DVD discusses creative models of sacramental leadership in small congregations

By Suzanne E. Watson, July 21, 2008 [Episcopal Life] The traditional model of one priest serving at one altar can be difficult to sustain financially for congregations of the nearly half of all Episcopal congregations that can be considered "small."

In October 2007, Episcopal Church leaders from dioceses, provinces and three Anglican provinces gathered to discuss sacramental leadership in these congregations with average Sunday attendance of 70 or less. The summit was called so leaders could share their stories of alternative models that have worked in their contexts.

The gathering expanded to become a celebration of the many ways small congregations creatively live their part in God's unfolding mission.

A compilation of the conference's sessions is available on DVD. The material is divided into six parts:

• Presiding Bishop Katharine Jeffrets Schori's entire address;
• Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Archbishop David Moxon's discussion of Fresh Start models in his province;
• Anglican Church of Canada Diocese of Rupert's Land Bishop Donald Phillips and the Rev. Steve Kelsey's discussion of total or local collaborative ministry;
• Kelsey and the Rev. Peter Floyd's discussion of regional or cluster ministry;
• Bishop Christopher Epting and Southwestern Virginia Bishop Neff Powell's discussion of ecumenical and interfaith models; and
• an offering of other ideas and approaches.

Suggested discussion questions follow each section. In her presentation, for example, Jefferts Schori discusses the Anglican Communion's Five Marks of Mission, which state that the mission of the church is the mission of Christ:

• to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God,
• to teach, baptize and nurture new believers,
• to respond to human need by loving service,
• to seek to transform the unjust structures of society, and
• to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

Viewers are invited to discuss the implications for their congregation and/or worshipping community.

In another presentation, Moxon states: "We are a mission with a church, not a church with a mission."

Viewers are invited to discuss what they think he means by this and the possible implications for their congregation.

The DVD is designed for individuals curious about alternative church models and for small groups that might use this resource as a six-week study opportunity.

Copies are available for the cost of shipping by contacting Episcopal Books and Resources (EBAR); visit www.episcopalbookstore.org or call 800-903-5544 and use reference number ISBN: 62-0801.

-- The Rev. Suzanne E. Watson is director of the Episcopal Church's Evangelism and Congregational Life Center.

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