The Arts as Transformational Ministry / Together LA
2022-23: The purpose of the Arts Transformational Ministry (ATM) project is to strengthen the bonds between the five congregations that comprise Los Angeles First Church of the Nazarene—namely the English-speaking congregation, Spanish-speaking congregation, South Korean and North Korean congregations and Filipino congregation—and thus as “a unified church” enhance its efforts to be a “bridge-builder” with the surrounding diverse community. LA First Church of the Nazarene hosted a talent show for the community during the summer of 2023, including an art exhibition and food trucks! They look forward to hosting another LA First talent show in 2024 with an extension of the grant funds.
2024-25: Led by Michael Mata, the group focuses on fostering an integrated understanding of faith-rooted community transformation, often referred to as “mision integral.” This Affinity Working Group aims to nurture the next generation of Christian Latino leaders involved in community-oriented ministry, whether within congregations or affiliated community organizations such as community development corporations or public benefit organizations. Recognizing a gap in theological and community development training, particularly for the Latinx community, the group addresses the scarcity of role models or mentors capable of bridging both areas for emerging leaders.
Director of Network Engagement & Leadership Development at TogetherLA, Michael is also a professor, urbanist, and ministry consultant. He is a lover of cities and celebrates, encourages, and supports individuals and organizations driven by their Christian faith to embody the kingdom of God in their communities.
Congregational and Community grants provide support for urban pastors, churches, faith-based community organizations, and theological institutions to share resources, ideas, and practices for life-giving ministry in cities across North America. Typically, we invite those who have not previously had access to resources or grant funding.
The Affinity Working Group initiative aims to provide time and space for HUB learning network members to engage in focused ways with others interested in a similar topic and questions around ministry in the city. We anticipate working group members to explore, deepen, and assess their own vocation, urban context, and church life; gain clarity about vital questions and issues in a particular focus area (eg. youth, arts, etc), and learn from group members’ lived experiences and other sources of knowledge and wisdom.
I pray that people of faith continue to work towards the kingdom of God in life-affirming ways; may they (us) be encouraged to not give up, to be gracious in our interactions, and to continue to strive to shalom for our city.