This April, the inaugural Polaris Leadership Summit brought together 32 young adult Christian leaders from around the country to find fellowship, break bread, and share their stories within the historic halls of Princeton Theological Seminary. This electrifying event started a tradition we hope to continue for many years at Polaris. Summit participants represented a diverse group of young adults in a variety of fields ranging from tech and AI, creative arts, finance and nonprofit, to ministry and education among others. While these young adults work in a variety of sectors and come from a variety of faith traditions, they are united by their Christian faith.
The Leadership Summit was designed not just as a training, but as a space for deep personal and spiritual exploration. Participants were invited to examine the intersections between their own life stories and God’s larger narrative by engaging in guided discussions, coaching sessions, prayer, and interactive art. Throughout the event, storytelling served as the central thread—used to unearth wisdom, foster healing, and celebrate the diversity of their Christian leadership.
The gathering featured compelling presentations from leaders like PTS faculty member Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean, artist Dea Jenkins, and founder of The Hearth, Mark Yaconelli, who explored topics like the healing power of stories, the role of faith in the workplace, and the artistic dimensions of storytelling. A highlight of the summit was the Storytelling Festival, a celebratory evening where participants shared moments that challenged and deepened their faith journey with the wider community. ReligionNews.com reported on the event, sharing it as one of the ways young adult Christians are leading with their faith outside of classrooms and churches.
“I made so many wonderful connections with young leaders.” shared one participant. “So many of us experiencing new kinds of leadership styles, meeting new people, exploring new locations and vocations, and overall leaning into a world that can feel so complicated, scary and unnavigable….This summit was an endless stream of love, care, encouragement, and connection.”
The summit concluded with a moment of facilitated reflection, sending attendees back into their vocations renewed, connected, and more deeply attuned to how their stories embody and extend God’s love and hope in the world. Stay tuned as we share more compelling highlights from the powerful stories told by young adult leaders at the Summit.
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