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Bridging Divides Across Christians for the Flourishing of the City

Deconstructing Anxiety: What Faith Means to a Generation Raised on Crisis

By the Boston Flourish NextGen Team

This week, we feature another article introducing one of the key conversations shaping Boston Flourish 2025—the Next Gen focus on faith and formation among young adults. Deconstructing Anxiety: What Faith Means to a Generation Raised on Crisis explores how Boston’s emerging generation is navigating uncertainty, rediscovering faith, and inviting the Church to reimagine discipleship for an anxious age. From the challenge of “generational precarity” to the hope of a quiet revival, the Next Gen Team shares how belief is taking new shape in our city and what it means for the future of the Church.

Across Boston and beyond, a generation is coming of age in the aftermath of disruption. They’ve watched recessions reshape opportunity, pandemics redefine community, and politics fracture belonging. They’ve inherited a world where the ground seems to shift faster than they can plant their feet.

Sociologists have named them “The Anxious Generation.” This describes young people growing up in an era marked by constant crisis—economic instability, social isolation, digital overload, and cultural upheaval—that has left many feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, and searching for solid ground. Yet in the language of faith, we might also call them the hopeful generation—because even in their fear and anxiety, they are reaching for something real.

They are growing up in what The Boston Flourish NextGen Team is describing as generational precarity— not as catchy, we know. But what we mean is there is a pervasive sense of instability that shapes how young people think about the future: where they’ll live, what they’ll do, and whether they belong. But juxtaposed to this precarity, something powerful is stirring: a revival marked not by noise or spectacle, but by authenticity—a quiet turning of hearts back to God in a search for meaning, belonging, and peace. 

A Generation Formed by Fear, Searching for Faith

According to recent Barna research, church attendance among Gen Z and young adults is actually on the rise—with younger believers now participating more consistently than older generations. Despite widespread narratives of decline, this data reveals a generation not abandoning faith but reimagining it—seeking spaces where authenticity, belonging, and truth can coexist.

Across Boston, we see this reality reflected in real time. Young adults are returning to church communities and faith conversations not out of obligation, but out of hunger—for meaning that speaks to their lived experience and for a faith that holds up under pressure.

To me, generational precarity means that many young people are trying to build stable lives in a world that feels uncertain,” said Taylor Perry of Kingdom Builders Church. “It matters because it affects how we dream, make decisions, and trust that our efforts will lead to something lasting.

Others, like Elise Vernely, see how this instability touches deeper questions of identity and belonging:

Generational precarity to me means an uncertainty of identity, purpose, and belonging. There are so many messages about who you should be based on your race, age, or background—and that isn’t helpful. 1 Corinthians 12 teaches me that everyone is unique, everyone is needed, everyone is valued, and when we come together, we thrive. That’s the message young people need to hear today.

These reflections capture the paradox of this moment: fear and faith are shaping each other in real time. The same instability that once pushed young people away from church is now drawing them toward an authentic encounter with God—one not built on performance or certainty, but on presence. Beneath the anxiety, there is a growing hunger for belonging, purpose, and a faith big enough to hold their questions.

Listening to the Voices That Matter

That conviction has driven our journey as the NextGen Team —pastors, mentors, nonprofit leaders, and young adults working together under the umbrella of Boston Flourish 2025. Over the past several months, we’ve been listening closely to those who live and lead in this tension.

Several members of our team—Cady Malkemes, Amaris Hernandez Diaz, Taylor Perry, and Joe Rivers—represent the very generation we’re seeking to serve. Their honesty, questions, and conviction have grounded our work in lived experience rather than distant observation. They remind us that this generation’s story cannot be told about them—it must be told with them.

Alongside them, leaders like Jason Adams and Pastor Reggie Smalls bring years of experience serving students and young adults across Boston. Jason’s work has spanned campus ministry at UMASS Lowell, mentorship at the International Fellowship House in Back Bay, and youth education programs for the Department of Education in East Boston. Reggie’s leadership through the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative continues to equip young people for faith-based civic and community impact. Together, their work reflects the heartbeat of this initiative: forming young adults who are spiritually grounded, socially aware, and ready to lead.

