1. Mission and Ministry Effectiveness Update
Diocese of Central Pennsylvania
Congregational Development Commission
Learning through our convocation gatherings

2. Picture
Convocation Gatherings

3. Priorities of our Ministry 2012-2013
Leadership—strengthening all leadership
Thriving mission-every congregation lives out their mission call from God with excellence.
Children/Youth/Young Adult ministry development
Communication- continues to be strengthened—clear-connecting-informing

4. Recommendations from DER
Connections

5. Congregational Development learning since the DER findings:
7/20/2012
Congregational Development learning since the DER findings:
Focus areas from the discussions in the convocation:
Diocesan size and function of convocations
Role of convocational leadership
OUR CONVOCATIONS
Respond:
Participating Convocations
West Branch Region
Susquehanna Region Southern Region
Northern Tier Region
Lancaster Region
Harrisburg Region
Altoona Region
For regional ministry
Talking Points
Suggested reading for reflection: Acts 11:19 – 30
As the early church grew, it faced different issues of inclusion, acceptance, new member incorporation, and leadership. So, too, present day congregations face different issues and congregational dynamics depending upon their size. Looking at the theories and data of church size, along with our own experience and that portrayed in scripture, helps us to understand better the living work of the Spirit in our midst and better prepare us for ministry.
Note: It is important to note that while attendance figures are one thing, the congregation may behave as if it were a different size parish. This is particularly true as churches grow/decline from one size to another. Size transitions in either direction are hard. Another challenge is that “church size theory” was developed years ago and is based mostly on suburban, white congregations. Many ethnic congregations may be of one size in actual numbers on a Sunday, but function in the manner of a different size. Finally there is some new research that indicates that size of BUDGET may be as much of a contributing factor in determining size as the more traditional Average Sunday Attendance (ASA).
Size is only ONE aspect of congregational culture, although an important one. Where a parish is in its life cycle and whether its size is stable, growing or declining can have a major impact on how the congregation sees itself and on the pressures being placed upon it. For purposes of this discussion, however, the focus is on size only. The size categories are taken from the research report “Congregational Size and Church Growth in the Episcopal Church” by C. Kirk Hadaway, Director of Research at the Episcopal Church Center.

6. CONVOCATION MINISTRY Strength in mission Together

7. Living The Gospel for Tomorrow
West Branch
2013
Pentecost
Event and Celebration

8. Living The Gospel for Tomorrow
Lancaster
Convocation
Rim Youth
Event 2013

9. Living The Gospel for Tomorrow
Harrisburg
Convocation
St. Andrew s
In the City

10. Through our convocation conversations

11. Identity and Role of Diocese
We are a family size diocese
We continue to be an organic entity
Our geographic region has north/south divide
Role of Convocation
To Support parish life including sharing resources for mission and ministry
To Connect congregations to help support each other-no one is alone
Administrative, to fulfill the larger purpose of the church

12. To live the Gospel for Tomorrow we remember
At one time convocations were together even in mission, through new church plants, shared liturgies and outreach. Today we are re- connecting to be stronger live our hopes and dreams:

13. The call to listen-The call to action Our fall 2012/spring 2013 convocation gatherings
THREE THEMES EMERGED:
We are called to gather –making connections one- to-another Building relationships within the convocation to be a resource to each other in these extreme times---- deepen and strengthen our relationships through convocation gatherings
We respond Create new opportunities within the convocation that are organic and Spirit led for mission and for formation

14. The call to listen-The call to action Our fall 2012/spring 2013 convocation gatherings
3. We are sent out
Purposeful and intentional communication of Good News stories.
Congregational visitation by laity traveling to different congregations throughout the convocation.
Congregations post the name of the university where their senior high school graduates are beginning their college years.

15. What have we learned? People need to see a benefit to the convocation
We are in a time of change-we are strengthened to deal with change through the convocation gatherings to strengthen community is critical.
The Convocation is a place to identify and share resources
leadership development/youth and young adult ministry focus in convocation
2. To Help each other Thrive-and spiritually connect to pray for and with each other
3. Overcome travel distance with technology

16. Our next steps
West Branch ---The Pentecost Celebration— bringing over 175 folks together for worship and picnic
Southern---Wardens from the congregations are meeting for support and sharing about ministry direction and needs
Lancaster--The Rim Youth event, which now has planned events through October 2013

17. Our next steps
Harrisburg—Support for St. Andrew’s in the City makeover
Northern Tier—Safeguarding God’s Children training for the community not just the church

18. CHALLENGES
How to we overcome geography and the fact we only meet twice a year?
We need a more clearly defined purpose
We are running out of resources in our parishes, how can the convocation structure help?
Intra-clergy sharing “ I’d love to hear you speak at my church”.

19. NEXT STEP QUESTIONS How can the Bishop know us better?
Focus on regions--convocation boundaries re-defined and permeated--
Grants to convocation mission
Invite more people from our congregations to envision mission/ministry of each convocation