Role of Judicatories Examined at Alban Conference
Judicatory executives from 10 states and Canada explored emerging issues, the new religious environment and the role of middle judicatories in leadership development at the 8th annual Leadership Institute for Bishops and Executives (LIBE) at the Alban Institute conference center in Herndon, VA.
Alban experts Gil Rendle and Susan Nienaber, senior consultants, and President James Wind led the five-day program, which employed case studies and small groups to analyze issues such as shifts in denominationalism, size-sensitive congregational development, and the changing roles of the middle judicatory.
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“When Better Isn’t Enought” a Hit at PCUSA
Sales of Alban books were brisk at the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly in Richmond. The leading seller was “When Better Isn’t Enough” by Jill Hudson. Alban Institute consultant Ed White, a former Executive Presbyter from Washington, D.C., and Director of Publishing Richard Bass headed the Alban delegation. The Alban Institute plans to exhibit at the Religion Newswriters Association conference in September in Washington, D.C., and the American Academy of Religion meeting in San Antonio in November.
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Recognizing Your Fears and Being Proactive in Communicating Them
The July issue of Alban In Progress has been released at www.alban.org. In the lead article, Paul Moots, author of Alban’s new title, “Becoming Barnabas: The Ministry of Encouragement”, discusses why pastors and congregants need to recognize their fears and be proactive in communicating them.
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New Tools to Articulate Vision from CRG
Are you excited about the possibility of shaping a vision for your congregation? Has your congregation ever had difficulty discovering or articulating your vision? Are you uncertain what a congregational vision is? Are you interested in learning about how other congregations are discovering their visions? Visit the Congregational Resource Guide’s new online curriculum, “Vision and the Church,” for a pathway through these issues.
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“Make three wishes for the future of the church”
Memories, Hopes, and Conversations: Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational Change by Mark Lau Branson
“Make three wishes for the future of the church.” What began as a routine mission assessment for a discouraged congregation became an energy-creating conversation about its gifts and strengths when approached from the perspective of Appreciative Inquiry. Join Mark Lau Branson and First Presbyterian Church, Altadena, on a journey of discovery.