We’ve also solicited insights from current campus ministry leaders across CRU, InterVarsity, and Chi Alpha, who affirm that while this generation’s struggles are real, there is also a growing hunger for belonging, purpose, and truth. Their experiences echo recent findings from Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program, whose research on generational precarity confirms what many of us see firsthand—that young adults are searching for anchors of meaning amid a culture of instability. Representatives from the program will join our Boston Flourish conversation to help shape a faithful response.

In that spirit, Elise Vernely offered a powerful theological reflection on this moment, drawing from 1 Corinthians 12:

“Generational precarity to me means an uncertainty of identity, purpose, and belonging. I thought of the scripture that says, ‘If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body?’ There are so many messages about who you should be based on your race, age, or background—and that isn’t helpful. No one is a monolith. 1 Corinthians 12 teaches me that everyone is unique, everyone is needed, everyone is valued, and when we come together, we thrive. That’s the message young people need to hear today.”

She continued,

“I am excited to be part of this year’s NextGen conversation because I see this as an opportunity to really make meaningful change for this generation and those to come. I see this as a divine opportunity to share my talents, gifts, and knowledge in a way that serves our youth and even breaks cycles.”

For Cady Malkemes of Neighborhood Church Dorchester, the heart of this work is deeply missional:

My excitement to be part of the NextGen Conversation is rooted in Matthew 28:19. As I reflect on the Great Commission, I am blessed to be part of not just a conversation but a team that is working toward readying and engaging the present generation of disciples to further disciple the Church.

Through these conversations, our team has found that this generation isn’t faithless—it’s faithful differently. They want discipleship that’s lived out loud, not locked in a classroom; mentorship that’s mutual, not one-directional; and faith that’s curious enough to engage the world, not retreat from it.

Our Emerging Response: From Events to Ecosystem

In response, we’re beginning to reimagine what engagement could look like for a generation that learns through story, dialogue, and experience. The NextGen team is exploring a rhythm of quarterly citywide gatherings—spaces designed to bridge college and non-college young adults, spiritual and civic life, and faith with everyday formation.

Rather than relying on traditional programming, we’re envisioning creative discipleship laboratories—think of the energy of a TED Talk, the small group vibe and relational depth of an Alpha Course, and the authenticity of a live podcast conversation. Each gathering would pair short, idea-driven talks with honest dialogue, worship, discussion and community connection. The hope is not just to inform minds but to ignite imagination—giving young adults the language, faith, and community to make sense of their world through the lens of Christ.

Still, we know that lasting transformation happens in ongoing relationships, not in one-time gatherings. That’s why we’re hoping to partner with campus ministries like CRU, InterVarsity, and Chi Alpha, and community-based ministries such as The Boston Project’s Young Adult Ministry (led by leaders like Cady Malkemes). Together, these ministries could offer discipleship pathways and small-group environments where participants continue growing after each gathering—spaces where conversation turns into formation.

If realized, this rhythm could begin to form a citywide ecosystem—a collaborative network that cultivates connection, community, and courage throughout the year. It’s not about hosting more events; it’s about testing ways to build trust and belonging among young adults who are rediscovering faith in an anxious age.

As Rev. Devlin Scott, Managing Director of UniteBoston and convener of the team, shared:

We don’t just want to host an event; we want to cultivate an ecosystem where the next generation knows they’re seen, valued, and sent.

This idea seems to reflect what many across Boston are sensing: that a quiet revival is stirring—not defined by crowds, but by curiosity; not by production, but by participation. It’s faith that speaks the language of this moment while helping a generation rediscover what’s timeless.

Faith Beyond the Fear

The Next Gen team will bring this vision to the Boston Flourish Conference on October 30, joining hundreds of civic, business, and faith leaders to imagine a city where everyone can flourish. Together, we’ll name the problem of generational precarity—and propose a pathway of hope rooted in collaboration, discipleship, and love that casts out fear.

Because if this is indeed the anxious generation, then it is also the one through whom God may be revealing a new kind of faith—honest, embodied, and unafraid to question.

Raised in the shadow of disruption, this generation is teaching the Church something profound: faith isn’t the absence of fear—it’s what we build together in spite of it.

Because maybe the real story of our time isn’t the crisis that shaped a generation—it’s the courage and revival that’s shaping what comes next.

