By Meghan Hatcher

In April 2018, I concluded the pilot phase of my project — a storytelling ministry called the Clay Jar Project. This name derives affectionately from the biblical story of the prophet Elisha and the widow that's told in 2 Kings 4:1-7. In this story, a desperate widow is able to pay back the family's debts, thus saving her sons from slavery, through a miraculous multiplying of an undervalued, seemingly insignificant jar of oil.

By Meghan Hatcher

As I consider my “founding story,” the most salient question for me right now is who to bring with me on this journey. Since my idea is already underway and I’ve already been through the pilot phase of my project prior to joining Change Makers, I am in some ways backtracking. As I researched and voraciously read prior to and while launching my project in fall 2017, I’m realizing that the authors, sociologists, and practitioners are people I’ve already metaphorically “brought with me.” Their contributions to my idea development, strategies for implementation, and project assessment are invaluable. Now I need to navigate other areas of invisible capital around me that I can tap into for more specialized and personal interactions and contributions.

By Meghan Hatcher

Since returning from London in August, I have felt a contradictory mix of restlessness and stillness. I am restless to be doing the work of the ministry to which I am called right NOW, but I am in a life season that requires relative stillness as I finish my final year of study at Wesley Theological Seminary. My imagination and passion for the work of the storytelling ministry that I launched in Fall 2017 was only invigorated by the Learning Lab experience. The multitude of unconventional and innovative ministry examples the group encountered in London stretched my imagination to see how good work that e mbodies the ministry and mission of Christ can be accomplished in the world, alongside and outside the Church (the Earlsfield experience being a prime example, see photos).