Small-membership church leader training opportunity
The Summer Collegium, a project in support of small congregations, is now accepting applications for the Summer 2008 event, which will take place at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Va., from June 25-July 3, 2008.
This nine-day, all expenses paid conference for clergy and their spouses or partners is open to those who pastor small congregations (100 or fewer average Sunday attendance) and are committed to small church ministry. Singles and non-ordained pastors are welcome to apply for the one of the 25 openings.
The conference consists of keynotes and workshops on all aspects of small church ministry, with a special emphasis on worship and preaching. Keynotes include Tony Pappas, who has written extensively on small church life, and Peter Bush and Christine O'Reilly, authors of the new book "Where 20 or 30 are Gathered: Leading Worship in the Small Church."
John Bell of the Iona Community in Scotland will be the music leader. This is an ecumenical project sponsored by the Lilly Endowment Inc. Applications may be downloaded from our website, www.vts.edu/education/collegium, or contact Marilyn Johns at mjohns@vts.edu or 703-461-1760. Applications must be postmarked by December 15, 2007.
Strategic plan to strengthen existing congregations
The Kansas Area Revitalization Task Force and the Small Membership Church Task Force have been working on this question. The two groups have formulated a strategic plan addressing both the concerns of small-membership congregations and the leadership development of all full-time clergy and charges in the conferences.
CLICK HERE to download the full revitalization plan.