About Us
Common Ground Curriculum
Real faith. Real love. Real Life.
Our curriculum is built on the ground we share:
Faith that forms us. Stories that speak truth. Communities that show up for one another.
At Common Ground Curriculum, we believe that Scripture is a collection of sacred stories—of love, struggle, real life, and resilient faith.
Stories passed down not because they offer easy answers, but because they invite us into deeper living. Braver loving. Honest wondering.
And in a time when it feels like everyone is standing on opposite sides, we believe that faith can still bring us to common ground.
This curriculum was created by people who actually do this work—ministers, parents, volunteers with graham cracker dust on their shirts and glitter in their hair. People who believe that church basements and youth rooms and living rooms are holy spaces.
Meet Our Team
Rev. Brenda J. Thompson
Brenda was the curriculum writer for professor and bestselling author Kate Bowler. Get the free Kate Bowler Youth Curriculum she wrote—designed to spark meaningful conversations with teens—right here: Does Everything Happen for a Reason? A Lesson for Youth.
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Rev. Brenda Thompson is a minister, writer, and curriculum creator who has spent her life making faith feel at home—in church basements, youth retreats, online groups, and anywhere questions outnumber answers. With a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School and a background in outdoor ministry, Brenda blends deep theological imagination with practical wisdom. She’s written resources for more than 110,000 people through the Everything Happens project with Kate Bowler, helping churches walk through seasons like Advent and Lent with honesty, beauty, and humor. At Common Ground, she creates theologically rich, radically inclusive, and surprisingly fun resources—rooted in her belief that faith is best practiced together (preferably with church snacks).
If you’re interested in having Brenda preach, teach, or lead a session for your church, retreat, or community gathering, she’s always glad to bring her signature blend of wisdom, humor, and deep care. She’s available for guest preaching, retreat speaking, or even crafting custom curriculum for your event. And yes—she’s always up for officiating a wedding, especially if there’s dancing afterward.
Rev. Sarah Mears
Sarah shares the love of Jesus with children at Hayes Barton each week. Watch her weekly children’s sermon through their Broadcast Ministry, bringing worship into homes for over 35 years.
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Rev. Sarah Mears is a pastor, writer, and communications pro who believes every person—no matter their age—is a beloved child of God with a story worth telling. Since 2016, she has served as Minister to Children and Families at Hayes Barton Baptist Church, where she also leads church communications with clarity and heart. A graduate of Campbell University Divinity School and UNC Chapel Hill, Sarah weaves theology and everyday life together, helping all ages discover their belovedness and purpose. At CommonGround, she brings pastoral wisdom and kid-level honesty to resources that are theologically grounded, emotionally aware, and designed for every age and stage.
Adam Fitzgerald
For over 15 years, Adam has created engaging curriculum for fall retreats, whitewater rafting weekends, choir tours, music missions, and countless other retreats, events, and mission trips—bringing creativity and depth to every experience.
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Adam Fitzgerald is a worship leader, youth minister, and digital creative who knows the power of a good song—and a packed church van. He began his career in business, launching a digital media company and working in corporate marketing at Staples before following a call to ministry. Since then, Adam has served churches through music, youth ministry, and event leadership, from leading youth choirs and mission trips to coordinating retreats and worship gatherings. At CommonGround, Adam brings his creative eye, love for students, and passion for meaningful experiences that help people connect with God and each other.