National Council of Churches’ 75th Anniversary – In Boston!!

The National Council of Churches (NCC) invites Boston-area Christians to attend its upcoming 75th anniversary gathering from October 13-16, 2025.

Info and registration is here. Boston area attendees can use discount code NCCBoston to receive a discounted rate of $75.

  • Monday, Oct 13 at Boston Marriott Newton: Evening plenary and prayer service launching their 75th anniversary celebration featuring Dr. Melanie Hill and Dr. Stephanie Paulsell from Harvard Divinity School

  • Tuesday, Oct 14 at Holy Cross Hellenic College: Panels with global and regional partners including Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis E.D. of the Huffington Ecumenical Institute, Dr. Demetrios Katos President of Hellenic College-Holy Cross, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America,  and His Grace Bishop Anthony of Synoda as well as a Panel Discussion on the Challenges and Opportunities of Ecumenism in a Polarized Society; Book Launch for “Nicaea: The Council and Creed that Defined Christianity;” concert, and installation of the new NCC Governing Board chair during vespers.

  • Wednesday, Oct 15 at the Cathedral Church of St Paul: Morning prayer at The Embrace with Rev. Jeffrey Brown, Our Global Christian Family: Trends in World Christianity for 21st Century Ecumenism with Dr. Gina Zurlo; National Ecumenical Affirmation of the Museum of African American History – Boston; ecumenical walking tour, and site visits to the African Meeting House and Holy Trinity Armenian Church, ending with vespers.

  • Thursday, Oct 16 at Holy Trinity Armenian Church: Closing worship, session on Theology & Technology: Theological Imagination in a Digital Age; Intergenerational Panel; plenary reflections, and a gala awards luncheon celebrating 75 years of Christian unity and witness.

More info and registration is here.

Please share with all those who might be interested.

And everyone is welcome  (no registration, no fee!) to attend their worship service on Wednesday, Oct. 15th, at 7 pm, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul. The service will combine Episcopal evening prayer and tremendous praise songs offered by the Bethel AME Praise Choir. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Elijah Brown, General Secretary, Baptist World Alliance.
Why This Gathering Matters for Boston Christians 
As Christians locally committed to bridging divides and working together for gospel impact, this is a unique opportunity for us to connect with a broader ecumenical movement. It’s a chance to hear and share wisdom, build relational networks across traditions, and strengthen our shared voice for justice, compassion, and unity.
UniteBoston’s mission—to foster Christian collaboration, unity, and faithful witness in the city—resonates deeply with the goals of this gathering. Attending enriches our local efforts by linking us into the national tapestry of ecumenical work, deepening our theological reflection, and inspiring action in Greater Boston.

Building a City of Belonging: Launching the Boston Immigrant Resource Dashboard (BIRD)

“Too often, we’re sending families to services that are already full. With BIRD, we’ll finally have a clear, real-time picture of what’s available. I am so excited for the potential of this dashboard to equip all of us to better serve our immigrant neighbors.” — Pastor Melinda Priest

Boston is a city shaped and strengthened by immigrants, yet too often new arrivals and those who serve them struggle to find up-to-date, reliable information about essential resources. Whether it’s shelter, legal services, English classes, or job training, the systems meant to help can feel confusing, outdated, and fragmented.

That’s where the Boston Immigrant Resource Dashboard (BIRD) comes in.

Over the past year, leaders across the city have been collaborating to build a dynamic, real-time platform. BIRD allows immigrant-facing providers to post and update their available services, so providers and clients can quickly see what’s available through a simple green–yellow–red light display. Read the story below, and plan to join us on October 30 at Boston Flourish when we will publicly launch the dashboard!

At Immigrant Connection at Awaken City, Site Director and Pastor Melinda Priest meets many immigrant neighbors seeking legal help, English classes, and citizenship support. She often refers people to other organizations, knowing that no single church or organization can meet every need. Yet every referral requires time—calls, emails, and website checks to confirm what’s actually available.

