On Friday evening at Inhabit 2025, we gathered to dream. This second Common Session was an invitation to open our eyes — to see the familiar differently, let the Spirit stir our imaginations, and trust that renewal is already unfolding in the overlooked and everyday.

Contextualization, Not Assimilation

Ebony Walden and Eun Strawser challenged us to resist the urge to copy and paste ministry models and instead to root our work deeply in context, culture, and community.

As Eun reminded us: “Contextualization, not assimilation.”

They named the truth that God is already present in every place — and each neighborhood is pulsing with unique possibility. As Ebony declared: “God is color.”

We’re not called to erase difference, but to honor it — to see it as sacred.

Stories That Spark the Imagination

We heard beautiful, grounded stories of transformation from church leaders and community members:

Rev. Violet in Rockford, IL
Christabel & Joseph in Spokane, WA
Eunice in Seattle

Because of their dreaming:

Unused spaces became sacred gathering places
Conversations were crafted through art
Resurrection was discovered through patience and presence

Their stories weren’t just inspiration. They were sparks for all of our imaginations.

Prophetic Imagination is for Everyone

This session reminded us that prophetic imagination isn’t reserved for prophets. It’s for anyone willing to ask “What if?” and to join the Spirit in remaking the world, one thread at a time.

A Liturgy for Our Neighborhoods

Four members of the Grounded Faith team from Seattle offered a beautiful liturgy imagining the face of God in each of their neighbors. Here’s an excerpt worth carrying with you:

She is 8 years old and new to this country. She is the image of God.
She is still learning English and wants to be heard. She is the image of God.
She wants to have friends that understand her, that want to be her friend too. She is the image of God.
She is creative and full of joy despite the endless bullying she faces as a third culture child. She is the image of God.
People can’t pronounce her name, they choose to not call her by her name. She is the image of God.
God loves her and God knows her name. She is the image of God.

Reflection Prompt

Where in your life or neighborhood have you lacked imagination?

What overlooked space, story, or person might be waiting to be seen with new eyes?

Let this be a gentle nudge to pause and notice.

Take the Next Step

Choose one space in your life — your workplace, church, street, or even your own inner world — and ask: What if?

Then, take one small step toward reimagining it. Talk with a neighbor. Revisit a forgotten idea. Or simply slow down and notice what the Spirit might be stirring in your place.

Inhabit 2025 Session 2 Recap: ReImagine