Supporting and Expanding Our Networks

Last week, LaSalle got to help host a first-ever conference for a newly forming network/denomination, the Wild Fig Network. From Tuesday–Friday, both Cornerstone and the Sanctuary were buzzing with attendees who flew in from around the country to gather for conversations and resources, and to hold their first-ever ordination service – in our church! It was a beautiful representation of the ongoing legacy of LaSalle in many ways – how we steward our buildings to keep hosting and supporting others doing good ministry, and how we keep expanding our own networks as a nondenominational/multidenominational church building up the kindom!

I attended a few of the Wild Fig gatherings, and enjoyed conversations with several pastoral friends who are now moving to this network for their ordination and their community. What I heard again and again was so encouraging – they felt very welcomed, hosted well, and cared for in our space (shout out to Lucas and our TLF staff!). They also felt so grateful to be at a church that felt expansive and generous, as the identity they are forming seeks to make a space that's healing and restorative for those coming from other faith backgrounds that were harmful. There is a shared need for many in this season in the wider church – to find healthier, more expansive, more just, equitable, and more affirming ways of being the church. And it was a delight to hear from a group doing that work, and to be part of supporting them with our space and our own story.

I am so proud of the legacy of LaSalle that we get to continue in this season – and I am anticipating the ongoing ways that God is going to invite us to network, serve the wider Christian church, and build new avenues for healing and restoration along the journey of following Jesus. Just like bringing a pool table into the church basement in the 1950s, just like building Cornerstone and birthing nonprofits in the 1980s and beyond, just like being an affirming church and a multiethnic community in the 2000s – we are continuing a story that encourages, supports, and builds up others. Thanks be to God for this work!