For the past two years, Boston Flourish has been convening conversations on migrant care and solidarity. Through a panel discussion, hundreds of individual conversations, and monthly gatherings supported by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement, a central challenge emerged: while Boston has no shortage of resources for immigrants, connecting people to them requires exhausting and often duplicative effort. Faith-based organizations and city agencies are frequently working toward the same goals, but in isolation from one another. A collaborative team with faith and city leaders began to dream: What if technology could streamline these connections and make real-time information accessible to everyone?

Why the Boston Immigrant Resource Dashboard Matters

Too often, existing databases are incomplete or out of date, leading to missed opportunities at critical moments. BIRD seeks to bridge that divide by building a shared platform where churches, nonprofits, and civic agencies can work together to serve immigrant neighbors more effectively. 

  • Real-time updates so providers and families know what’s available now
  • Key service areas including immigration legal services, housing, workforce development, and ESOL/citizenship classes
  • A collaborative ecosystem where referrals are streamlined and clients don’t need to repeat the intake process at every step

The mission of BIRD is both simple and urgent: to provide real-time, accessible information on vital resources for immigrants, refugees, and service providers—ensuring that help is timely and never lost in the shuffle. At a time when immigrants are too often dehumanized in public discourse and policy—whether through detention of people without criminal records, prolonged solitary confinement, or sweeping deportation strategies that target vulnerable families—BIRD offers a different vision: belonging in action.

Many on our core team are guided by the Biblical mandate to love the foreigner and sojourner, remembering that “you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt” (Lev. 19:34; Deut. 10:19) and Jesus words ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’ (Mt. 25:35). In that spirit, BIRD seeks to help build a “city of belonging”—a network of care, rooted in justice, that restores dignity and connection for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers across Boston.

“BIRD helps us live out our commitment to “love thy neighbor” in practice—so we can become a city of belonging, where no one is left searching alone.” – Rev. Kelly Fassett, UniteBoston Executive Director

Built in Partnership

BIRD is being built through extraordinary collaboration. The need for a real-time infrastructure became clear at a collaborative session at Boston Flourish in 2023. A team developed with leaders from a broad spectrum of backgrounds and contexts. They fundraised and received a generous grant from the Imago Dei Fund, then hired web developer Richard Tang to create the foundational infrastructure for the dashboard. Now, a team of students from Boston University’s SPARK program is refining the user interface to ensure the platform is intuitive, accessible and easily updated.

Left – Students from Boston University SPARK Program involved in this project

Immigrant-Facing Service Providers on a BIRD Orientation Call this week

“Our UX team at BU Spark! is excited to create a welcoming, intuitive, and accessible user interface for BIRD. We hope our efforts can improve the lives of many in the community.” — Evan Jaquez, Boston University Spark! UX Project Manager

“We wanted to make the platform simple enough for anyone to use, but powerful enough to handle the complexity of Boston’s service network.” — Richard Tang, Web Developer

This technical development is paired with a wide coalition of partners who are shaping the project on the ground. We are grateful for the early leadership and engagement of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement, the Immigrant Family Services Institute, SEND Relief Boston, the Fellowship of Haitian Evangelical Pastors Association, the Emmanuel Gospel Center, the Center for Public Theology and Migration, the Boston Haitian Resource Hub, True Alliance Center, Voice of the Gospel Tabernacle Multi-Service Center, and Massachusetts Immigrant Collaborative among others.

“I am very excited about the potential of BIRD. Unfortunately, many times we serve in a context where the right hand doesn’t know what the left hand is doing. BIRD can help us improve in this area to be better informed and increase our effectiveness in collaborating to serve and alongside our immigrant and refugee communities. We are grateful for the efforts that have made this vital tool an integral part of our shared ecosystem in Greater Boston.” —  Rev. Dr. Gregg Detwiler, Senior Consultant, Intercultural Ministry, Emmanuel Gospel Center

Join Us: Orientation & Launch

We’re now inviting immigrant-facing providers to get involved. If your organization serves immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers, we’d love for you to be part of the dashboard! Reach out to Rev. Kelly to learn more and schedule a time for an orientation.

And be sure to save the date: on October 30 at Boston Flourish, we’ll be officially releasing BIRD to the public and sharing stories of collaboration across the city.

Looking Ahead

This fall, we’re beta testing with leaders and preparing for a citywide launch. In the future, we envision expanding services, adding new functionality, integrating volunteer opportunities, and building a sustainable funding model.

