Anam Cara
A digital-first community

Anam Cara (“soul friend” in Gaelic) is a digital-first mission start out of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which aims to build a digital community that bridges the pulpit and the pew. They’re hoping to both speak to people who would never set foot in a brick and mortar church, people in the midst of transitions in life, as well as be a resource and support for pastors needing some inspiration, worship experiences, and a community apart from their parishes.

Raleigh, NC
Digital Community
Age Cohort
Digital Worship Series Views

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Guiding Principles:

Tell Truths. Hard truths. Beautiful truths. Truths that aren’t always acknowledged with smiles, but often with both honest contrition and honest resolve. Truths that make us squirm and warm our hearts.

Attend to the Rhythm of Life. Our distant ancestors understood that life had a rhythm, a pace, and our circumstances and various technological advances have disrupted this rhythm. Anam Cara resolves to pay attention to the ancient rhythm of life, to not force things to happen, to let things emerge slowly and mindfully from their work (and lives).

Name Things. Racism. Homophobism. Ableism. Crap theology. Joyful moments of awesome. Everything in-between.

Lead with Curiosity. We live in a world now that leads largely with skepticism or pessimism. Anam Cara is looking to lead with curiosity, awe, and wonder.

“Revelation”

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been an unveiling – literally the meaning of "Revelation."

It’s revealed that we’re very mortal despite our confidences. It’s revealed that our structures are fragile (and inadequate, to say the least). It’s revealed and has laid bare the rifts already present in society, but often ignored by the dominant culture in society.

So, Anam Cara is trying to do a bit of a new thing. It’s honest about who we are, where we are, and how we are in this world.