A resolution to go before the 73rd General Convention next month in Denver proposes that the church double its baptized membership by 2020. Proposed by the Standing Commission on Domestic Mission and Evangelism, the resolution states that this goal can be reached by creative strategies of evangelism, prayer and spiritual development, recruiting and equipping innovative leaders, and strengthening congregational life.

Domestic Mission and Evangelism is one of the church's newest commissions, having been formed by the 1997 General Convention. It recognizes that local congregations will be the key to achieving such a lofty goal. The commission calls upon congregations to ask questions about their vision for the future. Do the congregations desire a future of growth? Are they willing to take risks in order to grow? Are they articulating their mission? Are they planning for the future? The resolution proposes that the church use 10 percent of the aggregate income derived from diocesan support and investment income for this purpose.

Regarding the recruiting of leadership, the commission advocates recruiting, educating and training evangelists and church planners who were born after 1964 and/or are people of color, and the training of lay and ordained leaders in second-language skills and cross-cultural sensitivity. It also moves that the Executive Council assure funding of $500,000 annually in matching funds to parishes and dioceses in each year of the triennium, 2001-2003.

The idea to double the membership of the church is ambitious, particularly at a time when the church is in danger of tearing itself apart. Nevertheless, the resolution is worthy of support. It would carry out the mission of the church (BCP, p. 855) and enhance the effectiveness of the church. In this issue which highlights the life of the parishes, we are pleased to note this resolution would emphasize the creativity and vitality of the local congregation, for that is where the primary work of evangelism is most effective.