My Main Role Is To Listen
When talking with leaders in systems and institutions, part of my role is to listen to what is said and what is left unsaid. I look at systems both holistically and also in their particularity. I know every organization is contextual. In each unique context, my role is to dive into the conversation and work alongside stakeholders and leaders to find sustainable solutions.
I work with faith-based institutions (such as churches, camps/conference centers, campus ministries, and Presbyteries) as well as educational institutions. If you are interested in moving your ministry or educational context forward and need help getting to the next steps, I will come alongside you and help you build a bridge to the next part of your journey.
Focused On Three Main Areas
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
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I served non-profit organizations since 2011, always working with youth and children. For 8 of those years, I worked with young children, and their families in faith communities. As a youth worker, educator, and practical theologian, I know youth and young adult ministry is always evolving and changing. I believe strongly in sharing power with and elevating the voices of youth and young adults. I love to work with faith communities as they assess how they can better serve the current (and future) young people in their midst.
Facilitations, Conversations, Speaker, & Trainings for small groups and ministry leaders
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Whether it is facilitating a difficult conversation, a Board Training or a Keynote for your youth retreat, I will work with your leadership to establish what best fits your ministry. I know every faith community is different, so I will take the time to customize what works best for your community and in your context. I believe that the Holy Spirit moves in authentic, grounded conversations. Sometimes all it takes is an facilitator who is an outside voice, helping to bring new insights to the surface. I love working with colleagues to determine what will help move your ministry forward. And if you are looking for leadership for your event, Keynoting and Speaking at youth retreats or conferences is one of my favorite things to do!
Affirmation, Welcome, and Belonging
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I believe youth can lead their communities into solidarity with LGBTQIA+ siblings in Christ. Even within the same denomination, faith communities are not in one particular place in terms of affirmation and belonging; I will meet your community where it is. Because I believe in this work so strongly, I am excited to work with communities of all shapes and sizes, including campus ministries, colleges/universities, camps, regional and mid-Council bodies, and congregations.
For those communities looking to engage in deep work of LGBTQIA+ affirmation and belonging, the following is from my doctoral abstract:
My doctoral work centered on an affirmation of queer human flourishing in the life of the church. I developed a Youth Ministry Framework centered on eight distinctive themes. The framework outlines how youth workers can share power with youth as adaptive, transformational leaders and co-conspirators in justice. My theological grounding is a communal, embodied practical theology rooted in liberatory educational praxis. It is to live out God’s abundant love through celebrating LGBTQIA+ people and prepare faith communities to welcome better Beloved children of God, who already belong.
Sarah is a delight to work with and we are so thankful. She has helped with vision work for a new cooperative group and in facilitating conversations in congregations in crisis. She is always patient even in trying circumstances and works hard to make sure each voice is included in the conversations. She has truly been a gift to us in her sharing her skills and her personality.
Rev. Jen Baer
Sarah worked with my college students and her depth and breadth of knowledge was off the chart. She works with the leaders to know exactly how to prepare for the group she is leading and easily gains their respect and trust. Whether it’s a group of youth or young adults or a congregation, Sarah will be an asset to your community.
Rev. Jeremy Wilhelmi
Sarah’s workshops for faculty and youth workers in our community in spring 2023 provided the opportunity for participants to think critically about their work, dream together, and create connections to support youth. Her warm facilitation invited participants to imagine spaces where all youth belong and know they’re loved and valued.
Laura E. Megivern
Sarah led a workshop with our faculty on how to create space and share power within the classroom. It was a transformative discussion for all of us and sparked needed conversations throughout campus about ways we can embody welcome and embrace new methods of leadership within the classroom.
Rev. Maggie Alsup
Be Church
Recently, I traveled to a small church in the Midwest to facilitate a difficult conversation. This particular church had some issues they were trying to work through, and my role was to listen and keep the conversation productive, honest, authentic, and moving...