Commission Forum Examines Small Churches
Episcopal News Service. July 13, 1978 [78194]
ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- In a series of three meetings here in late June the Episcopal Church's Joint Standing Commission on the Church in Small Communities became a focal point of those ministries which affect the hundreds of congregations which fall into that category.
The first meeting was a forum on small community and small church questions, the first of a series of such gatherings to be held in the years ahead.
At a meeting of the Commission earlier this year, it had been determined that specific occasion must be provided for the Commission to listen to and cooperate with the plans and efforts of others who share its concern for small congregations.
A series of these forums are planned in the years ahead. Some will involve representative diocesan personnel, others, representatives of agencies or institutions serving small churches in some way.
Attending the June meeting were representatives of the Alban Institute, APSO's Leadership Development Program, Sewanee's Education by Extension Program, the Clergy Deployment Office, Coalition Fourteen, Enablement, the Resource Center for Small Churches and others.
Members of the forum discussed current conditions, trends and patterns affecting the well-being of the small congregation. They shared their hopes and plans for the future and noted the kinds of services or programs that would enhance their efforts.
Following the forum, and building upon its discussions, chaired by the Rt. Rev. William Cox, Suffragen Bishop of Maryland, the Standing Commission held its own summer meeting, reviewed its budget, and looked ahead to the next General Convention.
Thirdly, Bishop Cox presided over a planning session specifically devoted to New Directions for Churches in Small Communities. Over a year ago, The Executive Council arranged to close down Roanridge, near Kansas City, as the National Town and Country Church Institute, but some of the programs formerly centered at Roanridge continue. These include the continuing education course entitled the Leadership Academy for New Directions (LAND), and consultant service for dioceses. More recently, graduates of the LAND program have established their own organizations in certain parts of the country to spearhead the revitalization of diocesan mission programs.