Redefining Community Ministry
November 23, 2023
In 2013, my journey as a community pastor in Baltimore began, taking an unexpected turn towards a unique and impactful ministry alongside my co-pastors, the Rev. Jason Chesnut and the Rev. Dr. Sara Shisler Goff. Little did I know that this endeavor, known as The Slate Project, would redefine my understanding of community-based ministry, transcending traditional boundaries and embracing physical and digital connections.
It all began when the bishop of the Delaware-Maryland Synod supported my ELCA co-pastor, Jason Chesnut, to try something. Ten years later, we are still exploring what God calls us to create. Unlike conventional ministries, Slate thrives without a physical space, neither owning nor renting. Our Monday night dinner church, characterized by family-style gatherings around borrowed tables, epitomizes our commitment to a tri-denominational community (Lutheran, Episcopalian, and Presbyterian), where denominational distinctions blur amidst shared purpose, echoing the teachings of Jesus in breaking bread and fostering community.
Choosing borrowed spaces for our gatherings isn’t merely a logistical choice; it’s a deliberate strategy that echoes through our community’s outreach. By avoiding the financial burden of a dedicated space, we’ve redirected resources toward eviction prevention, prescriptions, groceries, and other fundamental needs—actions rooted in the compassionate spirit of Jesus. In 2023 alone, we’ve provided over $9,000 in crucial assistance, embodying the love and care exemplified by Jesus for our neighbors in need.
The absence of a physical office doesn’t confine us; it liberates us. Operating without a designated space propels our community into public realms, fostering connections and encounters that extend far beyond our regular attendees. Our engagements go beyond the conventional boundaries of a faith community, placing us at the forefront of social issues. From eviction court advocacy to assisting individuals with housing forms and food assistance requests, our faith community embodies the principles of Matthew 25, as we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus as he shows up in the least of these.
Our connections extend even further in the digital realm, embracing an inclusive community that transcends geographical limitations. Through various online platforms, we foster spiritual growth, support, and engagement, creating a space where the teachings of Jesus resonate beyond physical boundaries, and give voice to a progressive Christianity for the 21st-century.
As we reflect on a decade of The Slate Project, it’s clear that our unconventional approach to community ministry has not only defied norms but has become a transformative force for good. The absence of physical constraints has allowed us to redefine the scope of our impact, making us not just a community within walls but a compassionate presence resonating throughout Baltimore and beyond—a living testament to the teachings and love of Jesus Christ.
– Rev. Jennifer DiFrancesco
