Conversations in Paris...

And the quest to find your people.

Photo by Camille Brodard on Unsplash

When Sparks Fly…

It was a windy Wednesday morning in the heart of Paris when creative pastors from across Europe met over coffee and began to share in a little courtyard at the back of a quaint cafe. Most regularly work alone, so the gathering sent sparks of hope flying across the table. In connection, understanding developed as everyone shared their roadblocks. We tackled theological dilemmas, and questions were asked about how to pastor your way through current cultural realities. Everyone took delight in sharing the wins and the joys of serving Jesus, loving people and creating. I found myself feeling fully alive.

I've felt this feeling over and over as I've connected with creatives at conferences, or over a coffee, in 'State of The Nation' meetings on zoom, or leading creative pastor's book clubs. I've learnt that the best ideas are discovered when we come together, and there's definitely a reason God made us with a desire for community.

- Rich

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

– Helen Keller

Can You Imagine?

One of my favourite things is sitting at a table and chatting. I love to share ideas and resources. I think I start most conversations with "can you imagine…" so much so that our team teased me for it, and a friend once made me a jacket with the saying inscribed on the back.

There's something powerful about the safety of community - sharing the good, bad and ugly, the wins and losses, and the sweet and sours, especially in the creative space. We've talked to many creatives who have felt lonely and isolated in their craft or calling. Pushing boundaries and creating new frontiers can be hard work, and there's so much room to feel misunderstood, vulnerable, or exposed.

- Cass

The Quest To Find Your People.

We know from talking to our people across the world that there is nothing like having someone in your corner - to brainstorm with or to problem-solve with. And there's nothing like having a friend to go to when you can't break through a roadblock or to rejoice with you when you nail that bridge, get that promotion, see how to make “it” happen, or even fall in love.  

There is nothing like sharing with someone when you understand that scripture for the first time or knowing where to turn when your sound desk breaks and you're unsure where the issue is. Don't you think we all need someone to ask what to do when you have to bring a thought at a prayer meeting but you're running on empty? And how about when you want to bounce some ideas back and forward - sometimes, we all need a coach or a friend.

And so that is what we hope to create. The community side of The Hopeful Rhino is a “crash” at its best. It's where we run toward each other and share what we are thinking about or working on. It’s where we can encourage and support each other. It's a place where loneliness and isolation dissolve. 

Already in our community are storytellers, visual artists, sound engineers and songwriters, wordsmiths and videographers, creative pastors, stage and set designers, experience architects, and musicians - this is a beautiful start towards a community of Christ following culture shapers.

Have you ever stood in a stadium or at a sporting match and heard the overwhelming cheers of the crowd for the ones on the field having a go, playing the game? We sense that The Hopeful Rhino Community should and could be like that.

Let's gather around a virtual table.

Let’s cheer each other on. 

Can you imagine???

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Today we’re launching The Hopeful Rhino Chat.

The Hopeful Rhino chat channels are all set up and ready to go. They’re kind of like a group chat or live hangout. We’re excited to meet you all and begin the conversations!!

If you’re a subscriber but not yet a paying member, please allow us to invite you now so you can be a part of the Chat and member-only community.

Getting started with Chat

You can get started by tapping the Chat icon in the Substack app or website.

After that, click on the "Hello, I'm new here" Channel. Then, follow the prompt and introduce yourself.

It will look like this👇

Remember to welcome other members, too, as they introduce themselves.

After that, tap on any other threads to interact with Cass, me, and other readers. You can reply to any thread with text, an image, or both and react to other readers' replies.

Mentions

On a Chat thread, you can mention another member or Cass and me in a reply by "@" their Substack profile name.

Note: If the person has Mentions disabled in the settings for their Substack profile, their Substack profile name will not appear in the search results.

Notifications

You can select which Chat push notifications to receive on the Substack app.

• New threads: When we start a new Chat thread.

• Replies: When other readers leave a reply in a Chat thread.

• Reactions: When readers emoji-react to your reply.

To turn on or turn off Chat notifications in the app settings.

Channels

You'll find several channels to get us started. We will add and remove them as we go, so if you have a suggestion, please don't hesitate to let us know.

Need help?

If you need more help getting started or understanding how Chat works, head over to Substack’s FAQ