""Strategy for Small Churches," a document authored by the Standing Commission for Small Congregations and adopted by the 2003 General Convention, describes characteristics and signs of vital small churches, and provides a strategy on how small churches can work toward vitality."
Small church consultation exceeds expectations
By Dick Snyder
ENS 062004-1
[ENS] The significance of small churches in the Episcopal Church was highlighted as representatives from small congregations, primarily from the West but including other parts of the country, met June 7-9 at Westminster College, Salt Lake, Utah, immediately following the triennial Province VII Convocation.
"Strategy for Small Churches," a document authored by the Standing Commission for Small Congregations and adopted by the 2003 General Convention, describes characteristics and signs of vital small churches, and provides a strategy on how small churches can work toward vitality. Discussion was facilitated by the Rev. Josephine Borgeson, a ministry developer from Northern California.
The strategy for small congregations interested in sustaining and expanding vitality involves equipping them for self-assessment, discernment, local ownership and congregational development, she explained.
Characteristics cited in the document include participatory worship in the Eucharist, and an understanding and support for mission activities.
"Attendance exceeded expectations," said the Rev. Canon Ben Helmer, the Episcopal Church's missioner for congregational development with expertise in rural and small communities. The consultation, sponsored by the Office of Congregational Development, was planned for 30 participants and attracted 41.
Several people found the document helpful and inspiring, promising to work its strategy into their local contexts. The Rev. Lucie Thomas of Arizona was particularly struck by the statement that "vitality in small congregations is achieved when abundance is claimed."
"That really turned it around for me," she said.
Bishop Harry Bainbridge of Idaho said he found the document helpful and planned to introduce the strategy and the principles for use by small congregations in Idaho.
"This really helps in establishing local ownership of programs," said the Rev. Ann Hicks of Olympia.
Peg McCall from Nevada said she planned to work the strategy into the planning process in her home parish.
"There was some really helpful information presented here," said the Rev. Katherine Salinaro. "And it was significant that there were all the offices of ministers of the church--bishop, priest, deacon and laity--participating actively together. It was a vision of what the church should be."
Additional information is available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/smallchurch.htm
--Dick Snyder is a freelance church journalist and was a member of the Standing Commission for Small Congregations.