The First Presidency talks about how shared leadership is taking shape across Community of Christ. President Stassi Cramm and Counselors Bunda Chibwe and Janné Grover explore how the First Presidency, Council of Twelve Apostles, and Presiding Bishopric are working together to support the church’s mission. They also answer listener questions about worldwide membership and what it means to measure faithfulness across a diverse, global church.

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President Stassi Cramm and Counselors Bunda Chibwe and Janné Grover discuss why the climate emergency is a matter of faithful discipleship. They explore World Conference Resolution 1325, adopted at the 2023 World Conference, and Doctrine & Covenants 163, and talk about how a hurting planet intensifies poverty, displacement, and conflict worldwide. They also share how the church is responding: investing in solar technology at International Headquarters in Independence, Missouri, USA; enhancing environmental screens for church investments; and offering practical tools for congregations. Finally, they invite us to learn more and register for the 2026 Peace Forum, "Seeds of Peace: Environmental Justice and Action," 16–18 October in Independence, Missouri, or online, where we will worship, learn, and take creative action for a hurting planet.

Show Notes

Key Discussion Topics

Resources

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Four young people from Spectacular (SPEC) sat down to talk about what belonging means to them, and their answers might change how you think about the future of Community of Christ.

This episode follows up on a recent conversation about why the International Youth Forum (IYF) and SPEC matter to the life of the church. Janné caught up with four SPEC campers at Graceland University: Anna, Aster, Benjamin and Josie. They talk about sacred community, what it feels like to belong, and what they hope the church hears from them. Hosts Stassi Cramm, Bunda Chibwe and Janné Grover close things out with their own thoughts on generosity, generational partnership, and continuing revelation.

Key topics in this episode:

We'd love to hear what resonated with you or what you'd like us to explore next. Email us at [email protected].

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Onward with Community of Christ is a podcast from Community of Christ. Learn more at CofChrist.org.

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What do Spectacular and International Youth Forum mean for the future of Community of Christ? In this episode, President Stassi Cramm joins her counselors, Bunda Chibwe and Janné Grover, for an honest conversation about these two missional programs. They discuss the personal memories, the impact these programs have on young people's faith, and how adults across the church can show up to support them.

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Onward with Community of Christ is a podcast from Community of Christ. Learn more at CofChrist.org.

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In this episode of Onward, President Stassi Cramm and her counselors, Bunda Chibwe and Janné Grover, explore what it means to move beyond a statement on nonviolence and live it out every day. 

The conversation focuses on World Conference Resolution 1330, the church's Statement on Nonviolence, adopted at the 2025 World Conference. Nonviolence is about more than avoiding physical harm. It's a way of living that shapes how we treat one another and work for justice in our congregations and communities.

Read World Conference Resolution 1330 at CofChrist.org. 

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Onward with Community of Christ is a podcast from Community of Christ. Learn more at CofChrist.org.

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In this episode of Onward with Community of Christ, the First Presidency is joined by former Apostle Robin Linkhart, team lead for the Theology Formation Team, to reflect on the Baptism and Membership survey responses.

Following the adoption of World Conference Resolution 1324 at the 2023 World Conference, the First Presidency invited members and friends around the world into a shared discernment process. Participants prayerfully considered questions about baptism and membership through the six lenses of discovering God's will before sharing their perspectives through a survey and written responses.

In this conversation, the First Presidency and Robin discuss themes that emerged from the responses and reflect on what they learned as the church continues seeking God's guidance together.

To learn more and read the survey report, visit CofChrist.org/baptism-and-membership.

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Onward with Community of Christ is a podcast from Community of Christ. Learn more at CofChrist.org.

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What does it mean to be a prophetic people in today's world?

In this episode of Onward with Community of Christ, the First Presidency explores how we listen for God's guidance and respond with courage, compassion, and hope. Together, they reflect on the role of personal and communal spiritual experiences in shaping our lives, our congregations, and our shared mission.

The conversation invites listeners to consider what it means to raise a prophetic voice today. How do we discern God's call? How do we imagine new possibilities for our communities and the world? And how can we faithfully respond to the challenges and opportunities before us?

Whether you're exploring faith, seeking spiritual growth, or wondering how God is at work in your life, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical encouragement.

Share your thoughts about this episode or suggest future topics by emailing [email protected].

Onward!

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Onward with Community of Christ is a podcast from Community of Christ. Learn more at CofChrist.org.

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The conversation invites listeners to stay in the struggle together, practice courageous listening, and respond faithfully in their own communities, encouraging bold local action guided by the Holy Spirit.

How do Community of Christ's identity, mission, message, and beliefs fit together?

In this episode of Onward with Community of Christ, the First Presidency explores "One Farm, Many Fields," a metaphor that helps describe the identity and vocation of our worldwide church.

As they travel and meet with members around the world, one of the most common questions they receive is how Community of Christ's mission, beliefs, and priorities connect. Through the farm metaphor, they reflect on what we hold in common, how mission is expressed in different cultural contexts, and how our shared vision participates in God's larger vision for creation.

Join the conversation as the First Presidency explores unity, diversity, and the calling we share as a global faith community.

Learn more about "One Farm, Many Fields" at CofChrist.org.

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Onward with Community of Christ is a podcast from Community of Christ. Learn more at CofChrist.org.

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One year after the 2025 World Conference, Community of Christ First Presidency members Stassi Cramm, Bunda Chibwe, and Janné Grover reflect on leadership, accountability, listening, and how we continue shaping our shared future together.

The First Presidency also invites the church to participate in A Year in Review survey and share feedback and reflections from this first year. https://forms.office.com/r/axmTMH3VCW 🔗

Your perspective matters! Take the survey and invite others to participate as well.

Have ideas for future podcast topics? Email [email protected].

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In this episode of Onward with Community of Christ, the First Presidency welcomes Joelle Wight to discuss the upcoming Peace Forum 2026. Hosted 16–18 October 2026 at the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, Missouri, USA, and online, this year's theme is "Seeds of Peace: Environmental Justice and Action."

The episode highlights the presentation of the 2026 International Peace Award to renowned environmental advocate Bill McKibben, opportunities for children and youth, and four learning tracks featured throughout the event:

-Deep Roots — exploring the spiritual and theological foundations that call us to care for creation

-Expanding Trunk — discovering practical ways individuals can live more sustainably and respond to climate challenges in everyday life

-Branch Out — engaging public action, advocacy, and community efforts for environmental justice

-Bearing Fruit — imagining healthier communities, economies, and systems that nurture both people and the planet

Learn more, register, view the schedule, and access preparation materials: CofChrist.org/peace-forum.

Share your thoughts or podcast episode ideas at [email protected].

Onward!

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Onward with Community of Christ is a podcast from Community of Christ. Learn more at CofChrist.org