A Way Forward For the Small Church 2012
Thursday, November 8th – Friday, November 9th, 2012
at
Crieff Hills Community, Puslinch ON
Co-facilitated by The Rev. Dr. Todd McDonald and The Rev. Dr. Andrew Irvine
In the Canadian context, many congregations are experiencing the shift of the culture away from church attendance.
In this time when the church has been marginalized in their own communities, what is the congregation’s future in this new reality? What is God’s new future for them? In the life cycle of a congregation marked by fewer numbers and rising anxiety, what is God’s new identity for a congregation which leads to a renewed sense of purpose?
This workshop seeks to teach congregational leaders a way of discerning its future identity and mission. We will talk about what has happened in recent times to the place of the small church in its community.
Next, the workshop will introduce ways of discerning a communal identity for the small church and how a new sense of identity leads to renewed purpose and mission.
Finally, we will work on how to take back learning to congregations and integrate into the local context.
Join us and build supportive relationships, experience a diverse learning community and be rejuvenated!
 |
Andrew has taught in the area of rural and small church at such seminaries as Acadia, Tyndale, Queen’s and Knox College. He is currently the Director of the Centre for Clergy Care and Congregational Health and on the faculty of Knox College, Toronto. |
 |
Todd is a recent graduate from the Doctor of Ministry program. His thesis centered on a small rural church which was discerning its future mission together as a faith community. Todd has served in out port Newfoundland, rural and suburban Ontario. Currently he is a Conference Personnel Minister with Toronto Conference, United Church of Canada. |