Christian Theological Seminary to mark 10 years of Faith & Action with Jason Reynolds event

Christian Theological Seminary will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Faith & Action Project on Oct. 27 in Indianapolis with a public conversation featuring author Jason Reynolds. The event will focus on how relationships, mentorship and belonging shape young people's opportunities and connect local organizations to the work.

Why it matters: - The event puts youth mentorship and belonging at the center of a public conversation about opportunity in Indianapolis. - The 10th anniversary celebration is designed to connect attendees with local mentoring and youth-serving organizations. - Christian Theological Seminary is using the milestone to highlight the Faith & Action Project’s role in supporting efforts to move people out of poverty.

What happened: - Christian Theological Seminary will mark the 10th anniversary of its Faith & Action Project with a public event on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. - The conversation, titled The Power of Being Seen: How Relationships Create Opportunity for Young People, will feature #1 New York Times bestselling author and MacArthur Fellow Jason Reynolds. - The event will be held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. - Event and registration information is available at Faith & Action event registration.

The details: - The public conversation will focus on how belonging, mentorship and meaningful relationships shape young lives. - The discussion will also examine the role individuals and institutions across Indianapolis can play in connecting young people with people and opportunities that help them thrive. - Dr. David M. Mellott, president of Christian Theological Seminary, said the anniversary is a chance to look ahead to what the community can do together. - Mellott said that when young people are truly seen, known and supported, new possibilities emerge. - Lindsey Nell Rabinowich, director of the Faith & Action Project, said Reynolds’ work shows how being seen can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. - Rabinowich said the event challenges mentors, neighbors, employers, faith communities and other caring adults to help young people build relationships that open pathways to opportunity. - After the conversation, attendees are invited to a community reception and 10th anniversary celebration featuring local mentoring and youth-serving organizations. - Guests will be able to meet people already investing in young people across Indianapolis and learn ways to engage, serve, mentor and support the next generation. - The evening will also include a book sale and signing featuring All American Boys and Long Way Down.

Between the lines: - The Faith & Action Project is positioning the anniversary event as both a celebration and a call to action. - Reynolds is known for writing about young people with honesty and for encouraging them to recognize their potential. - The choice of speaker reinforces the project’s emphasis on relationships, identity and opportunity rather than a purely ceremonial anniversary program. - The event also extends the seminary’s reach beyond theological education into community engagement and youth support.

What's next: - Christian Theological Seminary will use the Oct. 27 event to connect attendees with local organizations and concrete ways to stay involved. - The Faith & Action Project will continue its annual public events and grants as part of its broader mission. - The seminary will keep advancing initiatives aimed at inclusive well-being in Greater Indianapolis.

The bottom line: - Christian Theological Seminary is turning a milestone anniversary into a public push for mentorship, connection and community action around young people in Indianapolis.