1. Convocation; life and challenges From the CDC
Responses
Convocation; life and challenges
From the CDC

2. Coudersport

3. Purpose of convocation facilitation:
To listen
To create safe space for conversation on role and identity of diocese
To share ideas and actions for mission and ministry in convocation structure
To offer this information to Bishop Nathan.
To discover leadership and ministry development strengths and challenges

4. Overview OUR CONVOCATIONS:
7/20/2012
Overview
Understanding the basics of Diocesan Size and function from our convocational leadership can help us see our own situation anew and better plan for the future.
OUR CONVOCATIONS:
West Branch Region
Susquehanna Region Southern Region
Northern Tier Region
Lancaster Region
Harrisburg Region
Altoona Region
smaller gatherings within convocations
Sharing resources
regions
New vision of leadership
Local, vocational leadership
Sharing ministry
Regional Youth
Retreats, studies, and worship
Program
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.

5. identity, Size, and culture
We see ourselves as a diocesan family
Focus: Relationships – with a desire to develop programs
Role of convocation: Preparing for convention—celebrations and gatherings in the past
Decision Making: convention– and through convocational leadership on Board of Trustees
Change: the need was articulated in every gathering
Tone of Conflict: Emotional – Subjective

6. Identity and Role of Diocese
Family size Diocese
Organic entity
Geographic region has north/south divide
Role
To support parish life including resources for mission and ministry
Connect congregations to help resource each other-no one is alone
Administrative, to fulfill the larger purpose of the church

7. What have we learned? People need to see a benefit to the convocation
We are in a time of change-dealing with change through the convocation gatherings
Identify and Share Resources
Help each other Thrive
Overcome travel which can complicate
Note:
At one time convocations were stronger-were together in mission i.e.; new church plants, shared liturgies and outreach

8. Convocation purpose more clearly defined
Identifying ways in which convocation and diocese can operate more efficiently and effectively in pursuit of its mission
Exchange of ideas is important through the convocation but we only meet two times a year
Convocation purpose more clearly defined
Need to know other leaders in our diocese
We are running out of resources in our parishes how can the convocation structure help?
Inter clergy sharing “ I’d love to hear you speak at my church”.

9. Identifying ways in which convocation and diocese can operate more efficiently and effectively in pursuit of its mission
Develop other ways for the Bishop to get to know the local parishes, not just through annual visitation and confirmation
Could we hold Confirmations by convocation, or other geographic regions within the convocation
Grants to each convocation
Convocation boundaries re-defined and permeated--Form follows function
Invite people in the pews to envision mission/ministry of each convocation

10. Leadership-Role and Responsibility
We need structures in place to share mission and ministry
Education/Formation convocation events include mission opportunities
Networking opportunities to share resources for mission

11. Communication strengthened
Purposeful and intentional communication throughout the convocation, especially of new ministry ventures/relationships/program/leadership
Increased reliance on and the Internet has helped to ease the impact of distance- more people have access to Diocesan Digest
Take time to Listen to each other’s faith stories

12. What do we do with all this information?
Continue to make connections to the DER to strengthen our mission see posting
Commission on Congregational Development supporting ministry development within the convocations
Convocational leadership, working together for next steps on hopes and challenges

13. ?
Questions