How “Christian” is the Christian Young Professionals?
That’s a great question – one we’ve discussed and wrestled with ourselves when forming and growing CYP. The purpose of CYP is “to provide networking opportunities, career and professional development and explore the integration of faith in leadership, career and life for Christian young professionals in Dallas, TX, age 20s-30s.”
Our organization’s verse is Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship (or masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God created in advance for us to do.” (NIV) By the way, here’s our take on this verse in our article: I’m a Masterpiece, Baby!
In short, CYP is a professional network, in which we encourage each other to grow in our jobs, careers and callings (and dream big!) – inspired by our Christian faith.
How we emphasize faith looks different across our different types of events:
- For public networking events: These are open to everyone (committed Christians, new Christians, non-Christians); we provide an encouraging atmosphere but no specific faith-based programming.
- For professional development events: Our Leadership Impact Initiative is open to participants who meet various criteria, including the desire to grow in their Christian faith; our LII programming is markedly career-based and faith-inspired.
- For CYP leaders: Our leaders are Christians who commit to setting a positive example in faith, career and service for the duration of their leadership role; we expect our leaders to honor God and each other, and to support and encourage our CYP community. (You can read more about our CYP leader criteria and commitments here.)
While our primary focus is to create encouraging environments to facilitate professional development for our network, members of our CYP community frequently invest in new friendships or social introductions or extend invitations to visit or attend extracurricular events (including church events). This is especially true of young professionals who have recently moved to Dallas and we’re honored to create a supportive environment for these positive outcomes.
Here are some of the questions we occasionally receive, as they relate to faith:
Q: Is CYP affiliated with another organization, such as a church?
A: No. In fact, we believe this is one of our strengths. At our public events, we regularly meet young professionals who attend a wide variety of churches (and denominations), those who are new to Dallas and searching for a faith-based community (we love to help facilitate a connection) or others who do not attend church but enjoy the meaningful connections that take place. It’s our pleasure to serve each person who attends.
Q: Why do you meet in bars?
A: We actually meet in a wide variety of locations: restaurants (most include a bar area), cafes, professional meeting spaces, homes and virtually. Our public networking events typically occur during “happy hour” on purpose: restaurants/bars are one of the “third places” (or “great good places” according to Ray Oldenburg – a place between work and home) where “real” business and relationships happen. Countless businesses were conceived in restaurants after traditional work hours.` The U.S. Marine Corps was founded in a bar. When Christian young professionals have the opportunity to meet in an informal setting, it’s natural to share big dreams, career challenges and encouragement, especially when there are no interfering commitments or obligations attached. In fact, one of our prayers for CYP is for our events to serve as “idea incubators” which requires environments specifically designed to maximize both unfiltered ideation and organic connection.
Q: What makes CYP “Christian?”
A: CYP’s mission is specifically a professional one, albeit inspired by our Christian faith. We want to be really good at encouraging and supporting each person’s God-given purpose and career progress, including navigating both the positive and difficult parts of each person’s career journey. In the instances when a CYPer shares a challenge or life struggle, our first response is always to provide support and encouragement in seeking the most God-honoring choices. In the event of more complicated or challenging personal situations, we suggest the help of a Christian community (such as a local church) who can better assist in instances beyond the scope of faith-inspired professional development.
Q: Is CYP a place for Christian singles to meet and form romantic relationships?
A: No. CYP is expressly a professional network.
Q: How is CYP leadership structured?
A: We are in the process of establishing a Dallas chapter leadership team as well as an advisory board to help with execution, growth and governance.
Q: How is CYP funded?
A: Currently we are funded by a local Christian business owner in Dallas. (CYP is expensed through the business and does not generate a profit.) We hope to register as an official 501(c)(3) non-profit in the future as our organization expands.