence
Ability to lead coordinated efforts across organizations of diverse audiences and perspectives
Demonstrated experience in training/teaching (including the ability to teach others new tech platforms quickly)
Previous experience working with the Church, child-serving organizations, businesses, and community partners preferred
A passion for the social sector and a clear calling to this role and the CarePortal Core Values (Courage, Humility, and Excellence)
Ability to engage diverse networks of Church denominations and faith communities
Strong bias towards action and ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced & evolving environment
Proven experience building teams and managing talent
Proficient with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Zoom, and CRM systems preferred
Ability to travel nationally, locally and work remotely as needed
Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet with & accommodate community partners

The above description is not intended to be comprehensive, but rather a focused list of priorities. Success provides the opportunity to not only build a career but also bring much-needed support and care to local children and families in crisis across the United States. Successful candidates, like all CarePortal, LLC
employees, are expected to live and work consistent with CarePortal’s vision, mission, and values.

CarePortal, LLC, a subsidiary of the nonprofit organization The Global Orphan Project (GO Project), is a Care-Sharing technology that drives action for local kids and families in crisis. This platform, which brings Christian churches to the point of care for each request made on behalf of children and families, can be used to connect a diverse network of churches, child-serving agencies, businesses, and individuals who care. Learn more at www.careportal.org.

CarePortal, LLC offers a competitive benefits package for full-time positions (30+ hours per week) including health, dental, vision and employer paid life insurance, retirement savings and generous PTO plan and a highly competitive, market-indexed compensation when compared to similar non-profit roles. Compensation is commensurate with relevant skills and experience.

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers and seek diversity in candidates for employment.

The Global Orphan Project is a 501c3 nonprofit located at 3161 Wyandotte, Kansas City, MO 64111.

CarePortal LLC associates are at-will employees.

For consideration, submit your resume, application, and cover letter on our Careers page: careportal.org/careers

www.goproject.org www.careportal.org

Jun 02 2025

Transformational Listening: Soul Care Companions (TL1)

“I don’t want to walk away from God or my faith, but I don’t quite know how to walk with other Christians anymore…”

Perhaps you’ve said this yourself, had others confide something similar to you, or read in between the lines on social media posts. Whatever the case may be, this is something we hear & not just in the younger generations! When someone shares this with us, we don’t actually get discouraged, but hopeful. Hopeful, because we recognize the longing in them for a vulnerable relationship with God & one another that opens the door for true community. We believe one of the ways forward is through listening. But not just any listening, true contemplative & transformational listening that builds change & community. 10 years ago, we created our Transformational Listening: Soul Care Companions course with this in mind. Today it holds up to the test of time. Listening to God & one another makes a lasting difference. We can be contemplatives in action creating change in our inner lives with Christ & in our communities as we love one another. We have offered this course to church groups, organizations, & strangers that become lifelong friends. And now, we are offering it again to you. Will you join us?