FlameBuilders Launches Class 2

In partnership with the Western North Carolina Conference (WNCC) of the United Methodist Church, Boundless Impact, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization fostering global connections in North Carolina, welcomed Class 2 of FlameBuilders during the second weekend in September. September 12 marked the first of nine monthly sessions during which the 18 young adults will learn about spiritual formation, leadership development, and global citizenship. Inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:19 – Do not put out the Spirit’s fire – FlameBuilders was created in 2014 to address the growing number of young adults leaving their faith communities. Class 1 took place from September 2014 through May 2015, and each graduate left the program having developed a measurable plan of action (“Pathway for Impact”) to implement in his or her congregation or community. The diversity, breadth and depth of Class 1’s “Pathway for Impact” plans were awe-inspiring, causing one Senior Pastor at the graduation ceremony to comment, “FlameBuilders is the best thing the UMC has done in decades.” As Class 2 was welcomed into their FlameBuilders journey earlier this month, several Class 1 alumni were present during the day-long session held at the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, as well as the evening launch banquet at O.Henry Hotel. During the banquet, Class 1 graduates offered words of encouragement to the new group of energetic and diverse young people. Like Class 1, Class 2 represents diverse ethnic, race, gender and socioeconomic backgrounds. This second class, however, reflects a wider geographic demographic, with participants hailing from all 8 districts of the Western North Carolina Conference (WNCC) of the United Methodist Church. To meet Class 2, visit the FlameBuilders website: http://flamebuilders.org/meet-class-2/ For additional information, please contact Program Director Cindy Thompson at cthompson@boundlessimpact.org or 336.209.1570.