Why BUILD?

Written By Art Pereira

About Revoice25's Theme

As we gathered for worship at Revoice24, I kept looking around the room, watching our community raise their arms, sometimes kneel, and dance in joy to declare God's goodness. As a minister in our community, I know that none of us comes to Revoice easily. We've all faced opposition and challenges in our faith development. Yet that faithfulness seems to produce something beautiful.

Revoice25 "BUILD" Conference Logo — Kendyl Adams | 2024

 

It's this shared experience of faithfulness that resonates so strongly with our entire Revoice team. We find inspiration in the book of Nehemiah, a story of challenge, opposition, and exile, but more importantly, a story of redemption, determination, and creation. We’ve been blessed with the grace to believe that God is building beautiful things: community structures, spiritual family, rich discipleship, and spiritual boldness. We're all left wondering, what will God build in, and THROUGH, our broader community? What gifts, courage, and faith will He use to restore, redeem, and build the Kingdom?

 

Like Nehemiah, I look at our community, and I say, "They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand." (Nehemiah 1:10) What, then, will God build in us and through us? That's what we'll explore at Revoice25.

Art Pereira

Art was born in Minas Gerais, Brazil and immigrated to the United States at the age of four. Having navigated marginalization from a young age both as an immigrant and a gay man, Art has a heart for community-building across cultural divides. After earning a BS in Youth Ministry from Nyack College, Art spent the last ten years working in youth ministry, growing his own heart for discipleship and pastoral care.

Art has spoken at Revoice conferences and several podcasts on the topics of sexuality, faith, and community. He currently resides in Bernardsville, NJ, where he shares an apartment with his chosen brother and 60+ houseplants.

“I love writing about friendship, discipleship, church community, and mental health. These themes are vital for creating a supportive and nurturing Church environment. I love exploring the depths of true friendship and its growth within a faith community. Delving into discipleship and how we can journey together in faith is also a key focus. Additionally, discussing mental health is important to me, as I aim to break down stigmas and promote understanding within the Church. Through my writing, I hope to encourage readers to build meaningful relationships and a deeper sense of belonging in their spiritual lives.” — Art

https://www.revoice.org/art-pereira
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