STARTING A HAPPENING
What do you need to do to bring the Happening, A Christian Experience movement to your diocese or convocation?
First things first, a word of clarification: "Happening - A Christian Experience" is not an official program of the Episcopal Church in the US; this means that being part of a diocese of the Episcopal church is not a requirement for starting Happening near you. Happening is a renewal program, much like Cursillo for adults, but designed for high school students in grades 9 through 12 to reflect and enhance the expression of Christian faith. In most dioceses, synods, or other ecclesiastical jurisdictions, there are also opportunities for adults to attend and participate in Happening, especially for those who work with young people, so if you didn't go in high school, it isn't too late for you, either!
Step One: Diocesan, Synod, or Alternative Ecclesiastical Permission
To begin Happening in a diocese of the Episcopal church or synod of the Lutheran church, first get the permission of your bishop. This is very important! The bishop will be asked to sign a Ministry Agreement and forward it together with the first year license fee (currently $150) prior to your first Happening weekend. The bishop should appoint one or two ordained persons who have (0r will have) experienced a Happening weekend to serve as Spiritual Director(s) for the diocesan Happening movement, as well as a Lay Director (or two) who will work closely with the spiritual directors and team to help put on the weekend.
In other Ecclesiastical jurisdictions a governing body must form to oversee and be responsible for Happening, A Christian Experience in their area. This body will function to ensure compliance as stated above.
Step Two: Obtain a Manual
In order to put on a Happening weekend, you will next need to obtain a Standards and Guidelines for the Happening Weekend manual from us, Happening National Incorporated. This will give you the structure of the weekend and all of the basic information that you require for a successful event. This manual can be found on the Resources section of this website, which is password-protected; to acquire access to this password, you will need to submit a request via the Contact the HNC page or send an email to happeninginfo@gmail.com.
Step Three: Happening Reconnaissance
After some basic framework is put in place for the organization and direction of the Happening program in your diocese, synod, or other authority, several youth and adults should attend a Happening in a neighboring diocese to experience the weekend. This is crucial; having the experience of Happening yourself is a vital part of being able to help pass it along to others! This group, together with any youth, clergy, or lay adults who have recently attended a weekend, will become the seed (planning) group to staff your diocese's first Happening.
Step Four: Happening #1!
This seed group, along with some seasoned staff members from neighboring dioceses, can put on Happening #1 in your diocese according to the information gained from manuals and from attending the neighboring Happening. As you approach your first Happening, remember to choose leaders wisely, and feel free to reach out to us or to other Happening veterans as needed to ensure that it goes as smoothly as possible.
Step Five: Post Event Profile!
After your first weekend (and every subsequent one), make sure to submit a Post Event Profile! Remember, it is entirely okay, and actually perfectly normal, if everything is not exactly perfect the first time... or the second time... or the one hundred twenty-sixth time. God works in beautiful ways through the Happening movement, and it is important to remember that the Holy Spirit is your guide as much as the schedule.
This process typically takes six months to a year of intentional prayer and preparation. If you have questions, please contact Krisan Lamberti, the Executive Director of Happening National, Inc., at happeninginfo@gmail.com!