Recently, Mikalee (business partner extraordinaire) and I sat down with the executive pastor of a thriving California church. He had attended one of our very first signature workshops and shared that the experience continued to stay with him.
Connection is the core of our mission, so we were interested to learn what most resonated with him. He shared that after the event, he realized how the Closure Map process flips the script, saying, “Death isn’t the star of the story; instead, it is a life well-lived — because your influence continues.” We couldn’t agree more!
This week, I introduced members of the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Lodi to Closure Mapping through our Signature Session: “Legacy Living: Conversations Worth Having Now.” We tackled some tactical steps, shared some stories and even sprinkled in a little self-care. Participants realized that as we break through the death-denial instinct, we can deepen connection and even have some fun.
At First40, we seek out opportunities to connect with diverse communities as we explore the critical first steps to avoid an end-of-life scavenger hunt. While we’re not affiliated with nor advocating for any specific religion, we recognize that many people who may be interested in creating a Closure Map may be doing so with a faith-forward frame of reference. We welcome this approach, and in fact, some of our most engaging closure conversations have happened while surrounded by stunning stained glass or with a view of a beautifully symbolic crucifix.
If you represent a faith community and you’re looking for a way to introduce your members to the Closure Map process, please reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more. We’re happy to discuss how we can facilitate a workshop for any number of faith-based gatherings, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Congregations
- Bible study groups (women only, men only, or combined)
- Home groups often comprising members of the same generation/life stage
- Age 55+ groups
- Stewardship groups (especially those seeking long-term strategies to financially support the church)
- Social groups
Every gathering of parishioners in pews or congregants in a circle of folding chairs tells a story of shared lives. Closure Mapping simply adds another layer to the stories — one that ensures their legacies endure long after the sermon or session ends.
