NG 2020 FAQ:
Why should I come to National Gathering 2020?
The Missional Wisdom Foundation National Gathering is a vital conduit for connecting with other missionally minded people who are doing all kinds of fabulous community ministries—people I know you would want to meet! AND an opportunity to meet other MWF staff AND to see some of the Missional Wisdom experiments in action AND enjoy celebrating together in Taizé service, over meals and conversations AND participate in intentional collaborative coaching—either gaining insights your own project or offering perspective to someone else through asking open questions.
What do we do there?
National Gathering is an opportunity for our dispersed community to connect with others, share their stories, lead break-out sessions, host conversations, collaborate on projects, and meet new people. We live in a world of complexity and the Missional Wisdom Foundation supports collaborative learning, collective intelligence, and honoring of the gifts of every person. There are opportunities for all kinds of interactions, spiritual renewal, and informative sessions as well as social gatherings, folk music, and creativity through improv, art, and conversation.
What topics will be offered?
At the Gathering, you will enjoy learning about the exciting things going on in experimental alternative community on a variety of topics and have the opportunity to share what you’re doing and thinking. Past topics have been: intentional community, Asset-Based Community Development, retreat-planning, disability theology, and all kinds of contemplative spiritual practices. You might hear about fantasy literature as a spiritual practice, improv theology, non-violent communication, and participate in coaching someone or being coached in a Pro-Action Cafe, or connect with others over conversations of mutual interest in Open Space.
Where should I stay?
Information about local hotel discounted rates for NG2020 attendees will be posted soon. Please check back.
What are the dates?
April 23-25, 2020. National Gathering begins at 9am on Thursday and officially ends at 1pm on Saturday.
Where is it?
National Gathering is held in Dallas in even-numbered years and in Asheville in odd-numbered years. In 2020, the National Gathering will be hosted at The Mix coworking space, which is housed on the lower level of White Rock United Methodist Church (1450 Old Gate Lane, Dallas, TX).
What is the rhythm of the Gathering?
We begin each day with a time of Centering followed by a plenary teaching session, experiential learning activities, breakout sessions in one of four tracks (Theology, Spiritual Renewal, Missional Transformational Leadership, and Community Life & Justice) and and intentional conversation.
New this year: opportunities for spiritual direction (by appointment) and peer coaching.
Should I bring anything: What’s Fork n’ Folk?
Yes! On Thursday evening, we will be holding a Fork ‘n Folk dinner and folk music participatory event. If you play a folk instrument such guitar, mandolin, bass, fiddle, etc, please bring it with you and play with us! Everyone is invited to sing. Songbooks with chord symbols will be provided.