FIRE: Stories of Faith & Justice
A collaborative project of the Riverside Church in NYC, First Presbyterian Church Berkeley, and the Center for Faith and Justice.Â
FIRE seeks to challenge one-dimensional narratives of the spiritual life by amplifying diverse and vibrant expressions of faith that reflect the fullness of the Good News.Â
Four Gospel Endings, Your Story
FIRE: Multivocal Expressions of Faith is a nine‑month fellowship for people who are open to exploring and sharing their relationship with Christian faith. Led by The Riverside Church, this collaborative project is supported by a $5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment as part of its National Faith Storytelling Initiative. FIRE builds upon a theological and creative framework developed over many years by the Center for Faith and Justice, bringing that longstanding work into new public expression.
At the heart of FIRE is a fresh engagement with the four Gospel endings as living metaphors for the life of faith. John’s call to Follow, Matthew’s invitation to Invite, Luke’s reminder to Remain, and Mark’s courage to Embrace, together shape a vision of four‑dimensional storytelling. This framework nurtures a creative ecosystem that reflects the vibrancy, diversity, complexity, and theological depth of Christian life in its many expressions.
Through this approach, FIRE seeks to challenge one‑dimensional narratives of spirituality by amplifying stories that bear witness to the fullness of the Good News—stories that are grounded, expansive, and textured enough to engage faith as it is truly lived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Participants are between the ages of 18-64. They long for stories that are spiritually grounded and honest enough to sustain a growing love of God and neighbor. They may attend church but there is no requirement that they do. They still believe faith can be beautiful, just, and transformative. They are progressive and post-evangelical believers, mainline Christians, and others who care deeply about Jesus’ teachings and their ethical implications for modern life. They want to share their story and learn how to share their story better.
The fellowship requires an average commitment of 3–4 hours per month. This includes:
- Two 1‑hour online cohort meetings each month
- Online course content, including short videos and short curated readings.
- The creation of short clips and 1-2 minute videos in order to share stories that awaken imagination and deepen connection.
The fellowship also includes two in‑person gatherings, held in September and January. Travel stipends are provided to support participation.
We see this storytelling work as mission-critical at a time when the church and its stories are being twisted for purposes other than love of neighbor. We cover all expenses, including full tuition and travel up to $2000, as an investment in you because we expect your deep engagement in return. Because this fellowship is fully funded, it’s essential that you only say yes if you mean it. This fellowship will cost you attention, trust, and follow‑through. We ask participants to come ready to give as much as they receive. At the conclusion, we will celebrate you and you will join our network of alumni with ongoing access to our storytelling platform.
If you are selected, we will request a one minute video sharing why you believe your story is one of vitality and hope that would encourage others.
We believe God’s beloved community includes everyone regardless of race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and any other category of human difference. We will make every effort to translate this aspiration into embodied action in all we do. And we will also welcome learning to do better together along the way.Â
FIRE may also be a good fit if you are a storyteller or creative who is open to exploring your relationship with Christian faith—whether grounded, questioning, or evolving. The fellowship is for those drawn to honest, nuanced storytelling, intergenerational learning, and the intersection of faith, justice, and lived experience. FIRE is not about having the right theology or producing polished religious content. It is about curiosity and courage. If you’re asking how faith is lived, challenged, or expressed in real life—and what your voice might contribute to a fuller picture of the Good News—FIRE may be for you.