Staff Transitions
Big transitions are afoot at Glean Network! At the end of August, we said goodbye to our amazing Innovations Program Manager, Adele Anderson, after two years of dedicated work growing, shaping, and supporting the operations of Glean Network. Here's a note from Adele: "Despite often serving in roles of teaching and coaching, I feel that I've truly been the student throughout my interactions with all of you, and I'm so thankful to every program participant, colleague, and advisor with whom I've had the blessing to work. From your generosity of wisdom and spirit, I have received gifts of new perspectives, practices, and tools for the road ahead and can’t wait to incorporate these gifts into my "home turf" of scientific research. I look forward to sharing my own "gleanings" as my journey continues, and I welcome you to stay in touch with me at adele.b.anderson@gmail.com."

And as we bid farewell to Adele, we are thrilled to welcome Taj Smith as Assistant Director of Glean Network! Taj joins us with a depth of perspective in teaching & facilitation, community organizing, and thought leadership, inspiring faith-rooted leaders to think more creatively about the possibilities of their traditions. He will introduce himself more formally in next month's newsletter, and we'll also have an exciting announcement about some upcoming projects then, too!

Shift: Bay Area - Last Call for Applications

Our newest program, Shift: Bay Area, is almost fully enrolled!  Developed in partnership with Ashoka, this practice-based, intensive 7-week course is open to clergy, lay leaders, and others of all faiths. In this course, you will learn from an incredible array of leading practitioners and gather at a series of in-person workshops facilitated by Rev. Kathi McShane. Walk away with 7 lasting practices for fostering innovation in your institution, and a community of multifaith colleagues who are walking this journey alongside you. Only three spots left and applications close soon -- apply now!

What’s On Our Desk

Why Do People Hire Religion? Listen to our friends Bob Moesta and Casper ter Kuile discuss why a growing number of people are “firing” organized religion, and what they’re “hiring” instead.

Daring Compassion: The Role of Movement Chaplaincy in Social Change. Faith Matters Network released this white paper on the need for spiritual accompaniment in justice movements. “We have to begin a conversation that incorporates a vision of love with a vision of outrage.”

Nonconsumption: the fiercest competitor you didn’t know you had. The way that organizations understand what alternative choices their members have is missing a major point: non-consumption might be the biggest “competitor.”

Tomorrow’s Gods: What is the future of religion? “Perhaps religions never do really die. Perhaps the religions that span the world today are less durable than we think. And perhaps the next great faith is just getting started.”

They Tried to Start a Church Without God. For a While, It Worked. Secular houses of worship serve non-believers who seek community and ritual but without belief. Their struggles to get off the ground shine a light on human behavior and decisionmaking.