Engaging Ministry: Practices of Prayer, Worship, and Community
An educational-experiential series for clergy and laypeople.
This two-part series consists of:
- The Heart of Ministry: Deepening Practice, Deepening Community (Jan. 30-31),
- Entering the Mystery: Planning Non-Traditional Worship (Jan 31-Feb 1)
According to the Episcopal Church’s Fast FACTs Trends (2007-2011) and Congregations Overview (2014), parishes that are growing have several characteristics in common. They are described as “spiritually vital and alive” and reflect what the report writers call “entrainment,” or a kind of “collective effervescence.” They also tend to describe their worship as “vibrant and engaging” or “joyful.”
How do clergy and lay leaders create such communities?
In this two-part educational and experiential series we’ll explore two aspects of congregational vitality: cultivating practices that invite Christ’s indwelling presence in both ordained leaders and in communities, and processes for creating dynamic and transformative worship that stirs the senses and opens the heart. Participants will leave refreshed, inspired, and prepared with tools and resources for engaging ministry.
The Heart of Ministry: Deepening Practice, Deepening Community (Part 1)
Facilitated by the Rev. Stuart Higginbotham, rector of Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville, GA
Part 1 will begin at 9 a.m. on Thurs., Jan. 30, and will conclude at 12 p.m., Fri., Jan. 31.
Entering the Mystery: Planning Non-Traditional Worship (Part 2)
Facilitated by Kate Eaton, president and founder of Mishkhah.
Part 2 will begin at 12 p.m. on Fri., Jan. 31, and will conclude at 4 p.m., Sat., Feb. 1.