For years, young adults have flocked to Washington, DC, to join the thousands who are native to the region. Through careers in politics and nonprofit management, volunteering and running in charity races, they seek to change the world. But it can be hard to find community, meaning, and transcendence in our competitive, transient environment – and even, perhaps, in most of our local churches who want to provide just that.

Meanwhile, the church maintains diverse community, deep human and financial resources, and an essential theological narrative that gives purpose and continuity to its work in the world. But whereas the Christian movement was once the primary social innovator for the common good, too many churches in DC now have a larger physical footprint in the city than they have spiritual or social impact – and they’re missing an entire generation of young adults.

The Wesley Innovation Hub brings together diverse congregational cohorts to learn and practice ministry innovations that engage young adults for social change. Five pilot congregations will begin in September 2017, with another 15 congregations beginning in summer 2018, to engage in two-year journeys. After a 6-month learning process, each congregation will be invited to apply for a $20,000 grant to experiment with and track new innovations with young adults.