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Connecting Young Adults shaped by community, questioning, and service
Our ministry creates brave space for young adults in their 20’s-mid 30’s to deepen through faith through study, conversation, service, and gatherings that build community. Whether you have called Cincinnati your home all your life or are new to the area, we want to connect with you!
If you are a person who is working to lean into the ideas that God’s abundant grace is for everyone – community is foundational – social justice is integral to a life of faith – LGBTQ+ people are beloved – Black Lives Matter – you can’t love God without loving others – climate change is real – faith and doubt are not incompatible – this group might be for you!
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Young Adult Group featured on The Progressive Christians Podcast!
From July through December, our young adult group spent time engaging episodes from The Progressive Christians Podcast, diving into thoughtful conversations around faith, doubt, and what it means to follow Jesus today.
As a reflection of that journey, members of our group submitted questions—and the podcast team responded in a special bonus episode: “The Questions That Linger After Deconstruction.”
This episode highlights the honest, meaningful questions our young adults are asking and creates space for deeper reflection around faith and identity.
🎧 We invite you to listen and join the conversation.
Check it out!
Current Study:
A Faithful History, A Hopeful Future: Exploring the UMC
at Bean & Barley
Mondays 7:00 - 8:30pm
June 1st - August 31st
This summer, join us for a 14-week young adult study exploring the history, theology, structure, and future of Christianity and The United Methodist Church. Whether you grew up Methodist, are new to the denomincation, or are simply curious about faith and church history, this series is desgined to create space for learning, conversation, and thoughtful engagement.
Together, we’ll trace the story of Christianity from the early church in Acts to the formation of modern denominations, explore the roots of Methodism through John and Charles Wesley, unpack United Methodist doctrine and polity, and engage topics such as grace, sacraments, social holiness, LGBTQ+ history, and the future of the church.
This study is not about having all the answers but learning about how Christians across history have wrestled with theology, justice, tradition, and community while asking what it means to faithfully follow Jesus today.
We’ll meet Monday nights from 7:00–8:30pm, June 1st through August 31st, at Bean & Barley, where you’re encouraged to enjoy your favorite beverage and come as you are. This study is designed especially for young adults and is open to anyone—no theology background, Bible expertise, or certainty required. Doubt, curiosity, and different perspectives are always welcome.
Summer Study Schedule
June 1st – Global Christian History
- How did Christianity spread from a small movement in Acts to a global faith tradition? This session explores the early church, the formation of the biblical canon, creeds and doctrine, the rise of the Catholic Church, the Protestant Reformation, and the development of denominations throughout history.
June 7th – Join us after the 11 o’clock service to walk to the Hyde Park Farmers’ Market and grab lunch at Parkside!
June 8th – Methodist History
- Discover the roots of Methodism through the lives of John and Charles Wesley, Susanna Wesley, early Methodist societies, circuit riders, and the movement’s emphasis on structure, discipleship, and reaching people outside church walls. We’ll also examine the complicated racial history of Methodism and the formation of The United Methodist Church.
June 15th – United Methodist Polity
- How is The United Methodist Church organized and governed? Learn about conferences, bishops, the Judicial Council, apportionments, the Book of Discipline, and how change happens within the denomination.
June 22nd – UM Doctrine Part I: Grace & Sacraments
- Explore Methodist understandings of baptism, communion, weddings, funerals, and the Wesleyan understanding of grace. We’ll discuss how sacraments and worship practices shape spiritual life and community.
June 29th – UM Doctrine Part II: The Wesleyan Quadrilateral
- What shapes how Methodists interpret scripture and make ethical decisions? This session introduces scripture, tradition, reason, and experience through discussion and interactive case studies.
July 6th – Social Principles Part I: Faith in Action
- Examine the Methodist understanding of social holiness, personal piety, and the church’s role in addressing issues of justice, poverty, and community life through the Social Principles.
July 13th – Social Principles Part II
- Continue exploring how United Methodists engage contemporary social issues, ethical questions, and public witness through theology and action.
July 20th – Social Principles Part III
- A deeper conversation on faith, justice, and discipleship in today’s world, including how Christians navigate disagreement, advocacy, and faithful engagement in society.
July 27th – UM Doctrine Part III: Trinity & Divinity
- What do Christians mean when we talk about the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the nature of God? This session explores foundational Christian beliefs and theological language.
August 3rd – What Wonderous Love Is This? Part 2
- Discuss Methodist understandings of sin, salvation, atonement, resurrection, and what it means to experience grace and transformation.
August 10th – LGBTQ+ History & The Church
- Explore the history of LGBTQ+ inclusion, exclusion, and debate within Christianity and The United Methodist Church, including recent denominational changes and schism.
August 17th – The Power of the UM Connection
- Learn how the global United Methodist connection supports mission work, healthcare, disaster relief, education, advocacy, and ministry around the world through agencies, partnerships, and apportionments..
August 24th – The “Why” of Methodism & The Future of the Church
- What is the mission of the church today, and where is The United Methodist Church headed next? We’ll explore discipleship, emerging visions for the denomination, and hopes for the future.
August 31st – Christians as Ministers
- Who is called to ministry? Learn about elders, deacons, bishops, district superintendents, certified lay ministers, lay leadership, deaconesses, and the many ways people live out their calling in the church.