“When a pastor can point a family to legal support or a social worker can see ESL openings at a glance, we’re not just sharing data—we’re sharing hope.” — Rev. Devlin Scott 

BIRD is more than a database—it’s a collaborative tool to strengthen Boston’s support ecosystem and ensure that no immigrant or refugee falls through the cracks.

Together, we can make Boston a city of belonging.

The Antidote to a Divided, Angry and Violent World

“And when the world looks at us, may they see not another community of anger and division, but a family united by the Cross, a family of love, a family that shows the world another way is possible when Christ is at the center.” – Fr. Luke Veronis

Our nation continues to be shaken by political violence and division. From the assassinations of Rep. Melissa Hortman and Charlie Kirk to attacks on Speaker Pelosi, President Trump, Gov. Shapiro, and Senator Hoffman, the scale of violence in recent years has been staggering. Such tragedies tempt us to retreat into hardened identities, to assign blame, and to believe that peace comes only through defeating our opponents. Yet this division has become a spiritual cancer—fracturing homes, churches, and communities alike.

UniteBoston condemns all forms of political violence, including the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. As followers of Jesus, we affirm the dignity of every person as made in God’s image and commit ourselves to the way of peace, reconciliation, and love—even amid deep division.

This week’s featured blogger, Fr. Luke Veronis—local priest, professor, and director of the Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity at Hellenic College Holy Cross—points us to another way: the way of the Cross. May we learn to love even our enemies, reject the violence around us, and bear witness to the reconciling work that Christ makes possible.

Our country has been shaken once again. The assassination of Charlie Kirk. Another school shooting on the very same day. Violence that fills us with shock, anger, fear and even numbness.

“I cried all day when I heard that Charlie Kirk was killed,” one parishioner lamented to me. Another depressing stated, “It’s so disturbing how a death causes more division instead of unity. It’s getting scary how much hate exists between the different political sides in our country.”

Do you feel it?
That weight?
That heaviness in our society?

We live in a time when political violence is rising on all sides. People are angry and afraid. Tragedies no longer shock us but fill us with fury because they happen so often. When the death of people —whether a political figure or children in a school—do not lead to mourning and unity, but instead sparks more arguments, more hatred, more division, something is wrong!

In the middle of this, however, I look around at my Saints Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church Family in Webster and see something different.

Here in our church, we are not all the same. We don’t all vote the same. We don’t all watch the same news. We surely don’t all hold the same political opinions. We have passionate conservatives sitting next to committed progressives! And somehow—somehow—we remain one community, one family. And we actually love one another!

How is that possible?

It’s not because we’re all naturally patient or kind. It’s not because we’ve found the perfect political balance. It’s not because we always agree. No! It’s because in this community of faith, we try to focus on the Good News of Jesus Christ and not on our politics.

This week on social media, a dear friend, Fr. Nicholas Halkias wrote a provocative and powerful reflection:

“The soul of America is dying. Not because Charlie Kirk or students in Denver or a Ukrainian refugee or innocent victims in Gaza were killed, but because there are people who are happy that these deaths took place.”

Think about that. The real tragedy, the real death is that human hearts are celebrating when others die. We’ve turned our enemies into monsters instead of seeing them as human beings.

There is no defense for what is going on in our country right now, and if anyone is going to point the finger to someone else besides themselves, then we’re not even looking at the problem. The only thing that will begin our country’s recovery are four words: “I am to blame.”

Not the news.
Not the government.
Not the other side.
I am to blame.

It is so easy to say, “The problem is them… if only that party, that politician, that group would change.” But the Gospel does not allow us to point fingers. The Gospel calls us to repent, starting with ourselves.

I am to blame because I don’t speak enough love.
I am to blame because I don’t maintain peace in the midst of turmoil
I am to blame because I don’t listen when I should.
I am to blame because I don’t comfort those who are suffering.

There are people happy that a person like Charlie Kirk is dead. I am to blame. 

There are people condemning all democrats and liberals. I am to blame.

There are people living in fear. I am to blame. 

There are those who feel their political side is completely right and the other side is completely wrong. I am to blame. 

This ends with me. Nobody else. I am to blame.”

