starting a conversation

Tonight was the rural church workshop sponsored by Lambton Presbytery. A handful of churches were represented and we discussed the challenges of our current situations, models of reclaiming and revisioning, what we need to let go of and the possibilities and hopes we have.

To briefly summarize the responses: We should let go of things that we cannot control: for example, demographic and societal changes in our world. Some challenges are too large for us to undertake, it would be a recipe for certain failure to try. Also, let go of envy. As we look at the bustling, more evangelical churches, we have to realize their model of operation draws from a larger geographic region. We, in our congregations, have chosen a local, community model that builds intimacy and relationships. We must live peaceably with, and in full awareness of, the consequences of the choices we make.

In examining scenarios where neighbouring, often multi-point pastoral charges might work together, two models presented themselves:

One of cooperation, where geographic boundaries are blurred and the unique gifts and talents of the people, ministers and buildings are used to both charges. An example might be one minister with a gift for pastoral care could do hospital visits, whereas another with a gift for connecting with youth could run confirmation classes. So instead of both ministers taking time and travel to visit hospitals, or leading confirmation classes, these efforts could be shared between both charges. No need to double (or triple) up on tasks when one qualified method of meeting those needs would work. This requires that we bank our energy and efforts for what is truly important to us.

The other is of shared ministry, a return to circuit riding, where one minister tends to a "merged" pastoral charge formed from two or more pastoral charges. A rotating schedule to manage the minister's time would be set up. This will requires support for minister such as a Visitation Team and lay preachers.

Hopefully, this is the beginning of many conversations and a possible second session may occur in 6 months if interest is expressed.