A New Diocesan Young Adult Ministry
Mustard Seed Project, a new ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, will cultivate regional, non-residential young adult formation and discipleship communities that nurture imagination, faith, and leadership development. These sacred, inclusive, and creative spaces will give young adults the space to worship together, engage in spiritual formation, and explore what it means to follow Jesus to lead lives grounded in God’s justice, joy, and love.
Vision
We envision a renewed and hope-filled Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts that is buoyed by the leadership and engagement of young adults. Rooted in love and committed to caring for one another and the world, we share the good news that a world of dignity and belonging for all people is possible. Together, we will reclaim and reshape the narrative of what it means to follow Jesus in our time.
Mission
This program equips young adults with the spiritual, relational, and leadership skills to live out their faith radically, lovingly, and compassionately. Through a commitment to transformative fellowship, shared formation, and service experiences, participants are empowered to embody the Gospel in the world.
Who is this for?
The program is designed for young adults ages 18–32, with attention to the distinct needs of those in emerging adulthood and those navigating more established life paths. While primarily serving young adults in Eastern Massachusetts, the program is also open to those relocating to the region.
Rooted in progressive Christianity, it welcomes all who are open to spiritual exploration and formation in the context of the Episcopal Church. We aim for participants to reflect the diversity of the communities where we live and work and are committed to cultivating diverse cohorts across race, gender, sexuality, and class.
Core Values
Embodied Faith
Luke 4:18
We are rooted in a faith that is lived out boldly. We are inspired by Jesus, who met with the fullness of humanity – pain, joy, delight, loneliness – and remained rooted in the hope of what is possible with God. Our faith stirs within us a well of sacred imagination that fuels our courage and draws us into the work of repairing the world. We commit ourselves to his example of compassion, proclaiming hope, and seeking justice. We understand embodied faith to be inseparable from working for the dignity of every person. To live into this value, we will lean on prophetic faith resources that support a wholehearted YES to the good news of the Gospel.
Authentic Presence
Psalm 139:14
Authentic Presence calls us to be whole and honor every part of who we are as God’s creation. Through intentional practices of contemplation, prayer, and discernment, we listen for how the Holy Spirit is calling us to express our unique truths and gifts. This value speaks especially to people of color, women, the queer community, and other communities who have long been marginalized by religious institutions – creating space to reconnect with their God-given power in a radically affirming context. We lean into the practice of truth-telling, naming the pains we have carried and the injustices we see in the world. As we learn to be fully present to ourselves and others, we become vibrant witnesses of hope and belonging. In our authenticity, we lay the groundwork for a community where every person is seen and valued.
Beloved Community
1 Corinthians 12:12
From our authentic selves springs a vision for a Beloved Community that roots us in the biblical call to see one another as an interconnected body, each part equally worthy. As members of this global and mystical body, we honor the wisdom of our siblings in faith—the Zulu and Xhosa peoples of South Africa—whose tradition of ubuntu teaches that “I am because we are.” This Nguni Bantu philosophy compels us to form a wide circle of care – extending beyond the bounds of this program – and bear witness to the transformative power of love and solidarity. Our commitment to Beloved Community challenges us to nurture a community in which justice is not an abstract ideal but a lived reality, one that we embody by ensuring accessibility in our programming and advocating for a world that reflects the kin-dom of God – where every person’s dignity is affirmed.
Ongoing Transformation
Romans 12:2
Ongoing Transformation is the natural outflow of a life shaped by embodied faith, authentic presence, and beloved community. We embrace the reality that our journey toward justice and our vocational calling, in every sphere of life, is unending. To equip us for whatever path God sets before us, we commit to high‑quality, Gospel‑centered formation that weaves leadership skills, vocational guidance, and prophetic insight. This transformative process empowers participants to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ, embodying prophetic leadership in a world hungry for transformation. By engaging fully in this renewal, we honor our call to partner with the Holy Spirit to guide the church’s evolution and to walk alongside our wider communities toward a more just and compassionate reality.
Impact Goals
Participants
Participants experience deepened spirituality, community, and faith through Young Adult Discipleship & Sacred Spaces worship gatherings.
Participants articulate vocational calling and begin developing leadership and formation skills.
Participants engage in leadership and service within partner congregations and local communities.
Congregations
Congregations engage in service and justice work within their local communities.
Diocese
Strong pipeline of lay and ordained leaders in our diocese, equipped to lead the church toward vitality and justice.
Years 1 & 2
Years 3 & 4
Get Involved, Ask Questions, Learn More!
Diocesan Convention Presentation
Take a look at the slides from our Diocesan Convention in November
Get Involved and Ask Questions
Click here or scan the QR code to fill in a form to learn more.
Still have questions?
Email us and we will be in touch!