Those words sting, don’t they? You may not want to hear them. You may disagree and not want to admit “I am to blame.” Yet, this is what our Christian faith teaches us. This is divine truth. We are our neighbor’s keeper. Our love for neighbor leads us to identify with our neighbor. 

“I am to blame.”

Such a message reflects the spirit of the Holy Cross of Jesus Christ. 

(Photo credit: K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash.com)

The Cross is not about revenge, hatred, or division. 

The Cross is love in the face of hatred. 

The Cross is forgiveness in the face of violence. 

The Cross is reconciliation in the face of division. 

The Cross is compassion and grace in the midst of rigid legalism.

From the Cross, our Lord cried out: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” God expects us to embrace this spirit of mercy and grace toward our enemies. 

Every time we make the sign of the Cross, or whenever we feel the cross around our necks, we need to remember to forgive, to love, to reconcile, to act as peacemakers. Every time we kiss the Cross, we are kissing the way of mercy, the way of compassion, the way of sacrificial love.

But how does this look in practice?

When someone posts something on social media that makes your blood boil—we don’t respond with anger, sarcasm, mockery but choose patience, understanding, and restraint.

When a conversation at work or with family turns heated over a difference of opinions, we don’t raise our voice and add to the chaos but we choose to listen respectfully and try to understand.

When our society tells us, “Your political opponent, all democrats or all republicans, are your enemy” we choose to see the other as a fellow human being, a child of God created in His image whom we are called to love.

Our faith does not allow us to demonize others. Our faith does not allow us to rejoice in the suffering of others. Our faith does not allow us to give up in fear or become numb and say, “This is just how things are.”

We are Christians. We follow the crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus. Saint Paul tells us that “the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing.” God expects us to be different from the world. He expects us to act as a light in the darkness. He invites us to serve as His ambassadors of love and mercy and grace to society.

And the good news is—I see a beautiful witness in our Church Family in Webster. We surely do not agree on everything. Far from it. But here, week after week, we stand side by side as brothers and sisters. We offer the same prayers. We sing the same hymns. We embrace one another and give the kiss of peace at each Divine Liturgy. We approach the same chalice “with the fear of God, with faith and love.” Yes, we hold extremely different political views, yet we choose to remain a loving Family!

That is a miracle in today’s America.

The world outside is fractured, divided, angry, fearful. In this church, however, we show another way. In here, we live out the reality that Christ has broken down the wall of division between us. Do not underestimate how powerful such a witness can be to the world.

When people see that churches can embrace conservatives and progressives, immigrants and lifelong citizens, people who loved Charlie Kirk along with people who rejected his message—when they see that, they see the Kingdom of God breaking into the world.

Yet, here is our challenge. We cannot let this spirit stop at the church doors. How we respond in times like this shows who we are. What we post on social media shows who we are. How we speak to our neighbors and coworkers reflects our true spirit.

Will we ignite the fires of division or will we put out the flames of hatred?

What will you choose? The way of anger, the suspicion, and hatred or the way of the Cross – following a path of forgiveness, mercy, compassion, reconciliation?

Yes, the world is angry. The world is afraid. The world is divided. But the Cross stands before us today as the antidote.

The Cross shows us that love is stronger than hate; forgiveness is stronger than vengeance; reconciliation is stronger than division; life is stronger than death.

Thus, let us take up the Cross by saying “I am to blame.” And each time we want to blame and attack the other, let us each decide: “This ends with me. Nobody else. I am to blame.” And then let us live differently.

And when the world looks at us, may they see not another community of anger and division,
but a family united by the Cross, a family of love, a family that shows the world another way is possible when Christ is at the center.

Photo: Marcio Chagas on Unsplash.com

P.S. Our colleague Dr. Julene Tegerstrand is hosting a “Pathways to Peace” course on Thursday evenings starting this November to help people gain the inner resources to navigate conflict, restore connection, and lead peace from the inside out. We worked with Julene to host UniteBoston’s Church & Civic Engagement gathering last fall, and we highly recommend her as a skilled leader in peacebuilding, spiritual formation, and practical dialogue skills. You can also follow Julene’s writings about Contemplative Peace Leadership at Humans Is A Verb

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.


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