Sharing Best Practices Among Congregations

A favorite past-time of churches is re-inventing the wheel. Its not intentional, but each congregation sets about solving a local issue and in so doing follows the path of others who have faced the same issue. While there are significant differences in our varying contexts, there is much we can learn from one another.

Here are some examples of some practices shared in this space, (and elsewhere in the Diocese) followed by a call for more ideas. Tell me what has worked in your congregation and community so that others can read about it and decide if it will work for them:

Vestry Meetings in Tifton
The Rev. Lonnie Lacy shared an idea for a better agenda for vestry meetings which follow the pattern of Formation, Information, Discussion and Decision. I have heard positive feedback from clergy who have tried this change of agenda. More info is online here: Build a Better Vestry Meeting.

Replenish an Renewal Exercises in Augusta
The Rev. Robert Fain shared an ongoing project at Good Shepherd, Augusta in which that parish has been reassessing its mission and ministry. This has sparked interest around the Diocese and some concrete progress in our congregations toward looking anew at how we are the church. More info is online here: Replenish and Renewal at Good Shepherd and also at a blog for the project: Beneath the Cross of Jesus.

Community Blessing of the Animals in Kingsland
This idea is first being shared in this space now, but conversation in Pooler has already sparked a new event for St. Patrick’s this fall. King of Peace, Kingsland, did a stand alone Blessing of the Animals for a couple of years and had good participation from the congregation. 7 years ago, the congregation approached the Humane Society of Camden County about doing the Blessing at the shelter. That raised the profile of the event. Then it was moved to the annual Rock Shrimp Festival in St. Marys and was done together with Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, which had been blessing animals with a greyhound rescue group in previous years. The new public blessing sponsored by the Humane Society at a city festival made the animal blessing a true community event. St. Patrick’s, Pooler, learned of this and has arranged to hold its Blessing of the Animals at a city festival there this October.

What Are You Doing That Needs to be Shared?
Around the Diocese, there are great ideas that need to be shared. We have From the Field just to share what you are doing and The Loose Canon can share ideas that are not events, but best practices for vestry, newcomer assimilation or whatever else you think others should hear. Do not be shy. It is not self promotion to share, but promoting the building up of the Body of Christ. Write to me at the diocese by clicking on my name below and letting me know what”s working in your congregation.

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