Some things I learned from attending a few recent diocesan conventions:

’Ä¢ Diocesan conventions do not have to be contentious events. Many of these gatherings are not only civil, they're downright pleasant. People seem pleased to see each other, and resolutions are discussed coolly and without great wailing and gnashing of teeth. Some dioceses seem to have ways of ensuring that such smooth-running conventions take place. One diocese threw out delegates from several parishes who might have been "troublemakers." Another had such a skilled parliamentarian that resolutions which might have led to heated discussions never got to the floor. They were either sent to a committee or withdrawn.

’Ä¢ No two dioceses are alike. I knew this before taking The Living Church's exhibit on the road to conventions, but it was brought home strongly in recent observations. They all have business sessions, of course, but that's one of the few similarities. Some conventions emphasize worship; for others, it seems like a minor component. The convention address by the bishop might be heard during a business session, in place of a sermon at the Eucharist or at the convention banquet. Some dioceses use hotels for their conventions. Some are held in churches. Some in convention centers.

’Ä¢ For the most part, people who attend diocesan conventions aren't terribly interested in the church beyond that level. At least the lay persons show little interest. For most of the lay folks, it's a chore just to get them interested in the life and ministries of the diocese, let alone getting them to show up at diocesan convention.

’Ä¢ The fastest way to become acquainted with lay persons is to ask them about their parish. Most of them will talk at length about their church. They'll describe its appearance, its style of worship, its people, indeed, its life. But why don't Episcopalians share that enthusiasm with friends, co-workers or even strangers? If we expressed that same passion to others, imagine how our churches could grow.

’Ä¢ It is unfortunate how most dioceses fail to promote the exhibit areas at their conventions. I say this with some self-interest, of course, for TLC has been part of those exhibit areas. More often than not, the exhibits are placed in a room not always near the convention business area, and away from "traffic." (If I had my choice, I'd put TLC's exhibit outside the rest rooms.) Diocesan groups work hard to put together displays in an attempt to make their ministries known to the people of their dioceses, and many times few persons know they're present. At two of the conventions I attended, the bishop made announcements urging people to visit the exhibits, and, in many cases, they did.

’Ä¢ An amazing number of Episcopalians have never heard of this magazine. There are several reasons for this: 1. We have not done a very good job of marketing ourselves during the past 25 or so years. 2. Many Episcopalians in positions of leadership have come from other churches and aren't familiar with some of this church's resources. 3. People don't read as much as they used to. I won't get started on this one, but suffice to say TV and the Internet are taking much of our time.

My time, and that of several other staffers visiting diocesan conventions has been well spent. We have met lots of friendly people, heard the concerns of subscribers and others, and have been able to observe the church in action in various parts of the country. It has been a positive experience.

David Kalvelage, executive editor