FlameBuilders Graduates Pilot Cohort - May 2, 2015

In response to the growing number of young adults leaving the church, Boundless Impact, a nonprofit organization fostering global connections in North Carolina, partnered with the Western North Carolina Conference (WNCC) of The United Methodist Church, Center for Creative Leadership and UMC-affiliated higher education institutions, to launch a program called FlameBuilders. The name “FlameBuilders” is inspired by 1 Thes. 5:19 – Do not put out the Spirit’s fire. This global leadership and spiritual development institute for young adult lay leaders welcomed the first class in September 2014, and is thrilled to graduate the pilot cohort on May 2, 2015, at Christ UMC in Greensboro. The pilot cohort of 18 young adults represents three districts and 15 congregations of the WNCC, from diverse ethnic, race, gender and socioeconomic backgrounds. Over nine monthly sessions across the WNCC, they have received world-class boundary-spanning leadership training through facilitators from the Center for Creative Leadership, and will graduate having each developed a measurable plan of action that aims to benefit their churches, local communities, and the world. These individual “Pathways for Impact” have been created through challenging self-assessments, difficult dialogue, and the group’s common desire to make a profound impact through fulfilling God’s call on their lives. According to Zithobile “Zitty” Nxumalo, a member of Class 1 from Union Memorial UMC in Greensboro, “FlameBuilders came at the perfect time for me. I’ve learned how God is able to use my personal, professional, and spiritual interests to guide me towards a path that is uniquely my own. It’s been fascinating!” FlameBuilders is expanding to all WNCC districts in September 2015 and will also pilot a program targeted for college students in partnership with Bennett College, Greensboro College and High Point University in May 2016. Applications for Class 2 will be coming soon and please contact Program Director Cindy Thompson at cthompson@boundlessimpact.org or 336.209.1570 for more information.